New Explosive Article – US DOT Approved Examination
Standard tests for Classification determination of a new explosive article are:
Test 4(a) Thermal Stability Test for Unpackaged Articles and Packaged Articles
The test will measure the stability of the packaged articles when subjected to elevated thermal conditions to determine if the unit is too dangerous to transport.
Required Amount of Material: 1 unpackaged article or 1 packaged article
Test 4(b)(ii) Twelve-Meter Drop Test for Packaged Articles and Packaged Substance
The test will determine whether the packaged articles can withstand a free-fall impact without producing any significant fire or explosion hazard. The test is not intended as a test to evaluate whether the package will withstand impact.
Required Amount of Material: 3 packages or unpackaged articles
Test Series 6(a) Single Package Test
The test determines whether the articles, as packaged, will propagate a reaction within a package and if so, to what degree.
A package of the article, as it will be offered in transportation, is placed on a steel witness plate. The package is then confined using sand or inert packages. One inner article is used as a donor and is made to react. Results are evaluated based on the severity of the reaction and the extent to which the contents of the package are involved.
Required Amount of Material: 3 packages
Test Series 6(b) Stack Test
The test determines whether the articles, as packaged, will propagate a reaction from one package to another and if so, to what degree. This test is performed on packaged articles that fail the single package test or are shipped with only one article per outer package or without packaging.
A stack of five (5) or more packages of the article as it will be offered in transportation is placed on a steel witness plate. One package is the donor. Additional confinement is provided to simulate a full stack. The donor is made to react. Results are evaluated based on the severity of the reaction and whether the acceptor packages are involved.
Required Amount of Material: Sufficient packages to provide a stack at least 0.15m3 or a minimum of 5 packages.
Test Series 6(c) External Fire (Bonfire) Test
The test determines whether packages of explosive articles, or unpackaged explosive articles, will exhibit mass explosion or a hazard from dangerous projections, radiant heat and/or violent burning or any other dangerous effect when involved in an engulfing fire.
The set of packages will be placed on a grated platform with wood, liquid fuel or gas provided sufficient to result in an intense, engulfing fire. The event is observed and monitored via video cameras, heat flux sensors, witness panels or other means as appropriate, for evidence of detonation, explosion, potentially hazardous projection, intensive fireball, etc.
Required amount: Sufficient packages to give a total volume of not less than 0.15 m3
Test Series 6(d) Unconfined Package Test
This test is required for certain articles as identified in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The test determines whether the articles, as packaged, will propagate a reaction within a package and if so, to what degree. It is the same as test 6(a), except the packages are unconfined.
Results are evaluated based on the severity of the reaction and the extent to which the contents of the package are involved.
Required Amount of Material: 3 packages