Laboratory of analysing causes of fires and accidents zisťovania príčin požiarov a havárií (contact person: Prof. Ing. Karol Balog, PhD., email: karol.balog@stuba.sk; doc. Ing. Jozef Martinka, PhD., email: jozef.martinka@stuba.sk)
The laboratory of analysing reasons/causes of ires is equipped with technology providing the verification (confirmation or rejection) of hypotheses on fire occurrence. The laboratory utilises the most modern approach of analysing the causes of fire based on the most probable hypothesis is the one which based on known facts cannot be rejected. Regarding the hypothesis verification of fire occurrence, the laboratory allows determining the parameters of materials and products characterising the released heat, spred of fire, toxicity of fire exhausts, and visibility in the fire area.
Laboratory of explosion prevention (contact person: doc. Ing. Richard Kuracina, PhD., email: richard.kuracina@stuba.sk)
In the laboratory it is possible to determine the following fire-technical and explosive characteristics of all kinds of dust:
- minimum temperature of dust samples ignition in deposited state
- temperature of ignition of dust samples in stirred state
Explosion characteristics
- minimum explosion limit of DMV stirred dusts ofdolná medza výbušnosti DMV zvírených prachov
- maximum explosion pressure (pmax)
- maximum speed of pressure increase (dp/dtmax)
- explosion constant (Kst)
- ignitability of stirred dusts according to EN 50281-2-1 Standard in modified Hartmann tube
Regarding the measurment results i tis possible to classify the device with dust occurrence and propose the possibilities of explosion prevention.
Laboratory of sample preparation (contact person: doc. Ing. Richard Kuracina, PhD., email: richard.kuracina@stuba.sk)
The laboratory includes the devices allowing the preparation of samples for standardised testing methods as well as the evaluation of materials, products and technological processes simulating the conditions of their use and operation.
Laboratory of thermal analysis (contact person: Prof. Ing. Karol Balog, PhD., email: karol.balog@stuba.sk)
The laboratory utilises SEDEX safety calorimeter for selfheating propensity, and horizontal and vertical thermoreactor operating in controlled oxide atmosphere.
Laboratory of material and product safety (contact person: prof. Ing. Karol Balog, PhD., email: karol. balog@stuba.sk; doc. Ing. Jozef Martinka, PhD., email: jozef.martinka@stuba.sk; Ing. Peter Rantuch, PhD., email: peter.rantuch@stuba.sk, Ing. Pavol Čekan, PhD., email: pavol.cekan@stuba.sk)
The laboratory allows determining the fire-technical characteristics of materials and products as well as the basic technical safety parameters, those of electric devices in particular. The laboratory is determined mainly for testing new products before their launching on the market to verify whether the product meets the legislative requirements.
The laboratory activities are focused on the study of acoustic pressure on human and sorrounding objects in working environment as well as on evaluation of risks and possible consequences. Regarding the occupational health and safety, the activity is oriented on the evaluation of equivalent leveles of acoustic pressure, stamdardised leveles of acoustic pressure and subsequent proposal of noise prevention according to the Government Regulation of the Slovak Republic no. 115/2006 Coll., and in compliance with the Regulation of SR No. 549/2007 Coll. From the point of noise prevention, the laboratory studies the acoustic parameters of materials. The laboratory also provides consutlation services in the field of noise prevention proposals.
Laboratory of safety engineering (contact pesron: doc. Ing. Richard Kuracina, PhD., email: richard.kuracina@stuba.sk; Ing. Zuzana Szabová, PhD.,email:zuzana.szabova@stuba.sk)
The laboratory equipment allows determining the parameters of working environment, especially its micro-climate. The laboratory can evaluate the working environment quality in terms of dust partcicles air pollution, as it is possible to determine the concentration of stirred dust particles up to their size of 250 g.m-3. The laboratory also utilises thermocameras for the evaluation of thermal regime in the working environment as well as for the monitoring of materials thermal degradation processes, self-ignition, and processes of flame and flameless combustion process.
Chemical laboratory (contact person: Ing. Anna Michalíková, CSc., email: anna.michalikova@stuba.sk)
The laboratory specialises in basic modification of samples (e.g. using laboratory scales, analytical scales, driers, muffle furnace, digestor, etc). In the laboratory it is posible to assemble experimental apparata, there are also several devices for distillation and extraction of samples, Kjehdahl apparatus for total nitrogen determination via distillation, etc. In the laboratory we study progressive oxide processes (AOP) and their combinations, we have e. g. Sander Ozonizer S 5 with power 0 – 500 mg of ozone per hour equipped with an air pump, glass UV Photochemical reactors LTD with volume 200 and 500 ml or with 400 W high-pressure mercury lamp, and the device for the sonification of samples.
Laboratory of analytical methods (contact person: Prof. Ing. Maroš Soldán, PhD., email: maros.soldan@stuba.sk)
The laboratory specialises in the determination of organic materials by MS GC AGILENT 5975C device with Triple-Axis HED-EM detector and a highly sensitive FT IR Varian 660 MidIR Spectrophotometer with dual detectors MCT/DTGS + Varian 610, Microscope Mapping single detector with Fouier transformation signal processing, and Diamond GladiATR. In the laboratory we can characterise e. g.oils or polymers and the degradation ability of these materials. Via gas chromatograph we can determine selected gases and evaporable liquids with boiling temperature up to 400 °C.
Laboratory of environmental analysis (contact person: Ing. Lenka Blinová, PhD., email:lenka.blinova@stuba.sk)
The laboratory is specialised for determination of composition, properties and contamination of waters, soils, and bottom sediments. They are ohysical-chemical analytical tests including sampling operations according to corresponding standards and binding methods. Laboratory tests and analyses relate to the following: waters (fresh/drinking, surface, ground, mineral, table and healing, swimming-pool, and waste water), muds, solis, earths and minerals, selected industrial products and chemicals, and biomass. In the laboratory we utilise mainly analytical methods carried out by the following devices: Thermospectronic Genesys 8 Spectrophotometer, HANNA HI 83215 photometer for nutrients determination, MERCK photometer with reactor for the determination of chemical oxygen consumption, several fixed and mobile conductometers and pH meters including ion selective electrodes, mobile refractometer, video microscope, etc.
Laboratory of environmental processes (contact person: RNDr. Maroš Sirotiak, PhD., email: maros.sirotiak@stuba.sk)
The laboratory specialises in the preparing and testing modified natural adsorbents for the sorbtion of industrial contaminats from waters (due to the change of structure of surface), monitoring and simulating of environmental processes (mainly sorbtion/desorbtion processes, e.g. binding and elution of contaminants with natural materials, soils, bottom sediments, biomass, or partially pyrolysed biomass) as well as in studying of fire impact on environment components (on soli in particular). In teh laboratory we have various tools utilised for theaforementioned processes (rotation, horizontal, e.g. incubated and refrigerated floor shaker or centrifuge).
Laboratory of combustion proceses (contact person: Ing. Hana Kobetičová, PhD., e-mail: hana.kobeticova@stuba.sk)
The laboratory focuses on testing the combustibility of materials and determination of tehir fire-technical characteristics for the needs of education and technical practice. The laboratory is equipped with the tools for determining the minimum ignition temperatures of stirred and deposited dusts. Measurement of inflammation temperatures of combustible liquids and combustible plastics (Setchkin furnace). In the laboratury we also have an analyser of exhausts (TESTO 350XL) allowing measurements of O2, CO, NO, NO2 (presné meranie NOx), SO2 and H2S.
Devices of the Institute of Integrated Safety
The Institute of Integrated Safety has several devices suitable for the evaluation of working environment at is disposal, e. g. SL-300 Digital Sound-level meter determined for monitoring and measuring the sound load of working (internal) as well as for external environments, or LX-1180 Luxmeter – the device for monitoring the light conditions of the working environment.
Themicroclimate load of the working environment, e.g. unwanted air flow can be monitored and measured by Kimo VT Anemometer by measuring the speed of air flow.
To state the dangerous properties of dusts in the working environment, the Institute has several devices for measuring the dust share based on the dust particles´ size at its disposal, e.g. a grain-size device with an amount of components allowing to state the dust percentage according to their particles´ size, or Grimm 1.108 device operating on laser principle for measuring the particles size and their amount in stirred state. KV 150-M2 Explosion Chamber is a very specific device for measuring explosion characteristics of industrial dusts (maximum amount of explosive material applicable in the explosion chamber is stated for TNT equivalent of 150 g).
Regarding the knowledge of fire-safety parameters of industrial dusts, we can evaluate the safety of the working environment and classify it into safety classes.
The Institute also includes the device for stating the conditions for spontaneous ignition of liquid materials. In this device it is possible to monitor a selected material carrier behaviour by an increasing temperature for a long-term period. These measurement results are suitable for stating the conditions of spontaneous ignition in the working environment and in industry, and hence propose appropriate correction measures.
Currently, the Institute of Integrated Safety includes the following devices:
- Conical calorimeter made by FTT Company (UK), which allows the research of thermal decomposition and process of organic materials burning by a continuously adjustable density of external thermal flow from 0 to 100 kW m-2. After complementing the device with technology for controlling the oxygen concentration in the area of thermal decomposition, the device will be the most important one at the Institute.
- ARC safety calorimeter – SEDEX (CH), which allows researching the thermal effects of chemical reactions (used mainly for the research of materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition and their mutual compatibility.
- Devices for stating the minimum temperature of ignition of deposited (from 20 to 450 °C) and stirred (from 20 to 800 °C) dust (according to STN EN 50281-2-1:2002 Standard). These devcies allow stating the minimum temperature of the hot surface which can cause the ignition of deposited or stirred dust.
- Hot-air furnace according to ISO 871:2010 Standard to state the temperature of inflammation and ignition of plastics from 20 to 850 °C.
- Device for stating the point of inflammation of flammable liquids according to Pensky-Martens Method.
- FT IR Spectrophotometer Varian 660 MidIR Dual MCT/DTGS Bundle – highly sensitive infrared spectrometer with dual MCT/DTGS detectors, Varian 610 Single Detector Microscope Mapping bundle FT IR is a single detector microscope with Fourier signal transformation, and Diamond ATR GladiATR. As an evaluation device there is a PC with Resolution Pro and Sadtler Canadian Forensics library. The other components of the set are represented by the devices for solid samples preparation (e. g. Heavy Duty Wig-L-Bug – mill, mould for 13 mm pills by compression moulding, manual hydraulic press up to 25 tons) as well as cuvettes for liquid samples (e. g. Demountable Liquid Cell Holder – cuvette for liquid samples with changable optical trajectory of 1 -10 mm). The devices allow stating a comprehensive overview of liquid samples, or an oveview of solid samples by ATR method or by FT IR microscope.
- Gas chromatograph – GCMS Agilent 5975C with Triple-Axis HED-EM detector allowing the determination of quantitative or qualitative content of materials if they are vaporable up to 400 °C. It contains an inert ion source programmable up to 300 °C – better reaction of active matarials, detector is Triple-Axis HED-EM, and carrier gas is helium. The scanning speed is 12500 amu per second. The tool includes software for identifying the components in the sample based on the comparison of measured mass spectral libraries.
- Optical analytical tools – universal spectrophotometer – Thermospectronic Genesys 8 with the range of wave length from 190 nm to 1100 nm for a cuvette with an optical trajectory up to 5 cm, Zuzi 4111 RS Spectrophotometer for a cuvette with an optical trajectory up to 1 cm, photometer for determing Nutrients – HANNA HI 83215, MERCK Photometer with a reactor for determining the chemical consumption of oxygen, mobile refractometers (e. g. KRUSS DR301-95), polarimeter (KRUSS 1000), video-microscope, etc.
- Electro-chemical analytical tools – multiple desk/fixed and mobile conductometers and pH meters including oximeters and potentiometers equipped with ion-selective electrodes for determining the basic physical-chemical indicators and concentration of soluble materials.
- Pensky Martens Apparatus – for measuring the inflammation point and combustion of combustible liquids. (STN EN ISO 2719).
- GRIMM 1.108 – laser aerosole spectrometer and dust monitor is a compact mobile device for analysing the particles diffused in the air, measurement of number of these particles and their distribution. Thedevice contains an integrated gravimetric filter catching all particles obtained after optical measurement. The measurment is based on the light diffusion of a semiconductor laser as a light source on individual particles. It can detect the particles in the range from 0.3 µm to 20 µm. The operational temperature is in the range from 0 ºC to 40 ºC. By using an isokinetic probe it is also possible to carry out measurements in ventilation systems or separating systems.
- EXPLOSION CHAMBER – KV 150-M2 – allows measuring and analysing explosion parameters of stirred food, industrial and other combustible dusts. We can provide information on minimum explosion limit of stirred dusts, maximum pressure value achieved stirred dust explosion and speed of explosion pressure growth.
- DIGITAL SOUND LEVEL METER SL-300 – determined for monitoring noise in the working and natural environments. It utilises the measuring range from 30 dB to 130 dB. It allows measuring by scales filters A and C. With a corresponding software equipment it is possible to use it also for mathematical modelling of noise spread within efficent acoustic diagnostics as well as in risks.
- TESTO 380 – allows measuring and monitoring microclimate conditions in the environment. Together with the probe for NOx a COx determination can be utilised also for measurements in exhaust places for various combustion devices.
- Electric radiation panel – serves for experimental tests to determine material initiation in dependance on the size of heat flow. The panel monitors the time of material initiation in dependance on various parameters such as thickness of tested material, size of the heat flow, or distance from the initiation source. It is a non-standardised method. The electric radiation panel is powered by 400 V. The electric power of the emitter can be regulated via three protection breakers where each of them turns on one phase. To each of these phases, one section with five coils is connected. Due to these breakers we can regulate the power of the emitter to 5 kW, 10 kW or 15 kW.
- LUXMETER LX-1180 – is a measuring tool for precise determination of lighting intensity and light incidence on specific area. For various light sources it is possible to select an evaluation filter to measure actual lighting intensity. The measuring range can be set up to 400 000 lx. The accuracy of the measuring tool is ± 3 %.
- KIMO ANEMOMETER VT 200 – is a professional tool including two channels for measuring the rate of air flow, speed of air flow and resistant measurment of temperature. The tool can be joined to a cone for measuring theair flow in air conditioners. The graphical display shows the speed of air flow and the rate of air flow. The tool also records minimum, maximum and medium values, is equipped with HOLD function and a legible display.