LCS Laboratory Inc. offers testing of bulk solids for their ability to self-heat. Self-heating is usually a slow reaction involving the oxidation of a product with oxygen from the air. When the product is stored in small quantities, such as a few pounds or several gallons, self-heating often goes unnoticed. However, when stored in bulk, the self-heating can be so intense that it triggers a fire.
Our laboratory conducts tests on bulk materials for self-heating and provides a laboratory report specifying whether the material ignited and at what temperature. The test closely follows the UN test method for GHS classification and the EPA method 1050. The test result allows clients to assign the packing group of the product.
Difference Between Laboratory Report and Shipping Certificate
It’s crucial to understand that the laboratory report differs from the certificate your shipper seeks. The shipper requires certification stating the freight should be shipped using a specific packaging group. The distinction between the laboratory report and the shipper’s certificate lies here. In our report, we provide the self-heating properties of a SAMPLE of your product. We lack information about the sample’s history, collection method, batch details, or whether it aligns with the batch you intend to ship. Your shipping team or consultant possesses this knowledge and will incorporate our lab report results into the shipping certificate. In summary, we provide a laboratory report only, not a shipping certificate.
Cost of Analysis
Partially carbonized fuel pellets after the self-heating test
When testing your product, we expose varying quantities to different temperatures and monitor the material’s temperature for 24 hours. Given that we work with large quantities of your flammable material, we are physically present in the lab for 24 hours to extinguish any potential fire. The cost of each 24-hour run is $700 per sample (2024 prices; for the most up-to-date rates, please download our price list).
If the material doesn’t ignite in the initial, most aggressive test at 140°C, then your product isn’t a “Self-Heating” product, and further testing is unnecessary. If the material ignites in the first test, 2 or 3 additional tests are required. Therefore, we cannot determine the test cost until completion. The cost will not exceed $2,800 per sample if the material exhibits self-heating properties and can be as low as $700 if it does not. The typical turnaround time is 10 business days.
Sample Size
We require 3.2 L (approximately 1 gallon) of the material in its commercial form, meaning the same product from the same batch you intend to ship.
Toxic and Dangerous Samples
We cannot accept samples containing lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, phosphides, pesticides, explosives, radioactive materials, and other highly dangerous substances. We will reject peroxides, organic catalysts, pyrophoric, and biomaterial. Before shipping the sample, please contact us and provide the SDS or a chemical assay of your product.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. If you have any questions, please email us to discuss your future project.
