ASTM E861-13(2021)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Evaluating Thermal Insulation Materials for Use in Solar Collectors
Standard Practice for Evaluating Thermal Insulation Materials for Use in Solar Collectors
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The exposure conditions in solar collectors, especially under stagnation conditions, may degrade the performance of thermal insulation materials. This practice sets forth a methodology for evaluating the degree of degradation, if any, of the thermal insulation materials after exposure to simulated in-service conditions.
5.2 This practice is also intended to aid in the assessment of long-term performance by comparative testing of insulation materials. However, correlations between performance under laboratory and actual in-service conditions have not been established.
5.3 This practice also sets forth criteria that shall be considered in the selection and specification of thermal insulation materials. One such criterion is surface burning characteristics (Test Method E84), which is used by many code officials as a reference. This practice does not represent that the numerical values obtained in any way reflect the anticipated performance of the thermal insulation under actual fire conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice sets forth a testing methodology for evaluating the properties of thermal insulation materials to be used in solar collectors with concentration ratios of less than 10. Tests are given herein to evaluate the pH, surface burning characteristics, moisture adsorption, water absorption, thermal resistance, linear shrinkage (or expansion), hot surface performance, and accelerated aging. This practice provides a test for surface burning characteristics but does not provide a methodology for determining combustibility performance of thermal insulation materials.
1.2 The tests shall apply to blanket, rigid board, loose-fill, and foam thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors. Other thermal insulation materials shall be tested in accordance with the provisions set forth herein and should not be excluded from consideration.
1.3 The assumption is made that elevated temperature, moisture, and applied stresses are the primary factors contributing to the degradation of thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors.
1.4 Solar radiation is not considered a contributing factor since insulating materials are not normally exposed to it.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2020
- Technical Committee
- E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
- Drafting Committee
- E44.20 - Optical Materials for Solar Applications
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2017
Overview
ASTM E861-13(2021), titled Standard Practice for Evaluating Thermal Insulation Materials for Use in Solar Collectors, provides a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the performance and durability of thermal insulation materials intended for use in solar collectors with concentration ratios less than 10. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures reliable, consistent testing across a range of insulation types-such as blanket, rigid board, loose-fill, and foam materials-subjected to the unique environmental conditions present in solar energy applications.
The primary purpose of ASTM E861 is to assess potential degradation of insulation materials exposed to simulated in-service conditions, particularly high temperatures, moisture, and applied stresses typical of stagnation states within solar collectors. This practice aids manufacturers, specifiers, and code officials in selecting and specifying thermal insulations fit for long-term performance in solar collector systems.
Key Topics
ASTM E861-13(2021) outlines several major factors for thorough evaluation and reporting:
- pH Measurement: Evaluation of the chemical stability and compatibility of the insulation material.
- Surface Burning Characteristics: Assessment in accordance with ASTM E84, used as a reference for code requirements.
- Moisture Adsorption and Water Absorption: Determination of how insulation reacts to humidity and direct water exposure.
- Thermal Resistance: Testing to verify the insulating efficiency, using steady-state heat flux methodologies.
- Linear Shrinkage or Expansion: Analysis of dimensional stability under heat exposure, critical in maintaining system integrity.
- Hot Surface Performance: Verification of insulation effectiveness at maximum service temperatures, replicating stagnation conditions.
- Accelerated Aging and Durability: Long-term exposure tests to reveal changes in thermal resistance and physical integrity.
- Chemical Compatibility: Evaluation of interactions with adjacent materials to prevent system failures.
- Outgassing: Recognition of potential volatiles release that could impact solar absorber performance.
These testing protocols are designed to mirror the thermal and environmental stresses present in real-world solar collector operation.
Applications
The guidelines and testing methods set forth in ASTM E861-13(2021) are essential for:
- Solar Collector Manufacturers: Provides a validated approach to selecting insulation materials that withstand demanding solar collector conditions, enhancing product reliability and lifespan.
- Quality Control and Product Development: Enables consistent comparative testing among different insulation options, supporting research and innovation.
- Building and Solar System Code Compliance: The inclusion of surface burning characteristics aligns with commonly referenced building codes, facilitating approval and certification processes.
- Specification and Procurement: Offers a framework for specifying thermal insulation materials based on tested performance characteristics, reducing the risk of degradation in solar installations.
- Long-Term Performance Assessment: Aids stakeholders in predicting how insulation materials may perform over extended periods, supporting warranty and maintenance planning.
Related Standards
ASTM E861-13(2021) references several key ASTM standards that provide methods and definitions relevant to insulation evaluation:
- ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- ASTM C177: Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
- ASTM C356: Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soaking Heat
- ASTM C518: Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
- ASTM C687: Practice for Determination of Thermal Resistance of Loose-Fill Building Insulation
- ASTM D2842: Test Method for Water Absorption of Rigid Cellular Plastics
- ASTM C553: Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications
- ASTM E772: Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
These related standards form the foundation for rigorous, internationally-accepted testing protocols in solar energy and building insulation industries.
Keywords: ASTM E861, thermal insulation, solar collectors, insulation testing, durability, accelerated aging, surface burning characteristics, moisture adsorption, thermal resistance, insulation materials, solar energy standards, ASTM International.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E861-13(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Evaluating Thermal Insulation Materials for Use in Solar Collectors". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The exposure conditions in solar collectors, especially under stagnation conditions, may degrade the performance of thermal insulation materials. This practice sets forth a methodology for evaluating the degree of degradation, if any, of the thermal insulation materials after exposure to simulated in-service conditions. 5.2 This practice is also intended to aid in the assessment of long-term performance by comparative testing of insulation materials. However, correlations between performance under laboratory and actual in-service conditions have not been established. 5.3 This practice also sets forth criteria that shall be considered in the selection and specification of thermal insulation materials. One such criterion is surface burning characteristics (Test Method E84), which is used by many code officials as a reference. This practice does not represent that the numerical values obtained in any way reflect the anticipated performance of the thermal insulation under actual fire conditions. SCOPE 1.1 This practice sets forth a testing methodology for evaluating the properties of thermal insulation materials to be used in solar collectors with concentration ratios of less than 10. Tests are given herein to evaluate the pH, surface burning characteristics, moisture adsorption, water absorption, thermal resistance, linear shrinkage (or expansion), hot surface performance, and accelerated aging. This practice provides a test for surface burning characteristics but does not provide a methodology for determining combustibility performance of thermal insulation materials. 1.2 The tests shall apply to blanket, rigid board, loose-fill, and foam thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors. Other thermal insulation materials shall be tested in accordance with the provisions set forth herein and should not be excluded from consideration. 1.3 The assumption is made that elevated temperature, moisture, and applied stresses are the primary factors contributing to the degradation of thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors. 1.4 Solar radiation is not considered a contributing factor since insulating materials are not normally exposed to it. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The exposure conditions in solar collectors, especially under stagnation conditions, may degrade the performance of thermal insulation materials. This practice sets forth a methodology for evaluating the degree of degradation, if any, of the thermal insulation materials after exposure to simulated in-service conditions. 5.2 This practice is also intended to aid in the assessment of long-term performance by comparative testing of insulation materials. However, correlations between performance under laboratory and actual in-service conditions have not been established. 5.3 This practice also sets forth criteria that shall be considered in the selection and specification of thermal insulation materials. One such criterion is surface burning characteristics (Test Method E84), which is used by many code officials as a reference. This practice does not represent that the numerical values obtained in any way reflect the anticipated performance of the thermal insulation under actual fire conditions. SCOPE 1.1 This practice sets forth a testing methodology for evaluating the properties of thermal insulation materials to be used in solar collectors with concentration ratios of less than 10. Tests are given herein to evaluate the pH, surface burning characteristics, moisture adsorption, water absorption, thermal resistance, linear shrinkage (or expansion), hot surface performance, and accelerated aging. This practice provides a test for surface burning characteristics but does not provide a methodology for determining combustibility performance of thermal insulation materials. 1.2 The tests shall apply to blanket, rigid board, loose-fill, and foam thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors. Other thermal insulation materials shall be tested in accordance with the provisions set forth herein and should not be excluded from consideration. 1.3 The assumption is made that elevated temperature, moisture, and applied stresses are the primary factors contributing to the degradation of thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors. 1.4 Solar radiation is not considered a contributing factor since insulating materials are not normally exposed to it. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E861-13(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E861-13(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM C209-20, ASTM C553-13(2019), ASTM E84-19b, ASTM D2842-19, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM C411-19, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM C687-18, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM C411-17. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E861-13(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E861 − 13 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Thermal Insulation Materials for Use in Solar
Collectors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E861; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice sets forth a testing methodology for
C177Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
evaluating the properties of thermal insulation materials to be
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
used in solar collectors with concentration ratios of less than
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
10. Tests are given herein to evaluate the pH, surface burning
C209Test Methods for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
characteristics, moisture adsorption, water absorption, thermal
C356Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-
resistance, linear shrinkage (or expansion), hot surface
Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soaking
performance, and accelerated aging. This practice provides a
Heat
test for surface burning characteristics but does not provide a
C411Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-
methodology for determining combustibility performance of
Temperature Thermal Insulation
thermal insulation materials.
C518Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
1.2 The tests shall apply to blanket, rigid board, loose-fill,
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
and foam thermal insulation materials used in solar collectors.
C553Specification for Mineral Fiber BlanketThermal Insu-
Otherthermalinsulationmaterialsshallbetestedinaccordance
lation for Commercial and Industrial Applications
withtheprovisionssetforthhereinandshouldnotbeexcluded
C687Practice for Determination of Thermal Resistance of
from consideration.
Loose-Fill Building Insulation
D2842Test Method for Water Absorption of Rigid Cellular
1.3 The assumption is made that elevated temperature,
Plastics
moisture, and applied stresses are the primary factors contrib-
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
utingtothedegradationofthermalinsulationmaterialsusedin
Building Materials
solar collectors.
E772Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
1.4 Solar radiation is not considered a contributing factor
since insulating materials are not normally exposed to it.
3. Terminology
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 The definitions and description of terms found in this
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
standard may be included in Terminology E772.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Practice
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 The following factors, in most cases, should be consid-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
ered when evaluating insulation materials for use in solar
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
collectors. Design considerations should dictate priorities in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
material test evaluations:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Factor Reference
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Section
pH 8.2
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Surface Burning Characteristics 8.3
Moisture Adsorption 8.4
Water Absorption 8.5
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
Subcommittee E44.20 on Optical Materials for Solar Applications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E861–13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0861-13R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E861 − 13 (2021)
8.2.1.3 Stirthemixture,usingaglassrod,andallowtostand
Factor Reference
Section
for1hat 24°C (75 6 5°F).
Thermal Resistance 8.6
8.2.1.4 Measure the pH to the nearest 0.1 unit.
Linear Shrinkage (or Expansion) 8.7
Hot Surface Performance 8.8
8.2.2 Calibrate the pH meter and electrodes before each
Chemical Compatibility 8.9
testing sequence using standard buffer solutions. Buffer solu-
Outgassing 8.10
tionpHshallbewithin 62pHunitsoftheexpectedmeasured
Durability 8.11
pH.
5. Significance and Use
8.3 Surface Burning Characteristics—Determine flame
5.1 The exposure conditions in solar collectors, especially
spread and smoke-developed classifications of the insulation
under stagnation conditions, may degrade the performance of
material in accordance with Test Method E84.
thermal insulation materials. This practice sets forth a meth-
8.4 Moisture Adsorption—Determine the moisture adsorp-
odology for evaluating the degree of degradation, if any, of the
tion of the insulation material in accordance with Specification
thermal insulation materials after exposure to simulated in-
C553.Expressthequantityofmoisture(water)adsorbedbythe
service conditions.
insulation material as a percentage by mass and by volume.
5.2 Thispracticeisalsointendedtoaidintheassessmentof
8.5 Water Absorption— Determine the water absorption of
long-term performance by comparative testing of insulation
materials. However, correlations between performance under the insulation material in accordance with Methods C209 or
Test Method D2842 as applicable. Express the quantity of
laboratory and actual in-service conditions have not been
established. water absorbed by the insulation material as a percentage by
mass and by volume.
5.3 This practice also sets forth criteria that shall be con-
sidered in the selection and specification of thermal insulation
8.6 Thermal Resistance—Determine the thermal resistance
materials. One such criterion is surface burning characteristics of the insulation material in accordance with Test Methods
(Test Method E84), which is used by many code officials as a
C518, C177, or Practice C687, as applicable.
reference. This practice does not represent that the numerical
8.7 Linear Shrinkage— Determine the linear shrinkage (or
values obtained in any way reflect the anticipated performance
expansion) of the insulation material in accordance with Test
of the thermal insulation under actual fire conditions.
Method C356, at the expected maximum in-service
temperature, including stagnation conditions.
6. Sampling and Test Specimens
6.1 Representative specimens shall be selected at random NOTE 1—Maximum in-service temperatures, including stagnation con-
ditions must be determined by testing the solar collector design under
from the original sample lot for each test condition.
considerati
...
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