United States
Department of
Agriculture

Forest Services

Technology &
Development
Program

5100—Fire Management
July 2005
0551 1803—SDTDC

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Manufacturer Submission
Procedure for the Qualification
Testing of General-purpose,
Screen, and Locomotive Spark
Arrester Exhaust Systems

 

 

 

Manufacturer Submission Procedure for the Qualification Testing of General-purpose,
Screen, and Locomotive Spark Arrester Exhaust Systems
Ralph Gonzales, Fire Program Leader



INTRODUCTION
This submission procedure is specifically for use by a manufacturer in submitting a general-purpose or locomotive spark arrester exhaust system for evaluation and qualification testing. General-purpose spark arresters include screen-type, trap-type, and pulverizing-type spark arresters. Screen-type spark arresters have additional requirements and will be addressed separately in this text.

The spark arrester qualification test provides a method of testing to evaluate the spark arresting effectiveness of the general-purpose and locomotive exhaust systems. This type of equipment may come into close proximity with grass, brush, timber, and similar cellulose materials with potential for fire ignition.

The present evaluation program is based on performance requirements established by the USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-01c, “Spark Arresters for Internal Combustion Engines” for General-purpose/ Screen Spark Arrester Performance Requirements and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J350, “Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Medium Size Engines.”

Locomotive spark arresters performance requirements are defined in SAE Recommended Practice J342, “Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines,” the Association of American Railroads (AARR) Recommended Practice “Standard For Spark Arresters for Non-Turbocharged Diesel Engines in Railroad Locomotives” and the USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-01c.

Qualification for general-purpose and locomotive spark arresters require that the exhaust system shall have a minimum of 80 percent spark arresting effectiveness in the laboratory test. Screen-type spark arresters have the following requirements:



II. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION TESTING
A manufacturer making a request for qualification testing to the USDA Forest Service at the San Dimas Technology and Development Center (SDTDC) in San Dimas, California, needs to fill out a form. Forms for submitting a spark arrester exhaust system for qualification testing are contained in the appendixes of the document and may be copied for submission purposes. Electronic versions of these forms are also available upon request. Only SDTDC forms will be accepted.



III. TYPES OF TEST AND TEST FEES
A. Full Qualification Test ............................$ 1,710.00
The full qualification test is the standard qualification test and is conducted according to USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-01c and SAE Recommended Practice J350.

B. Screen-type Spark Arrester .................. $1,450.00
The screen qualification test is the standard qualification test for the screen-type general-purpose spark arresters and is conducted in accordance with USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-01c.

C. Waiver Evaluation ..................................... $ 400.00
Most general-purpose/screen spark arrester manufacturers develop several lines of spark arresters to meet widely differing applications. With each line there may be several models, which differ only slightly from each other and employ the same exhaust system. These differences may have little or no effect on the spark arresting effectiveness. Where such a condition exists, it may only be necessary for full qualification testing on the initial “parent” spark arrester and allow waiver evaluation to qualify “child” spark arresters. The unit selected as the ”parent” spark arrester should be the one representing the most severe application for the group of applications being considered. Qualification by waiver is determined by the USDA Forest Service at the SDTDC.

D. Qualification By Examination ................ $1,300.00
When a manufacturer has made certain limited modifications to a general-purpose spark arrester, or if a new model has an arresting section identical to an already qualified model, an examination of appropriate 2 drawings and a spot check of efficiency may be necessary, as determined by the SDTDC, to qualify this unit without the full standard qualification test. A decision as to qualification status of any modification is made by SDTDC. General-purpose spark arresters may be submitted for qualification by examination if the modifications are limited to moderate changes in the inlet size, moderate changes in the outlet size if it is downstream of the carbon separation point, and minor changes in the carbon-trap capacity provided this capacity remains adequate. Any additional internal changes to the spark arresting section must be evaluated with a full qualification test.

E. General-purpose Quick Test ................. $1,300.00
The general-purpose quick test provides a limited test of arrester performance to give the manufacturer an indication of the effectiveness of his product prototype at a limited number of points along the presumed operating flow range. An arrester cannot be qualified under this test. This test is provided as a service to the manufacturer in the product development phase to assist the manufacturer in determining if the unit should be considered for submission for the full qualification test.



IV. SUBMISSION DATA PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
A. General-purpose and Screen-type Spark Arresters
The submission data package consists of required forms, test fees, and hardware necessary to complete the evaluation. A unit will not be scheduled for evaluation until all forms and hardware are received. The following are required forms, documentation, drawings, fees, and hardware:

B. Locomotive Spark Arresters
The following are required when submitting a request for locomotive qualification testing:

C. Waiver Evaluation
The following are required when submitting a request for qualification waiver evaluation:

D. Endurance Test for the Screen-type Spark Arrester



V. DATA PACKAGE DEFICIENCIES

When the manufacturer’s submittal has been determined to be incomplete, the qualification evaluation will be placed on hold and the manufacturer contacted. The collection agreement will be kept open for 4 weeks awaiting documentation addressing the deficiencies. A time extension may be granted upon request. Once these deficiencies are addressed, the qualification evaluation will be completed. If the deficiency is not addressed within the time frame, the collection agreement will be automatically closed and all submittal documentation returned to the manufacturer.


VI. SCHEDULING OF TESTING

Testing will be scheduled after all submittal paperwork and hardware has been received and approved by the spark arrester project leader. A letter with a copy of the signed collection agreement will be returned to the manufacturer. The letter will also include an estimated completion date.


VII. QUALIFICATION

A qualification notice will be issued to the manufacturer when it has been determined that the submitted general-purpose, screen-type, or locomotive spark arrester has met all the performance requirements. The following will be included in the qualification letter:

The general-purpose spark arrester will be qualified for a specific position of application. The general-purpose spark arresters on mobile equipment shall not be mounted more than 45 degrees from the qualified position.

The screen-type spark arrester will be qualified for a specific engine, stroke cycle, maximum governed rpm, and at the manufacturer’s rated engine horsepower. Manufacturers wanting to qualify a screen-type spark arrester for a series of engines must include the engine displacement, smallest restriction before the spark arrester, and maximum horsepower @ rpm. The series of engines will be included in the remarks section of the qualification letter and the Spark Arrester Guide.

The locomotive spark arrester will be qualified for a specific body type and leg configuration. See appendix 4A for data on body types and appendix 4B for leg configurations.

VIII. FAILURE TO QUALIFY
A failure to qualify notice will be issued to the manufacturer when it has been determined that the submitted general-purpose, screen-type, or locomotive spark arrester exhaust system has not met all the performance requirements. A summary of test results will be included in the failure to qualify notice. A failed spark arrester or spark arrester exhaust system cannot be resubmitted for testing under the same model designation or under the same collection agreement. A resubmission must meet all the requirements for a new submission.

IX. SPARK ARRESTER POSITION OF APPLICATION
Spark arrester positions are classified as vertical, horizontal, multi-position, and inverted. The orientation of the inlet as it enters the spark arrester body. This coincides with the direction of flow as it enters the spark arrester body. The following are examples: a. The spark arrester inlet is horizontal and the body is vertical, the position of application is horizontal. b. The exhaust flows vertically upward, the position of application is vertical regardless of the position of the spark arrester body. c. The exhaust flows vertically downward as it enters the spark arrester body. The position is classified as inverted and the inlet or outlet shall be identified. d. Screen-type spark arresters are classified as multi-position. See appendix 2.

X. MODIFICATIONS TO THE SPARK ARRESTER
Any modification or damage to any part of the spark arrester or spark arrester exhaust system as it was originally submitted to SDTDC for qualification testing voids the qualification of the spark arrester. Examples of modifications include removal of or damage to the spark arrester or body parts, a change in the exhaust outlet, improper mounting, exhaust bypasses, and replacing fiberglass packing with steel wool.

XI. DISPOSAL OF HARDWARE
All hardware will be returned to the manufacturer including the spark arrester exhaust system, adapters, and any special tools sent by the manufacturer to complete testing.

XII. TEST FACILITY LIMITATION
Physical limitations of the SDTDC test facilities preclude testing a general-purpose spark arrester with an inlet size greater than 6 inches. In this situation, qualification testing will be arranged with the manufacturer. Testing outside of routine require special arrangements and may require adjustment of fees submitted and time required for testing. For further information contact:

USDA Forest Service
San Dimas Technology and Development Center
Attn: Spark Arrester Project Leader
444 East Bonita Avenue
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 599–1267 x212
Email: rhgonzales@fs.fed.us

 



 

 

APPENDIX 1A                  Agreement for Qualification of General-purpose and Screen-type Spark Arresters


This COLLECTION AGREEMENT is hereby entered into by and between the USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the Forest Service, and the ___________________, hereinafter referred to as the Company under provisions of the Cooperative Funds Act of June 30, 1914 (16 USC 498).

A. PURPOSE:
The Company desires to have the Forest Service conduct a ____________________ type evaluation on its model ______________________________ spark arrester in the _____________________ position of application to determine whether it meets the requirements of Forest Service Standard 5100-1c, “Spark Arresters for Internal Combustion Engines.”

The Forest Service is willing to perform the qualification evaluation in order to increase the number of qualified products that meet the Forest Service Standard 5100-1c.

The Company is willing to advance funds to defray the costs to the Forest Service to perform such an evaluation of the Company’s product.

It is mutually advantageous at this time to both parties to have tests and evaluations performed.

 

B. THE COMPANY SHALL:

 

C. THE FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

 

D. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY ALL PARTIES THAT:

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the last date written below.

 

______________________________________________________________
Company Representative Signature and Title                     Date

 

______________________________________________________________
Company Tax ID No.

 

______________________________________________________________
Manager                                                                                      Date
USDA Forest Service
San Dimas Technology and Development Center

 

 



 

 

APPENDIX 1B                  Collection Agreement for Qualification Evaluation of Locomotive Spark Arresters


This COLLECTION AGREEMENT is hereby entered into by and between the USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the Forest Service, and the ___________________, hereinafter referred to as the Company under provisions of the Cooperative Funds Act of June 30, 1914 (16 USC 498).

 

A. PURPOSE:
The Company desires to have the Forest Service conduct a qualification evaluation on its model ______________________________ locomotive spark arrester to determine whether it meets the requirements of the latest revision of Forest Service Standard 5100-1, “Spark Arresters For Internal Combustion Engines;” Association of American Railroads (AAR) Recommended Practice, “ Standard for Spark Arresters for Non-Turbocharged Diesel Engines Used in Railroad Locomotives;” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice, J342, “Spark Arrester Test Procedure for Large Size Engines.”

The Forest Service is willing to perform the qualification evaluation in order to increase the number of qualified products that meet the Forest Service Standard 5100-1, AAR Recommended Practice and SAE Recommended Practice J342.

The Company is willing to advance funds to defray the costs to the Forest Service to perform such an evaluation of the Company’s product.

It is mutually advantageous at this time to both parties to have tests and evaluations performed.

 

B. THE COMPANY SHALL:

C. THE FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

D. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY ALL PARTIES THAT:

 



 

 

APPENDIX 1C                  Collection Agreement for Waiver Evaluation of General-purpose and Screen-type Spark Arrester


This COLLECTION AGREEMENT is hereby entered into by and between the USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the Forest Service, and the ___________________, hereinafter referred to as the Company under provisions of the Cooperative Funds Act of June 30, 1914 (16 USC 498).

 

A. PURPOSE:
The Company desires to have the Forest Service conduct a waiver type evaluation on its model ______________ ________________ spark arrester in the _____________________ position of application to determine whether it meets the requirements of Forest Service Standard 5100-1c, “Spark Arresters for Internal Combustion Engines.” The Forest Service is willing to perform the qualification evaluation in order to increase the number of qualified products that meet the Forest Service Standard 5100-1c. The Company is willing to advance funds to defray the costs to the Forest Service to perform such an evaluation of the Company’s product. It is mutually advantageous at this time to both parties to have tests and evaluations performed.

 

B. THE COMPANY SHALL:

C. THE FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

D. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY ALL PARTIES THAT:



 

APPENDIX 1D                  General-purpose and Screen Spark Arresters Test Data Sheet

X means completed Spark Arrester Forms and Fees
 

Collection Agreement (SDTDC 7100-13) with original signature

 

Test fee in US dollars payable to USDA Forest Service

 

Spark arrester test unit (Use NR for none required)

 

Adapters and special tools (Use NR for none required)

 

1. Spark arrester manufacturer and model

 

2. SAG drawings

 

3. Engineering drawings

 

4. Maintenance and cleanout procedure

 

5. Markings

X
Screen-type Spark Arresters
 

6. Engine manufacturers identification

 

7. 2- or 4-stroke cycle

 

8. Engine displacement (cc)

 

9. Engine horsepower (hp)

 

10. Type of fuel used

 

11. Engine maximum RPM

 

12. Screen material alloy designation

 

13. Screen mesh size

 

14. Screen wire diameter

 

15. Screen opening size

 

16. Area of smallest restriction between exhaust port and spark arrester

 

17. Effective open area of the screen

X
Disc-type Spark Arresters
 

18. Minimum number of discs

 

19. Maximum number of discs

 

20. Torque requirement on bolts

X
100-Hour Endurance Test Only
 

Description and photographs of test setup

 

Test hardware with new screen

 

Old Screen. It is important that the screen and exhaust assembly not be cleaned or altered in any way following the completion of the endurance test.

 

______________________________________________________________
Signature of manufacturer's representative                     Date

 



 

APPENDIX 1E                  General-purpose/Screen-type Spark Arrester Waiver Data Sheet

X Requirement Description Information
 

1. Original file number or collection agreement number (if known):

 
 

2. Date of original qualification (if known):

 
 

3. Make and model of the previously qualified spark exhaust system:

 
 

4. Make and model of the spark arrester under waiver consideration:

 
 

5. Description of the differences between the two models. Use space provided below or a separate sheet.

 

Screen-type Spark Arresters

 

6. Engine displacement

 
 

7. Engine maximum horsepower @ RPM

 
 

8. Smallest restriction between the exhaust port and spark arrester

 
 

9. 100-hour endurance test data (if needed)

 

 

Description of differences:

New model no:
Old model no:
   

 

 

______________________________________________________________
Signature of manufacturer's representative                     Date

 



 

APPENDIX 2                                                                                                            Position of Application

A drawing of five different positions of application

 



 

APPENDIX 3A                                                                                                            Spark Arrester Guide Drawing

 

Cross section drawings of a spark arrester

 



 

APPENDIX 3B                                                                                                            Locomotive Spark Arrester Guide Drawing

 

Drawings of internal and external spark arreesters

 



 

For Additional Information Contact:
Fire Management Program Leader
San Dimas Technology & Development Center
444 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas CA 91773-3198
Phone 909-599-1267; TDD: 909-599-2357; FAX: 909-592-2309
E-mail: mailroom_wo_sdtdc@fs.fed.us

 



Information contained in this document has been developed for the guidance of employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, its contractors, and cooperating Federal and State agencies. The USDA Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use of this information by other than its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official evaluation, conclusion, recommendation, endorsement, or approval of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.