Tests of particulate matter precipitators

Especially with environmental labels such as the “Blue Angel for stoves”, particulate matter precipitators and reduction devices are becoming more and more important. The RRF has been involved in this area for many years and has established itself as one of the leading laboratories. We are therefore a reliable partner at your side in this area as well. We can test your particulate matter precipitators according to DIN SPEC 33999 as well as the preliminary test program for particulate matter precipitators of the DIBt.

Based on our experience Mr. Dennis Droll has been appointed int to the ad-hoc group particulate matter precipitators and thus actively participates in the creation of future standards. In the ad-hoc group, the DIN SPEC 33999 is to be adapted in such a way that testing with particulate matter precipitators can be more appliable to small combustion systems. In addition to the ad-hoc group, we work with our technical head Mr. Sven Müller in the TC 166 for exhaust systems.

In the area of the Landesbauordnung (LBO) we have been your reliable partner as a testing, monitoring and certification body since the nineties and are also allowed to perform the corresponding tests, the monitoring and certification for particulate matter precipitators and reduction devices.

If you are interested in a test using one of the two test methods mentioned above, please do not hesitate to talk to us in person. We can offer you the right solution for your product.

Remote audits for the external monitoring

The pandemic has forced many companies to rethink their approach. We also had to rethink the field of external monitoring of the in-house production control for the DIBt to protect customers and employees during the pandemic but to be able to continue to carry out the necessary monitoring. Because of this, we offer our customers the option of carrying out the external monitoring in remote audits via Microsoft Teams or other platforms.

If you also need monitoring for your products, do not hesitate to contact us about the possibility of remote audits. We are happy to carry out the monitoring considering the corona protective measures. We will be happy to provide you with a corresponding offer and our list of services.

Current requirements of Flamme Verte

Due to several inquiries, we would like to give you information about the currently valid version of the requirements of Flamme Verte.

We would like to inform you that the current version of the requirements can be found via the search function (“reglement 2019”) on the Flamme Verte website. The 2018 version is no longer valid with the issue of the newer version.

One reform is, for example, that the tolerance of the nominal heat output was included for the performance test.  

This year also the official round robin test of the Flamme Verte laboratories is scheduled. Here, the tolerances and the Flamme Verte regulations are to be tested. Of course, as an official Flamme Verte laboratory, the RRF also takes part in this.

Monitoring of the accreditation

The RRF looks back on a successful audit of our location in Oberhausen by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS).

The DAkkS continuously performs audits for our quality managements system according to DIN EN ISO /IEC 17025 and 17065 at both locations to review the requirements.

For the protection of everyone involved, a remote assessment via video conference was done for the first time.

We are pleased that we were able to meet the high demands of the DAkkS and that we were granted the continuation of the accreditation.

Validation of the new European method for particle matter measurement (EN-PME)

The secretariat of the CEN/TC 295/WG 5 has issued new information on the new European method for particle matter (PM) measurement

Here you can find the content of the flyer:

Ecodesign and particulate matter
As of January 1, 2022, the European regulation on ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters will enter into force in all member states of the EU. From then on these appliances must comply with minimum requirements for efficiency and for the emission of CO, NOx, hydrocarbons (OGC) and particulate matter (PM).

The ecodesign regulation states three possible methods for the measurement of particulate matter. These methods are based on the current national methods as used in e.g. Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, UK, Belgium, Italy and France. The limit values for the PM emission as given for each method in the ecodesign regulation are not comparable with each other and to make matters more complicated, the description of the methods differs on critical details from the national methods.

So, there is the need for a uniform European measurement method: EN-PME!

What is the EN-PME method?

The EN-PME method is a method to measure the emission of particulate matter (dust) in the flue gases coming from residential appliances fired by solid fuel such as wood or pellets. It is based on sampling and measurement of particulate matter and hydrocarbons at the same temperature (180 °C).

In 2015, after 3 years of research, the method was presented by a consortium of 18 European research and test institutes.

The EN-PME method is adopted by the European standardization committee CEN/TC295 as the uniform European method provided that its validity is proven on all types of solid fuel local space heaters. Therefore, a validation project is launched by the working group WG 5 ‘Test methods’ of CEN/TC 295. Many notified test laboratories have since then acquired a sampling set specially designed for the EN-PME method.

The validation project

The EN-PME method will be tested by notified test laboratories on approximately 150 different appliances covering all types of solid fuel local space heaters. These tests will run simultaneously with the ‘normal’ particulate matter measurement as part of the initial type test of the appliance.

The goals of this project are varied:

1. To prove the validity of the method on all types of solid fuel local space heaters, i.e. is the method able to collect a representative sample of particulate matter under type test conditions.

2. To prove that the EN-PME method can replace the current three methods.

3. To create a database with EN-PME emission results from which a possible emission limit under ecodesign can be proposed.

Why is the EN-PME method needed?
to ensure that European manufacturers can sell their appliances in every country in the EU, without having to do additional national measurements. Also, the EN-PME method solves the current ambiguous description of the methods in the ecodesign regulation, consequently creating a level playing field for everyone involved.

How can I join the EN-PME validation project?

When you offer an appliance for an initial type test at a notified laboratory, ask them to do a test with the EN-PME method as well. Since this involves some extra work for the laboratory, they will ask you for a relatively modest financial contribution, the height of which is subject of an agreement between you and the laboratory.

The results of the tests will be made anonymous by your test laboratory and sent to CEN/TC 295/WG 5 for further evaluation. The duration of the validation project is approximately 18 months.”

Appearance on the ISH trade-fair

As always, we are active on the for you on the most current branch trade fairs. This year again the ISH-fair took place in Frankfurt, where we attended over 40 appointments and meetings within 3 days.

In addition to customer support and the exchange of knowledge with industry experts and colleagues, we have also held a few press meetings. Thus, discussions with press representatives of associations as well as print- and online media were on the program. In addition, our CEO Mr. Christian Droll gave an interview with representatives of the Chinese furniture industry about European standardization and fireplaces as construction products. The Chinese market is a future market, especially because the fireplaces as a piece of furniture are in demand.

This time, around 190.000 visitors were guests at the 275.000 m² exhibition ground.  They were able to see the latest developments in the industry of water and energy in buildings from more than 2.500 exhibitors.

Erfolgreiche Akkreditierung

Successful accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065

Following the successful audit by the DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH), the RRF has now been officially accredited to DIN EN ISO / IEC 17065 and recognized as a certification body.

The RRF is your reliable partner for the certification and external control of chimneys, exhaust systems and flue pipes according to DIN EN 1856 and DIN EN 14989. We have therefore enhanced our portfolio to our existing certification- and external control activities in the fields of chimneys, exhaust systems, exhaust heat exchangers, dust collectors and flue pipes.

So, the RRF can now offer you a wide range of certification activitiesin the field of Chimneys and exhaust systems. If you are interested or have questions, we are always at your disposal.

The accreditation according to DIN EN ISO / IEC 17065: 2012 is conducted under DAkkS No. D-ZE-17727-01-00.

Flamme Verte Laboratories Meeting

On 16.11.2017, the second official Flame Verte Laboratories Meeting took place in Paris at the Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables. There were important topics on the agenda related to the Flame Verte Recognition. Also, the contract between Syndicat of Energies Renouvelables and the test laboratories was revised, the “Charte des Flamme Verte” for the manufacturers was presented and the procedure for the so-called “Performance Tests” and round robin tests were discussed. For you, we, as on of the leading laboratories, have contributed to the above-mentioned topics with our professional competence and our Know-how.

All in all, the label’s representatives place a high focus on the quality and compliance with emission requirements, not only in the “Entry Test” on the test bench, but also in the fireplaces in the ongoing production. In the coming years, regarding the ECO-Design guideline 2022, there will be further tightening on the requirements for manufacturers.

Notifizierung

Technical approval as testing, monitoring and certification body for chimneys, air-exhaust-systems, particle colector and further construction products

With the notification of 26. September 2017 from the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, the RRF is officially approved for further building products. Since we established ourselves on the marked being a testing, monitoring and certification body, we incorporated further important construction products into our portfolio: including room-sealed flue gas collectors both for solid fuels and liquid fuels, exhaust heat exchanger, catalysators, particle interceptor as both chimneys for houses and freestanding chimneys, air-exhaust-systems (LAS) exhaust gas lines and component parts of exhaust systems.

Of course, we offer you our competent service and technical knowhow for these building product groups like usual. We would be pleased to make you an offer about the testing or external control and certification of the above-mentioned product groups. Our staff is always available for your queries.

First FlammeVerte Laboratories Meeting

The first official FlammeVerte (FV) Laboratories Meeting was on 23th of June 2016 in Paris at „Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables”. The presentation about FV label, the RoundRobin test between the FV laboratories and the accreditation of the laboratories by Eurovent Certita were big points of the agenda. Also the „Golden Rules Document“ for the FV laboratories were worked out and the future procedure as well as important issues were discussed.

Important information for manufacturers

  • Which advantages has been offered by FlammeVerte?

The FV label is in France the best known award for fireplaces and is politically provided by “Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables”. It has a big awareness at the customers and arranges high market acceptance. Also for manufacturers, who do not sell in France, the label is interesting because the limit values and especially the 7. star will apply with the future EcoDesign requirements (in 2022). For that you can label your products accordingly. For pure producers the label is also interesting because it´s easier to find OEM customers on the French market.

  • To request as a manufacturer the FV label for the first time, three steps are necessary:

1. Application to

FlammeVerte

Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables

13-15 Rue de la Baume

75008 Paris

FRANCE

with a presentation of the manufacturer and the products.

Contact persons for the application are Mr. Nicolas Audigane and Mr. Alexis Errard.

2. Inspection of the manufacturers documents (also test reports) by Eurovent Certita and assessment if the test reports where issued by FV laboratories and based on it the classification according to 5, 6 or 7 stars.

3. „Entry Test“ – The highest classificated fireplace of the manufacturer will be chosen and has to test again at a FV laboratory.

> if the test results correspond the manufacturer gets the FV label

Any other fireplaces of the manufacturer will be classified according to the test results of the type tested test reports in 5, 6 or 7 stars. If the manufacturer already type tested in a FV laboratory the “Entry Test” is dropped.

  • What is going to be tested?

The focus of FV is the adherence of the emission limit values. Because of that all pertinent testing for emission are performed, tests for fire safety are not important.

  • What happens after the manufacturer got the FV label?

One fireplace of each manufacturer has been tested with a “Performance Check” by FV between 2013 and 2016, so in between those three years every manufacturer had to perform a cross-validation. In 2017 every manufacturer should perform a cross-validation once a year. If there are any deviations on test results (both positive or negative) at one of this cross-validations the fireplace will be upgraded or downgraded.

  • Do OEM products have the ability to get the FV label?

If the basic fireplace has a test report of a FV laboratory they do not need new test for the OEM products.

If the basic fireplace has not a test report of a FV laboratory the OEM customer also hast to perform the “Entry Test”.

  • What are the latest valid limit values?

The officially limit values are on the homepage http://www.flammeverte.org/

  • Are there any tightening of limit values?

The limit values of the star classification remain in place. However the lower classifications are going to be invalid during the next years.

2014: 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-star fireplaces

2015 5-, 6-, 7- star fireplaces

2018: 6-, 7- star fireplaces

2020: 7- star fireplaces

  • What happens with old test reports?

Since 18th of May 2016 the RRF is officially FlammeVerte testing laboratory. If the manufacturer already is a FV customer all test reports with an earlier date have to validate and verified in order of the manufacturer by the RRF and a new test report accepted by FV has to issued. In the course of the entry-tests for new costumers this procedure is not valid. For that a new testing on the test bench is necessary.

 

At the end of the meeting the laboratories decided to continuing work out the „Golden Rules Document”, which gives the test specification for FV laboratories and commit in writing to adherence. Additionally at least once a year a Laboratories Meeting in Paris should take place.