About
ThermaSure Labs provides specialized UN-4.2 compliance testing for Torrefied materials, Charcoals and Biochar, helping producers, insurers, and shippers classify self-heating and auto-ignition risks to enable safer, fully compliant global commerce. Because we specialize in auto-ignition testing of Biomass only, we can offer the results you need at a lower price than other labs.
Classification of Biochar and Torrefied biomass by the UN-4.2 classification method is essential for developing an accurate SDS and is required for shipping classification including by DOT (49 CFR 173.124(b)(2)
Many factors affect weather a material is self heating or not including production temperature, base material, mass loss and production methods. accurate UN-4.2 classification can prevent costly shipping mistakes due to incorrect classification.
UN 4.2 Testing
Self-heating classification of torrefied materials and biochar under UN-4 protocols to determine safe storage, handling, and transport conditions.
UN4.2 classification involves the precise heating and monitoring of a sample over a 24 hour period in a special oven. This test is then repeated at several different temperatures to classify the material and assign a packing group. Determination of if a material is “self heating” or “non self heating” can be accomplished in most cases with a single test.
For transportation in the US, 49 CFR 173.124(b)(2): States:Self-heating material. A self-heating material is a material that through a process where the gradual reaction of that substance with oxygen (in air) generates heat. If the rate of heat production exceeds the rate of heat loss, then the temperature of the substance will rise which, after an induction time, may lead to self-ignition and combustion. A material of this type which exhibits spontaneous ignition or if the temperature of the sample exceeds 200 °C (392 °F) during the 24-hour test period when tested in accordance with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter), is classed as a Division 4.2 material.
“ThermaSure’s UN-4 reports gave us clear, defensible data to insure and ship torrefied products with confidence.”
— Aya Nakamura
