ASTM C522: Standard Test Method for Airflow Resistance of Acoustical Materials
Standard: ASTM C522 – Standard Test Method for Airflow Resistance of Acoustical Materials
Certification Required: Airflow resistance testing is currently not required by building codes. The airflow resistance measurement is generally used for research and development purposes to determine the porosity of materials which will in turn affect the products acoustical performance.
Scope: This test method covers the measurement of airflow resistance and the related measurements of specific airflow resistance and airflow resistivity of porous materials that can be used for the absorption and attenuation of sound.
Applicable Products: This test method is applicable for fiberglass, mineral fiber and cellulose boards and blankets, as well as other fibrous materials. It also applicable for foam products, facing materials, fabrics, papers and screens. The test apparatus will accommodate 100 mm diameter samples up to 6” thick.
Test Procedure: This test method describes how to measure a steady flow of air through a test specimen, how to measure the air pressure difference across the specimen, and how to measure the volume velocity of airflow through the specimen. The test specimen is placed in the sample holder and a vacuum pump is adjusted to achieve a range of flow rates. The pressure differential across the sample is measured at these particular flow rates. Valid measurements are made only in the region of laminar airflow where the airflow resistance is constant. Three test specimens from each product are tested and then the results are averaged.
End Result: The test report will include the individual and average values of airflow resistance, R, the specific airflow resistance, r, and the airflow resistivity, ro.
Intertek Testing Locations:
York, PA - (717) 764-7700, todd.kister@intertek.com
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