ASTM F2371-10

This test method can be used to quantify and compare the cooling provided by different Personal Cooling Systems (PCS’s) worn with a standard outer garment or with any other specified one.

The test method is intended to allow garments based on various cooling technologies to be evaluated fairly and objectively, by taking into account convective and evaporative heat transfer.

A sweating thermal manikin accurately accounts for evaporative cooling, which represents the only active means of heat transfer occurring in humans. Utilizing a sweating thermal manikin will also permit the heat removal rate to be measured for all types of PCS.

The measurements of heat removal rates and duration of cooling provided by the PCS’s depend on the apparatus and techniques used.

It is not practical in a test method of this scope to establish details sufficient to cover all contingencies.

Departures from the instructions in this test method will potentially lead to significantly different test results.

Technical knowledge concerning the theory of heat transfer, temperature, air motion measurement, evaporative cooling, and testing practices is needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions given in this test method are significant. Report any departures with the results.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of heat removal rate from a sweating heated manikin as well as the duration of cooling provided by a cooling garment, in order to assess the effectiveness of PCS.

1.1.1 This test method requires the use of a sweating heated manikin. The sweating capability is essential, to take into account the potentially large fraction of heat dissipation associated with evaporative cooling.

1.2 The experimental values obtained for the cooling rates and cooling duration apply only to the particular PCS and additional clothing ensemble (standard outer garment, outer garment integrated to the PCS, or any other outer garment, as appropriate) as tested, and for the specified environmental conditions.

1.3 The values stated in this standard shall be SI units.

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.