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Internal production control plus supervised product testing is the conformity assessment procedure whereby the manufacturer fulfils the obligations laid down under points 2, 3, 4, and 5, and ensures and declares on his or her sole responsibility that the EU fertilising products concerned satisfy the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.
a general description of the EU fertilising product, the PFC corresponding to the claimed function of the EU fertilising product and description of the intended use,
a list of component materials used, the CMCs as referred to in Annex II to which they belong and information about their origin or manufacturing process,
the EU declarations of conformity for the component EU fertilising products of the fertilising product blend,
drawings, schemes, descriptions and explanations necessary for the understanding of the manufacturing process of the EU fertilising product,
a specimen of the label or the leaflet, or both, referred to in Article 6(7) containing the information required in accordance with Annex III,
the names and addresses of the sites, and of the operators of the sites, at which the product and its principal components were manufactured,
a list of the harmonised standards referred to in Article 13, common specifications referred to in Article 14 and/or other relevant technical specifications applied. In the event of partly applied harmonised standards or common specifications, the technical documentation shall specify the parts which have been applied,
results of calculations made, including the calculations to demonstrate conformity with point 5 of Part II of Annex I, examinations carried out, etc.,
test reports, including the reports from product checks for oil retention and detonation resistance, referred to in point 4 and
where the EU fertilising product contains or consists of by-products within the meaning of Directive 2008/98/EC, technical and administrative evidence that the by-products comply with the criteria established by delegated acts referred to in Article 42(7) of this Regulation, and with the national measures transposing Article 5(1) of Directive 2008/98/EC and, where applicable, implementing acts referred to in Article 5(2) or national measures adopted under Article 5(3) of that Directive.
The manufacturer shall take all measures necessary so that the manufacturing process and its monitoring ensure compliance of the manufactured EU fertilising products with the technical documentation referred to in point 2 and with the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.
The thermal cycles and tests referred to in points 4.1 to 4.4 shall be carried out on a representative sample of the EU fertilising product every 3 months on behalf of the manufacturer, in order to verify conformity with:
the oil retention requirement referred to in point 4 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I, and
the detonation resistance requirement referred to in point 5 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I.
The thermal cycles and tests shall be carried out under the responsibility of a notified body chosen by the manufacturer.
In a closed suitable laboratory flask, heat the sample from ambient temperature to 50 °C and maintain at this temperature for a period of two hours (phase at 50 °C). Thereupon cool the sample until a temperature of 25 °C is achieved and maintain at that temperature for two hours (phase at 25 °C). The combination of the successive phases at 50 °C and 25 °C forms one thermal cycle. After being subjected to two thermal cycles, the test sample is held at a temperature of 20 (± 3) °C for the determination of the oil retention value.
Normal laboratory apparatus, in particular:
water baths or ovens thermostated at 25 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 1 °C respectively,
suitable laboratory flasks with an individual capacity of 150 ml.
The oil retention of an EU fertilising product shall be the quantity of oil retained by the EU fertilising product determined under the operating conditions specified and expressed as a % by mass.
The test shall be carried out on a representative sample of the EU fertilising product. Before being tested, the whole mass of the sample shall be thermally cycled two times in accordance with point 4.1.
The method is applicable to both prilled and granular fertilisers which do not contain oil soluble materials.
Total immersion of the test sample in gas oil for a specified period, followed by the draining away of surplus oil under specified conditions. Measurement of the increase in mass of the test portion.
Gas oil with the following characteristics:
viscosity max.: 5 mPas at 40 °C;
density: 0,8 g/ml to 0,85 g/ml at 20 °C;
sulphur content: ≤ 1,0 % (m/m);
ash: ≤ 0,1 % (m/m).
Ordinary laboratory apparatus, and:
balance, capable of weighing to the nearest 0,01 g;
beakers, of capacity 500 ml;
funnel, of plastic materials, preferably with a cylindrical wall at the upper end, diameter approximately 200 mm;
test sieve, aperture 0,5 mm, fitting into the funnel;
Note: The size of the funnel and sieve is such as to ensure that only a few granules lie one above another and the oil is able to drain easily.
filter paper, rapid filtering grade, creped, soft, mass 150 g/m2;
absorbent tissue (laboratory grade).
If the quantity of gas oil retained in the portion is found to be greater than 2,00 g, place the portion on a fresh set of filter papers and repeat the rolling procedure, lifting the corners in accordance with point 4.2.5.4 (two times eight circular movements, lifting once). Then reweigh the portion.
The oil retention, from each determination (point 4.2.5.1) expressed as a % by mass of the sieved test portion, is given by the equation:
where:
m1 is the mass, in grams, of the sieved test portion (point 4.2.5.2),
m2 is the mass, in grams, of the test portion according to points 4.2.5.4 and 4.2.5.5 respectively as the result of the last weighing.
In a tight box heat the sample from ambient temperature to 50 °C and maintain at this temperature for a period of one hour (phase at 50 °C). Thereupon cool the sample until a temperature of 25 °C is achieved and maintain at that temperature for one hour (phase at 25 °C). The combination of the successive phases at 50 °C and 25 °C forms one thermal cycle. After being subjected to the required number of thermal cycles, the test sample is held at a temperature of 20 ± 3 °C pending the execution of the detonation resistance test.
A water bath, thermostated in a temperature range of 20 to 51 °C with a minimum heating and cooling rate of 10 °C/h, or two water baths, one thermostated at a temperature of 20 °C, the other at 51 °C. The water in the bath(s) is continuously stirred; the volume of the bath shall be large enough to guarantee ample circulation of the water.
A stainless steel box, watertight all around and provided with a temperature recording device in the centre. The outside width of the box is 45 ± 2 mm and the wall thickness is 1,5 mm (see Figure 1 as an example). The height and length of the box can be chosen to suit the dimensions of the water bath, e.g. length 600 mm, height 400 mm.
Suitable oven, thermostated in a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C with a minimum heating and cooling rate of 10 °C/h.
Suitable airtight plastics boxes or bags provided with a suitable temperature recording device in the centre of the sample or a stainless steel box as described in point (b) of method 1 of point 4.3.2. Once filled, the outside thickness of the box or bag shall be maximum 45 mm.
Place a quantity of fertilisers sufficient for the detonation resistance test into the boxes or bags and close them. Place the stainless steel boxes in the water bath (method 1) or the boxes or bags in the oven (method 2). Heat the water or oven to 51 °C and measure the temperature in the centre of the fertiliser. One hour after the temperature at the centre has reached 50 °C start cooling. One hour after the temperature at the centre has reached 25 °C start heating for the second cycle. In the case of two water baths or ovens, transfer the boxes or bags to the other bath or oven after each heating/cooling period.
:
O-ring
:
Cover
:
Bolt
:
Box
seamless steel tube:
Tube length: 1 000 mm at least,
Nominal external diameter: 114 mm at least,
Nominal wall thickness: 5 mm at least,
booster: the type and mass of the booster chosen shall be such as to maximise the detonation pressure applied to the sample in order to determine its susceptibility to the transmission of detonation,
temperature of the sample: 15 °C to 25 °C,
witness lead cylinders for detecting detonation: 50 mm diameter and 100 mm height,
placed at 150 mm intervals and supporting the tube horizontally.
NOTE: The test is to be carried out twice. The test is deemed conclusive if in both tests one or more of the supporting lead cylinders is crushed by less than 5 %.U.K.
The test sample is confined in a steel tube and subjected to detonation shock from an explosive booster charge. Propagation of the detonation is determined from the degree of crushing of lead cylinders on which the tube rests horizontally during the test.
Plastic explosive containing 83 % to 86 % penthrite
density: 1 500 kg/m3 to 1 600 kg/m3
detonation velocity: 7 300 m/s to 7 700 m/s
mass: (500 ± 1) g;
or any other plastic explosive with similar detonation characteristics.
Seven lengths of flexible detonating cord with non-metallic sleeve
filling mass: 11 g/m to 13 g/m
length of each cord: (400 ± 2) mm.
Compressed pellet of secondary explosive, recessed to receive detonator
explosive: hexogen/wax 95/5 or similar secondary explosive, with or without added graphite
density: 1 500 kg/m3 to 1 600 kg/m3
diameter: 19 mm to 21 mm
height: 19 mm to 23 mm
mass of the compressed pellet: maximum 10 g
central recess to receive detonator: maximal diameter 7,0 to 7,3 mm, depth about 12 mm. In case of detonators with large diameters, the diameter of the recess shall be slightly larger (e.g. 0,5 mm) than the diameter of the detonator.
Seamless steel tube as specified in ISO 65 – 1981 – Heavy Series, with nominal dimensions DN 100 (4'')
outside diameter: 113,1 mm to 115,0 mm
wall thickness: 5,0 mm to 6,5 mm
length: 1 005 ± 2 mm.
Bottom plate
material: steel of good weldable quality
dimensions: 160 mm × 160 mm
thickness: 5 mm to 6 mm.
Six lead cylinders
diameter: 50 ± 1 mm
height: 100 mm to 101 mm
materials: soft lead, at least 99,5 % purity.
Steel block
length: at least 1 000 mm
width: at least 150 mm
height: at least 150 mm (alternatively a stack of several beams can be used to achieve this height)
Mass: at least 300 kg if there is no firm base for the steel block.
Plastic or cardboard cylinder for booster charge
wall thickness: 1,5 mm to 2,5 mm
diameter: 92 mm to 96 mm
height: 64 mm to 67 mm.
Detonator (electric or non-electric) with initiation force 8 to 10
Wooden or plastic disc
diameter: 92 mm to 96 mm. Diameter to be matched to the internal diameter of the plastic or cardboard cylinder (point (h))
thickness: 20 mm.
Wooden or plastic rod of same dimensions as detonator (point (i))
Small split pins (maximum length 20 mm)
Split pins (length about 20 mm)
Depending on the availability of equipment, the explosive can be initiated in the booster charge either
by seven-point simultaneous initiation as referred to in point 4.4.4.1.1, or
by central initiation by a compressed pellet as referred to in point 4.4.4.1.2.
The booster charge prepared for use is shown in Figure 2.
The booster charge prepared for use is shown in Figure 3.
Taking the necessary safety precautions, place maximum 10 g of a secondary explosive (point (c) under point 4.4.3) in a mould with an inside diameter of 19 mm to 21 mm and compress to the correct shape and density (the ratio of diameter: height should be roughly 1:1). In the centre of the bottom of the mould there is a peg, 12 mm in height and 7,0 mm to 7,3 mm in diameter (depending on the diameter of the detonator used), which forms a cylindrical recess in the compressed cartridge for subsequent insertion of the detonator.
Place the explosive (point (a) under point 4.4.3) into the cylinder (point (h) under point 4.4.3) standing upright on a level surface, then press it down with a wooden or plastic die to give the explosive a cylindrical shape with a central recess. Insert the compressed pellet into this recess. Cover the cylindrically shaped explosive containing the compressed pellet with a wooden or plastic disc (point (j) under point 4.4.3) having a central hole 7,0 mm to 7,3 mm in diameter for insertion of a detonator. Fix the wooden or plastic disc and the cylinder together with a cross of adhesive tape. Ensure that the hole drilled in the disc and the recess in the compressed pellet are coaxial by inserting the wooden or plastic rod (point (k) under point 4.4.3).
At one end of the steel tube (point (d) under point 4.4.3), drill two diametrically opposed holes 4 mm in diameter perpendicularly through the side wall at a distance of 4 mm from the edge. Butt weld the bottom plate (point (e) under point 4.4.3) to the opposite end of the tube, completely filling the right angle between the bottom plate and the wall of the tube with weld metal around the entire circumference of the tube.
See Figures 2 and 3.
Note: Make sure that the tube is in contact with all six lead cylinders; a slight curvature of the tube surface can be compensated for by rotating the tube about its longitudinal axis; if any of the lead cylinders is too tall, tap the cylinder in question carefully with a hammer until it is the required height.U.K.
Note: Detonation can cause steel fragments to be projected with high kinetic energy, therefore, firing shall be carried out at a suitable distance from dwellings or thoroughfares.
Values for the following parameters are to be given in the test report for each of the detonation resistance tests:
the values actually measured for the outside diameter of the steel tube and for the wall thickness,
the Brinell hardness of the steel tube,
the temperature of the tube and the sample shortly before firing,
the packing density (kg/m3) of the sample in the steel tube,
the height of each lead cylinder after firing, specifying the corresponding cylinder number,
method of initiation employed for the booster charge.
If, in each firing, the crushing of at least one lead cylinder is less than 5 %, the test shall be considered conclusive and it shall be considered that the sample presented is resistant to detonation.
Booster charge with seven-point initiation
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Steel tube
:
Wooden or plastic disc with seven holes
:
Plastic or cardboard cylinder
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Detonating cords
:
Plastic explosive
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Test sample
:
4 mm hole drilled to receive split pin
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Split pin
:
Wooden or plastic rod surrounded by 4
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Adhesive tape for securing 4 around 9
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Steel tube
:
Wooden of plastic disc
:
Plastic or cardboard cylinder
:
Wooden of plastic rod
:
Plastic explosive
:
Compressed pellet
:
Test sample
:
4 mm hole drilled to receive split pin
:
Split pin
:
Wooden or plastic die for 5
Numbers in circles:
:
Steel tube
:
Lead cylinders
:
Steel block or stack of beams
:
Bottom plate
:
Booster charge
Numbers in squares:
Lead cylinders 1 to 6
any case where the manufacturer has not complied with the 3-month period for performing the tests required under point 4;
any test results which demonstrate non-conformity with the detonation resistance requirement referred to in point 5 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I.
The manufacturer’s obligations set out in points 4.4.7 and 5 may be fulfilled by his or her authorised representative, on his or her behalf and under his or her responsibility, provided that they are specified in the mandate.
The diameter of the disc must always correspond to the inside diameter of the cylinder.
NB: When the six peripheral lengths of cord are taut after assembly, the central cord must remain slightly slack.