BS EN 60811-511:2012

BSI Standards Publication

Electric and optical fibre

cables — Test methods for
non-metallic materials
Part 511: Mechanical tests — Measurement
of the melt flow index of polyethylene
compounds

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BS EN 60811-511:2012 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 60811-511:2012. It is
identical to IEC 60811-511:2012.
In the UK, the relationship between the supersessions of BS EN 60811 series
can be summarized as follows.

BS EN 60811-100 together with Supersedes -

-201, -202, -203, -501 BS EN 60811-1-1:1995
-301, -302, -411, -601, -602, -603, -604 BS EN 60811-5-1:2000
-401, -412 BS EN 60811-1-2:1995
-402, -502, -503, -606 BS EN 60811-1-3:1995
-403, -404, -507 BS EN 60811-2-1:1998
-405, -409 BS EN 60811-3-2:1995
-406, -511, -605, -607 BS EN 60811-4-1:2004
-407, -408, -410, -510, -512, -513 BS EN 60811-4-2:2004
-504, -505, -506 BS EN 60811-1-4:1995
-508, -509 BS EN 60811-3-1:1995

Superseded standards are withdrawn

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
GEL/20, Electric cables, to Subcommittee GEL/20/17, Electric Cables - Low
voltage.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2012
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2012
ISBN 978 0 580 65335 3
ICS 29.035.01; 29.060.20

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from

legal obligations.

This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 July 2012.

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Text affected

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60811-511
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2012

ICS 29.035.01; 29.060.20 Supersedes EN 60811-4-1:2004 (partially)

English version

Electric and optical fibre cables -

Test methods for non-metallic materials -
Part 511: Mechanical tests -
Measurement of the melt flow index of polyethylene compounds
(IEC 60811-511:2012)

Câbles électriques et à fibres optiques - Kabel, isolierte Leitungen

Méthodes d'essai pour les matériaux und Glasfaserkabel -
non-métalliques - Prüfverfahren für nichtmetallene
Partie 511: Essais mécaniques - Werkstoffe -
Mesure de l'indice de fluidité à chaud Teil 511: Mechanische Prüfungen -
des mélanges polyéthylène Messung des Schmelzindex
(CEI 60811-511:2012) von Polyethylenmischungen
(IEC 60811-511:2012)

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2012-04-17. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2012 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 60811-511:2012 E

BS EN 60811-511:2012
EN 60811-511:2012 -2-

Foreword

The text of document 20/1307/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 60811-511, prepared by IEC/TC 20
"Electric cables" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
EN 60811-511:2012.

The following dates are fixed:

• latest date by which the document has (dop) 2013-01-17

to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2015-04-17
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn

This document supersedes Clause 10 of EN 60811-4-1:2004 (partially). Full details of the

replacements are shown in Annex A of EN 60811-100:2012.
There are no specific technical changes with respect to EN 60811-4-1:2004, but see the Foreword to
EN 60811-100:2012.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with EN 60811-100.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.

This standard covers the Principle Elements of the Safety Objectives for Electrical Equipment
Designed for Use within Certain Voltage Limits (LVD - 2006/95/EC).

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60811-511:2012 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.

In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:

IEC 60811-4-1:2004 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60811-4-1:2004 (not modified).

ISO 1133 series NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 1133 series.
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
-3- EN 60811-511:2012

Annex ZA
(normative)

Normative references to international publications

with their corresponding European publications
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60811-100 2012 Electric and optical fibre cables - Test EN 60811-100 2012
methods for non-metallic materials -
Part 100: General
IEC 60811-606 - Electric and optical fibre cables - Test EN 60811-606 -
methods for non-metallic materials -
Part 606: Physical tests - Methods for
determining the density
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
–2– 60811-511  IEC:2012

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 5
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 6
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 6
3 Terms and definitions ....................................................................................................... 6
4 Test method ..................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 General ................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Apparatus ................................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Test samples ........................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus ............................................................ 9
4.5 Method A ............................................................................................................... 10
4.5.1 General ..................................................................................................... 10
4.5.2 Test procedure .......................................................................................... 10
4.5.3 Expression of results ................................................................................. 10
4.6 Method B ............................................................................................................... 11
4.7 Method C .............................................................................................................. 11
4.7.1 General ..................................................................................................... 11
4.7.2 Test procedure .......................................................................................... 11
4.7.3 Expression of results ................................................................................. 11
5 Test report...................................................................................................................... 11
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 1 – Apparatus for determining melt flow index .............................................................. 8

Figure 2 – Die ......................................................................................................................... 9

Table 1 – Definition of types of polyethylene ........................................................................... 6

Table 2 – Time intervals (as a function of melt flow index) used in obtaining cut-offs
and mass of the charge put into the cylinder for methods A and C ........................................ 11
BS EN 60811-511:2012
60811-511  IEC:2012 –5–

INTRODUCTION

The IEC 60811 series specifies the test methods to be used for testing non-metallic materials
of all types of cables. These test methods are intended to be referenced in standards for
cable construction and for cable materials.

NOTE 1 Non-metallic materials are typically used for insulating, sheathing, bedding, filling or taping within cables.

NOTE 2 These test methods are accepted as basic and fundamental and have been developed and used over
many years principally for the materials in all energy cables. They have also been widely accepted and used for
other cables, in particular optical fibre cables, communication and control cables and cables for ships and offshore
applications.
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
–6– 60811-511  IEC:2012

ELECTRIC AND OPTICAL FIBRE CABLES –

TEST METHODS FOR NON-METALLIC MATERIALS –

Part 511: Mechanical tests –

Measurement of the melt flow index of polyethylene compounds

1 Scope

This Part 511 of IEC 60811 describes the procedure for the measurement of the melt flow
index for polyethylene compounds.

2 Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

IEC 60811-100:2012, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic
materials – Part 100: General

IEC 60811-606, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials-
Part 606: Physical tests – Methods for determining the density

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60811-100 apply.

Additionally, for the purposes of this standard, a distinction is made between low-density,
medium-density and high-density PE as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 – Definition of types of polyethylene

a
Density at 23 °C
Type of polyethylene
g/cm 3
Low-density polyethylene ≤ 0,925
Medium-density polyethylene > 0,925 ≤ 0,940
High-density polyethylene > 0,940
a
These densities refer to unfilled resins as determined by the method specified in IEC 60811-606.

4 Test method

4.1 General

This part of IEC 60811 shall be used in conjunction with Part 100: General

All the tests shall be carried out not less than 16 h after the extrusion of the insulating or
sheathing compounds.
BS EN 60811-511:2012
60811-511  IEC:2012 –7–

The melt flow index (MFI) of polyethylene and polyethylene compounds is the quantity of
material extruded in 1,5 min or 10 min at 190 °C through a specified die under the action of a
load determined by the method used.

NOTE 1 The same method is also specified in ISO 1133.

NOTE 2 The melt flow index is not applicable to flame retarding polyethylene. Flame retardant PE is defined as
PE containing additives intended to reduce flame propagation.

4.2 Apparatus

The apparatus consists basically of an extrusion plastometer, the general design being as
shown in Figure 1. The compound, which is contained in a vertical cylinder, is extruded
through a die by a loaded piston under controlled temperature conditions. All surfaces of the
apparatus in contact with the material under test shall have a high polish.

The apparatus consists of the following parts:

a) Steel cylinder
A steel cylinder fixed in a vertical position and thermally insulated for operation at 190 °C.
The cylinder shall be at least 115 mm long with an internal diameter of between 9,5 mm
and 10 mm and complying with the requirements in item b) below. The base of the cylinder
shall be thermally insulated if the area of the exposed metal exceeds 4 cm 2 and it is
recommended that the insulating material used be polytetrafluoroethylene (thickness
about 3 mm) in order to avoid the extruded material from sticking.
b) Steel hollow piston
A steel hollow piston with a length at least the same as that of the cylinder. The axes of
the cylinder and of the piston shall coincide and the effective length of the piston shall be
a maximum of 135 mm. There is a head of length (6,35 ± 0,10) mm. The diameter of the
head shall be less than the internal diameter of the cylinder at all points along the working
length of the cylinder by (0,075 ± 0,015) mm. In addition, for calculating the load (see item
c) this diameter should be known within ± 0,025 mm. The lower edge of the head shall
have a radius of 0,4 mm and the upper edge has its sharp edge removed. Above the head,
the piston has a diameter of about 9 mm. A stud may be added at the top of the piston to
support the removable load, but the piston is thermally insulated from this load.
c) Removable load on top of the piston
The combined masses of the load and the piston shall be such that the force P applied is:
– P = 21,2 N in the case of method A (see 4.5);
– P = 49,1 N in the case of method C (see 4.7);
d) Heater
A heater to maintain the polyethylene in the cylinder at a temperature of (190 ± 0,5) °C.
An automatic temperature control is strongly recommended.

e) Temperature measuring device

A temperature measuring device located as closely as possible to the die, but situated
within the body of the cylinder. The measuring device shall be calibrated to permit
temperature measurement to an accuracy of ± 0,1 °C.
f) Die
A die of length (8,000 ± 0,025) mm made of hardened steel, the mean internal diameter
being between 2,090 mm and 2,100 mm and uniform along its length to within ± 0,005 mm
(see Figure 2). The die shall not project beyond the base of the cylinder.

g) Balance
A balance accurate to ± 0,000 5 g.
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
–8– 60811-511  IEC:2012

Dimensions in millimeters

NOTE The figure shows the large external diameter cylinder, die-retaining plate A and insulating plate B.
Key
1 guide collar

Figure 1 – Apparatus for determining melt flow index

BS EN 60811-511:2012
60811-511  IEC:2012 –9–

Dimensions in millimetres

NOTE The figure shows the small external diameter cylinder with an example method of retaining the die.

Figure 2 – Die

4.3 Test samples

A sample of insulation or sheath of sufficient mass shall be taken from one end of the cable or
wire. The sample shall be cut in pieces, the dimension of which shall not exceed 3 mm in any
direction.

It is permitted to take material from different cores of the same cable.

4.4 Cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus

The apparatus shall be cleaned after each test.

On no account should abrasives or materials likely to damage the surfaces of the piston,
cylinder or die be used in removing superficial polyethylene or in manipulating any part of the
apparatus.

Suitable solvents for cleaning the apparatus are xylene, tetrahydronaphthalene or odourless
kerosene. The piston shall be cleaned while still hot with a cloth dipped in the solvent;
likewise, the cylinder shall also be cleaned while still hot, with a swab dipped in the solvent.
The die shall be cleaned with a closely-fitting brass reamer or wooden peg and then
immersed in boiling solvent.
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
– 10 – 60811-511  IEC:2012

It is recommended that, at fairly frequent intervals, for example once a week for apparatus in
constant use, the insulating plate and the die-retaining plate, if fitted (see Figure 1), be
removed and the cylinder cleaned thoroughly.

4.5 Method A

4.5.1 General

Method A is suitable for determining the melt flow index (MFI) of a sample of compound
whose MFI is unknown.

The MFI of a compound may be affected by previous thermal and mechanical treatments, and
in particular oxidation will tend to reduce the MFI. Oxidation occurring during the test will
usually cause a systematic reduction in the masses of successive cut-offs. This phenomenon
is not exhibited by compounds containing an anti-oxidant.

4.5.2 Test procedure

The apparatus shall be cleaned (see 4.4). Before beginning a series of tests, the temperature
of the cylinder and piston shall be at (190 ± 0,5) °C for 15 min and this temperature
maintained during the extrusion of the polyethylene.

It is recommended that the temperature measuring device (see item e) of 4.2 be a mercury-in-
glass thermometer located permanently within the mass of the cylinder (see note below).
A low melting-point alloy, such as Wood's metal, improves the thermal contact and its use is
recommended.

NOTE If any other temperature measuring device is used, it should be calibrated at (190 ± 0,5) °C before the
beginning of each series of tests in comparison with a mercury-in-glass thermometer, conforming to item e) of 4.2),
placed within the cylinder and immersed in polyethylene to its appropriate depth of immersion.

The cylinder shall then be charged with a portion of the sample (see Table 2) and the
unloaded piston reinserted into the top of the cylinder.

Four minutes after introducing the sample, during which time the temperature of the cylinder
shall have returned to (190 ± 0,5) °C, the load is placed on the piston to extrude the
polyethylene through the die. The rate of extrusion shall be measured by cutting the extruded
material at regular intervals of time at the die with a suitable sharp-edged instrument to give
short lengths of extruded material referred to as "cut-offs". The time intervals at which each
cut-off is taken are given in Table 2.

Several cut-offs shall be taken within 20 min of the introduction of the sample into the
cylinder. The first cut-off and any containing air bubbles shall be ignored. The remaining
successive cut-offs, of which there shall be at least three, shall be weighed individually to the
nearest milligram and the average mass determined. If the difference between the maximum
and the minimum values of the individual weightings exceeds 10 % of the average, the test
results shall be discarded and the test repeated on a fresh portion of the sample.

4.5.3 Expression of results

The melt flow index (MFI) shall be reported to two significant figures and expressed in g/600 s
as MFI.190.20.A (see NOTE):

600 × m
MFI.190.20.A =
t
where
MFI is expressed in grams per 10 min;
m is the average mass of cut-offs, expressed in grams;
BS EN 60811-511:2012
60811-511  IEC:2012 – 11 –

t is the time interval of cut-offs, expressed in seconds.

NOTE 190 = temperature of tests, expressed in degrees Celsius; 20 (or 50 for method C) = approximate load,
expressed in Newtons applied to the melt.

4.6 Method B

Not used.

NOTE This heading is included only for clarity, as it appears in ISO 1133.

4.7 Method C

4.7.1 General

Method C is suitable for determining the MFI of a sample of polyethylene whose MFI,
measured in accordance with method A, is below 1.

4.7.2 Test procedure

The test procedure is the same as for method A.

The time intervals used in obtaining the cut-offs and the mass of the charge put into the
cylinder are given in Table 2.

Table 2 – Time intervals (as a function of melt flow index) used in obtaining cut-offs
and mass of the charge put into the cylinder for methods A and C

Melt flow index Mass of the charge Time

MFI put into the cylinder intervals
g s
0,1 to 0,5 4 to 5 240
0,5 to 1 4 to 5 120
1 to 3,5 4 to 5 60

4.7.3 Expression of results

The MFI shall be reported to two significant figures (see NOTE of 4.5.3) and expressed in
g/150 s as MFI.190.50.C):

150 × m
MFI.190.50.C =
t
NOTE The use of a shorter reference time (150 s) with a heavier load (50 N) gives results quoted on scale C
which agree approximately with results that would have been obtained had method A and scale A been used.
There is, however, no direct correlation between scales A and C.

5 Test report

The test report shall be in accordance with that given in IEC 60811-100.
 BS EN 60811-511:2012
– 12 – 60811-511  IEC:2012

Bibliography

IEC 60811-4-1:2004, Insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical cables –
Common test methods – Part 4-1: Methods specific to polyethylene and polypropylene
compounds – Resistance to environmental stress cracking – Measurement of the melt flow
index – Carbon black and/or mineral filler content measurement in polyethylene by direct
combustion – Measurement of carbon black content by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) –
Assessment of carbon black dispersion in polyethylene using a microscope
(withdrawn)

ISO 1133, Plastics – Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-
flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics

___________
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