What is BS EN 13207 - Thermoplastic silage films and tubes used in agriculture about?
BS EN 13207 is a European standard on plastics that specifies the test methods, procedures, and characteristics for thermoplastic silage films and tubes which are used in agriculture. BS EN 13207 specifies the requirements related to dimensional, mechanical, and optical characteristics of thermoplastic films and tubes used during the manufacture of silage and designed to last at least one year for protecting fodder. BS EN 13207 specifies a classification for the durability of silage films and the test methods referred to in this standard.
BS EN 13207 also defines the installation, use, and removal conditions of silage films. It defines the conventional useful lifetime, as well as rules that allow evaluating the remaining use potential in the event of a failure before the normal end-of-use date.
Note 1: BS EN 13207 applies to transparent, black, white, or colored (e.g. black/white) thermoplastic silage films based on polyethylene, ethylene copolymer, EVOH, and polyamide.
Note 2: Silage films obtained by sealing two or more films in the machine direction are out of the scope of this document.
Note 3: These rules allow estimating the residual value of the films. These provisions only apply to the film itself and the damage it has undergone. Any other problem falls within the scope of professional practices and the general terms and conditions of sale.
Who is BS EN 13207 - Thermoplastic silage films and tubes used in agriculture for?
BS EN 13207 on plastics is useful for:
- Greenhouses
- Horticulture
- Farming
- Research on agriculture
Why should you use BS EN 13207 - Thermoplastic silage films and tubes used in agriculture?
The biggest use of plastic in agriculture is for plastic mulch films and silage wrap. These thermoplastic films and tubes are made from polyethylene (PE) because it is cheap, easily processed, highly durable, and flexible.
BS EN 13207 helps in characterizing the durability of thermoplastic silage films and tubes which are used in agriculture. This durability is classified by exposing the film to artificial weathering using the xenon-arc lamp. The test method specified in BS EN 13207 is useful in determining the thickness, width, and length of the thermoplastic silage films. This test method also helps in determining the tensile characteristics, impact resistance and also determines oxygen transmission rate. BS EN 13207 is useful in classifying the variation of tensile strength at the beaker of the specimen after exposure to xenon-arc lamps. With the help of careful examination, you can identify the defects or failures while storing and handling the thermoplastic silage films and tubes used in agriculture. The instruction for installation and use of the film described in BS EN 13207 can help in installing the films in different conditions. The removal instruction is useful in minimizing the harmful emissions which result in saving the environment.
BS EN 13207 specifies the test method, procedure, and requirements related to mechanical and optical characteristics of thermoplastic films and tubes that result in designing and manufacturing the thermoplastic silage films and tubes which are used in agriculture.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13207:2018 supersedes BS EN 13207:2001. BS EN 13207:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13207:2001. These include:
- The scope is extended to installation and removal conditions and the intended use for the applications is specified in an extended way
- Clause 4 Types and use, has been added
- In Clause 5 Material, the barrier polymer, has been added
- A new Clause 6 Durability, has been drafted based on the old Clause 5 Duration of the silage film
- The Clause for requirements, test methods, acceptance, storage, and handling have been drafted in a new frame
- The Clauses on instructions disposal of silage films and end-of-life, have been added.