Building Materials Combustibility Test Chamber: Precision Testing Strengthens Building Safety

The Building Materials Flammability Tester is designed and manufactured in accordance with GB/T 8626-2007. "Test Method for Flammability of Building Materials," and is suitable for determining the flammability of building materials. The Building Materials Flammability Tester uses a small flame directly impinging on a vertically positioned specimen without external radiation to determine the flammability of building products. A false flame height facilitates accurate positioning of the specimen, and a flame height gauge accurately determines the required flame size. A programmable relay displays the test time, specimen combustion status, and gas injection time, allowing the tester to clearly observe the entire test process.

Test Principle

A specimen consisting of two perpendicular wings is exposed to a flame generated by a main burner at the bottom of the test. The flame is generated by the combustion of propane gas, which passes through a sandbox burner and produces a heat output of (30.7±2.0) kW. The specimen's combustion performance is evaluated over a 20-minute test. Before igniting the main burner, the heat output and smoke production of the burner itself should be measured for a short time using an auxiliary burner farther away from the sample. Some parameter measurements can be performed automatically, while others can be obtained by visual inspection.

Operation Instructions

1. Confirm Equipment Status and Environmental Requirements

Before conducting a combustion test, first check the status of all components of the combustion tester. Ensure that the power supply, gas source, and ignition source are functioning properly, especially gas pressure and oxygen concentration. The test environment should also meet the equipment's operating conditions. The laboratory should be well ventilated, free of flammable materials, and the ambient temperature and humidity should meet standard requirements.

2. Install and Prepare Samples

Sample preparation is a crucial step in operating a combustion tester. Sample size, shape, weight, and other requirements vary depending on the test standard. When installing the sample, ensure that it is positioned correctly to avoid experimental errors caused by the sample being too close to the ignition source or improperly placed. After installation, preheat the sample to ensure accurate test data.

3. Set Test Parameters

Depending on the specific requirements of the combustion test, the user needs to set the corresponding parameters on the control panel. These include temperature, time, gas flow, flame intensity, and more. During the setup process, ensure that the parameters meet the test standard requirements and make fine adjustments based on actual conditions. For different materials, parameter settings need to be adjusted based on industry standards or product requirements.

4. Start the Test

Once all preparations are complete, start the combustion tester for testing. Typically, the combustion tester automatically monitors temperature and heats the sample using a flame control device. During the test, strictly follow operating procedures and observe the equipment to ensure stable operation and avoid human interference with the test results. During this stage, the operator should pay attention to flame stability and any abnormalities.

5. Data Recording and Analysis

During the combustion test, the tester automatically records the sample's combustion process and related data, such as combustion time, temperature change, and smoke output. This data is crucial for subsequent analysis. After the test, the operator should carefully review all recorded data to ensure there are no abnormal values. This data can be used to further analyze the sample's combustion performance, such as flame spread rate and smoke toxicity.

6. Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance

After the test, the operator should perform necessary cleaning and maintenance on the combustion tester. Clean the flame tube, exhaust duct, and sample holder to ensure long-term stable operation. The safety facilities of the equipment, such as gas leak detection devices, temperature control systems, etc., should be checked regularly to ensure that the equipment is always in the best working condition.

Maintenance Procedures

Maintenance procedures are crucial for ensuring stable chamber operation and accurate measurements, encompassing several key steps. First, cleaning. To clean the chamber, use a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in an appropriate cleaning agent, such as methanol or acetone, and gently wipe the interior of the sample chamber. Regarding component cleaning, the transfer line, which connects the sample chamber to the gas chromatograph, should also be cleaned regularly. Flushing the transfer line with an appropriate cleaning solvent, such as methanol, removes any residue. Next, inspection is required. A leak-tightness check should be performed to ensure the integrity of the chamber's door seals and piping connections, ensuring there are no cracks or damage to prevent heat leakage and smoke. An electrical system inspection should be performed to check for wear, deterioration, or looseness in the wiring, sockets, and circuit boards to ensure reliable electrical connections. Lubrication is also essential. Moving parts within the chamber, such as door hinges and locking mechanisms, should be lubricated regularly to maintain flexibility and extend their service life. If the chamber contains valves, ensure smooth operation and apply a generous amount of lubricant as needed. Calibration is equally important. Temperature calibration requires the use of a standard thermometer to calibrate the temperature inside the test chamber to ensure the accuracy of the temperature sensor. If the test chamber contains a pressure measuring device, it should be calibrated using a standard pressure source to ensure the accuracy of the pressure reading. In terms of software maintenance, it is necessary to regularly check whether the test chamber control software has been updated and promptly download and install the latest version to obtain improved functions and fixed vulnerabilities.

At the same time, the test chamber's operating data and test results should be regularly backed up to prevent data loss or corruption. During the safety inspection, it is necessary to check whether the exhaust system of the test chamber is unobstructed to ensure that the gases generated by combustion can be effectively discharged. It is also necessary to check whether the emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers around the test chamber is intact to ensure that a quick response can be made in an emergency. In terms of environmental management, the test chamber should be placed in a dry and clean environment to prevent dust and moisture from damaging the equipment. A dust cover can be used to cover the equipment to prevent dust from entering. At the same time, the temperature of the test chamber environment should be moderate to avoid excessively high or low temperatures that may have an adverse effect on the equipment. Finally, maintain maintenance records. Keeping a maintenance log details the date, content, and results of each maintenance session. This helps track the equipment's maintenance history and promptly identify potential issues. All faults and their resolution during the test chamber's operation should also be recorded for future reference and analysis.

As a critical piece of equipment for ensuring building safety, building material flammability testers require meticulous design based on standards, clearly defined test principles and operating procedures, standardized operating methods to ensure accurate testing, and comprehensive and meticulous maintenance procedures to ensure stable equipment operation. Each step is closely linked and indispensable. Only by strictly adhering to these procedures and methods can the tester consistently operate at optimal performance, providing a reliable basis for accurately determining the flammability of building materials. This, in turn, builds a solid defense for the safe development of the construction industry and protects people's lives and property.