What is building material testing?

This building material products single combustion tester is a test instrument used to evaluate the reaction of building materials or products (excluding floor coverings) to fire during single combustion tests to determine their physical properties. This test apparatus meets the test conditions specified in national standards and adheres to the test procedures (methods). Testing with the apparatus determines the sample's combustion performance (grade), including quantitative (qualitative) test parameters: the sample's heat release rate, the presence of lateral flame propagation, the calculation of the sample's total smoke production (smoke production performance), and the presence of dripping and particulate matter during sample combustion.

Operating Principle and Core Components

The single combustion test apparatus for building materials utilizes a standardized structure, primarily consisting of a combustion chamber, ignition system, data acquisition unit, and exhaust system. During testing, the building material sample is placed on a specific support and a fixed heat source is applied via a gas burner, simulating the single combustion scenario of a real fire. The device monitors key indicators such as heat release rate (HRR), smoke production rate (SPR), and mass loss in real time, and calculates the fire growth index (FIGRA) and smoke generation index (SMOGRA). This allows the material to be classified as fire resistant (e.g., A2. B, or C) according to standards such as EU EN 13501-1. The entire process is automated to ensure data accuracy and repeatability.

Operation Instructions

When using a building material product combustion value tester, a series of standard instructions must be followed. First, prepare the test by determining the building material sample to be tested and gathering the necessary testing tools and materials to ensure proper operation of the equipment. Next, prepare the sample: cut the sample to the appropriate size and shape, ensuring the surface is flat and free of obvious damage or deformation. Clean the sample surface to remove dust and impurities to prevent them from affecting the test results. To operate the equipment, first turn on the power switch of the building material product combustion tester to ensure proper power supply. Then, select the appropriate test mode and parameter settings based on your needs. Then, place the sample on the test bench, ensuring a tight fit and preventing airflow. Start the test program and begin the test. During the test, pay close attention to instrument data changes and maintain stable operation. Finally, record and analyze the results. After the test is completed, record the relevant data and results, analyze and compare the data based on the actual situation, scientifically interpret the results, and draw conclusions. Based on the test results, evaluate the combustion performance of the building material and determine whether it meets the relevant standards.

Test Precautions

When using a building material product combustion tester, there are several test precautions that must be strictly followed. First, safety should be prioritized. Maintain a safety awareness during use and strictly follow operating procedures to avoid accidents. Secondly, ensure proper equipment maintenance and upkeep. Regularly inspect and maintain all tester components and functions to ensure proper operation. Regularly replace wearing parts and clean the instrument promptly to maintain it in good working condition. Furthermore, when conducting tests, attention must be paid to operational accuracy and data reliability. Standard operating procedures must be followed to prevent misoperation and testing errors, thereby ensuring the accuracy of test results. Finally, when analyzing and interpreting test results, scientific analysis and judgment must be conducted, taking into account the actual use environment and requirements of the building materials to assess whether their combustion performance meets relevant standards, thereby providing targeted scientific advice.

Daily Maintenance and Care

After each day's experiment, the following inspections and maintenance should be performed regularly. This will not only keep the instrument in good working condition but also effectively extend its service life. For the oxygen bomb of the Building Material Products single combustion tester, in addition to cleaning and drying it after each experiment, the following points also require special attention and inspection: First, the oxygen bomb should only be tightened by hand. Stop when it feels tight and never use tools to force it. Clean it after each experiment. Second, rinse the bomb cap and valve seat after use and wipe them dry. Third, rinse the bomb cup and carefully scrub the threads. Check the top of the bomb cup for mechanical damage. Be careful not to invert the bomb cup. Fourth, inspect the sealing ring for wear and burn damage. If the seal is not tight and leaks occur, replace it immediately. Fifth, check the insulation gasket for integrity and damage. Sixth, regularly perform a 20.0 MPa water pressure test on the oxygen bomb. After each water pressure test, the oxygen bomb must not be used for more than one year (or no more than 5.000 tests). Additionally, if you're not performing continuous testing, drain the outer water cylinder to keep it clean and prevent dirt from entering. This concludes the routine maintenance and care for the single combustion tester.

Application Scenarios and Industry Importance

This device is widely used in building materials production, quality inspection agencies, and scientific research institutions. During the development phase of building materials, manufacturers use it to test the combustion performance of products such as wallboard, insulation, and flooring to ensure compliance with fire protection regulations (such as China's GB 8624 and the EU's CE certification). For example, polystyrene insulation boards must pass the SBI test to avoid fire risks. Furthermore, architects and construction companies rely on test results to select compliant materials and ensure fire safety in high-rise buildings and public spaces. According to international building codes, materials that fail the burn test are strictly prohibited from use, highlighting the critical role of this device in the supply chain—not only preventing the spread of fire but also helping to reduce insurance costs and legal liabilities.

Technical Advantages and Development Trends

Modern building material product single-unit combustion testers incorporate intelligent technologies, such as IoT sensors and AI data analysis, to improve testing efficiency and accuracy. In the future, as demand for green building materials and low-carbon development grows, these devices will place greater emphasis on evaluating environmentally friendly materials (such as bio-based composites) and evolve toward portability and on-site testing. Furthermore, global standardization convergence (such as the alignment of China and EU standards) will further promote the widespread adoption of these devices, setting a higher benchmark for global building safety.

In summary, building material product single-unit combustion testers are important testing equipment. Proper use and reasonable interpretation of test results can provide strong support for building fire safety. Building material product single-unit combustion testers are the cornerstone of fire safety systems, providing reliable safety assurance for the industry by scientifically quantifying the combustion behavior of building materials. Investing in advanced SBI technology not only enhances product competitiveness but also protects life and property. When using building material product combustion value testers, please strictly follow operating procedures and pay attention to equipment maintenance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. By using the building materials product combustion value tester reasonably, we can better select building materials that meet the requirements and provide strong technical support for the safety of buildings.