What is an Alcohol Burner Combustion Testing Machine?

The Alcohol Burner Combustion Testing Machine mainly used for testing the flame retardant properties of non-metallic products used in coal mines (coal mine ventilation ducts, ventilation duct coated fabrics, conveyor belts, pipes, plastic mesh, cables, fiberglass products, non-metallic housings for instruments and meters, and non-metallic material components for coal mine products, etc.). It can also be used as a specialized device to determine the flame retardant properties of polymer products, non-metallic rollers, and conveyor belts used in underground coal mines. This equipment uses a mixture of 5% methanol and 95% ethanol as fuel, with an adjustable flame height of 150-180 mm and a combustion time measurement accuracy of ±0.01 seconds, meeting the requirements of coal mine industry standards such as MT 113-1995 and MTT98-2006.

The alcohol torch combustion tester is suitable for testing the flame retardant properties of flame-retardant conveyor belts used in coal mines, polymer products used in underground coal mines, plastic pipes used in underground coal mines, rubber pipes used in underground coal mines, hoses and flexible conduits for hydraulic supports, steel wire rope traction conveyor belts used in coal mines, steel wire rope core conveyor belts used in coal mines, and rubber buffer idlers for belt conveyors used in coal mines. It is also a testing device for the flame retardant properties of non-metallic products used in coal mines (coal mine ventilation ducts, ventilation duct coated fabrics, conveyor belts, pipes, plastic mesh, cables, fiberglass products, non-metallic housings for instruments and meters, and non-metallic material accessories for coal mine products, etc.).

Operating Method

Sample Preparation

The test specimen should be cut from a representative plastic tube with a length of 600mm and a diameter of not less than 50mm;

The specimen should be a 25mm wide ring, with both end faces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the test tube;

The number of specimens is 6.

During the test, the relative position of the alcohol torch burner and the test specimen should meet the requirements of Figure 2. That is, the specimen should be held horizontally, with a distance of 50 mm between its lower end face and the alcohol torch burner, and the alcohol torch burner should be placed vertically.

The flame length of the alcohol torch should be 150–180 mm, the flame temperature should be 960 ± 60°C, and the fuel consumption should be 2.55 ± 0.15 mL/min.

During the test, the liquid level in the fuel container should be maintained within 600 ± 20 mm of the alcohol torch burner nozzle (see Figure 2).

During the test, the specimen should be placed in the flame for combustion, and the combustion time should be 30 s.

Airflow within the test chamber should not affect the test results.

Operation

The alcohol torch burner should be placed vertically. Close the control valve and check for leaks. Pour fuel into the preheating pan, then ignite the fuel to heat the burner. When approximately 50% of the fuel in the preheating pan has been consumed, open the burner's control valve and allow the flame to burn steadily for 5 minutes before conducting the test.

After the flame stabilizes, the temperature should be measured at 960±60°C. The flame temperature is measured using a thermocouple or a 0.7mm diameter, approximately 100mm long brass wire. When measuring the temperature, place the thermocouple or brass wire 50mm away from the burner nozzle (Figure 2). If the brass wire does not melt within 6 seconds when measuring the flame temperature, the flame temperature should be readjusted.

Operating Precautions

The alcohol torch combustion testing machine must be used in strict accordance with the operating procedures, including pre-test preparation, observation and recording during the test, and post-test cleanup. Meanwhile, equipment maintenance is also crucial, including regular inspection of wiring and replacement of worn parts.

Application Areas

The alcohol combustion test chamber (alcohol torch combustion test chamber), as a key testing device, plays an irreplaceable role in multiple fields due to its ability to simulate a real flame environment. In materials science, it has become an important tool for the research and development of new materials. Researchers use this equipment to evaluate the flame retardant properties of polymer materials and composite materials, accurately measuring key indicators such as burning rate, burning time, and char residue quality, thereby screening materials with excellent flame retardant properties and laying the foundation for improving product safety.

Furthermore, it strictly adheres to industry standards such as MT 113-1995 "General Test Methods and Judgment Rules for Flame Retardancy and Antistatic Properties of Polymer Products Used in Coal Mines" to determine the flame retardant level of materials, ensuring that materials meet the specifications. In the field of fire safety, this equipment is a powerful tool for fire risk assessment and prevention. Targeting building materials and cables, it simulates combustion behavior under flame conditions, providing a scientific basis for classifying building fire resistance ratings and aiding in the precise formulation of fire prevention measures.

In coal mine safety scenarios, it specifically conducts flame retardancy tests on polymer products used underground (such as conveyor belts and idlers), effectively reducing the risk of underground fires and ensuring operational safety. Regarding product quality control, the alcohol combustion tester is a crucial line of defense for ensuring product compliance and safety. On coal mine equipment production lines, it rigorously tests the flame retardancy of non-metallic idlers and flame-retardant conveyor belts, helping products obtain MA certification. For everyday consumer goods, such as furniture and toys, testing their flame retardancy effectively protects consumers' lives and property. Quality inspection units also use this equipment to conduct factory inspections of conveyor belts and other products, preventing substandard products from entering the market.

In the construction industry, it safeguards the safety of building design and construction. During the fire protection design phase, it helps optimize the fire protection structure of buildings by testing the combustion performance of wall and partition materials. During the construction and acceptance phase, it conducts fire protection requirement tests on installed cables, pipes, etc., to ensure that the building as a whole meets fire safety standards.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance and care of the alcohol combustion test machine (alcohol torch combustion test machine) must be carried out throughout its daily use and long-term storage cycle to ensure stable equipment performance and accurate test results.

Daily cleaning is fundamental. After each test, immediately wipe the outer casing of the test machine with a clean, soft cloth, focusing on removing alcohol residue, carbon deposits from combustion, and dust to prevent corrosive substances from adhering and causing rust on metal parts.

For fuel lines, valves, and torch interfaces, regularly check for leaks or blockages. Use compressed air to gently blow away any blockages to prevent insufficient fuel supply from affecting combustion stability. Maintenance of the combustion system is particularly critical. The wick, as a core component, is prone to carbon buildup after prolonged use. Regularly clean the surface with fine sandpaper or a dedicated cleaning tool to remove coke and maintain combustion efficiency.

The torch cap must be kept dry and clean. If it is found to be sticky or deformed, replace it promptly to prevent ignition difficulties. When the fuel container is not in use for an extended period, completely empty any remaining alcohol and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent alcohol evaporation or deterioration due to prolonged contact with air, and to prevent corrosion of the container's inner wall.

The blowtorch and preheating plate, as components in direct contact with the flame, must be allowed to cool completely after each use before cleaning residue with a soft brush to prevent high-temperature erosion or clogging of the nozzle by foreign objects.

If the blowtorch flame is found to be unstable or of abnormal color, the alcohol purity and blowtorch structure should be checked. If necessary, replace with qualified fuel or adjust the blowtorch parameters. In addition, the electrical system of the testing machine (such as the ignition device and temperature sensor) should be checked regularly to ensure the wiring connections are secure, avoiding malfunctions caused by poor contact.

For equipment equipped with a data acquisition system, test data should be backed up regularly to prevent data loss due to storage failures. For long-term storage, the testing machine should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated indoor environment, covered with a dust cover, and protected from direct sunlight or humid environments.

If the equipment is idle for a long period, it is recommended to perform a short-term no-load run every 3 months to check the proper functioning of all components and prevent mechanical jamming or moisture damage to electronic components. Through systematic maintenance and upkeep, the service life of the alcohol combustion testing machine can be significantly extended, ensuring it is always in optimal working condition.