What is Horizontal Vertical Flame Tester?

The Horizontal and Vertical Flame Tester utilizes a programmable logic controller (PLC) to achieve automatic ignition, timing, and alarm functions. Test data is automatically saved and displayed. Instrument features include a corrosion-resistant baked enamel finish, an integrated design for easy installation and debugging, a large glass observation window for convenient observation, corrosion-resistant stainless steel clamps, and an PLC for automatic control and data recording. The blowtorch and gas control system allows for precise adjustment of flame height and flow rate.

The Horizontal and Vertical Flame Tester is a flame retardant testing device developed by our company according to standards. It can test the flammability, burning rate, flame spread, burning intensity, and flame retardant properties of products. It features a high degree of automation and accurate test data. This series of products all adopt an integral air intake ignition system with a combustion delay of only 0.1 seconds, ensuring sufficient combustion time; a matte black background; a multi-functional flame gauge for simple and practical flame adjustment; a full stainless steel casing with a large observation window; imported high-precision digital display instruments; and an aesthetically pleasing design. It incorporates the advantages of many similar domestic and international products, using high-quality materials, robust workmanship, excellent quality, stable performance, and durability.

The horizontal and vertical combustion tester is a crucial testing instrument in modern materials science. It not only evaluates the combustion performance of materials but also provides scientific evidence for materials research and development, quality control, and the formulation of safety standards.

Working Principle

The horizontal and vertical combustion tester simulates a real combustion environment to conduct combustion tests on materials in both horizontal and vertical directions. Its working principle is based on specific combustion testing standards such as UL 94. ISO 1210. and ASTM D635. During the test, the instrument places the sample in a specific combustion chamber, ignites it using a standard flame source, and monitors key parameters such as flame spread rate, combustion time, and embers using high-precision sensors. These parameters are crucial for evaluating the combustion performance of materials.

User Guide

Preliminary Preparation

Preliminary preparation is crucial before conducting horizontal and vertical combustion tests. First, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the equipment, carefully checking that all components of the horizontal and vertical combustion tester, including the combustion chamber, thermocouples, sensors, gas source, and power supply, are intact. Also, check that the liquid level in the U-tube is sufficient. Place the instrument in a stable, well-ventilated laboratory environment free of flammable and explosive materials. Next, connect the gas source, properly connecting the burner, control box, and gas cylinder with a gas hose. Carefully check the gas connections to prevent leaks. After opening the gas cylinder valve, adjust the output pressure to between 0.1 and 0.15 MPa and double-check the airtightness. Then, connect the power supply, turn on the power switch, and wait for the LCD touchscreen to complete its self-test. Select the required standard for this test on the touchscreen. Finally, prepare the sample. Install the prepared standard sample on the sample holder, ensuring the distance between the sample and the combustion chamber wall meets the requirements. After adjusting the distance and position of the sample and the burner nozzle, do not move the sample holder.

Flame Adjustment

Flame adjustment is a critical step in ensuring the accuracy of the test. First, adjust the torch tube height according to the flame energy requirements of the test standard. For example, tighten the 50W torch tube almost to the bottom, and the 500W torch tube to near the top of the torch base. Next, adjust the ignition needle position, making appropriate adjustments to the relative position and distance between the ignition needle and the torch to ensure accurate ignition. Finally, adjust the flame size. For a 50W flame, tighten the needle valve to a certain depth, but not to the maximum. For a 500W flame, adjust the height of the inner and outer flames using the knob on the flow meter. Use a flame gauge to determine the required flame size during the adjustment process.

Start the Test

When starting the test, strictly follow the steps. First, preheat the torch by igniting it and allowing the flame to preheat for 5 minutes to stabilize. Then, place the sample under the preheated torch, ensuring good contact between the sample and the flame. Then start the test. If you select the "Automatic" combustion mode, click the "Test" button on the touchscreen, and the program will proceed automatically according to the standard requirements. If you select the "Manual" combustion mode, you need to manually push or pull the torch holder. The system will beep to indicate when each flame application time or interval is reached. During the test, closely observe the combustion of the sample and whether the sample drips ignite the cotton below. Accurately record data such as combustion time, combustion length, afterflame time, and afterburn time according to the test standards.

Test Completion

After the test, a series of follow-up procedures must be completed. First, turn off the flame (the program may shut it off automatically, or you can do so manually). Then, turn on the ventilation system to completely vent the test combustion gases from the combustion chamber, keeping the air fresh. Next, clean the site, open the test door, and clean the sample and combustion residue to prepare for the next test. Finally, turn off the equipment, close the gas cylinder valve, ignite the flame to burn off any remaining gases in the equipment pipeline, and then turn off the ignition and power.

Precautions

When using a horizontal and vertical combustion tester, the precautions should not be ignored. Regarding safety precautions, operators must wear protective eyewear, gloves, and other protective equipment. Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited in the laboratory to ensure experimental safety. For equipment maintenance, instruments must be regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate experimental data. The equipment should be kept clean and protected from severe vibrations and impacts. Operators should also be familiar with the instrument's structure and performance, understand the experimental principles and operating procedures, and strictly follow laboratory safety operating procedures to ensure the smooth conduct of experiments. By following the above standardized procedures and precautions, the horizontal and vertical combustion tester can be correctly used to test the combustion performance of materials.

Technical Features

1. High-Precision Control System: The horizontal and vertical combustion tester employs an advanced control system capable of precisely controlling the size, shape, and position of the flame source, as well as the temperature and pressure within the combustion chamber, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.

2. Multifunctional Testing Modes: This tester supports both horizontal and vertical combustion testing modes, selectable according to the characteristics of different materials and testing requirements. It also offers multiple flame source options, such as propane and butane, to meet the requirements of different testing standards.

3. Intelligent Data Acquisition and Analysis: The tester incorporates high-precision sensors and a data acquisition system, enabling real-time monitoring and recording of various parameters during the combustion process. Professional data analysis software processes and analyzes the test data to generate detailed test reports.

4. Safety Protection Measures: To ensure the safety of the testing process, the tester is equipped with multiple safety protection measures, such as automatic fire extinguishing devices, smoke alarms, and high-temperature alarms. Furthermore, the tester's user interface is simple and intuitive, allowing users to quickly learn how to use it.

Main Applications

Suitable for research, production, and quality inspection departments of electrical and electronic products and their components, including lighting equipment, low-voltage electrical appliances, household appliances, machine tool electrical appliances, motors, power tools, electronic instruments, electrical meters, electrical connectors and accessories. Also suitable for industries producing insulating materials, engineering plastics, or other solid combustible materials. Suitable for use by the plastics industry, inspection departments, and research institutions.

The horizontal and vertical combustion tester, with its advanced control system, diverse testing modes, intelligent data acquisition and analysis functions, and comprehensive safety protection measures, demonstrates superior performance and advantages in the field of material combustion performance testing. It not only provides reliable technical support for research, production, and quality inspection in industries such as electrical and electronic products and their components, insulating materials, and engineering plastics, but also assists relevant research institutions in exploring the combustion characteristics of materials. By using the tester correctly and following the corresponding precautions, accurate test data can be obtained, providing a solid scientific basis for material research and development, quality control, and safety standard setting, driving the industry towards higher quality and safety.