Features of the Vertical Flammability Tester ！

1. Structural Design: Safe, Stable, and Simulation-Oriented

• Vertical Test Chamber with Enclosure
   
  • A closed or semi-closed vertical chamber (usually made of heat-resistant, transparent materials like tempered glass) isolates the test area from external air currents. This prevents air flow from interfering with flame propagation, ensuring consistent test conditions.
  • The chamber often includes a flame arrester and smoke exhaust system: The flame arrester stops accidental flame spread outside the chamber, while the exhaust system removes toxic smoke (e.g., from burning plastics) to protect operators and avoid equipment contamination.
• Precision Ignition Source Mounting
   
  • The ignition source (typically a Bunsen burner or propane torch) is fixed at a specific angle (e.g., 90° to the vertical sample, as required by standards like UL 94) and distance (usually 10-15mm from the sample’s lower end). This ensures the flame is applied uniformly to the sample’s base in every test.
  • The burner’s flame height is adjustable and measurable (e.g., 20mm, 50mm, or 100mm) to meet different standard requirements—for example, UL 94 V-0 testing requires a 10mm flame, while some textile tests use a 50mm flame.
• Sample Fixing Mechanism
   
  • A stable, adjustable clamp secures the sample vertically (without stretching or deforming it). For flexible materials (e.g., textiles), the clamp may have a grid or guide to keep the sample straight; for rigid materials (e.g., plastic sheets), it uses non-combustible fixtures (e.g., metal clips) to avoid influencing the test result.

2. Testing Capabilities: Accurate Measurement of Key Flame Resistance Indicators

• Automatic Timing of Flame-Related Durations
   
  • It integrates high-precision timers to record two core metrics:
    1. Afterflame Time (t1): The time the sample continues to burn after the ignition source is removed.
    2. Afterglow Time (t2): The time the sample continues to glow (without open flame) after the afterflame stops.
  • These timers have a precision of up to 0.1 seconds, which is essential for meeting strict standards (e.g., UL 94 V-0 requires t1 ≤ 10 seconds and t2 ≤ 30 seconds for each ignition cycle).
• Flame Spread and Dripping Monitoring
   
  • For materials that may melt and drip (e.g., thermoplastics like PP or PE), the tester includes a drip collection tray (lined with absorbent material like cotton) below the sample. Operators or sensors can check if dripping molten material ignites the cotton—this is a key criterion for UL 94 classification (e.g., V-0 prohibits ignition of the cotton, while V-2 allows it).
  • Some advanced models use high-speed cameras or infrared sensors to track flame spread speed along the vertical sample, providing quantitative data for materials like textiles or foam.
• Controllable Fuel Supply
   
  • The tester uses a stable fuel source (usually propane or butane) with a pressure regulator and flowmeter. This ensures the flame’s temperature (typically 950-1000°C, as specified by standards) and shape remain consistent throughout the test—fluctuations in fuel pressure would directly affect test accuracy.

3. Operational Control: User-Friendly and Standardized

• Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic Operation
   
  • Basic models support semi-automatic control: Operators manually start the ignition source, and the system automatically times afterflame/afterglow and cuts off the fuel after the specified ignition duration (e.g., 10 seconds for UL 94).
  • Advanced models offer full automation: The system can load samples (via a robotic arm), adjust the flame height, start/stop ignition, record data, and generate test reports—this is ideal for high-volume testing in factories or third-party labs.
• Data Recording and Reporting
   
  • Built-in sensors (e.g., thermocouples for temperature monitoring, light sensors for flame detection) collect test data in real time. The system stores data (timing, flame status, dripping results) and can export reports in formats like Excel or PDF, with clear labels for compliance (e.g., “Meets UL 94 V-0 Requirements”).
  • Some testers integrate with lab management systems (LIMS) to streamline data sharing and audit trails—critical for regulatory inspections.
• Safety Interlocks
   
  • To protect operators, the tester includes multiple safety features:
    • A door interlock: If the test chamber door is opened during operation, the ignition source is immediately cut off.
    • Overpressure/overtemperature alarms: If fuel pressure is too high or the chamber temperature exceeds a safe limit, the system shuts down the fuel supply.
    • Emergency stop button: A prominent button to halt all operations in case of accidents (e.g., unexpected flame spread).

4. Compliance: Aligned with Global Fire Safety Standards

• Plastics: UL 94 (U.S.), IEC 60695-11-10 (international), GB/T 2408 (China) – focusing on afterflame/afterglow time and dripping.
• Electrical Insulation: IEC 60332-1-2 (wire insulation), ASTM D3801 (electrical plastics) – evaluating resistance to ignition from electrical sparks.
• Textiles: ASTM D6413 (vertical flame test for textiles), GB/T 5455 (China) – measuring flame spread speed and afterflame time for fabrics.
• Aerospace Materials: FAR 25.853 (FAA), EN 2824 (EU) – strict requirements for low flame spread and minimal smoke.

Summary