The experimental operation method of the cone calorimeter test equipment

The experimental operation method of the cone calorimeter test equipment (cone calorimeter) usually includes the following steps, which are based on the standard operating procedures and experimental requirements of the equipment:

Equipment startup and preheating

Turn on the "blower" power in the electrical box.

Drain the condensed water in the instrument cold trap and close the switch valve.

Turn on the power of the equipment, and then turn on the computer.

Turn on the power of each component, including the cold trap, weighing device, cone heating, duct fan, sampling pump, etc.

Adjust the flow meter to an appropriate value (such as 3.5).

Equipment inspection and calibration

Check the status of the filter and drying tube to ensure that they are clean and not blocked.

Calibrate the mass balance to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.

Calibrate the upper and lower limits of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide concentrations of the gas analyzer.

Calibrate the laser flue gas measurement system.

Sample processing

Wrap the sample with aluminum foil (usually 0.3mm thick and soft) to prevent the melted liquid from flowing into or overflowing the sample box during the combustion process.

Place the processed sample in the sample box and ensure that the upper surface of the sample is flush with the upper surface of the sample box.

If necessary, fill the bottom of the sample box with insulation cotton to ensure that the distance between the upper surface of the sample and the heating cone meets the test requirements when the sample is irradiated (usually 25mm, but it may also be adjusted according to the specific test plan).

Weighing and placement of samples

Weigh and return the sample box, aluminum foil, and steel wire mesh used when necessary to zero.

Place the sample box on the mass balance and adjust the height adjustment knob of the radiation cone so that the distance between the lower edge of the radiation cone and the upper surface of the sample meets the test requirements.

Software setting and parameter entry

Open the software test interface, edit the parameters, and enter the relevant report display information.

Set the storage path of the file data and other necessary test parameters, such as the mass, thickness, upper surface area of ​​the sample, and the radiation power of the radiation cone.

Baseline data collection

Without placing a sample, click the "Start Baseline Collection" button in the software and wait for at least 60 seconds or more to complete the baseline data collection.

Sample test

Close the insulation pad and heat the radiation cone to the temperature of the corresponding radiation illuminance.

Open the shielding layer and press the "Start Test" button to start the test.

Press the "Ignition" button, put the igniter in the corresponding position, and press the "I" key on the keyboard to start the ignition time. When the sample is ignited, remove the igniter and press the "E" key on the keyboard to start the burning time.

During the test, pay attention to the phenomenon of sample combustion and make a record. If you need to record the time point of a special event, you can press the event button on the device.

End of test and data processing

When the combustion is over, press the "F" key on the keyboard to end the burning time.

Press the "S" key on the keyboard or the "Stop Test" button on the interface to end the entire test process. At this time, a save bar will appear, and it will disappear automatically when the saving is completed, indicating that the data saving is completed.

Press the "Print" key to save the data, and select the save path and name. After that, the data can be exported, modified, and printed.

Shutdown operation

Set the cone temperature to the normal temperature zone and turn off the cone power supply.

Turn off the power supply of the weighing device, the igniter switch, the cold trap power supply, etc.

If the equipment is not used for a long time, the power supply of the smoke meter and the gas analyzer can be turned off.

Equipment cleaning and maintenance

Clean the surface and internal components of the equipment to remove residual smoke and impurities.

Check and replace damaged filters and components.

Maintain and maintain the equipment regularly to ensure its normal operation and extend its service life.

During operation, the safety operating procedures and the operating instructions of the equipment should be strictly followed.

The heating temperature of the cone heater should not exceed the maximum allowable value of the equipment (such as 1000 degrees) to avoid damage to the heater and thermocouple.

When using flammable substances, ensure that they are turned off in time when not in use to prevent leakage and explosion hazards.

During the use of the instrument, it is strictly forbidden to touch high-temperature components and live components such as heating cones and gas pipelines to avoid burns or electric shock hazards.

When testing flammable and explosive samples, operators need to wear protective glasses or other protective tools to ensure personal safety.

By following the above steps and precautions, you can ensure the correct operation and safe use of the cone calorimeter test equipment, thereby obtaining accurate and reliable test results.