Common Testing Methods

Film and sheeting materials test methods have been standardized by ASTM, DIN, and others. As with all materials, the test specimens must be carefiiUy prepared and conditioned. Thin-film specimens are vulnerable to nicks and tears which mar the results. Moisture and temperature can affect some materials. Common test methods are Hsted in Table 1. 

Table 2. Common Test Methods for Evaluating Materials ...

Where the consequences of combining two or more materials under given conditions of temperature, confinement, etc., are unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty, testing may need to be performed to screen for potential incompatibilities. Two common test methods used for this purpose are differential scanning calorimetry and mixing cell calorimetry (described later in this section). 

This is the most common test method employed to qualify the leak characteristics of a new seal material. The test method involves applying the seal between two ceramic discs or between a ceramic and a metal disc, pressurizing the cavity formed by the seal and monitoring the pressure decay as a function of time.22 Alternatively, a metal tube and a ceramic disc can also be used [34], Typically, the cavity is pressurized to about 2 psi and the leak rate is determined by the pressure decay as a function of time. These tests can be done at room temperature or elevated temperatures. Similar test arrangement has also been used to test a plastically deformable brazed metal seal between fuel cell anode material and Haynes 214 washer [35], The cavity is pressurized to measure the rupture strength of the seal material. 

TABLE 4-5. Common Test Methods Utilized to Predict the Plugging Tendency of Distillate Fuel... 

A. COMMON TEST METHODS USED TO DETERMINE THE OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF FUEL... 

EN 50399, Common test methods for cables under fire conditions—Heat release and smoke production measurement on cables during flame spread test—Test apparatus, procedures, results, European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, Belgium. 

EN 50268-1 Common Test Methods For Cables Under Fire Conditions—Measurement Of Smoke Density Of Cables Burning Under Defined Conditions, European Committee for Standandization, Brussels, Belgium, 2000. 

It may also be necessary to test the incoming bulk materials in-house. These inspections usually consist of an evaluation of physical and chemical properties, such as color, viscosity, percentage of solids, weight per gallon, and moisture content. The tests should be those that can quickly and accurately detect deficiencies in the materials physical or chemical properties or differences from lot to lot. ASTM lists various test methods that are commonly used for acceptance of raw materials. Several of the more common test methods are described in Chap. 20. 

Some of the common tests methods used for testing inhibitors are given below ... 

The following sub-sections of this chapter are intended to provide a general overview of some of the common test methods used to determine lubricant condition and the presence and degree of common contaminants. It is important to remember that there are only a few oil-related failure modes that are critical to machinery operational reliability and these few symptoms require only a few of the available fluid tests. 

Caustic-calcine magnesias are calcined below 900°C and are characterized by moderate to high chemical reactivities. They are readily soluble in dilute acids and hydrate rapidly in cold water. They also slowly react with atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide to form the basic carbonate, 5MgO 4C02 xH20. Common test methods for determining the reactivity... 

The following ASTM testing descriptions are some of the most common test methods used for the films discussed in this publication. For full test details, please review the appropriate testing references. 

Standard test method for environmental stress-cracking of ethylene plastics Insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical cables - Common test methods - Part 4-1 Methods specific to polyethylene and polypropylene compounds - Resistance to enviromnental stress cracking - Measurement of the melt flow index - Carbon black and/or mineral filler content measurement in polyethy-lene by direct combustion - Measurement of carbon black content by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) - Assessment of carbon black dispersion in polyethylene using a microscope... 

DIN 50267-2-1, Common Test Methods for Cables under Fire Conditions -Tests on Gases Evolved during Combustion of Material from Cables - Part 2-1 Procedures - Determination of the Amount of Halogen Acid Gas, 1999. 

DIN EN 50267-2-3, Common Test Methods for Cables under Fire Conditions... 

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