IP10 - The way to upgrade your ASTM-Test-Box to a 3in1 multi-tester
26.09.2010
The new Borgwaldt IP10 is a semiautomatic test instrument to perform the ignition propensity test in regards to the ASTM E 2187 or ISO 12863 standard as well as performing burn rate testing or free burn testing. The advantage of the automated system is that the test is performed under repeatable conditions offering a higher integrity of the determined data by excluding subjective decisions. Beside this the automated system increases the throughput for every box and allows the user to operate double number of boxes as he or she is able to do now.
The instrument is designed to update existing boxes in a modular way. By that no additional installations are needed and the laboratory setup does not need to be changed. Due to its modularity it is possible to upgrade the boxes step by step. That means that it can be started with a wanted number and be extended anytime.
The first box becomes the master box. It contains the infrastructure for all slave boxes and the HMI touch screen for information and data transfer to LIMS systems. One master box is able to serve up to 9 slave boxes. Every box is individually microprocessor controlled and operated by one-button-operation. The used components are Borgwaldt approved standard components. The sensor for glow detection for example is used in the smoking machines for butt length detection for more than 15 years. Since this sensor is working according to the infrared principle it has the capability to detect the glow cone independent to the color of the sample and the amount of ash. The whole electric components as well as the pneumatic valves and the suction pump to support cigarette lighting are located in a flat box that can be stored underneath the test box. Every control box only needs to be connected to the previous box for power, data and pneumatic connection. The distance between them is free of choice. The sample handling system comes on a single plate that needs to be put into the testbox only.
The individual result of every single cigarette is displayed in millimeter smoldering length, describing the position of termination. The overall result of the complete test is reported in % full-length-burn or % self-extinguishment. The data are visualized to the operator as well as stored in a data base that can be transferred to a LIMS system via Ethernet, stored on USB devices or printed out on a standard office printer.
The operation of the instrument is designed as simple as possible to prevent any errors. The operator needs to select a Brand-ID from a pre-defined list. He only has to add a sample-ID via touch keyboard or barcode reader. The next step is to place the sample into the suction holder and press the start button at the box. Then the vacuum pump starts and the cigarette can be lit. By pressing the button again the pump is switched off and the infrared sensor is activated. After the cone reaches the 15mm position the sample is gently lowered to the layer. The sensor is following the cone by stepper motor controlled movement. When the cone stops its movement for a given time the sensor starts scanning the whole sample again to make sure that it is really extinguished. If no heat source is found the last determined position of the glow cone is taken as the result. A signal is turned on and the operator can prepare the box for the next run without any downtime.
If the box is not in use as an ignition propensity tester it can be use as a burn rate or freeburn tester. In case of this the test is performed without lowering the cigarette to the layer. The sensor is following the glow cone determing the freeburn capability and the time the glow cone takes to run a predefined distance.
The instrument is able to run cigarettes with a diameter of 4.5mm to 9mm and a length of up to 120mm. The position of the termination point is displayed with a resolution of 0.1mm.
You may obtain further information at bkc(at)borgwaldt.com.