SDL Atlas responds to ASTM revision
Modified automatic gas controller available immediately.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International has revised the D6413/D6413M Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles.
This test method determines the vertical flame resistance of a textile in response to a standard ignition source, deriving measurement values for afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length. In response to this update, SDL Atlas has modified its Automatic Gas Controller (AGC), which is used in the SDL Atlas Vertical Flammability Chamber and the Atlas HVUL2 Horizontal Vertical Flame Chamber.
The AGC modification specifically addresses the distance between the solenoid valve and burner. The previous standard allowed the flame to linger past the test’s termination. The solenoid was originally built into the AGC main unit and connected by a short gas hose, and after the flame impingement timer shut off the gas supply solenoid, the residue gas that existed inside the connection hose had the potential to continue to ignite the burner until the gas was fully consumed. Some users worried the lingering effect prolonged the flame application time, thus affecting the test result. The length of time for which a material continues to flame after the ignition source has been removed is commonly referred to as the afterflame.
With the enhanced SDL Atlas AGC burner, the solenoid valve is installed just next to the Bunsen burner, within the distance that is required by the ASTM D6413 update. All new SDL Atlas Vertical Flammability Chambers and Atlas HVUL2 Horizontal Vertical Flame Chambers will have the modified AGC, effective immediately. Additionally, existing users can get a solenoid retrofit kit for their existing AGC and easily convert their machine to the new arrangement.
Visit the SDL website for more information.
