Window Treatments Flammability Testing Equipment BS 5867 For Curtains And Drapes

1. Product Name and Purpose

2. Product Features

• Robust and Controlled Testing Chamber
  • The testing chamber is constructed from high-quality heat-resistant materials, typically stainless steel. It is designed to have a well-defined and enclosed space to ensure accurate and reproducible testing conditions. The interior of the chamber is smooth and non-combustible to prevent any interference with the test results. It is equipped with a ventilation system that can be precisely controlled to manage the air flow and oxygen supply during the test, simulating different environmental conditions.
  • The sample holder within the chamber is adjustable and can securely hold curtains and drapes of various sizes and weights. It is designed to present the sample in a vertical or horizontal position, depending on the specific test requirements of the BS 5867 standard. The holder is made from materials that can withstand the high temperatures and forces generated during the test.
• Precision Ignition and Measurement Systems
  • The equipment is equipped with a reliable ignition source. This could be a gas burner or an electric ignition device that is calibrated to produce a consistent and controlled flame. The flame height, temperature, and exposure time can be accurately adjusted to match the parameters specified in the BS 5867 standard. For example, the flame height might be set to a specific millimeter measurement, and the exposure time could be precisely timed using an advanced timer.
  • The measurement system includes sensors to detect and record various aspects of the test. It can measure the time the sample burns after the ignition source is removed (afterflame time), the length of the charred area on the sample (char length), and the rate at which the flame spreads across the fabric. The data acquisition system records all these parameters in real-time and can generate detailed reports, complete with graphs and charts, that provide a comprehensive analysis of the flammability characteristics of the curtain or drape sample.
• Safety Features and Compliance
  • The BS 5867 Flammability Testing Equipment is equipped with multiple safety features. It has a safety shut-off mechanism for the ignition source and gas supply in case of any abnormal combustion or emergency. The chamber is designed to contain any potential flying debris or embers in case the curtain or drape sample ignites and breaks apart. The equipment also complies with all relevant safety and regulatory standards, ensuring the safety of the operator and the surrounding environment during the testing process.

3. Specific Parameters

• Overall Specifications	Dimensions: W675 x D500 x H700mm
  Structure	12mm thick Marinite mineral plate (calcium silicate board), externally wrapped with 1.2 thick 304# stainless steel. Front is an open test box with inner surface painted with smooth black paint.
  Compliance (NFPA)	NFPA 701:2004 Chapter 5 Requirements
  Burner	Hammer-shaped laboratory burner for Meker Burner with heat of 10,500 BUT/Hour. Meets requirements of 5.3.3 of NFPA NF: 701:2004.
  Needle for sample installation	9mm stainless steel strip, 190mm long, with a diameter of 0.7mm, 11mm long steel needle
  Wire Brush	Meets 5.9 Requirements for Bronze Manufacture (NFPA) NFPA 701:2004
  Sample holder	Equipped with 5 stainless steel sample holders and 5 stainless steel standard sample holders. Also equipped with 1 volume of standard combustion line.
  Control Section	Compliance with (NFPA) NFPA 701:2004 5.6 Requirements
  Control part (within Control Section)	Adopt automatic mode: such as trigger timing, automatic opening and cutting off air source.
  Touching method (within Control Section)	Adopting the proximity switch, that is, triggering the timing start.
  Gas supply system (within Control Section)	Equipped with a pressure reducing valve. The solenoid valve is used to perform automatic opening and shutting off the air supply. Compliance with (NFPA) NFPA 701:2004 5.4 requirements
  Timer (within Control Section)	0~99.99 seconds can be set arbitrarily, resolution: 0.01 seconds, accuracy: 0.1 seconds.
  Flowmeter (within Control Section)	Rotameter, used to adjust the degree of flame.

4. Product Functions

• Accurate Flammability Evaluation
  • The primary function of the BS 5867 Flammability Testing Equipment is to provide a detailed and accurate assessment of the flammability of curtains and drapes. By precisely measuring the flame spread rate, afterflame time, and char length, it determines the potential fire risk associated with these window coverings. This information is valuable for manufacturers to improve their product designs and select more fire-resistant materials. For instance, a manufacturer can use the test results to develop a new line of curtains with enhanced fire safety features, such as using flame-retardant fabrics or adding fire-resistant coatings.
  • The measurement of these parameters also helps in understanding the combustion behavior of different curtain and drape fabrics. It can identify whether a fabric has a tendency to melt, drip, or produce excessive smoke during combustion, which are all important factors in assessing its overall fire hazard.
• Compliance with Safety Standards and Regulations
  • The textile and interior design industries are subject to strict safety standards and regulations. The BS 5867 tester is a reliable tool for ensuring compliance. It enables manufacturers to conduct tests in accordance with the BS 5867 standard and other relevant international and national safety regulations. By using this equipment, manufacturers can prove that their curtains and drapes meet the necessary flammability criteria, facilitating market access and enhancing consumer confidence.
  • Regulatory bodies rely on the accurate test results obtained from this equipment to enforce safety regulations. It serves as a dependable means for inspectors and certifying agencies to determine the suitability of curtains and drapes for use in different environments and applications. Only those that pass the flammability test and meet other safety requirements are approved for sale and use.
• Research and Development Support
  • In the field of textile research and development, the testing equipment is an invaluable asset. It allows textile scientists and engineers to study the effects of different fiber compositions, fabric weaves, and finishing treatments on the flammability of curtains and drapes. For example, in the development of new flame-retardant curtain fabrics, the equipment can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different flame-retardant additives and their impact on the overall performance of the fabric.
  • By understanding how various factors influence the flammability of curtains and drapes, researchers can optimize the design and production of fire-safe window coverings. This could involve the selection of more suitable fibers, the improvement of fabric construction techniques, or the development of new and more effective flame-retardant technologies. The detailed data provided by the BS 5867 testing equipment serves as a roadmap for driving innovation and improving the overall fire safety of curtains and drapes.

5. Production and Quality Assurance

• Stringent Manufacturing Process
  • The BS 5867 Flammability Testing Equipment is manufactured under strict quality control procedures. Each component is carefully sourced and inspected for quality and performance. The assembly process is carried out by highly trained technicians in a clean and controlled environment, ensuring the proper alignment and functionality of all parts.
  • The calibration of the ignition source, sensors, and measurement systems is a critical and regular part of the manufacturing process. It is performed using traceable reference standards to guarantee the accuracy and reproducibility of the test results. Rigorous quality audits and inspections are conducted at various stages of production to maintain the highest level of product quality.
• Quality Certification and Validation
  Our testing equipment has obtained relevant quality certifications and has been validated by independent testing laboratories. It has been proven to provide accurate and reliable test results, conforming to the BS 5867 standard and other relevant safety and performance standards. We also continuously update and improve our product based on the latest technological advancements and customer feedback to ensure its long-term performance and compliance.

6. Application Areas and Success Stories

• Textile and Curtain Manufacturing
  • A leading curtain manufacturer used the BS 5867 tester to develop a new line of fire-resistant curtains. The test results showed that the new curtains had a significantly reduced flame spread rate and afterflame time compared to their previous models. This enabled them to market the curtains as a premium fire-safe option, meeting the increasing demand for fire-safe window coverings in hotels, theaters, and public buildings. The company experienced an increase in sales and enhanced its reputation in the market.
  • A textile producer focused on interior fabrics utilized the equipment to optimize the performance of their drape fabrics. By testing different fiber blends and finishing treatments, they were able to improve the fire resistance of their products, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents in residential and commercial interiors.
• Research Institutions
  • A research institute dedicated to textile technology used the BS 5867 Flammability Testing Equipment to study the long-term durability of flame-retardant finishes on curtains. The data obtained helped them develop new and more durable flame-retardant coatings that could withstand repeated washing and sunlight exposure, contributing to the advancement of textile finishing technology and the improvement of fire safety in window coverings.
  • Another research institution investigated the effect of nanotechnology on the flammability of curtain fabrics. Their studies led to the discovery of new nanoparticle-based flame-retardant additives that could enhance the fire resistance of fabrics without sacrificing their aesthetic and functional properties, opening up new avenues for the development of high-performance fire-safe curtains.
• Regulatory and Inspection Agencies