Water Penetration Test Equipment

The DLA Product Test Center-TA Lab has listed the requirement to obtain 5 each - self-contained instruments to measure the resistance of a fabric to the penetration of water under hydrostatic pressure. One surface of the test specimen is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure, increasing the water column at a constant rate, until it reaches a predetermined height for the duration of a specified time period. If the test specimen is penetrated by water during the test period, the user will record the time it takes the first drop of water to penetrate the coated material/fabric. No leakage indicates a passing result. Minimum requirements: 1. Specifications: Water Penetration Tester a. The test machines MUST comply with requirements as stated in ASTM D751 Hydrostatic Resistance (Procedure - B - Pressure Application by a Rising Column of Water), and AATCC TM127-2017(2018)e Test Option 1. i. The hydrostatic resistance of a coated fabric shall be determined by hydrostatic pressure of a rising column of water (Suter test). b. Quantity: five (5) each - Water Penetration Testers c. The machine shall consist of a clamp for holding the specimen and a means of providing a column of water whose level can be raised. d. The clamp shall consist of a lower ring about 171 mm (6.75 in.) in outside diameter by 114 mm (4.5 in.) in inside diameter held in a fixed position and provided with a channel 9.5 mm (0.375 in.) in width into which a rubber gasket seats and a movable upper plate which shall be about 170 mm (6.70 in.) in outside diameter and shall carry the rubber gasket. A water chamber on top of the upper plate shall have a water opening into the clamp and a vent pipe. A suitable mechanism shall be provided to close the clamp with the specimen of fabric between the ring and plate. The water leveler shall be provided with a water inlet, water outlet, and overflow pipe. It shall be connected to the clamp by means of a rubber hose. The overflow pipe provides a means of maintaining a constant level of water. A suitable mechanism for raising the water leveler uniformly at the required rate and lowering it again shall be provided. A chain and sprocket device driven by a motor and controlled by a suitable disk clutch has been found satisfactory. A steel scale for measuring the height of the water column shall be attached to the water leveler in such a way that the zero is in the same horizontal plane as the constant water level throughout the testing procedure. A reference pointer in fixed position at the level of the face of the lower ring of the clamp shall be provided for measuring the distance of travel of the water leveler above the face of the clamp. The scale shall be graduated in millimeters (or sixteenths of an inch). A mirror shall be provided under the clamp to observe any leaks in the fabric being tested. The apparatus consists essentially of an inverted conical well equipped with a coaxial ring clamp to fasten the cloth specimen under the well bottom. The apparatus introduces water, distilled or de-ionized from above the specimen over an area 114 mm in diameter and at a rate of 10.0 - 0.5 mm of hydrostatic head per second. A mirror is affixed below the specimen to enable the operator to ascertain penetration of the specimen by drops of water. A valve is provided for venting the air in the well. e. Instrument type: Floor model f. Hydro compatibility: Distilled or de-ionized water g. Specimen size: 8inch x 8inch h. Pressing area: 4.5inch i. Clamping method: pneumatic or electromechanical, with the ability to preset clamping pressure j. Water Speed: 1 to 3 cm of water per second k. Pressure Range: 0 to 180 cm of water height l. Pressure speed: 0 to 1 cm H2O per second m. Dimensions: 52 x 64 x 270 cm - (21x26x107 in) n. Electrical power: 110 vac, 50-60 Hz, single phase, 15 amp maximum