Smoke Density Apparatus: ASTM D2843 Smoke Density Meter

Smoke Density Apparatus Overview

The smoke density apparatus measures how suspended particulates obscure light during sample combustion. Operating in accordance with Billung's law, the assembly subjects test pieces to direct propane flame impingement to evaluate smoke release behavior. Measuring 9508501050mm with a stable weight of 39kg, the bench unit provides consistent flame and optical conditions across routine quality checks.

At Qualitest, we supply this test station with standard 220V, 3A electrical wiring, alongside an optional 110V configuration to match various facility requirements. Integrating this apparatus into your testing workflow lets laboratory staff capture optical transmission values and establish the Smoke Density Rating (SDR), helping you evaluate material behavior during early research and regular factory release checks.

Compliance & Standards

This smoke density meter fulfills testing criteria specified in widely recognized international test methods:

• ASTM D2843: Serves as the primary operational guideline for measuring smoke density from the burning or decomposition of plastics.
• DIN 4102 B1: Applies to European fire testing procedures for assessing flammability properties across building materials.

The apparatus runs integrated testing software that compiles results from three sample runs simultaneously, generating continuous curves and verifying whether sample batches comply with established testing benchmarks.

Key Features

• Teflon-Lined Test Chamber: The inner testing space features a Teflon coating that resists corrosive smoke byproducts generated during combustion, shielding metal walls from premature wear.
• Dual-Burner Flame Impact: The primary burner applies an active flame at 276 KPA, while an auxiliary burner operating at 138 KPA directs flame contact onto dripping droplets to evaluate molten material burning.
• Optical Sensor Assembly: An incandescent light source pairs with a cosine-corrected silicon photodiode and color filters that exclude infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, aligning light attenuation measurements with human eye sensitivity.
• Visual Observation Marker: The bottom of the chamber houses a white "EXIT" marker set against a red background, allowing technicians to observe visual clarity changes through the transparent viewing glass.
• Automated Transmittance Logging: The system automatically records light transmittance every 15 seconds, calculates integral SDR curves, and exports compiled datasets to an external computer or printer.

Product Applications & Operating Environments

The smoke density apparatus supports quality control inspection and material validation within general industrial laboratories. Target applications include:

• Conduit Manufacturing: Checking the smoke production properties of rigid and flexible PVC conduits used in electrical installations.
• Automotive Components: Evaluating interior trim and cabin composite materials against fire safety specifications.
• Plastics Compounding: Documenting optical smoke properties for new polymer blends and fire-retardant additive formulations.

To maintain proper testing conditions, facilities should place the equipment inside a dedicated, ventilated fume hood. Operation requires a propane gas connection supplying not less than 0.3MPA of line pressure. The system operates consistently in clean indoor laboratory surroundings with ambient temperatures maintained between 10°C and 35°C.

Smoke Density Tester Technical Specifications