Physical Properties
Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center’s (ECBC) Environmental and Field Testing
Facilities maintain a physical properties laboratory for the determination
of various properties of test materials and products. Mask programs at
ECBC come to this laboratory to determine the effects of battlefield contaminants,
such as oils, fuels, decontaminants. on mask materials, including lens
and straps. The lens characteristics, light transmission, haze, and distortion
are measured in accordance with ASTM D1003 using hazemeters and optical
testers.
The tensile compression tests on elastomers, plastics and metals are conducted
with a tensile strength tester capable of performing tests with loads up
to 44,000 pounds and are performed in accordance with ASTM D412 and D624.
Spindle type and Ford cup type viscometers offer a variety of methods to
determine viscosity of fluids. The equipment can accurately weigh test
samples from .0001 grams to 2,000 pounds with a variety of scales and balances.
Accurate measurements can be taken with a variety of calipers, micrometers,
veneer depth and bore gauges, and gauge blocks.
Capabilities
- Perform hardness tests on metal and plastic
- Perform tensile compression tests
- Perform hydrostatic tests - water leakage or burst tests
- Perform various optical tests - measuring light transmission,
haze and lens distortion
- Determine viscosity of fluids at ambient or temperature
controlled conditions
- Weigh and measure test items
- Determine effects of battlefield contaminants on test materials
- Temperature conditioning of test items
Equipment
- Instron Model 4507 Materials Tester
- Rockwell & Shore Hardness Testers
- Labline & Ford Viscometers
- Mettler & Ohaus Balances
- Gardner & Ann Arbor Optical Testers
Requirements
- American Society for Testing of Materials Test Standards
- Military, Federal and Commercial Test Standards
Dimensional Analysis & Material
Testing
Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center Test Reliability & Evaluation
Team has the capability to conduct physical evaluation of a
variety of products ranging from mechanical parts to filters
to installation housings. This work has been performed for
agencies such as the Department of Defense, National Institute
of Standards & Technology, and Occupational Safety & Health
Administration.
The dimensional analysis area has a vast array of optical and physical equipment
for making and/or verifying dimensional measurements through first article
testing, acceptance, production, surveillance, and developmental efforts.
Some of the equipment includes: the J&L™ Optical Comparators, which
measure contours, silhouettes, surfaces, angles, and radii; the Nikon™ Measuring
Microscope, which is capable of measuring in the x, y, and z vectors; and
the Profilometer, which gauges the quality of a surface.
Another aspect of physical evaluation is material testing. Examples of tests
include tensile, compression, Rockwell hardness, and micro hardness. These
tests are useful to customers who wish to quantify the strength characteristics
of plastic and metal samples.
Capabilities
- Physical Evaluation & Measurement:
- Dimensional Analysis
- Durometer Evaluation
- Material Testing:
- Tensile
- Compression
- Hardness
- Micro Hardness
- Others
Equipment
- J&L™ Optical Comparator
- 4’x8’ Granite Surface Plate (Grade A)
- Trimos™ Height Gauge
- Nikon™ Measuring Microscope &
- Secondary Nikon™ Stereo Viewing Scope
- Rockwell Hardness Tester & Micro
- Hardness Tester
- Rubber Compression Testing
- Coordinate Measuring Machine
- Profilometer
- Paper Micrometer
- Material Polishing Station
- Instron™ Tensile Test (2 pounds to 11,000 pounds)
- Brittle Test
- Abrasion Test
- Elrrendorf Tear Test
- Hydrostatic Test
- Large selection of hand-held instruments for a variety
of applications
Requirements
- Federal Standards
- American Society for Testing of Materials Test Standards
- Military Standards
- Custom Requests
Gas Chromatograph Laboratory
The
Test, Reliability & Evaluation Team provides a variety
of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense
services through the use of test chambers and analysis methods
in the Gas Chromatograph (GC) Laboratory. Through the use of
the chemical simulant Methyl Salicylate (MeS), we are able
to test equipment as if it were exposed to a chemical event.
Three separate test chambers and a clean room are utilized
to test a variety of items ranging from suits to filters to
equipment and clothing.
Our collection methods use sample sorbent tubes or Passive
Sampling Devices (PSDs) packed with Tenax TA 60/80. These PSDs
are exposed to the environment, evaluated and subsequently
analyzed in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
Our laboratory uses thermal desorption to extract the volatiles
(MeS) from the non-volatile matrix (Tenax TA 60/80) by heating
the sample in a stream of inert gas. The volatiles are then
swept in a stream of inert gas to a gas chromatograph for analysis.
The gas chromatographs are equipped with flame ionization detectors
to determine the amount of volatiles collected. An electrical
signal is generated from the ionization of the samples as it
is converted into a mass. This mass allows us to determine
the amount of simulant the equipment was exposed to.
Capabilities
- Analyze MeS concentrations in tubes or PSDs as low as 1ng.
- Analyze GC lab results to determine protection offered
by CBRN equipment and suits.
Equipment
- Sorbent Sampling Tubes
- Stainless steel tube (90mm long by 6.35mm outside diameter)
- Tenax TA 60/80 adsorbent
- (2) Perkin Elmer Automatic Thermal Desorption Systems (ATD
400s)
- 50 sample autosampler
- Temperature programmable
- Three sample analysis methods
- (2) Perkin Elmer Autosystem Gas Chromatographs
- Zebron ZB-1 30m L x 0.25mm ID x 1.00μmdf capillary column
- Flame Ionization Detector
- Integration Software
- Perkin Elmer’s TotalChrom software
- Auxiliary Equipment
- Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Zero Air Generators
Man In Simulant Testing (MIST)
The
MIST is the preferred method of determining the overall Protection
Factor (PF) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear
protection equipment to be used for protection against chemical
warfare agents (CWA). The results of this testing are used
with the Body Region Hazard Analysis (BRHA) to determine the
overall PF of the suit. This method uses actual skin adsorption
data on agents and simulants to predict the Medium Required
Exposure Dosage (MRED) an individual must be exposed to while
wearing the suit in order to produce end-point reactions in
the body for systemic (nerve agent) and localized (mustard)
exposure to agents.
MIST is performed by:
- Dressing test participants up in a protective suit ensemble
with passive sampling devices (PSDs) placed on the skin;
- Exposing the test participant to a high concentration of
a non-toxic CWA simulant while performing routine exercise
movements;
- Removing and analyzing the PSDs for simulant vapor that
was adsorbed at the skin;
- Analyzing the PSD data with the BRHA to determine performance
characteristics of the suit ensemble.
- Obtaining data through analysis at the laboratory.
Capabilities
- Determine the overall protection factor of a suit ensemble.
- Calculate the MRED for nerve and blister agents.
Equipment
- Test Chamber
- 40’ L x 20’ W x 14’ H
- Temperature controlled
- Four ¼ horsepower industrial fans
- Clean Room
- Five-stage clean room with overpressure
- 600 cfm fan filter assembly to create overpressure
- Challenge Generator
- Hot-air vapor generator blower system
- MIRAN®
Mask & Mask Filter Performance
Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center maintains a respiratory mask and
filter testing laboratory that performs a range of product
qualification tests. These tests include filter gas life, particulate
efficiency, mask leakage and resistance, and dimensional inspections
related to craftsmanship.
The team performs work for commercial and government customers. Common test
items include the C2A1 canister and the M40 Army field mask. Other government
products recently tested include the Joint Service Aircrew Mask, Joint Service
Chemical Environment Survivability Mask, and Joint Service General Purpose
Mask.
The laboratory also has the capability to expose masks, filters, and materials
to adverse environmental conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, accelerated
aging, and ozone to determine the durability of products.
Capabilities
- Filter Life
- Dimethymethylphosphonate Gas Life
- Filter Efficiency
- Particulate Penetration (Simulants used include Polyalphaolephin
and mineral oil)
- Mask Leakage
- Dimensional Inspection of Craftsmanship
- Environmental & Mechanical Tests
Equipment
- Filter Efficiency
- TDA 100P
- Q127 Penetration Tester
- Mask Leakage
- M14 Mask Leakage Tester
- TDA99M Mask Field Tester
- Q213 Inhalation & Exhalation Resistance Tester
- Q179 Drink Tube Resistance Tester
- Q204 Drink Tube Bubble Tester
- M14 Outlet Valve Tester
- TDA124 Outlet Valve Tester
- M4A1 Outlet Valve Tester
Requirements
- MIL-PRF-51560C
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Custom Test Plans and Specifications
Gas & High Efficiency Particulate
Air (HEPA) Filter Testing Performance
Gas
filters are destructively evaluated for nerve agent and mustard
life using the simulant dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) as
a challenge. Filters are tested according to the test plan
and are accepted or rejected based upon test results. The use
of DMMP simulant allows for expanded testing with little risk
and at a fraction of the cost associated with agent testing.
Gas filter DMMP life values can be correlated to agent life.
HEPA filters are nondestructively evaluated for aerosol efficiency by challenging
with a 0.3 micrometer polyalphaolfin (PAO) aerosol, Durasyn 164. Upstream
and downstream particles are laser sized and counted to determine filter
efficiency. This is a nondestructive test therefore 100% inspection is possible.
The High Flow Alternative Test System capable of measuring particle size
as small as 0.10 micrometers is utilized for this testing. The durability
and design performance of the HEPA and gas filter in rough terrain can be
determined by the rough handler test and environmental test.
System & Test Requirements
- Evaluate gas filters against DMMP
- Conduct rough handling tests
- Conduct environmental testing
Equipment
- Q262 and Q223 Filter Life Testers
- Rough Handler
- HFATS
- PAO Aerosol Generators/Detectors
- LMP2000
Requirements
- ASME N510
- MIL-STD Requirements
- ASME AG-1 Requirements
Filters Tested
- M12, M14, M48A1, M98 filter set, M98 HSFC, M49 gas filter
- Commercial & DOE HEPA filters
- Type II 400CFM gas filters
- Homeland Defense, COE gas and HEPA filters
- V-Cell gas filters
- TACOM 200CFM Tank filters
- Gas mask filters
Quality Product List (QPL) for High Efficiency
Particulate Air HEPA) Filters & Media
The
qualification tests are unique tests conducted by Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). Testing of HEPA media (paper)
and HEPA filters are performed in accordance with the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) AG-1 code and DOD/DOE
specifications. Products that meet these qualification tests
are added to the QPL database which is maintained at ECBC and
contains a listing for both HEPA media and HEPA filters.
Requirements
- Qualification testing of HEPA filters and HEPA Media
- Testing conducted in accordance with ASME AG-1 (replaces
MIL-STD 51068 and MILL-STD 51079)
- MIL-STD 810F
- Maintain QPL Database
Equipment
- Instron Tensile Tester
- TDA 100P Penetrometer
- Q101 Water Repellency
- Q110 Rough Handler
- HFATS Penetrometer
- Q160 Over Pressure Tester
HEPA Media & Filters
- Airflow Resistance
- Aerosol Penetration
- Tensile Strength and Elongation
- Wet Tensile Strength
- Gamma Irradiation
- Water Repellency
- Flexing Characteristics
- Acidity
- Thickness
- Combustible Material
- Rough Handling
- Over Pressure
- Fungus Test (Optional)
Static Vapor Simulant Test Chambers
The
Test, Reliability and Evaluation Team operates two static challenge
test chambers. The chambers provide a controlled environment
for static challenge, entry/exit, and pressurization testing
of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection
equipment. The Static Challenge Test Chamber has a long history
of use for full Collective Protection testing of tracked and
wheeled vehicles, hard and soft walled shelters, and even field
deployable environmental control units.
Equipped with industrial strength mixing fans, the 40’L x 20’W
x 14’H chamber uses a hot air vapor generator to produce a Methyl Salicylate
(MeS) vapor concentration of up to 100 mg/m3 or a Sulfur Hexa-flouride vapor.
A MIRAN® in conjunction with a concentration controller and a Data Acquisition
System are used to automatically monitor, maintain and record test parameters/data.
Air sampling is performed with MINICAMS® and sorbent sampling tubes filled
with Tenax TA.
The Large Scale Static Challenge Test Chamber was constructed for testing of
larger CBRN equipped systems. The chamber will be outfitted with a data acquisition
system, vapor generator, MINICAMS®, and instrumentation.
The Low Dosage Test Chamber is 16’L x 12’W x 9’H and contains
oscillating fans that provide thorough mixing and circulation of both air and
the chemical simulant MeS. A hot-plate vapor generator may be used to produce
either a single dose vapor challenge of up to 5 mg/m3 or the electric metered
syringe pump may be used to maintain a continuous MeS vapor challenge concentration
of 1 – 5 mg/m3. Air sampling is performed with MINICAMS® and sorbent
sampling tubes filled with Tenax TA.
Capabilties
- Simulant Concentration: 1 – 100 mg/m3
- Chamber Pressure: 0 – (-0.5) inches water gauge (iwg)
- Air Flow: 0 – 5000 CFM
- 40’ L x 20’ W x 14’ H Chamber
- Temperature controlled
Large Scale Capabilties
- Simulant Concentration: 1-100 mg/m3
- Large footprint of 1500 ft2.
- 48’L x 32’W x 16’H
Small Scale Capabilties
- Simulant Concentration: 1 – 5 mg/m3
- Chamber Pressure: (-0.5) - 1 iwg
- 16’ L x 12’ W x 9’ H Chamber
Air Samplers
- Stainless steel sorbent sampling tubes
- Vacuum pump with inline critical orifice
- Electric actuated sequencer
- MINICAMS®
Challenge Generator
- Hot-plate vapor generator
- Hot-air vapor generator blower system
- Foxboro miniature infra-red gas analyzer (MIRAN®)
Fixed Site & Filter-In-Place Systems
Performance
Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) has the ability to design
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) filtration
systems for fixed sites, operation buildings overseas, vehicular
platforms, and facilities including military dorms and chemistry
labs. From systems initial design and development to systems
sustainment, ECBC offers a “cradle to grave” solution
for the armed forces against CBRN attacks. Systems sustainment
includes development of system/design requirement, Standard
Operating Procedures and protocols, process validation, in-place
certification testing, and filter monitoring for CBRN filtration
systems.
In-place certification testing of installed CBRN filters for government laboratories,
vehicles, and fixed sites both home and abroad can be performed. This testing
certifies that the entire filtration system is capable of protecting against
a CBRN attack. These systems are evaluated in accordance with the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers N510 procedures for mechanical leaks using
portable polydispersed polyalphaolfin aerosol generators/detectors and nondestructive
gas simulants (non-Ozone depleting fluorocarbons) and electron capture chromatographic
detection methods. The in-place leak test is a leak test and not a life test
and is required to evaluate the CBRN filtration system for proper filter
installation, and carbon/particulate damage.
Capabilities
- Requirements Development
- Prototype Design Concepts
- Design and Integration
- Production and Installation
- Develop Test Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
- CBRN System Test
- Perform in place testing of complete filtration systems
- Facility/System Certification Tests
- Airlock Test
- Design & Drawing Review
Equipment
- Aerosol Generators
- Aerosol Detectors
- LMP2000 Tracer Gas Monitor
- CAD / SolidWorks
Requirements
- ASME N510
- ASME AG-1 Requirements
- DOE-STD-3020-97 Requirements
Full System Collective Protection Testing
Full
system collective protection testing is performed at the Test,
Reliability and Evaluation Team’s test facility located
at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. This facility is used
to perform full system tests including: static challenge, purge,
leakage, pressurization, and entry/exit testing on collective
protection equipment.
Throughout the development cycle, shelters, vehicles, and heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning systems must meet several test requirements.
Static challenge, entry/exit, and pressurization testing is performed in either
of the Static Challenge Test Chambers. Once an item is set up in the chamber
a pressurization test is performed to ensure the shelter maintains proper
overpressure. The item would then be exposed to three static challenge trials
to determine its protection factor. Finally, an entry/exit test would be
performed to determine the maximum number of people that could be processed
into a shelter or vehicle within an hour.
Purge testing is performed to determine how long it takes for an airlock, shelter,
or vehicle to clear itself of a particulate cloud. The ATI Aerosol Generator
TDA-4B uses Emory oil and compressed air to create a particulate cloud within
the interior of an airlock, shelter, or vehicle. The ATI Particulate Detector
TDA-2EL provides real time monitoring of the system’s concentration
levels while recording purge log reduction levels.
Leakage testing of a vehicle or shelter is performed to identify and correct
possible leakage points. The Improved Mobile Airflow Tester (IMAT) is used
to isolate and quantify airflow leakage rates at various system operating
pressures on vehicles, and shelters. The IMAT operates at 0-3000 cubic feet
per minute and 0-5 inches water gauge.
Capabilities
- Static Challenge Testing
- Entry/Exit Testing
- Pressurization Testing
- Purge Testing
- Leakage Testing
Equipment
- Static Challenge Test Chamber
- Large Scale Static Challenge Test Chamber
- ATI Aerosol Generator TDA-4B
- ATI Particulate Detector TDA-2EL
- IMAT
