Oxygen Index Tester

To automatically determine the minimum quantity of oxygen required for combustion. The apparatus determines the flammability characteristics of the materials used in the production of electric cables. The oxygen percentage is detected by a paramagnetic transducer (O2 accuracy <0.1%), and the combustion occurs inside the glass column. The operator is fixing only the O2 ratio, while the N2 flux is kept constant by proportional valve of the electronic system. Two units separated, one to check the measurements and one to feed oxygen and nitrogen to the column where the testing sample is placed.

Application

The Oxygen Index Tester is suitable for evaluating the combustion characteristics of:

Plastic materials: thermoplastics, engineering plastics, polymer sheets

Electrical cables: cable insulation and sheath materials

Textile materials: fabrics and flame-retardant textiles

Rubber materials: elastomers and combustible rubber products

Building materials: materials requiring oxygen index classification

Research laboratories: flame-retardant material development and quality control

Standards

ASTM D 2863 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)

ISO 4589-2 Plastics-Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index –Part 2: Ambient-temperature test

CEI 20-22/4 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions-Part 3: Tests on bunched wires or cables

ISO 13501,

BS 2782 Pt 141,

ISO: 4589-3,

NES 714,

NES 715

Parameters

Configuration include：

Support for self supporting specimens

Support for non-self supporting specimens

Support for thin specimens

Column Pyrex glass with cap

Burner for the ignition of the sample with manual regulator and gas hose

Clamp for specimen positioning

Determination of the percentage of oxygen through a paramagnetic transducer (accuracy O2 <0.1% )

Direct reading on color display 3.2" (% Oxygen, Flow, Air)

Automatic flow through Mass flow

Automatic mixing oxygen / nitrogen

Management of equipment Microprocessor

Management mixture by addition of air to more economic measures with high concentration oxygen

Automatic calibration (0 and 100%)

Distributor flow inside the column

USB output to connecting PC

Optional: Software testing report data, easy to use, customize your testing procedures and final report.

FAQ

(1)What does the oxygen index value indicate?

The oxygen index represents the minimum oxygen concentration required for a material to continue burning under specified test conditions. A higher oxygen index generally indicates better flame resistance performance.

(2)Which materials can be tested with this instrument?

The tester is commonly used for plastics, cable insulation materials, rubber, textiles, and other combustible materials. The applicable specimen type depends on the selected standard and material form.

(3)Why is oxygen measurement accuracy important?

Small changes in oxygen concentration can affect combustion behavior. ASTM D2863 requires accurate oxygen control because the oxygen index result depends directly on the measured oxygen percentage.

(4)What is the difference between ambient and high-temperature oxygen index testing?

Ambient testing evaluates combustion behavior at normal conditions, while ISO 4589-3 evaluates materials under elevated temperatures to simulate more severe service environments.

(5)How should an oxygen index tester be selected?

Selection should consider tested materials, required standards, oxygen sensor accuracy, gas control method, and data management functions. QINSUN engineers can provide suitable configuration recommendations according to your testing needs.

Qinsun-lab also provides the following different types of oxygen index testers:
1. High Temperature Oxygen Index Tester


2. Rubber/Asphalt Oxygen Index Tester: