Airslide fabric, also known as fluidizing fabric or pneumatic conveyor belt, plays a vital role in the transportation of powdered or granular materials in airslide systems. To ensure the efficiency and durability of airslide fabric, rigorous testing is conducted to assess its quality and performance.

Four important points Quality testing of airslide fabric

  • Performance Evaluation: Testing ensures that the fabric meets the required specifications, ensuring optimal performance and efficient material flow in airslide systems.
  • Durability Assessment: By subjecting the fabric to various tests, its resistance to wear, tear, abrasion, and other mechanical stresses can be evaluated. This helps determine the fabric’s longevity and its ability to withstand the demands of regular operation.
  • Safety Assurance: Quality testing ensures that the airslide fabric complies with safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents or material contamination during material transportation.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Properly tested airslide fabric minimizes downtime, maintenance costs, and the need for frequent replacements, resulting in long-term cost savings for industries relying on airslide systems.
Airslide fabric
Airslide fabric

6 major Testing Methods of airslide fabric

Several testing methods are commonly employed to assess the quality and performance of airslide fabric:

  • Tensile Strength Test:This test measures the maximum load that the fabric can withstand before breaking. It evaluates the fabric’s resistance to tension and determines its ability to endure mechanical stresses during operation. Tensile strength testing is typically conducted using a specialized tensile testing machine, which gradually applies force until the fabric breaks.
  • Tear Strength Test:The tear strength test determines the resistance of the fabric to propagation of a tear or a cut. It measures the force required to initiate and propagate a tear in the fabric. This test provides insight into the fabric’s durability and its ability to resist tearing in demanding operating conditions.
  • Abrasion Resistance Test:Abrasion resistance testing assesses the fabric’s ability to withstand wear and degradation caused by friction against other surfaces or materials. The fabric is subjected to controlled abrasion using specialized equipment or methods, and the loss of weight or thickness is measured. This test helps evaluate the fabric’s durability and predicts its performance in abrasive environments.
  • Air Permeability Test:Air permeability testing determines the airflow through the fabric, which is crucial for efficient material transportation in airslide systems. The fabric is clamped between two chambers, and air pressure is applied on one side while measuring the airflow rate. This test ensures that the fabric’s permeability falls within the desired range to facilitate material flow while preventing excessive air leakage.
  • Seam Strength Test:Seam strength testing evaluates the strength and durability of the fabric’s seams, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the conveyor belt. This test measures the force required to separate the seams, ensuring that they can withstand the stresses and strains encountered during operation.
  • Chemical Resistance Test:Airslide fabric is exposed to various chemicals during material transportation. Chemical resistance testing assesses the fabric’s resistance to degradation or damage when exposed to specific chemicals or substances. This helps ensure that the fabric can withstand the corrosive effects of the materials being transported without significant deterioration.

Conclusion

The quality testing of airslide fabric is paramount to ensure efficient and reliable material transportation in airslide systems. Tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance, air permeability, seam strength, and chemical resistance are key parameters evaluated during testing.

By subjecting the fabric to these rigorous tests, manufacturers can ensure that it meets the required standards for performance, durability, and safety. Investing in properly tested airslide fabric not only enhances the efficiency and longevity of airslide systems but also contributes to cost savings and operational reliability for industries relying on the seamless transportation of powdered or granular materials.