Airslide fabric is a unique textile that has gained popularity in the bulk material handling industry due to its remarkable features such as porosity, flexibility, and air permeability.
It is used in pneumatic conveyance systems in the form of a tube to transport powders and fine particles with minimal degradation. The quality and performance of airslide fabric depend on the fabric’s measurement techniques.
Top 4 Proper Measurement Techniques in Airslide Fabric
- Measuring the Porosity of Airslide Fabric: Porosity is the most critical characteristic of airslide fabric. It defines the airflow or air permeability of a textile. Measuring the porosity of airslide fabric can be challenging because it has an air channel structure that makes it difficult to determine the actual porosity. The porosity of airslide fabric can be measured using a device called a Gurley porosity tester. This device measures air permeability by testing the time it takes an air stream to pass through a flat surface of fabric under specific, standard conditions.
- Thickness Measurement of Airslide Fabric: The thickness of the fabric is an essential factor that describes the flexibility of air-slide fabric. It can be measured using various techniques, including a mechanical thickness gauge or a digital micrometer. Typically thickness is measured in thickness points or mils, where one mil is equivalent to one-thousandth of an inch.
- Measuring Tensile Strength and Elongation: Airslide fabric must be able to withstand the high-pressure air that travels through it while at the same time being flexible enough to move continuously. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can support per unit area. Measuring tensile strength and elongation helps in determining the durability and flexibility of airslide fabric. Tensile strength can be measured using a tensile strength testing machine, while elongation is usually measured in percentage. Knowledge about these properties of fabric helps in defining the durability and flexibility of air-slide fabric.
- Weight Measurement of Airslide Fabric: The weight of the fabric refers to its density, and it is a crucial factor when calculating the cost of the fabric. The weight of the fabric can be measured using a precision scale. It is measured in ounces per square yard or grams per square meter.
Top 5 Measurement Techniques Summary
| Measurement | Technique |
|---|---|
| Porosity | Gurley Porosity Tester |
| Thickness | Mechanical Thickness Gauge, Digital Micrometer |
| Tensile Strength | Tensile Strength Testing Machine |
| Elongation | Percentage Elongation |
| Weight | Precision Scale |
Top 5 Importance of Proper Measurement Techniques in Airslide Fabric
- Accurate measurement of airslide fabric characteristics defines the quality and suitability of the fabric for different applications.
- Appropriate measurements help to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Accurate measurements help in selecting the right fabric grade, which can optimize the performance of the pneumatic conveying system.
- Proper knowledge about fabric measurements helps in selecting the cost-effective and efficient airslide fabric.
- Understanding the measurement methods and results enables better communication between suppliers and customers.
Conclusion
Measuring airslide fabric is essential to ensure that the fabric meets the important characteristics that define its performance. Gurley porosity testing, thickness measurement, tensile strength and elongation tests, and weight measurement are some of the methods used to measure airslide fabric. Proper measurement techniques improve the quality of fabric and help in selecting the right grade for different applications.