JB-Brookfield JB-YZS2 Oxygen Index Tester

Overview

The JB-Brookfield JB-YZS2 Oxygen Index Tester is a precision benchtop instrument engineered for the quantitative determination of the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of solid polymeric materials under standardized combustion conditions. Based on the principle of controlled atmospheric composition—where a vertically oriented specimen is ignited in a defined mixture of oxygen and nitrogen—the instrument measures the minimum volume percentage of oxygen in the O₂/N₂ mixture required to sustain candle-like combustion for at least 3 minutes or over a 50 mm burn length. This method adheres strictly to internationally referenced test protocols, including GB/T 2406.2–2009 (equivalent to ISO 4589-2) for plastics and GB/T 5454–1997 (aligned with ASTM D2863) for textiles. The JB-YZS2 employs dual-gas mass flow control, calibrated borosilicate vertical combustion tubes, and a thermally stable test chamber architecture to ensure high reproducibility across repeated determinations—critical for QC laboratories validating flame-retardant formulations in wire & cable insulation, automotive interior components, and building material composites.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-channel mass flow controllers for independent, stable regulation of oxygen and nitrogen supply—enabling precise LOI stepwise adjustment within ±5% flow accuracy.
• Borosilicate glass combustion tubes (2 pcs, replaceable) with internal diameter optimized for laminar flow and consistent flame propagation behavior per GB/T 2406 requirements.
• Self-supporting specimen holder assembly designed to accommodate rigid rods, sheets, and molded parts up to 150 mm in length—compatible with standard specimen geometries specified in ISO 4589-2.
• Stainless steel mesh supports and calibrated glass bead beds ensure uniform gas distribution and thermal stabilization at the base of the combustion zone.
• Front-access pressure regulators and leak-tested gas pathways conform to industrial safety practices for low-pressure (<0.25 MPa inlet, 0.1 MPa working) compressed gas handling.
• Compact footprint (330 × 250 × 530 mm) enables integration into regulated laboratory environments without requiring dedicated ventilation hoods—though local exhaust is recommended during extended testing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JB-YZS2 supports a broad spectrum of solid combustible materials used in electrical, transportation, and construction sectors—including cross-linked polyolefins (XLPE), PVC compounds, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), polyamide (PA6/PA66), polyester films, rigid urethane foams, and cellulosic fibers. Specimen preparation follows strict dimensional tolerances: thickness ≤13 mm, width 6.5 ± 0.5 mm, length 140 ± 2 mm (for self-supporting forms). All operational procedures are fully traceable to national standards GB/T 2406.2 and GB/T 5454, and the system’s measurement uncertainty profile aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited testing laboratories. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit-ready documentation—including raw flow logs, ignition timestamps, and operator annotations—can be maintained manually or via external LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

The JB-YZS2 operates as a manual, analog-controlled instrument with mechanical flow meters and calibrated rotameters—intentionally omitting embedded microprocessors to maximize long-term calibration stability and minimize firmware-related validation overhead. All test parameters (O₂ %, flow rates, burn duration, char length) are recorded manually in accordance with GLP-compliant lab notebooks. Optional digital data logging is achievable via third-party USB pressure/flow transducers interfaced with validated spreadsheet templates or ELN platforms. For regulatory submissions (e.g., UL 94 prequalification, IEC 60332-1-2 screening), users are advised to retain original handwritten records alongside photographic evidence of flame behavior and residue morphology.

Applications

• Quality assurance of halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) compounds used in low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) cable jackets.
• R&D screening of phosphorus- and nitrogen-based synergists in polyamide and polypropylene matrices.
• Comparative LOI benchmarking of recycled polymer blends versus virgin resins under identical thermal preconditioning.
• Regulatory compliance verification for EN 50399 (fire performance of cables) and GB/T 18380.12 (vertical flame test correlation).
• Academic research on charring kinetics and condensed-phase flame inhibition mechanisms in bio-based thermosets.

FAQ

Does the JB-YZS2 include automated oxygen concentration ramping?

No. It relies on manual fine-tuning of dual gas flowmeters to achieve target O₂ concentrations—consistent with GB/T 2406 methodology and preferred for method transfer across multi-site labs.
Can it test non-self-supporting films or foams?

Yes—using supplemental metal mesh support frames (included) and modified specimen mounting per Annex B of GB/T 2406.2.
Is calibration certification provided with shipment?

A factory calibration report referencing NIST-traceable flow standards is supplied; annual recalibration using certified gas mixtures is recommended.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?

It meets CE-marked electrical safety requirements (EN 61010-1) and complies with China’s mandatory CCC exemption criteria for laboratory analytical equipment.
Are replacement combustion tubes available as spare parts?

Yes—borosilicate tubes (OD 80 mm, ID 72 mm, L 500 mm) are stocked and shipped with serialized calibration verification.