Sand and Dust Testing
Sand and dust can have a serious impact on the sensitive electronics that underpin the guidance and communications systems of today’s military vehicles, in addition to the rugged exterior that protects those components from damage. For this reason alone, sand and dust testing has been an important part of the quality-control process for defense contractors as well as other manufacturers in a wide range of industries.
NTS operates some of the largest and most accurate sand and dust testing chambers available in the industry. We can accommodate parts in excess of 8 ft3 (0.25 m3) and comply with the requirements of various regulatory standards. While sand or dust circulate at up to 40 mph (65 kph) we can modify the test according to your special requirements, including running at temperatures of up to +200°F (+95°C). A calibrated “hopper” which assures that an adequate amount of contaminant is entering into circulation manages the input to the chambers. In addition to measured inputs, NTS employs an electronic beam, which determines that there is the right mixture of sand or dust and air in the test medium at any given time. This enables our technicians to adjust for loss in real time, and make corrections to ensure that the test article is exposed to the harmful particulate matter for the requisite amount of time.
Dust Testing for Military Vehicles
Military vehicles and individual system components are currently one of the largest markets for dust testing. At NTS, we have a long history of providing environmental testing services for the defense industry. We are fully conversant with MIL-STD-810 standards and can help you streamline your path to demonstrating compliance.
Recently, “military-grade” has become a major selling point for ruggedized consumer goods. The ability to demonstrate superior resistance to sand and dust is important for cameras, communications equipment and more. Consumers are more informed than ever about the value of environmental testing. If you want your product to stand out from the crowd, demonstrating compliance with MIL-STD-810 is one effective way to do it.
Dust Explosion Testing
Laboratories and manufacturing facilities that handle combustible powders must be certain their sensitive tools and safety equipment will be able to withstand any potential dust explosion or other on-the-job accident. Dust explosion testing is essential for pharmaceutical companies and may be required by research labs and other facilities. NTS is a leading dust explosion testing company that can perform compliance management for OHSA, NFPA and other standards. Contact a lab near you for more information.
Testing at NTS
NTS has more than 50 years of experience meeting the environmental testing needs of a diverse selection of clients. We maintain a network of labs across the country and can quickly turn around projects of any complexity. Our engineers will work with you to assess your dust testing requirements and develop a program that works for your budget and timeline.
NTS sand and dust testing operations have been verified and audited by numerous governmental agencies. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you meet your sand and dust testing requirements.