SOP for Operation and Calibration of Bursting Strength Tester

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this SOP is:

• To describe the operation procedure of the Bursting Strength Tester.
• To describe the calibration procedure of the Bursting Strength Tester.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Chemist - Quality Control shall be:

• Responsible for carrying out the analysis as per the procedure.
• Responsible for interpretation of the results obtained
• Responsible for the timely calibration of the equipment.
• Responsible for intimating any abnormal observation to the Manager – Quality Control for necessary corrective actions.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Manager – Quality Control

PROCEDURE

Cleaning Procedure

• Switch OFF the Power Supply of the equipment before cleaning. Clean the equipment with a dry cloth every day.
• If necessary wet cloth shall be used for effective cleaning it shall be dried immediately using a dry cloth.

Operating Procedure

• Switch On the mains. This will bring the plunger to its starting position. If the plunger is already at its starting position, the motor will not start switching ON main.
• A representative sample of the material to be tested shall be placed over the diaphragm. The sample size shall be cut to 10 X 10 cm.
• Place the sample specimen on the Platform.
• The tripod plate shall be tightened to apply sufficient clamping pressure in such a way that the sample does not slip.
• Select gauge [II] for 3-ply shippers and partitions and gauge [I] for 5-ply and 7-ply shippers.
• Set the maximum hand of the gauge at zero or a point on the scale below the point at which bursting will occur.
• Push the RED push button and keep it pressed so that the plunger will start rotating in a clockwise direction till sampling bursts. The push button is released as soon as the sample bursts. Note down the gauge reading in Analytical Test Reports.
• Release the pressure on the test piece by rotating the clamp wheel in anti-cock wise direction and remove the sample specimen.

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Calibration Procedure

• Clean the equipment using a clean cloth.
• Check the glycerin level [this bursting strength a tester is a hydraulic unit and its accuracy depends on a completely filled hydraulic system. Inadequate glycerin quantity affects the accuracy of the gauge readings]
• Take the standard Aluminium foil of 5.4 Kg / cm2 for Gauge II and 9.5 kg / cm2 for Gauge I provided by the manufacturer.
• Operate the instrument as per the operating procedure mentioned above.
• Record the observations in the calibration record as per Annexure - 1, in case of any discrepancy, observed, affix an “Under Maintenance” label on the instrument and report to Executive - Quality Assurance to take necessary corrective actions.
• After calibration affixes the calibration status label.

Acceptance Criteria

• For Gauge I : 9.0 to 10.0 Kg / cm2
• For Gauge II : 5.2 to 5.6 Kg / cm2

Frequency of calibration: Quarterly.

ANNEXURE
Annexure – 1: Format for Calibration Record of Bursting Strength Tester

REVISION HISTORY

Nil

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