Cable and pipe pull-out force batch testing system

Case study

Flexible pipe pull-out test frame for specimen location

Flexible pipe pull-out upper grip and graphical results console

Solution

Software-controlled high-capacity test stand
Custom fixtures to optimise sample changing

Benefits

Efficient testing procedure
Maximum accuracy from custom-designed grips and fixtures
Data capture and reporting straight from the test results

"We have made pull-out tests for many years, but with our new equipment, we get the result much quicker and with better accuracy. We can rapidly prepare and perform advanced tests and present the result in a more precise way for both customers and our colleagues, within research and development. The new equipment enables studies of how much force is needed to make a cable or pipe start moving within a seal. The test fixture was developed at CA Mätsystem AB (Mecmesin’s distributor) in Sweden, especially for Roxtec products, in order to enable a thorough testing of all existing Roxtec solutions. All results are stored in a database providing extended knowledge for future product development, as well as, useful information for customers and sales people."

Patrik Cederholm, Tests & Certificates Engineer
Roxtec International AB

Requirement

Roxtec is a Swedish based world leading provider of flexible cable and pipe seals. The company offers an adaptable sealing solution, known as the Multidiameter™, which is ideal for any opening, where cables and pipes pass through, regardless of size. It is based on sealing modules with removable layers, allowing for a perfect seal. Roxtec wanted to guarantee the resistance against pull-out force of their sealing system.

An important attribute of the test was to measure the retention force versus length and time, and enable a reduction in the overall time to perform each test.

Using Emperor enables visual observation, recording, interrogation and reporting

Solution

Mecmesin’s 50-i high capacity computer-controlled test system provided the ideal solution for this complex test. As the retention test required a length of cable or pipe pre-joined to the Roxtec sealing system, Mecmesin’s Distributor, in Sweden (CA Mätsystem AB), designed and produced a special test fixture, which could accommodate different test frame sizes and various thicknesses of test material.

The fixture consists of a self-adjusting load cell trolley, attached to the crosshead, upon which a tension grip is fixed for natural alignment during testing. The test frame, fixed to the system’s base, is also self-adjustable and includes a bottom frame with locators, for quick mounting of test samples. An interlocking frame secures the sample, automatically adjusting to suit the material’s thickness. The entire fixture is then able to adjust horizontally, across the test plate, and vertically, in-line with the load cell. A heavy-duty tension grip applies a pull-force to the cable, with all test data recorded and shown graphically on a PC, via Emperor™ software. The inclusion of Emperor™ offers the company detailed test information, data interrogation and reporting options, which is used for further research and development, as well as, historical traceability.