Operation and calibration of bursting strength

1.0 Purpose
1.1 To describe a procedure for operation and calibration of Bursting Strength.

2.0 Scope
2.1 This standard operating procedure is applicable for operation and calibration of Bursting Strength

apparatus located at Quality Control Laboratory at ABC Pvt. Ltd., Roorkee (UK), India.

3.0 Responsibility
Officer QC/ Executive QC Preparation of SOP and follow the procedure as per SOP
Assistant Manager Reviewing and Training of SOP
Manager QC Implementation of SOP
4.0 Accountability
4.1 Manager Quality Control is accountable for implementation and compliance with SOP.

5.0 Procedure
5.1 Operation
5.1.1 Ensure that the instrument is clean and free from dust.
5.1.2 Ensure that the instrument is duly calibrated before use
5.1.3 Connect the apparatus with main power supply. Switch ON from the mains.
5.1.4 Turn the clamping wheel in anti clock wise direction.
5.1.5 Take the sample to be tested and place it over the diaphragm plate.
5.1.6 Clamp the sample by applying adequate pressure by clockwise turn of the wheel.
5.1.7 Select the gauge to be used depending on the sample to be tested. For

lower value like in case of paper and low range boards use the lower range gauge

by turning the rotary switch to gauge-2 position in case of board, turn back the switch to gauge -1 position.
5.1.8 Bring the red indicator of the gauge to zero position.
5.1.9 Place sample to be tested over the Diaphragm between upper and lower

clamping plates. The sample should be at least 100×100 mm (4” x 4”) in size.
5.1.10 Lower Tripod Plate applying sufficient clamping pressure to prevent slip of

the sample between Lower and Upper Clamping Plates during test.
Note: While testing corrugated board, it is recommended that Tripod plate be

lowered, so that sample is properly held and does not slip during testing.
5.1.11 In case of double gauge model, select relevant Pressure Gauge by operating Selector knob.
5.1.12 Set the maximum hand of the Gauge at the zero or at point on the scale below

the point at which bursting strength is expected occur.
5.1.13 Keep ‘Push for Burst’ button pressed till sample bursts. The motor will rotate in

clockwise direction at constant speed till ‘Push for Burst’ button is pressed, pushing plunger

to build pressure. On release of ‘Push for Burst’ button on burst, the motor will automatically

reverse to retract plunger to its starting position. The motor will stop in this position.
5.1.14 Record the bursting pressure indicated by the maximum hand.
5.1.15 Repeat the procedure on several samples or in other areas of the sample as necessary to

obtain average bursting pressure. Avoid overlapping of the clamping areas and disregard any

single reading that is not consistent with those taken in neighboring areas.
5.1.16 Press the push for burst and keep it pressed till the sample bursts.
5.1.17 Record the maximum value in Kg/cm2.

5.2 Cleaning Procedure
5.2.1 Disconnect the oven from main power supply.
5.2.2 Clean the oven externally with the help of clean dry cloth daily.

5.3 Calibration (Frequency: after 12 Months)
5.3.1 For lower readings (0 to 7 Kg/cm2 by) aluminium foil on board tester heaving

standard burst value of 3.0 ± 0.2 Kg/cm2.
5.3.2 Higher readings (above 7 Kg/cm2) by aluminium foil on board tester having

standard burst value of 11.8± 0.3 Kg/cm2.
5.3.3 Document the activity in Calibration Record of Bursting Strength Annexure I.
5.3.4 Fill the Calibration Tag on the instrument.
5.3.5 Report any discrepancy observed during calibration of instrument to Quality Control Manager

or his designee for corrective and preventive action.
5.3.6 Report any discrepancy observed during operation of the instrument to Manager-QC or his

authorized representative, and notify the defect to Engineering Department/ Service Engineer

to rectify the defect. Affix ‘Under Maintenance’ label on the instrument.

6.0 Reference
In house specification

7.0 Attachments
Annexure I : Calibration Record of Bursting Strength
8.0 Distribution
Distribution of the controlled copy to concerned departments.
Additional copies may be issued for specific purpose.

9.0 Abbreviations
QA : Quality Assurance
QC : Quality Control
SOP : Standard Operating Procedure
Kg/cm2 : Kilogram per Centimeter Square

10.0 Revision History