Rapid Sample Ignition Test System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rapid sample ignition test system. An ignition test system includes: a test piece test chamber; and at least one gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber and is configured to at least verify the content of the gas mixture provided to the test piece test chamber.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the application number 201811010927.8, the application date of August 31, 2018, and the invention title of "Rapid Sample Ignition Test System". Technical Field

[0002] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to an ignition test system, and more particularly to verifying the characteristics of the test environment of the ignition test system. Background Art

[0003] Generally, test objects for flammability (such as test samples) need to be subjected to a photographic indirect test method or a direct test using a previously designed ignition fixture. The photographic indirect test method uses multiple cameras to photograph a test sample subjected to a direct lightning effect, and then manually scratches or processes it to determine whether the amount of all visible light in the photograph exceeds a built - in threshold. One manifestation of the direct lightning effect is a glow point indicating that the threshold has been exceeded. A test sample showing a glow point is typically regarded as a failure. In the direct test of a test sample, the ignition fixture is an opaque fixture filled with a combustible air - fuel mixture and sealed with a panel. The panel connected to the test sample is subjected to a direct lightning effect and is observed to determine whether ignition of the combustible air - fuel mixture occurs.

[0004] These traditional methods are generally slow and lengthy, and the results are uncertain. These methods also generally cannot provide verified reliability to ensure the flammability of the air - fuel mixture because visual observation of ignition is difficult and may require continuous manipulation of the camera. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Thus, devices and methods aimed at solving at least the above concerns will find their use.

[0006] The following is a non - exhaustive list (which may or may not be claimed) of embodiments according to the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an ignition test system is provided, which includes: a test piece test chamber; and at least one gas mixture verification chamber, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber being communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber and configured to at least verify the content of the gas mixture provided to the test piece test chamber.

[0008] Another embodiment according to the present disclosure relates to an ignition test system, which includes: a test piece test chamber; a first gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to supply a gas mixture to the test piece test chamber; and a second gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to receive the gas mixture from the test piece test chamber, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber are configured to verify the test environment in the test piece test chamber.

[0009] Another embodiment according to the present disclosure relates to a method for conducting an ignition test using an ignition test system, the method including: filling the internal volumes of a test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture, wherein the test piece test chamber is communicatively coupled to the at least one gas mixture verification chamber to allow the gas mixture to flow from one of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber to the other of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber; sealing the internal volume of each of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber relative to the internal volume of each other of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber; and verifying the test environment in the test piece test chamber through the at least one gas mixture verification chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described above. Now, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals throughout several views represent the same or similar components. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an ignition test system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an ignition test system according to one or more aspects in a first configuration for experimentation Figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an ignition test system according to one or more aspects in a second configuration for calibration Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a part of an ignition test system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 4is part of an ignition test system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 schematic diagram of a part of an ignition test system;

[0016] Figure 5 is a method for conducting an ignition test using an ignition test system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 for an ignition test using the ignition test system;

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance; and

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an aircraft according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to Figure 1 , aspects of the present disclosure described herein provide an ignition test system 100 for verifying test environment characteristics such as the content of a gas mixture 162GM within at least the internal volume 110V of a test piece test chamber 110. As described herein, the ignition test system 100 is configured to verify the content of the gas mixture 162GM in the test environment TE (e.g., the environment within at least the test piece test chamber 110) upstream and / or downstream of the test piece test chamber 110 (where upstream and downstream refer to the direction of the gas flow through the ignition test system 100 as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B ). For example, the ignition test system 100 can verify whether the gas mixture 162GM entering / leaving the test piece test chamber 110 is combustible before testing a test piece 900 disposed in the test piece test chamber 110. Verifying the combustibility of the gas mixture 162GM before testing the test piece 900 in the test piece test chamber 110 can reduce false failures associated with conventional methods described herein and can increase the test frequency. Exemplary non-exhaustive embodiments (which may or may not be claimed) of the subject matter according to the present disclosure will be provided below.

[0020] Now referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 , in one aspect, the ignition test system 100 includes a test piece test chamber 110 and at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 configured to be communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber 110 (generally referring to the gas mixture verification chamber 120 in Figure 3 ; also see gas mixture verification chambers 120A, 120B that are substantially similar to the gas mixture verification chamber 120). In one aspect, the ignition test system 100 further includes at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n (generally referring to Figure 1the mass flow controller 161), gas mixing chamber 163, pulse generator 164, ventilation hood 165, at least one flame arrester 166A - 166n( Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), locking module 160( Figure 3 ), and controller 170( Figure 3 ). It should be noted that the components of the ignition test system 100 are communicatively coupled to any suitable conduits shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B .

[0021] The at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 is configured to verify the test environment TE of the internal volume 110V of the test piece test chamber 110. The test environment TE includes a gas mixture 162GM configured to test the test piece 900 in the test piece test chamber 110. In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes a first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and a second gas mixture verification chamber 120B. One of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B is arranged upstream of the test piece test chamber 110, and the other of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B is arranged downstream of the test piece test chamber 110. For example, the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A can be communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber 110 upstream of the test piece test chamber 110. Here, the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A is used to verify the gas mixture 162GM upstream of the test piece test chamber 110. The second gas mixture verification chamber 120B can be communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber 110 downstream of the test piece test chamber 110. Here, the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B is used to verify the gas mixture 162GM downstream of the test piece test chamber 110. In another aspect, the ignition test system 100 can include a single gas mixture verification chamber 120 arranged upstream or downstream of the test piece test chamber 110.

[0022] It should be noted that, as described herein, each of the gas mixture verification chambers 120, 120A, 120B is substantially similar, such that the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B can be arranged upstream of the test piece test chamber 110 and the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A can be arranged downstream, which results in little operational difference in the ignition test system 100. Additionally, it should be noted that although the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 is illustrated and described as two gas mixture verification chambers, in other aspects there can be any suitable number (e.g., more or fewer than two) of gas mixture verification chambers.

[0023] In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the test article test chamber 110 are coupled to a frame 100F. In one aspect, the frame 100F is an optical table, but in other aspects, the frame 100F can be any other suitable frame configured to secure the test article test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 during a test environment TE of the test article 900 and / or the verification test article test chamber 110. In one aspect, the test article test chamber 110 is removably coupled to the frame 100F and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 such that the test article test chamber 110 can be removed and replaced with another test article test chamber to significantly reduce the downtime between respective tests conducted.

[0024] In one aspect, a controller 170 is coupled to at least one or more of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the test article test chamber 110. The controller 170 is configured to affect the operation of the ignition test system 100 as described herein.

[0025] Referring Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 3 and, in one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes a chamber frame 120F, a gas mixture inlet 122, and a gas mixture outlet 123. A first valve 124 and a second valve 125 are coupled to respective ones of the gas mixture inlet 122 and the gas mixture outlet 123. In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 further includes one or more of a voltage arc source 126, a high voltage feedthrough 127, a pressure sensor 128, a thermocouple 129, a humidity sensor 130, a pressure relief member 140, and a purge gas inlet 141.

[0026] The cavity frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 forms a sealed interior 120I having a content volume 120V in which a gas mixture 162GM is received. In one aspect, the cavity frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes at least one pore 121 and a transparent member 121T configured to seal the at least one pore 121. The at least one pore 121 and the transparent member 121T enable an operator and / or a camera to observe the sealed interior 120I of the cavity frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to visually verify the flammability of the content of the gas mixture 162GM. In one aspect, the transparent member 121T may be omitted and replaced with an opaque (non-transmissive) member. In one aspect, the cavity frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 further includes at least one sensor port 120SP. The at least one sensor port 120SP of the cavity frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 is in communication with the sealed interior 120I of the cavity frame 120F. In one aspect, the at least one sensor port 120SP is configured to be coupled to at least one of a pressure sensor 128, a humidity sensor 130, and a thermocouple 129 as described herein.

[0027] Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3, in one aspect, the gas mixture inlet 122 and the gas mixture outlet 123 of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 are defined by the chamber frame 120F and communicate with the sealed interior 120I of the chamber frame 120F. The gas mixture inlet 122 and the gas mixture outlet 123 are configured such that the gas mixture 162GM flows into the sealed interior 120I through the gas mixture inlet 122 and flows out of the sealed interior 120I through the gas mixture outlet 123. For example, in one aspect, the gas mixture inlet 122 of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A is configured to receive the gas mixture 162GM from one or more gas sources 162A - 162n and allow it to flow into the sealed interior 120I of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A through the gas mixture inlet 122. The gas mixture outlet 123 of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A is configured to be coupled to the test piece test chamber 110 such that the gas mixture 162GM flows from the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A to the test piece test chamber 110. The gas mixture inlet 122 of the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B is configured to be coupled to the test piece test chamber 110 to receive the gas mixture 162GM from the test piece test chamber 110 and allow it to enter the sealed interior 120I of the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B. The gas mixture outlet 123 of the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B is configured to discharge the gas mixture 162GM from the sealed interior 120I of the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B to any suitable location such as the ventilation hood 165. Here, the test piece test chamber 110 is removably coupled to the gas mixture inlet 122 of the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B and the gas mixture outlet 123 of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A, for example, by a quick connect coupler or any other suitable coupler.

[0028] Still referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3, in one aspect, a first valve 124 of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 is coupled to a gas mixture inlet 122, and a second valve 125 is coupled to a gas mixture outlet 123. The first valve 124 and the second valve 125 are configured to seal / unseal the corresponding gas mixture inlet 122 and gas mixture outlet 123 of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. For example, the first valve 124 and the second valve 125 can be ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, plug valves, needle valves, or any other suitable valves (including combinations thereof). In one aspect, the first valve 124 and the second valve 125 of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 can be remotely operated in any suitable manner, such as under the control of a controller 170. The remotely operated first valve 124 and second valve 125 can enable an operator to actuate the first valve 124 and / or the second valve 125 from a distance without physically contacting the first valve 124 and / or the second valve 125. In other aspects, the valves can be manually operated.

[0029] Now also referring to Figure 4 , in one aspect, as described above, the ignition experiment system 100 includes a locking module 160. The locking module 160 is coupled to the first valve 124 and / or the second valve 125 of the corresponding gas mixture verification chamber 120. The locking module 160 is also coupled to the controller 170 and is configured to prevent the corresponding gas mixture verification chamber 120 from operating, for example, based on the operating positions of the first valve 124 and the second valve 125. The locking module 160 includes a circuit 160C (an exemplary circuit is illustrated in Figure 4 , and it should be understood that any suitable circuit can be used to implement the locking), and the circuit 160C is coupled to the controller 170 to prevent the voltage arc source 126 from discharging until a predetermined condition is met (for example, the first valve 124 and the second valve 125 of the corresponding gas mixture verification chamber 120 are in the closed position, as shown in the truth table provided for exemplary illustration of the operation of the locking module 160). For example, the voltage arc source 126 can be coupled to the controller 170 such that when the operator commands the controller 170 to discharge the voltage arc source 126, an ignition signal is sent from the controller 170 to the voltage arc source 126. In response to this ignition signal, the voltage arc source 126 operates to ignite the gas mixture 162GM. The locking module 160 is configured to prevent the voltage arc source 126 from operating. For example, if the controller 170 does not receive a signal from the locking module 160 indicating that the predetermined condition has been met, the controller 170 will not generate an ignition signal.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, a voltage arc source 126 is disposed within a sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. In one aspect, the voltage arc source 126 can be a spark generator, while in other aspects the gas mixture 162GM can be ignited by any other suitable source (such as a glow plug, wire heater, etc.) that can be coupled to the high voltage feedthrough 127. In one aspect, the voltage arc source 126 is disposed between the gas mixture inlet 122 and the gas mixture outlet 123 to generate a turbulent air flow through the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. This turbulent air flow can cause the gas mixture 162GM within the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to mix.

[0031] The high voltage feedthrough 127 extends through a chamber frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and is coupled to the voltage arc source 126. For example, any suitable wire or cable 127W can extend from the high voltage feedthrough 127 to the voltage arc source 126 to provide power to the voltage arc source 126. The high voltage feedthrough 127 provides power to the voltage arc source 126 such that the voltage arc source 126 can ignite the gas mixture 162GM within the sealed interior 120I.

[0032] Still referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3, as described above, in one aspect, the chamber frame 120F of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes the at least one sensor port 120SP. In this aspect, the pressure sensor 128, the humidity sensor 130, and / or the thermocouple 129 can be coupled to the at least one sensor port 120SP in any suitable manner. The pressure sensor 128 provides the operator with a pressure measurement in the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 so that the operator can determine whether ignition of the gas mixture 162GM has occurred. For example, a pressure spike in the sealed interior 120I (e.g., a large increase in pressure over a short period of time) can indicate that ignition of the gas mixture 162GM has occurred. The thermocouple 129 provides the operator with a temperature measurement in the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 so that the operator can determine whether ignition of the gas mixture 162GM has occurred. For example, a temperature spike in the sealed interior 120I (e.g., a large increase in temperature over a short period of time) can indicate that ignition of the gas mixture 162GM has occurred. The at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 can include one or more of a heater 129H and a cooler 129C, wherein the heater 129H and the cooler 129C are coupled to a controller 170. The heater 129H is configured to increase the temperature in the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. The cooler 129C is configured to decrease the temperature in the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. The humidity sensor 130 provides the operator or the controller 170 with a humidity measurement in the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. The at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 can include one or more of a humidifier 130H and a dehumidifier 130D coupled to the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to be in fluid communication with the sealed interior 120I. The humidifier 130H and the dehumidifier 130D are coupled to the controller 170. The humidifier 130H is configured to increase the humidity in the sealed interior 120I, and the dehumidifier 130D is configured to decrease the humidity in the sealed interior 120I.

[0033] In one aspect, the test specimen test chamber 110 may also include a humidity sensor 130' and / or a thermocouple 129' as well as corresponding heaters 129H', coolers 129C', humidifiers 130H' and dehumidifiers 130D'. The thermocouple 129' provides temperature measurements in the internal volume 110V of the test specimen test chamber 110 to an operator or a controller 170. The heaters 129H' and the coolers 129C' are coupled to the controller 170 and are disposed within the test specimen test chamber 110. The heaters 129H' are configured to increase the temperature in the internal volume 110V of the test specimen test chamber 110. The coolers 129C' are configured to decrease the temperature in the internal volume 110V of the test specimen test chamber 110. The humidity sensor 130' provides humidity measurements in the internal volume 110V of the test specimen test chamber 110 to an operator or a controller 170. The humidifiers 130H' and the dehumidifiers 130D' are coupled to the controller 170 and are further coupled to the test specimen test chamber 110 to be in fluid communication with the internal volume 110V. The humidifiers 130H' are configured to increase the humidity in the internal volume 110V, and the dehumidifiers 130D' are configured to decrease the humidity in the internal volume 110V.

[0034] Each of the humidity sensors 130, 130' and / or the thermocouples 129, 129' in the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the corresponding one of the test piece test chambers 110 may be coupled to the controller 170 such that the controller 170 receives corresponding temperature and humidity signals from each sensor. The controller 170 may be configured to control one or more of the heaters 129H, 129H', coolers 129C, 129C', humidifiers 130H, 130H' and dehumidifiers 130D, 130D' to control the humidity and / or temperature within one or more of the sealed interior 120I and the interior volume 110V. For example, the controller 170 is configured to increase / decrease the temperature within the sealed interior 120I and / or the interior volume 110V by one or more of the heaters 129H, 129H' and coolers 129C, 129C' based on the temperature signals received from the thermocouples 129, 129'. Controlling the temperature may provide a consistent and repeatable test environment within the sealed interior 120I and / or the interior volume 110V between each test conducted. Additionally, controlling the temperature by one or more of the heaters 129H, 129H' and coolers 129C, 129C' may enable testing of the gas mixture 162GM at non-ambient temperature conditions (e.g., as low as about minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as high as about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or any other suitable temperature below about minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, above about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or between the two). In another embodiment, the controller 170 may be coupled to the humidity sensors 130, 130' and is configured to increase / decrease the humidity within the sealed interior 120I and / or the interior volume 110V by one or more of the humidifiers 130H, 130H' and dehumidifiers 130D, 130D' based on the humidity signals received from the humidity sensors 130, 130'. In one aspect, the temperature and / or humidity within each of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and within the test piece test chamber 110 may be controlled independently and automatically by the controller 170 based on the signals from the thermocouples 129, 129' and / or the humidity sensors 130, 130' and a predetermined preset temperature and / or humidity (e.g., an operator may input a predetermined temperature and / or humidity into the controller 170, where the controller 170 operates the heaters 129H, 129H' / coolers 129C, 129C' and / or the humidifiers 130H, 130H' / dehumidifiers 130D, 130D' to maintain the predetermined preset temperature). In other aspects, the operator may manually control the heaters 129H, 129H' / coolers 129C, 129C' and / or the humidifiers 130H, 130H' / dehumidifiers 130D, 130D'.

[0035] In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes a pressure relief member 140 in communication with the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. The pressure relief member 140 releases the pressure in the sealed interior 120I, for example, when a gas mixture 162GM is ignited within the sealed interior 120I. In other aspects, the pressure relief member 140 may be omitted.

[0036] In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes a purge gas inlet 141 in communication with the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. The purge gas inlet 141 allows a purge gas (e.g., any suitable inert gas for replacing an undesired atmosphere) to enter the sealed interior 120I to displace the internal volume 120V of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. For example, before / after testing the gas mixture 162GM, the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 are purged of any residual gas that may affect the quality of the current / subsequent test.

[0037] Still referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 3 , as described above, in one aspect, the ignition test system 100 may include at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n, a gas mixing chamber 163, a pulse generator 164, a ventilation hood 165, and at least one flame arrester 166A - 166n. In one aspect, the at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n is coupled to one of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 (e.g., depending on whether the gas mixture verification chamber 120 is disposed upstream of the test piece test chamber 110). The at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n is configured to meter at least one gas from the one or more gas sources 162A - 162n to the one of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120.

[0038] In one aspect, the gas mixing chamber 163 is disposed between the test article test chamber 110 and one of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n. In one aspect, the at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n meters at least one gas from the one or more gas sources 162A - 162n to the gas mixing chamber 163. The gas mixing chamber 163 is configured to mix at least one gas from the one or more gas sources 162A - 162n to form a gas mixture 162GM, which then flows to one of the test article test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120.

[0039] The pulse generator 164 is disposed adjacent to the test article test chamber 110. The pulse generator 164 is configured to provide a spark to the test article 900 disposed at least partially within the test article test chamber 110 to test the flammability of the test article 900.

[0040] The ventilation hood 165 is disposed adjacent to one or more of the test article test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. In one aspect, the ventilation hood 165 can be coupled to the pressure relief member 140 of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 via a pressure relief gas line 165PL (e.g., a pipe, tubing, or any other suitable passage). The ventilation hood 165 is configured to vent any gas discharged from the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and / or the test article test chamber 110 (or any other component of the ignition test system 100) outside of the facility 999 within which the ignition test system 100 is internally disposed. For example, while verifying the gas mixture 162GM by igniting the gas mixture 162GM, the pressure within the sealed interior 120I of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 may spike. The pressure relief member 140 is opened to discharge the combustion gas through the pressure relief gas line 165PL to the ventilation hood 165 and outside of the facility 999. Additionally, the ventilation hood 165 can also provide general ventilation for the facility 999.

[0041] In one aspect, the at least one flame arrester 166A - 166n is disposed upstream and / or downstream of one or more of the test specimen test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120. For example, the at least one flame arrester 166A - 166n can be disposed on the pressure relief gas line 165PL (see flame arrester 166B), between one of the test specimen test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the gas mixing chamber 163 (see flame arrester 166A), and / or downstream of the test specimen test chamber 110 and / or the gas mixture verification chamber 120B (see flame arrester 166n). The flame arresters 166A - 166n are configured to provide a passage for the gas mixture 162GM to pass through but substantially restrict the passage of flames, providing a quenching barrier for the ignited gas mixture.

[0042] Now referring to Figures 1 - 3 and Figure 5 , a method 500 for conducting an ignition test using the ignition test system 100 is shown. In one aspect, the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 and the test specimen test chamber 110 coupled to the frame 100F are arranged in the facility 999 to be close to the pulse generator 164 and the ventilation hood 165.

[0043] In one aspect, as Figure 2B shown, the ignition test system 100 is calibrated to a calibration configuration (e.g., with the test specimen test chamber 110 removed). For example, in the calibration configuration, the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B can be coupled to each other substantially directly. Here, the content of the gas mixture 162GM can be established by adjusting the mass flow controller 161. Any suitable recording device (e.g., camera CAM or other video / sound recording device) can also be calibrated by operating the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 (e.g., one or more of the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B) and adjusting the exposure / sound level of the recording device. The voltage arc source 126 can also be calibrated to generate a spark with predetermined characteristics (e.g., voltage and / or current values). In other aspects, any suitable component or characteristic of the ignition test system 100 can be calibrated using the ignition test system 100 in the calibration configuration. In one aspect, the ignition test system 100 can include any suitable pump PMP coupled between the mass flow controller 161 and the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A (or the test specimen test chamber 110) and / or between the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B (or the test specimen test chamber 110) and the ventilation hood 165 for, for example, pumping the gas mixture 162GM through the ignition test system 100. Although the pump PMP is shown as being included in the ignition test system 100 in the calibration configuration, the pump PMP can also be inFigure 2A is included in the ignition test system 100 of the test configuration shown.

[0044] As can be seen in Figure 2A In the test configuration of the ignition test system 100, the test piece test chamber 110 is communicatively arranged between the first gas mixture verification chamber 120A and the second gas mixture verification chamber 120B (or arranged upstream and / or downstream of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120). The at least one mass flow controller 161A - 161n meters at least one gas from the one or more gas sources 162A - 162n into the gas mixing chamber 163 to form a gas mixture 162GM. The gas mixture 162GM is metered into the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to fill the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 with the gas mixture 162GM ( Figure 5 box 501). The gas mixture 162GM flows into each of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to purge the internal volumes 110V, 120V. In one aspect, at least the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 are purged so that the internal volumes 110V, 120V are displaced at least about five times. In other aspects, the internal volumes 110V, 120V may be displaced less than about five times.

[0045] After purging, the gas mixture 162GM flows between the internal volumes 110V, 120V of each of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 to seal the internal volumes 110V, 120V relative to each other with respect to the other of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 ( Figure 5 , box 502). By remotely or manually actuating the first valve 124 and the second valve 125, the test piece test chamber 110 and each of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 are sealed from each other.

[0046] By sealing the internal volumes 110V, 120V from each other, a voltage arc source 126 in the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 is discharged to ignite the gas mixture 162GM located in the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 ( Figure 5, the square box 503). Ignite the gas mixture 162GM to verify the test environment within the internal volume 110V of the test piece test chamber 110. As described above, the test environment TE (such as the gas mixture 162GM) can be tested upstream and downstream of the test piece test chamber 110. Testing the flammability of the upstream gas mixture 162GM can verify that the gas mixture flowing into the test piece test chamber 110 is flammable. Testing the flammability of the gas mixture 162GM exiting the test piece test chamber 110 can demonstrate that introducing the test piece 900 into the gas mixture 162GM does not change the content of the gas mixture 162GM. For example, the test piece 900 can remove (e.g., release or emit substances as gases or vapors due to the interaction between the gas mixture 162GM and the test piece 900) and change the content of the gas mixture 162GM to reduce the flammability of the gas mixture 162GM, which may cause the flammability test of the test piece 900 to fail / be invalid. After verifying the test environment in the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120, actuate the pulse generator 164 to evaluate whether ignition occurs in the test piece test chamber 110 for testing the flammability of the test piece 900 arranged in the test piece test chamber 110.

[0047] In one aspect, before filling the internal volumes 110V, 120V with the gas mixture 162GM, purge the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 with an inert gas to displace any gas left over from a previous test or after the system has been opened relative to the surrounding environment. In one aspect, purge the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 with any suitable inert gas such as nitrogen so that the internal volumes 110V, 120V are displaced at least about twice. In one aspect, the internal volumes 110V, 120V can be displaced less than about twice.

[0048] In one aspect, the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 are provided with a source of dry air. In one aspect, drying the internal volumes 110V, 120V of the test piece test chamber 110 and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber 120 includes flowing dry air through the internal volumes 110V, 120V for at least about five minutes (or in one aspect, less than about five minutes). The dry air is provided by a refrigerated air dryer, a dehumidified air dryer, a membrane air dryer, or any other suitable dryer. The dry air source is configured to clean the voltage arc source 126 and reduce the humidity within the system before or after purging with the inert gas.

[0049] It can be as in Figure 6Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1000 shown. In other aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to any suitable industry such as, for example, automotive, maritime, aviation, etc. With regard to aircraft manufacturing, in the pre-production process, the exemplary method 1000 can include the specification and design (block 1002) of the aircraft 1100 ( Figure 7 ) and the procurement of materials (block 1004). During the production process, the manufacture of components and sub-assemblies (block 1006) of the aircraft 1100 and the system integration (block 1008) can be carried out. Thereafter, the aircraft 1100 can be certified and delivered (block 1010) to enter service (block 1012). During service, the aircraft 1100 can be scheduled for routine maintenance (block 1014). Routine maintenance can include the modification, reconstruction, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft 1100, which can include the use of the ignition test system 100 as described herein.

[0050] The various processes of the exemplary method 1000 can be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (such as a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator can include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and prime system subcontractors; a third party can include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors; and an operator can be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0051] The devices and methods shown or described herein can be employed in any one or more stages of the manufacturing and maintenance method 1000. For example, components or sub-assemblies corresponding to the manufacture of components and sub-assemblies (block 1006) can be assembled or manufactured in a manner similar to the production of components or sub-assemblies when the aircraft 1400 enters service (block 1012). Moreover, one or more embodiments of the devices, methods, or combinations of these embodiments can be utilized during the production stages 1006 and 1008, for example, to significantly accelerate the assembly of the aircraft 1100 or reduce the cost of the aircraft 1100. Similarly, one or more embodiments of the devices or methods implemented or combinations of these embodiments can be utilized, for example, but not limited to, when the aircraft 1100 enters service (block 1012) and / or is under maintenance (block 1014).

[0052] Aspects provided in accordance with the present disclosure are as follows:

[0053] A1. An ignition test system, the ignition test system comprising:

[0054] A test chamber for the test piece; and

[0055] At least one gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test article test chamber and configured to at least verify the content of the gas mixture provided to the test article test chamber.

[0056] A2. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes:

[0057] A chamber frame that forms a sealed interior, wherein the chamber frame includes at least one pore; and

[0058] A transparent member configured to seal the at least one pore.

[0059] A3. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a voltage arc source disposed within the sealed interior of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0060] A4. The ignition test system according to paragraph A3, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes a high-voltage feedthrough that extends through the chamber frame of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber, the high-voltage feedthrough being coupled to the voltage arc source.

[0061] A5. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a pressure sensor, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes a chamber frame having at least one sensor port in communication with the sealed interior of the chamber frame, the pressure sensor being coupled to the at least one sensor port.

[0062] A6. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a thermocouple, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes a chamber frame having at least one sensor port in communication with the sealed interior of the chamber frame, the thermocouple being coupled to the at least one sensor port.

[0063] A7. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a pressure relief member that is in communication with the sealed interior of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0064] A8. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including:

[0065] A gas mixture inlet that is in communication with the sealed interior of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber;

[0066] A gas mixture outlet that is in communication with the sealed interior of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber;

[0067] a first valve coupled to the gas mixture inlet, the first valve being configured to seal the gas mixture inlet; and

[0068] a second valve coupled to the gas mixture outlet, the second valve being configured to seal the gas mixture outlet.

[0069] A9. The ignition test system according to paragraph A8, wherein the test piece test chamber is removably coupled to one of the gas mixture inlet and the gas mixture outlet through a respective one of the first valve and the second valve.

[0070] A10. The ignition test system according to paragraph A9, wherein the test piece test chamber is removably coupled to the one of the gas mixture inlet and the gas mixture outlet through a quick-connect coupling.

[0071] A11. The ignition test system according to paragraph A8, wherein the first valve and the second valve are remotely operated valves.

[0072] A12. The ignition test system according to paragraph A8, the ignition test system further comprising a locking module coupled to the first valve and the second valve, the locking module being configured to prevent operation of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber based on the operating positions of the first valve and the second valve.

[0073] A13. The ignition test system according to paragraph A8, the ignition test system further comprising a voltage arc source disposed within the sealed interior of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber, the voltage arc source being disposed between the gas mixture inlet and the gas mixture outlet to generate a turbulent air flow through the sealed interior.

[0074] A14. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further comprising at least one mass flow controller, the at least one mass flow controller being coupled to one of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber, the at least one mass flow controller being configured to meter at least one gas entering the one of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0075] A15. The ignition test system according to paragraph A14, the ignition test system further comprising a gas mixing chamber disposed between the one of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber and the at least one mass flow controller.

[0076] A16. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber further includes a purge gas inlet in sealed internal communication with the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0077] A17. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a pulse generator disposed adjacent to the test piece test chamber.

[0078] A18. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a ventilation hood disposed adjacent to one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0079] A19. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including at least one flame arrester, the at least one flame arrester being disposed upstream of one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0080] A20. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including at least one flame arrester, the at least one flame arrester being disposed downstream of one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0081] A21. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, the ignition test system further including a controller coupled to one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber, the controller being configured to affect the operation of the ignition test system.

[0082] A22. The ignition test system according to paragraph A1, wherein one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes at least one of a heater, a cooler, a humidifier, and a dehumidifier.

[0083] B1. An ignition test system, the ignition test system including:

[0084] A test piece test chamber;

[0085] A first gas mixture verification chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber being communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to supply a gas mixture to the test piece test chamber;

[0086] A second gas mixture verification chamber, the second gas mixture verification chamber being communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to receive a gas mixture from the test piece test chamber; and

[0087] Wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber are configured to verify the test environment in the test chamber of the test piece.

[0088] B2. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber both include:

[0089] A chamber frame forming a sealed interior, wherein the chamber frame includes at least one pore; and

[0090] A transparent member configured to seal the at least one pore.

[0091] B3. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, the ignition test system further includes a voltage arc source disposed in the sealed interior of each of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0092] B4. The ignition test system according to paragraph B3, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber both include high-voltage feedthroughs extending through the chamber frames of the respective first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber, and the high-voltage feedthroughs are coupled to the voltage arc source.

[0093] B5. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber both include a chamber frame having at least one sensor port in communication with the sealed interior of the chamber frame, and the ignition test system further includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the respective sensor port.

[0094] B6. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber both include a chamber frame having at least one sensor port in communication with the sealed interior of the chamber frame, and the ignition test system further includes at least one thermocouple coupled to the respective sensor port.

[0095] B7. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, the ignition test system further includes a pressure relief member in communication with the sealed interior of each of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0096] B8. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber both include:

[0097] A gas mixture inlet in communication with the sealed interior of the respective first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber;

[0098] A gas mixture outlet, which is in sealed internal communication with the corresponding sealed interiors of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber;

[0099] A first valve coupled to the corresponding gas mixture inlet, the first valve being configured to seal the corresponding gas mixture inlet; and

[0100] A second valve coupled to the corresponding gas mixture outlet, the second valve being configured to seal the corresponding gas mixture outlet.

[0101] B9. The ignition test system according to paragraph B8, wherein the test piece test chamber is removably coupled to the gas mixture outlet of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the gas mixture inlet of the second gas mixture verification chamber through a respective one of the first valve and the second valve.

[0102] B10. The ignition test system according to paragraph B9, wherein the test piece test chamber is removably coupled to the gas mixture inlet and the gas mixture outlet through a quick-connect coupling.

[0103] B11. The ignition test system according to paragraph B8, wherein the first valve and the second valve are remotely operated valves.

[0104] B12. The ignition test system according to paragraph B8, the ignition test system further comprising a locking module coupled to one or more of the first valve and the second valve of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber, the locking module being configured to prevent operation of one or more of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber based on the operating positions of the first valve and the second valve.

[0105] B13. The ignition test system according to paragraph B8, the ignition test system further comprising a voltage arc source disposed in the sealed interior of each of the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber, the voltage arc source being disposed between the gas mixture inlet and the gas mixture outlet to generate a turbulent gas flow through the sealed interior.

[0106] B14. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, the ignition test system further comprising at least one mass flow controller, the at least one mass flow controller being coupled to one of the first gas mixture verification chambers, the at least one mass flow controller being configured to meter at least one gas entering the first gas mixture verification chamber.

[0107] B15. The ignition test system according to paragraph B14, further comprising a gas mixing chamber disposed between the at least one mass flow controller and the first gas mixture verification chamber.

[0108] B16. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber and the second gas mixture verification chamber each further comprise a purge gas inlet in sealed internal communication with the respective first and second gas mixture verification chambers.

[0109] B17. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, further comprising a pulse generator disposed adjacent to the test piece test chamber.

[0110] B18. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, further comprising a ventilation hood disposed adjacent to one or more of the test piece test chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber, and the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0111] B19. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, further comprising at least one flame arrester disposed upstream of one or more of the test piece test chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber, and the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0112] B20. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, further comprising at least one flame arrester disposed downstream of one or more of the test piece test chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber, and the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0113] B21. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, further comprising a controller coupled to one or more of the test piece test chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber, and the second gas mixture verification chamber, the controller being configured to affect the operation of the ignition test system.

[0114] B22. The ignition test system according to paragraph B1, wherein one or more of the test piece test chamber, the first gas mixture verification chamber, and the second gas mixture verification chamber comprise at least one of a heater, a cooler, a humidifier, and a dehumidifier.

[0115] C1. A method of performing an ignition test using an ignition test system, the method comprising:

[0116] Fill the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture, wherein the test piece test chamber is communicatively coupled to the at least one gas mixture verification chamber such that the gas mixture can flow from one of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber to the other of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber;

[0117] Seal the internal volume of each of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber relative to the internal volume of each other of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber; and

[0118] Verify the test environment within the test piece test chamber through the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0119] C2. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein verifying the test environment within the test piece test chamber includes: verifying the flammability of the gas mixture within the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0120] C3. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture includes: purifying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with an inert gas.

[0121] C4. The method according to paragraph C3, wherein purifying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with an inert gas includes: purifying at least the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with nitrogen such that the internal volumes are displaced at least twice.

[0122] C5. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture includes: drying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0123] C6. The method according to paragraph C5, wherein drying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes: flowing dry air through the internal volumes for at least five minutes.

[0124] C7. The method according to paragraph C6, wherein the dry air is provided by a refrigerated air dryer, a dehumidified air dryer, or a membrane air dryer.

[0125] C8. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture includes: metering the gas mixture into the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0126] C9. The method according to paragraph C8, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with a gas mixture further includes: purifying the internal volumes of at least the test piece test chamber and at least one gas mixture verification chamber with the gas mixture so that the internal volumes are displaced at least five times.

[0127] C10. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein verifying the test environment in the test piece test chamber includes: discharging a voltage arc source in the at least one gas mixture verification chamber to verify the ignition of the gas mixture.

[0128] C11. The method according to paragraph C1, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber includes: a first gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to supply a gas mixture to the test piece test chamber; and a second gas mixture verification chamber that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber to receive a gas mixture from the test piece test chamber, and wherein verifying the test environment in the test piece test chamber includes:

[0129] discharging a voltage arc source in the first gas mixture verification chamber to verify the ignition of the gas mixture in the first gas mixture verification chamber; and

[0130] discharging a voltage arc source in the second gas mixture verification chamber to verify the ignition of the gas mixture in the second gas mixture verification chamber.

[0131] C12. The method according to paragraph C1, the method further comprising actuating a pulse generator disposed adjacent to the test piece test chamber to evaluate whether ignition occurs in the test piece test chamber.

[0132] C13. The method according to paragraph C1, the method further comprising controlling one or more of the temperature and humidity in one or more of the test piece test chamber and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber.

[0133] In the above-mentioned drawings, solid lines (if any) connecting various elements and / or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, wireless, and other couplings and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, "coupled" means directly and indirectly associated. For example, member A may be directly associated with member B, or indirectly associated therewith via, for example, another member C. It should be understood that not all relationships between the various disclosed elements need to be presented. Thus, there may also be couplings other than those shown in the figures. Dashed lines connecting boxes representing various elements and / or components (if any) represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, the couplings represented by dashed lines may be provided optionally or may relate to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, elements and / or components represented by dashed lines (if any) represent alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more elements shown by solid lines and / or dashed lines may be omitted from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Environmental elements (if any) are represented by dotted lines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Those skilled in the art should understand that some of the features shown in the figures may be combined in various ways without necessarily including other features described in the figures, other drawings, and / or the accompanying disclosure, even if such combinations or these combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the provided embodiments may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein.

[0134] In the above-mentioned Figure 5 and Figure 6 wherein, the boxes may represent operations and / or portions thereof, and the lines connecting the various boxes do not imply any particular order or subordination of the operations or portions thereof. Boxes represented by dashed lines refer to alternative operations and / or portions thereof. Dashed lines (if any) connecting the various boxes represent alternative subordinations of the operations or portions thereof. It should be understood that not all subordinations between the various disclosed operations need to be presented. Figure 5 and Figure 6 and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the methods set forth herein should not be construed as necessarily determining the order in which the operations are to be performed. Instead, although an exemplary order is indicated, it should be understood that the order of the operations may be modified as appropriate. Thus, certain operations may be performed in a different order or substantially simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that not all of the operations described need to be performed.

[0135] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0136] Clause 1. An ignition test system (100), the ignition test system comprising:

[0137] A test piece test chamber (110); and

[0138] At least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) that is communicatively coupled to the test article test chamber (110) and configured to at least verify the content of a gas mixture (162GM) provided to the test article test chamber (110).

[0139] Clause 2. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 1, wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) includes:

[0140] A chamber frame (120F) that forms a sealed interior (120I), wherein the chamber frame (120F) includes at least one pore (121); and

[0141] A transparent member (121T) configured to seal the at least one pore (121).

[0142] Clause 3. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 1 or 2, the ignition test system further including a voltage arc source (126) disposed within the sealed interior (120I) of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

[0143] Clause 4. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 1, 2, or 3, the ignition test system further including a pressure sensor (128), wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) includes a chamber frame (120F) having at least one sensor port (120SP) in communication with the sealed interior (120I) of the chamber frame (120F), the pressure sensor (128) being coupled to the at least one sensor port (120SP).

[0144] Clause 5. The ignition test system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, the ignition test system further including a thermocouple (129), wherein the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) includes a chamber frame (120F) having at least one sensor port (120SP) in communication with the sealed interior (120I) of the chamber frame (120F), the thermocouple (129) being coupled to the at least one sensor port (120SP).

[0145] Clause 6. The ignition test system (100) according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, the ignition test system further including:

[0146] A gas mixture inlet (122) that is in communication with the sealed interior (120I) of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120);

[0147] A gas mixture outlet (123) that is in communication with the sealed interior (120I) of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120);

[0148] A first valve (124) coupled to the gas mixture inlet (122), the first valve (124) being configured to seal the gas mixture inlet (122); and

[0149] A second valve (125) coupled to the gas mixture outlet (123), the second valve (125) being configured to seal the gas mixture outlet (123).

[0150] Clause 7. The ignition test system (100) according to clause 6, wherein the test piece test chamber (110) is removably coupled to one of the gas mixture inlet (122) and the gas mixture outlet (123) through a respective one of the first valve (124) and the second valve (125).

[0151] Clause 8. The ignition test system (100) according to clause 6 or 7, the ignition test system further comprising a locking module (160) coupled to the first valve (124) and the second valve (125), the locking module (160) being configured to prevent operation of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) based on the operating positions of the first valve (124) and the second valve (125).

[0152] Clause 9. The ignition test system (100) according to clause 6, 7 or 8, the ignition test system further comprising a voltage arc source (126) disposed in the sealed interior (120I) of the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120), the voltage arc source (126) being disposed between the gas mixture inlet (122) and the gas mixture outlet (123) to generate a turbulent gas flow through the sealed interior (120I).

[0153] Clause 10. An ignition test system (100) comprising:

[0154] A test piece test chamber (110);

[0155] A first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber (110) to supply a gas mixture (162GM) to the test piece test chamber (110);

[0156] A second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) that is communicatively coupled to the test article test chamber (110) to receive a gas mixture (162GM) from the test article test chamber (110); and

[0157] wherein the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) are configured to verify a test environment within the test article test chamber (110).

[0158] Clause 11. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 10, further comprising a pressure relief member (140) that is in communication with a sealed interior (120I) of each of the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B).

[0159] Clause 12. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 10 or 11, wherein each of the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) further comprises a purge gas inlet (141) that is in communication with a respective sealed interior (120I) of the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B).

[0160] Clause 13. The ignition test system (100) according to Clause 10, 11 or 12, further comprising a pulse generator (164) disposed adjacent to the test article test chamber (110).

[0161] Clause 14. The ignition test system (100) according to any one of Clauses 10-13, further comprising a controller (170) coupled to one or more of the test article test chamber (110), the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B), the controller (170) being configured to affect the operation of the ignition test system (100).

[0162] Clause 15. The ignition test system (100) according to any one of Clauses 10-14, wherein one or more of the test article test chamber (110), the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) and the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) includes at least one of a heater (129H), a cooler (129C), a humidifier (130H) and a dehumidifier (130D).

[0163] Clause 16. A method of performing an ignition test using an ignition test system (100), the method comprising:

[0164] Fill the internal volumes (110V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with a gas mixture (162GM), wherein the test piece test chamber (110) is communicatively coupled to the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) such that the gas mixture (162GM) can flow from one of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) to the other of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120);

[0165] Seal the internal volume (110V, 120V) of each of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) relative to the internal volume (110V, 120V) of each other of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120); and

[0166] Verify the test environment within the test piece test chamber (110) through the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

[0167] Clause 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein verifying the test environment within the test piece test chamber (110) includes: verifying the flammability of the gas mixture (162GM) within the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

[0168] Clause 18. The method according to clause 16 or 17, wherein filling the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with a gas mixture (162GM) includes: purging the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with an inert gas.

[0169] Clause 19. The method according to clause 16, 17 or 18, wherein filling the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with a gas mixture (162GM) includes: drying the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

[0170] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 - 19, wherein filling the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with the gas mixture (162GM) further comprises: purifying the internal volumes (110V, 120V) of at least the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with the gas mixture (162GM) such that the internal volumes (110V, 120V) are displaced at least five times.

[0171] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 - 20, wherein filling the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) comprises: a first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber (110) to supply a gas mixture (162GM) to the test piece test chamber (110); and a second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) that is communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber (110) to receive the gas mixture (162GM) from the test piece test chamber (110), and wherein verifying the test environment within the test piece test chamber (110) comprises:

[0172] discharging a voltage arc source (126) in the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) to verify ignition of the gas mixture (162GM) in the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A); and

[0173] discharging a voltage arc source (126) in the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) to verify ignition of the gas mixture (162GM) in the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B).

[0174] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these details. In other instances, details of known devices and / or processes are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosure. Although some concepts are described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

[0175] Unless stated to the contrary, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose an order, position, or ranking requirement on the items to which these terms refer. Additionally, reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or preclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower - numbered item and / or for example, a "third" or higher - numbered item.

[0176] The mention of "one embodiment" herein means that one or more features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one implementation. The phrase "one embodiment" in various places in the specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.

[0177] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a particular function is actually capable of performing that particular function without any modification, rather than merely having the potential to perform that particular function after further modification. In other words, for the purpose of performing a particular function, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform that particular function is specifically selected, generated, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed. As used herein, "configured to" refers to an existing characteristic of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enables the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a particular function without further modification. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as "configured to" perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted to" and / or "operable to" perform that function.

[0178] The different embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein may include, in any combination, any components, features, and functionalities of any other embodiment of the devices and methods disclosed herein, and all such possibilities are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0179] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will envision many modifications of the embodiments set forth herein.

[0180] Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the reference numerals in parentheses in the appended claims are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter to the particular embodiments provided in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of conducting an ignition test using an ignition test system (100), the method comprising: Filling the internal volumes of a test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with a gas mixture (162GM), wherein the test piece test chamber (110) is communicatively coupled to the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) such that the gas mixture (162GM) can flow from one of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) to the other of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120); Sealing the internal volume of each of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) relative to the internal volume of each other of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120); And Verifying the test environment within the test piece test chamber (110) through the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein verifying the test environment in the test chamber (110) of the test piece comprises: Verifying the flammability of the gas mixture (162GM) within the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with the gas mixture (162GM) comprises: Purifying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with an inert gas.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with a gas mixture (162GM) comprises: Drying the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein filling the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with the gas mixture (162GM) further comprises: Purifying at least the internal volumes of the test piece test chamber (110) and the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) with the gas mixture (162GM) such that the internal volumes are displaced at least five times.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein filling the at least one gas mixture verification chamber (120) comprises: A first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber (110) to supply a gas mixture (162GM) to the test piece test chamber (110); and a second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) communicatively coupled to the test piece test chamber (110) to receive the gas mixture (162GM) from the test piece test chamber (110), and wherein verifying the test environment within the test piece test chamber (110) includes: Discharging a voltage arc source (126) within the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A) to verify ignition of the gas mixture (162GM) within the first gas mixture verification chamber (120A); and Discharging a voltage arc source (126) within the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B) to verify ignition of the gas mixture (162GM) within the second gas mixture verification chamber (120B).

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