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4.0 OPERATION
4.1 Sample Preparation
The Inclined Plane Measurement System utilizes 4” x 12” (102x305mm)
test specimens. Cut samples to this size and mount the required number
of specimens (usually, either 3 or 6 specimens per each sample type) to
the sample holders using the ½ “ (12.5mm) wide magnetic strips.
If thick samples are to be tested, either use the mounting rails on the
inclined plane to secure the specimens or tape them onto the sample
holders. When the sample holders are used the rails must be removed
from the plane.
Cut a 1’x3.5” (25x89mm) piece of the thick sample material and mount it
onto the release flap using the hold-down rails. Adjust its position so that
minimal contact is made with the cylinder placed in the separation
between the flap and the sample mounted onto the plane when the flap is
raised to release the cylinder. When using the sample holder electrodes,
install the supplied spacer onto the flap. If thick material is taped to the
sample holders then add a piece to the spacer.
It is important to minimize any charging of the cylinder due to the action of
the release mechanism. There may have to be some adjustments to the
exact location of the spacers to achieve minimum parasitic charging and a
smooth roll of the cylinder down the plane and into the Faraday cup.
After preparing the samples, place them into the humidity control chamber
set at a relative humidity of 12 +/- 3% R.H. for a period of 48 hours prior to
test. Current electronic and military standards use 12% as the test
environment, but other humidity levels may also be used.
4.2 Cylinder Preparation
The test cylinders can be very easily charged through handling and can be
altered when placed in contact with material having transferable coatings.
It is critical that the cylinders be clean and neutralized prior to performing
any tests. The use of an ultrasonic cleaner along with a formulated
cleaning solution is required to achieve the necessary cleanliness.
Mix a solution of cleaner by adding 1 ounce of “BRANSON GP Formulated
Cleaning Concentrate” to 10 ounces of deionized water (10:1 mix ratio).
Fill the ultrasonic cleaning system with the above mixture. Place the
cylinders of a given type in the cleaning basket and lower it into the
cleaner. The cylinders should remain in the cleaner for at least 5 minutes.
Remove the cylinders from the cleaner and immerse them in a bath of
fresh deionized water, followed by immersion into a bath of methyl alcohol.
