Immersion Testing
Immersion testing evaluates how well your product or component will hold up when submerged in water or other liquids. This is not limited strictly to waterproofing — other factors, such as the ability to withstand rapid changes in pressure or exposure to caustic chemicals, can also be made a part of testing. As a result, immersion testing is an investment in more robust and durable design. By taking the time to test these factors early in the development process, you can create an all-around better product and shorten your time to market.
Immersion Testing at NTS
NTS provides every type of immersion test possible, including corrosive materials, detergents, heated liquids or tests for functional performance of mechanical and hydraulic components under high pressure. Our capabilities include hydro pressures to 50,000 psi. Combined immersion testing programs, integrating additional elements such as vibration, ultrasonics and temperature cycling can also be designed per your requirements. NTS can also design and develop specialized aging tests for materials such as aluminum via high pressure and temperature in a condensate solution (water and pollutants).
Immersion Testing for Consumer Goods
The market for immersion testing for consumer goods is currently growing due to increasing demand for durable, waterproof electronics and other products. Consumers are more informed than ever about MIL-STD and ASTM standards. Taking the time to test your products to these specifications is both a measure of confidence and an important selling point for many potential buyers. In a crowded marketplace, this can help you differentiate your product.
At NTS’ immersion testing labs, we can perform quality assurance and pre-compliance management for consumer goods of any size or type. Contact an office near you for more information.
Industry-Specific Applications
There is lot more to immersion testing than just submerging waterproof enclosures under water per the specifications of various regulatory standards. In fact, immersion testing applies to research as diverse as the uptake of water in fiber-optic bonds to the susceptibility of stainless steels to intergranular corrosion when boiled in sulfuric acid. Immersion testing means serious business when transportation of hazardous materials is involved. International and U.S. Safety Standards for plutonium air shipments call for a minimum of immersion under at least 3 ft (0.9m) of water for at least 8 hours. The NRC requires equivalent length under at least 50 ft (15m) of water. Transportation of anthrax-contaminated material requires both watertight primary and secondary receptacles. With a new Nevada nuclear waste site soon to be functional and vaccinations against anthrax a nationwide reality, container makers must develop consistently leak-proof packaging for transport.
About NTS
With more than 20 locations across the country, NTS operates one of the largest and best-equipped networks of testing labs in the country. Our immersion testing labs are ISO/IEC 17025-compliant and staffed by professional engineers with the industry experience necessary to develop a comprehensive QA program for your product or component. In addition to immersion testing, we can also provide testing for temperature and humidity, wind and rain, corrosion and other mechanical, dynamic and environmental factors. Whether you have specific regulatory requirements that need to be met or are simply trying to develop and test the best product possible, we can help.
Contact us today for more information about how NTS can help you address your immersion testing requirements.