CN219573977U

CN219573977U - Combustion test equipment

Info

Publication number: CN219573977U
Application number: CN202223422504.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 梁记卫; 王显杰; 徐彪
Original assignee: Massachusetts Solid Energy Shanghai New Energy Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Massachusetts Solid Energy Shanghai New Energy Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-25
Filing date: 2022-12-20
Publication date: 2023-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-20

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a combustion test apparatus. The combustion test apparatus each includes one or more features that enhance the process of the reaction of the test material to the open flame. One feature is a cartridge-based design in which the test sample is mounted in a cartridge, which may be removable. Another feature is a test sample positioning mechanism that allows a user to adjust the position of a test sample in one or more directions relative to a combustion zone. Another feature is a torch-based design in which the combustion testing apparatus is configured to securely hold a torch, such as a commercial off-the-shelf torch, during testing. In some embodiments, the torch-based design may include a canister guard for protecting the torch canister during testing. In some embodiments, the torch-based design may include one or more adapter inserts that allow a user to adjust the combustion testing apparatus for different size/shape torches.

Description

Combustion test equipment

Technical Field

The present utility model relates generally to the field of testing the combustion performance of materials. In particular, the present utility model relates to a burn test apparatus and methods of use thereof.

Background

When evaluating the flame retardancy of certain materials during product development, the materials are typically subjected to flammability testing. In some fire-retardant tests, two operators work together, one to clamp the test material in the vise and hold it in place until the test is completed, and the other to ignite the fire source and monitor data collection and storage. Disadvantages of such tests include: safety accidents easily occur due to the open environment and exposed flame spray under which the test is conducted; in open environments, are susceptible to wind, as air movement can cause flame oscillations and convection, resulting in inaccurate testing and data acquisition; the shaking of manually clamping the test material for a long time during the test can cause the flame to deviate from the highest temperature point, thereby leading to inaccurate test results; and requires two persons to operate.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for testing the combustion performance of a material. The apparatus includes: a housing defining an interior space, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a transparent material that allows a viewer external to the housing to see the interior space; a combustion zone located in the interior space, the combustion zone containing an open flame during testing; a test-sample-support assembly (test-sample assembly), comprising: a cartridge holder (cartridge holder) designed and configured to removably receive a cartridge (cartridge) and hold the cartridge in place in the interior space during testing, the cartridge holding a test sample for testing in the combustion test apparatus; and a positioning mechanism secured to the housing and designed and configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the cartridge relative to the combustion zone when the cartridge is engaged in the cartridge holder, wherein the positioning mechanism is designed and configured to allow the user to move the cartridge in a first direction toward and away from the combustion zone and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for testing the combustion performance of a material using a torch having a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle. The apparatus includes: a housing defining an interior space, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a transparent material that allows a viewer external to the housing to see the interior space` A combustion zone located in the interior space, the combustion zone containing an open flame from a torch during testing; a test sample support assembly, comprising: a cartridge holder designed and configured to removably receive a cartridge and hold the cartridge in position in the interior space during testing, the cartridge holding a test sample for testing in a combustion test apparatus; and a positioning mechanism secured to the housing and designed and configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the cartridge relative to the combustion zone when the cartridge is engaged in the cartridge holder, wherein the positioning mechanism is designed and configured to allow the user to move the cartridge in a first direction toward and away from the combustion zone and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism; and a torch holder designed and constructed to securely hold the torch.

The utility model also relates to the following items:

1. an apparatus for testing the combustion performance of a material, the apparatus comprising:

a housing defining an interior space, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a transparent material that allows a viewer external to the housing to see the interior space;

a combustion zone located in the interior space, the combustion zone containing an open flame during testing;

a test sample support assembly, comprising:

a cartridge holder designed and configured to removably receive a cartridge and hold the cartridge in position in the interior space during testing, the cartridge holding a test sample for testing in the combustion test apparatus; and

a positioning mechanism secured to the housing and designed and configured to allow a user to adjust a position of the cartridge relative to the combustion zone when the cartridge is engaged in the cartridge holder, wherein the positioning mechanism is designed and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in a first direction toward and away from the combustion zone and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

2. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the open flame is provided by a torch comprising a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle, and further comprising a torch holding area spaced from the cartridge during testing and positioned to hold the combustion nozzle in the combustion area.

3. The apparatus of item 2, further comprising a canister guard positioned in the interior space between the fuel canister and the cartridge when the torch is present in the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of clause 2 or 3, further comprising a torch holder designed and constructed to securely hold the torch.

5. The apparatus of item 4, wherein the housing comprises a base and the torch holder comprises a receptacle in the base that conformally receives the fuel canister of the torch.

6. The apparatus of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a test sample support assembly movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

7. The apparatus of item 6, further comprising a base, and the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base so as to be movable in the first direction.

8. The apparatus of item 6, wherein the test sample support assembly comprises a first guide post and a second guide post that are spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

9. The apparatus of item 8, wherein the test sample support assembly further comprises a clamping member extending between the first guide post and the second guide post and designed and configured for clamping the cartridge to the positioning mechanism.

10. The apparatus of item 9, wherein the cartridge has a central opening and the clamping member has a central opening that is substantially aligned with the central opening of the cartridge.

11. An apparatus for testing the combustion performance of a material using a torch having a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle, the apparatus comprising:

a combustion zone located in the interior space, the combustion zone containing an open flame from the torch during testing;

a test sample support assembly, comprising:

a positioning mechanism secured to the housing and designed and configured to allow a user to adjust a position of the cartridge relative to the combustion zone when the cartridge is engaged in the cartridge holder, wherein the positioning mechanism is designed and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in a first direction toward and away from the combustion zone and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism; and

a torch holder designed and constructed to securely hold the torch.

12. The apparatus of item 11, further comprising a canister guard positioned in the interior space between the fuel canister and the cartridge of the torch when the torch is present in the apparatus.

13. The apparatus of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the housing comprises a base and the torch holder comprises a receptacle in the base that conformally receives the fuel canister of the torch.

14. The apparatus of any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a test sample support assembly movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

15. The apparatus of item 14, further comprising a base, and the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base so as to be movable in the first direction.

16. The apparatus of item 14, wherein the test sample support assembly includes a first guide post and a second guide post, the first guide post and the second guide post being spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

17. The apparatus of item 16, wherein the test sample support assembly further comprises a clamping member extending between the first guide post and the second guide post and designed and configured for clamping the cartridge to the positioning mechanism.

18. The apparatus of item 17, wherein the cartridge has a central opening and the clamping member has a central opening that is substantially aligned with the central opening of the cartridge.

19. The apparatus of any of items 11-18, further comprising one or more adapter inserts for adapting the burner holder to a plurality of burners having different sizes.

Drawings

For purposes of illustration, the drawings illustrate aspects of one or more embodiments of the utility model. However, it should be understood that the utility model of the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a combustion testing apparatus made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a partially exploded view of the combustion test apparatus of FIG. 1A, shown with an upper portion of the housing removed;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the internal components of the combustion test apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the combustion test apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing the combustion test apparatus along with a test data acquisition instrument; and

fig. 4 is a plan view showing a set of torch support inserts for accommodating torches having cans of different diameters.

Detailed Description

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a burn test apparatus for testing the burn performance of materials such as fire resistant materials and construction materials. In general, the types of materials that the combustion test apparatus of the present disclosure may be used to test are not limited, except for samples of the subject materials that may be installed within the combustion test apparatus described herein. In some embodiments, the combustion test apparatus of the present disclosure utilizes a removable cartridge that supports a test sample of the tested material during testing. In embodiments utilizing removable cartridges, each combustion test apparatus may be provided with multiple cartridges to make testing more efficient, for example, by being able to install new test samples in one cartridge while another cartridge is being used for testing.

In some embodiments, the combustion test apparatus of the present disclosure includes an adjustable sample positioning mechanism that allows a user to properly position a test sample within the combustion test apparatus. In some embodiments, the combustion testing apparatus of the present disclosure is designed and configured for use with a torch having a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle. In such embodiments, the combustion testing apparatus may include a burner holder that securely holds the burner during testing and/or a guard that protects the fuel tank of the burner from heat and/or damage during testing. In some embodiments utilizing a torch, the combustion testing apparatus may be provided with a set of torch support inserts designed to adapt the combustion testing apparatus to torches having different sizes and/or shapes. For example, the different torches may be different commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) torches. In some embodiments, the combustion testing apparatus of the present disclosure may include any two or more of the foregoing features, and so forth, such as the other features described below in connection with the examples illustrated in the figures.

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods of using a combustion testing apparatus (such as the combustion testing apparatus of the present disclosure). The foregoing and other aspects are described in detail below in conjunction with the exemplary combustion testing apparatus mentioned above.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary combustion testing apparatus 100 made in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The combustion test apparatus 100 includes a housing 104, the housing 104 being comprised of a base 108 and an upper housing 112 secured to the base. The base 108 and upper housing 112 together define an interior space 116 in which a test is conducted. In this example, the base 108 extends beyond the upper housing 112 on opposite sides of the housing, and handles 108H (1) and 108H (2) are secured to the base on both sides of the upper housing to provide a convenient lifting point for one or more people to move the combustion test apparatus 100 from one location to another as desired. In this example, the base 108 also includes a set of feet 108F, which feet 108F may be provided in any suitable number, typically four or more. The upper case 112 includes a pair of side walls 112SW (1) and 112SW (2), a front wall 112FW, a rear wall 112RW, and a top plate 112TP.

In this example, front wall 112FW is closed by door 112D, which door 112D may comprise a transparent material, such as quartz or high temperature glass, to allow an observer to see interior space 116 from the front of combustion test apparatus 100, from outside combustion test apparatus 100, when the door is closed. Depending on the structure of the door 112D, if a transparent material is used, the entire door may be made of the transparent material, or the transparent material may be disposed in an opening formed in the door. In some embodiments, the door may not include any transparent material. When the door 112D is open, a user may access the interior space 116 as needed to perform a test, for example, as described below.

In this particular example, the rear wall 112RW includes a window 112W also made of a suitable transparent material, the window 112W allowing a viewer to see the interior space from behind the combustion test apparatus 100, for example, to view the test and/or components of the combustion test apparatus. In some embodiments, window 112W may be eliminated or sized differently than shown, and one or more windows (not shown) may be provided to one, the other, or both of sidewalls 112SW (1) and 112SW (2).

In this example, the top plate 112TP includes an opening 112O, which opening 112O may or may not be closed by a closure (not shown). For example, if the opening 112O remains open, it may allow heat to escape from the combustion test apparatus 100 during testing and/or allow a user access to one or more components located in the interior space 116. In some embodiments, the opening 112O may be closed by a suitable closure (not shown) that may or may not include a transparent material to allow for viewing, as may be required for a particular design.

The interior space 116 contains a test sample support assembly 120, which test sample support assembly 120 holds a test sample (not shown, but see test sample 220 of fig. 2) of the material to be tested in the combustion test apparatus 100. In this example, each test sample is held by the cartridge 124 during testing. In this example, the cassette 124 includes a front member 124F and a rear member 124B, the front member 124F and the rear member 124B each having corresponding openings 124FO, 124BO aligned with one another. The test sample is placed in the cartridge 124 between the front member 124F and the rear member 124B such that the test sample is present between the openings 124FO and 124BO, thereby being exposed on both sides of the cartridge. Accordingly, the test sample support assembly 120 includes a cartridge holder 128, the cartridge holder 128 securely holding the cartridge 124 in the interior space 116 during testing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge holder 128 includes a pair of spaced apart guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2), a stabilizing bar 128B, and a clamping member 128CM, where the cartridge holder is movably engaged with the housing 104 by grooves 108G (1) and 108G (2) and corresponding channels 108C (1) and 108C (2) formed in the base 108. The stabilizer bar 128B extends between the upper ends of the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) and is fixed to the upper ends of the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) to increase the stability of the cartridge holder 128. The clamping member 128CM includes an opening 128O that substantially mates with the openings 124FO and 124BO in the front and rear members 124F and 124B, respectively, of the cassette 124, and all three openings are substantially or fully aligned with one another when the cassette is properly installed in the cassette holder 128.

As best seen in fig. 2, in this example, each of the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) has a generally T-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape, with the shanks 200 (1) and 200 (2) of the T-shapes (tshapes) extending toward each other and including corresponding longitudinal slots 204 (1) and 204 (2). In this example, each of the handles 200 (1) and 200 (2) is clamped between the clamping member 128CM (fig. 1B) and the rear member 124B of the cassette 124 via the corresponding set 208 (1) and 208 (2) of threaded fasteners 208 (less than all of the fasteners labeled in fig. 2). As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a user (not shown) may adjust the position of the cassette 124 along the height (in this example) of the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) by: the threaded fastener 208 is loosened, the cassette and clamping member 128CM is slid in the desired direction along the shanks 200 (1) and 200 (2) of the guide posts, and then the threaded fastener is tightened to secure the cassette at the desired elevation. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other means for providing mobility of the cassette 124 may be used, such as by providing a rack and pinion mechanism, a screw lift mechanism, or a pin-and-brake mechanism (pin-release mechanism), or the like. It should also be noted that the cartridge holder 128 need not be secured to the base 108. For example, the cartridge holder may be supported from the top plate 112TP (fig. 1A and 1B) of the housing 104, among other arrangements.

It should be noted that the cooperative configuration of the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2), the cartridge 124, and the clamping member 128CM provides a sample positioning mechanism that allows a user to properly position a test sample (not shown, but contained in the cartridge during testing, see as labeled 220 in fig. 2) in the interior space as described below. The grooves 108G (1) and 108G (2) and channels 108C (1) and 108C (2) in the base 108 and the manner in which the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) slidably engage the grooves and channels provide additional dimensions for the sample positioning mechanism, which is useful, as discussed below.

Referring again to fig. 1B, this example of the combustion testing apparatus 100 is configured for use with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) torches, such as the torch 212 shown in fig. 2 and 3. The burner 212 may be of any suitable type, such as a butane burner or a propane burner, and may include a fuel tank 212T and a combustion nozzle 212N. As seen in fig. 1B and 2, the combustion test apparatus 100 includes a burner support 132, here in the form of a burner receptacle (blowtorch receptacle) 108R formed in the base 108. The torch receiver 108R may be designed and configured to snugly receive the fuel tank 212T with or without the aid of a removable and/or compressible lateral stabilizer (not shown), or to receive the fuel tank with only a small amount of clearance that prevents the torch 212 from tilting.

In some embodiments, the torch support 132 may be user modifiable to accommodate torches having different shapes and/or sizes. For example, in the example shown in fig. 2, where the burner support 132 includes a burner receptacle 108R in the base 108, a set of adapter inserts (adapter inserts) may be provided or otherwise available, such as the three adapter inserts 400 (1) through 400 (3) of fig. 4, to accommodate burners having different can diameters. In this example, each adapter insert 400 (1) through 400 (3) has a corresponding outer diameter OD that is approximately equal to the diameter of the torch receiver 108R (fig. 2), wherein the adapter insert is configured to securely engage with the base 108 (fig. 2) within the torch receiver. The engagement of each adapter insert 400 (1) through 400 (3) may be aided by any suitable means, such as a threaded engagement, a snap fit, an interference fit, a friction fit, or any logical combination thereof, etc. The illustrated adapter inserts 400 (1) through 400 (3) have different inner diameters ID (1) through ID (3), respectively, to accommodate three different torch can diameters. For example, the three different inner diameters ID (1) through ID (3) may be designed to accommodate the three most common COTS can diameters or can diameters of the COTS burner best suited for use with the combustion test apparatus 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B).

In some embodiments, the torch support 132 (fig. 2) may include additional structures or structures different from the torch receiver 108R. For example, the torch receiver 108R may be expanded or replaced by a receiver structure (not shown) secured to the base 108 and extending upwardly from the base (relative to FIG. 2). Such receiver structure may include a strapping mechanism (strapping mechanism), a clamping mechanism, or other mechanism for securely holding the torch 212. Referring to fig. 1B, the exemplary combustion test apparatus 100 may include a canister guard 136, which canister guard 136 protects the canister 212T of the torch 212 from heat that may be emitted by the test sample, particularly if the test sample catches fire during testing. The tank guard 136 may be made of any one or more suitable materials, such as fire resistant insulation, metal and/or refractory materials, etc.

Referring to fig. 2, the combustion test apparatus 100 (fig. 1A) has a combustion zone 216 in which a torch 212 provides a flame (not shown) at the outlet end of a nozzle 212N. In some embodiments, the combustion zone 216 will be fixed at a distance from the base 108 based on the size of the torch 212. In this regard, the adjustability of the sample positioning mechanism along the guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2) allows a user to position the test sample 220 in a desired position relative to the combustion zone 216. In association, different torches have different flame profiles, and some have adjustable flame profiles. To ensure that the flame output by the torch 212 for any particular test is properly applied to the test specimen 220, the adjustability of the specimen positioning mechanism along the grooves 108G (1) and 108G (2) in the base 108 allows the user to accurately position the test specimen relative to the combustion zone 216.

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the combustion test apparatus 100 with a digital data acquisition instrument 300, the digital data acquisition instrument 300 collecting and/or recording any one or more types of data during testing. Examples of data that the data acquisition instrument 300 may be configured to collect and/or record include, but are not limited to, temperature data, electronic nose data, time data, and image data (e.g., visible light and/or infrared), among others. For each type of data collected, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, imaging sensors, electronic nose sensors, etc.) may be provided. In the example shown in fig. 3, the combustion test apparatus 100 includes a thermocouple temperature sensing head 304.

In one example, a user may use the combustion test apparatus 100 (FIG. 1A) as follows. Since the highest temperature of the torch 212 (fig. 2) is at an angle and distance from the nozzle 212N of the torch, the highest test temperature can be obtained by adjusting the position of the test specimen 220 before first use, as follows.

Step 1: the door 112D (fig. 1A) of the combustion test apparatus 100 is opened, the torch 212 (fig. 2) is engaged with the torch receptacle 108R in the base 108, and the nozzle 212N of the torch is directed toward the test specimen support assembly 120. The fastener sets 208 (1) and 208 (2) (fig. 2) are loosened to loosen the clamping member 128CM, and the thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 (fig. 3) is placed in the center of the cassette 124, and then tightened to secure the clamping member. The thermocouple temperature sensing head is connected to the data acquisition instrument 300 (fig. 3) and the data acquisition instrument is turned on. The burner 212 (fig. 2) is turned on and ignited and the flame within the combustion zone 216 is aligned with the thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 (fig. 3). The temperature value output by the data collection instrument 300 is observed until the data collection instrument 300 displays the maximum temperature, and then the maximum temperature value is recorded.

Step group 2: the burner 212 (fig. 2) is turned off so that the combustion test apparatus 100 cools after performing step set 1. The position of the test sample support assembly 120 relative to the combustion zone 216 is adjusted using the grooves 108G and channels 108C in the base 108 to adjust the position of the cartridge 124 and thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 (fig. 3) relative to the torch 212 (fig. 2). Similarly, the cassette 124 and thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 may be adjusted upward and/or downward as needed to properly position the thermocouple temperature sensing head relative to the combustion region 216 using slots 204 (1) and 204 (2) in guide posts 128GC (1) and 128GC (2). For each repetition of step set 1, the maximum temperature and position of the test cartridge 124 are observed and recorded. For a given test plan, step sets 1 and 2 are repeated as many times as needed/desired.

Step 3: the collected maximum temperature values are compared and the positions of the cartridge 124 and thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 at which the maximum temperature occurs are selected from step set 2.

Step group 4: the test is started. The thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 (fig. 3) is secured in the center of the test sample 220 (fig. 2), and the fastener sets 208 (1) and 208 (2) are loosened to loosen the clamping member 128CM. Test specimen 220 is placed in cartridge 124 between front member 124F and rear member 124B and fastener sets 208 (1) and 208 (2) are tightened to securely engage clamping member 128CM. If desired, a thermocouple temperature sensing head 304 (FIG. 3) is connected to the data acquisition instrument 300 and the data acquisition instrument is turned on. The torch 212 (fig. 2) is turned on and ignited. Temperature-time curve D of the digital acquisition instrument's temperature versus time data is recorded on the data acquisition instrument 300 (fig. 3) while observing any characteristic changes of the test sample 220 (fig. 2) under the influence of the flame from the torch 212 via the transparent door 112D and/or the transparent window 112W. At the end of the test, the torch 212 is turned off and the collected data is saved. Those skilled in the art of combustion testing will understand when the test should be ended, such as after a predetermined amount of time or when the properties of the material have changed (e.g., burned out or remain sufficiently intact), and so forth.

Step group 5: waiting for the cartridge 124 (fig. 2) to cool and remove the test material 220. Step set 4 is repeated as necessary to test one or more additional test samples. Note that the foregoing steps are not necessarily exclusive of other steps, and may be modified as needed to suit a particular test situation and/or a particular configuration of combustion test equipment.

Various modifications and additions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with the features of the other described embodiments as appropriate to provide a plurality of feature combinations in the relevant new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of individual embodiments, what is described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the utility model. Moreover, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and/or described as being performed in a particular order, the order may be highly variable within ordinary skill in order to implement various aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the utility model.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to the disclosure specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model.

Claims

a test sample support assembly, comprising:

a cartridge holder designed and configured to removably receive a cartridge and hold the cartridge in position in the interior space during testing, the cartridge holding a test sample for testing in the device; and

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the open flame is provided by a torch comprising a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle, and further comprising a torch holding area spaced from the cartridge during testing and positioned to hold the combustion nozzle in the combustion area.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a canister guard positioned in the interior space between the fuel canister and the cartridge when the torch is present in the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a torch holder designed and configured to securely hold the torch.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a torch holder designed and configured to securely hold the torch.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a base and the torch holder comprises a receptacle in the base that conformally receives the fuel canister of the torch.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a base and the torch holder comprises a receptacle in the base that conformally receives the fuel canister of the torch.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the test sample support assembly is movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the test sample support assembly is movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a base, and wherein the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base so as to be movable in the first direction.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base so as to be movable in the first direction.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the test sample support assembly comprises a first guide post and a second guide post, the first guide post and the second guide post being spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the test sample support assembly comprises a first guide post and a second guide post, the first guide post and the second guide post being spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the test sample support assembly further comprises a clamping member extending between the first guide post and the second guide post and designed and configured for clamping the cartridge to the positioning mechanism.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the cartridge has a central opening and the clamping member has a central opening that is substantially aligned with the central opening of the cartridge.

16. An apparatus for testing the combustion performance of a material using a torch having a fuel tank and a combustion nozzle, the apparatus comprising:

a test sample support assembly, comprising:

a torch holder designed and constructed to securely hold the torch.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a canister guard positioned in the interior space between the fuel canister and the cartridge of the torch when the torch is present in the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the housing comprises a base and the torch holder comprises a receptacle in the base that conformally receives the fuel canister of the torch.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the test sample support assembly is movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the test sample support assembly is movably engaged with the housing so as to allow a user to move the cartridge in the first direction.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a base, and wherein the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base of the apparatus so as to be movable in the first direction.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the test sample support assembly is slidably secured to the base so as to be movable in the first direction.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the test sample support assembly comprises a first guide post and a second guide post, the first guide post and the second guide post being spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the test sample support assembly comprises a first guide post and a second guide post, the first guide post and the second guide post being spaced apart from each other and configured to allow a user to move the cartridge in the second direction when the cartridge is engaged with the positioning mechanism.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 or 24, wherein the test sample support assembly further comprises a clamping member extending between the first guide post and the second guide post and designed and configured for clamping the cartridge to the positioning mechanism.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the cartridge has a central opening and the clamping member has a central opening that is substantially aligned with the central opening of the cartridge.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 16-17, 20-24, and 26, further comprising one or more adapter inserts for adapting the burner holder to a plurality of burners having different sizes.

28. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising one or more adapter inserts for adapting the burner holder to a plurality of burners having different sizes.

29. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising one or more adapter inserts for adapting the burner holder to a plurality of burners having different sizes.

30. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising one or more adapter inserts for adapting the burner holder to a plurality of burners having different sizes.