Overview
ISO 18573:2012 defines the test atmospheres and conditioning periods for conveyor belt test pieces. It standardizes the temperature, relative humidity and time conditions to be used before and during testing, ensuring reproducible and comparable conveyor belt testing results across laboratories and suppliers. The standard applies to all types of conveyor belts, irrespective of rubber or plastic covers, and sets minimum intervals between production and testing.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Standard atmospheres (A–E) - choice fixed by the relevant test method:
- Atmosphere A: 20 °C ± 2 °C, 65 % ± 5 % RH
- Atmosphere B: 23 °C ± 2 °C, 50 % ± 5 % RH
- Atmosphere C (tropical): 27 °C ± 2 °C, 65 % ± 5 % RH
- Atmosphere D (temperature only): 23 °C ± 2 °C or 20 °C ± 2 °C
- Atmosphere E (tropical temperature only): 27 °C ± 2 °C
- Conditioning times
- With temperature and humidity control (A, B, C): ≥ 16 h before testing; for light conveyor belts ≥ 48 h. In dispute cases extend to ≥ 72 h.
- Temperature control only (D, E): ≥ 3 h; in dispute cases extend to ≥ 72 h.
- If non‑standard temperatures are used without humidity control, condition until thermal equilibrium is reached or as specified by the material/product standard.
- Production-to-test interval
- Minimum 24 h between production completion and testing (including conditioning).
- For light conveyor belts: minimum 120 h (5 days).
- Recommended maximum interval: 3 months to limit variability.
- Preconditioning guidance
- For highly hygroscopic textile elements, precondition in an atmosphere of ≤ 10 % RH and 60–70 °C to approach moisture equilibrium from the dry side (note: high temperatures may alter some polymers).
- Specimen handling
- Condition test pieces with whole surfaces exposed, free of stress/strain and, unless specified, in absence of light or ionizing radiation.
- Testing environment
- Conduct tests at the same temperature and humidity used for conditioning.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO 18573 is essential for:
- Test laboratories performing mechanical, physical or environmental tests on conveyor belts
- Manufacturers and quality control teams specifying acceptance testing
- Specifiers, purchasers and certification bodies requiring consistent conveyor belt testing protocols
- R&D groups comparing material formulations or belt constructions under standardized conditions
Using ISO 18573 improves repeatability and reproducibility of test data and helps ensure that performance claims are evaluated under agreed environmental conditions.
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO 18573, conveyor belts, test atmospheres, conditioning periods, humidity, temperature, conveyor belt testing, standard atmospheres, preconditioning.
