1) Apparatus: Pulmac Zero-span Tensile Tester based on Tappi Method T 231.
2) Switch power on (left side wall) and check the compressed air is at 60 psi.
3) Place the 2×10 cm strip over the platform, Slide in the strip by pushing both ends into the hydraulic jaws and make sure that the strip is aligned properly and hit the back of jaws (see figure 14).
Figure 14: Pulmac Zero-span Tensile Tester and the jaws assembly.
4) Flip the TEST switch to On (leftward) to have jaws engaged. Disengage the jaws by flipping the TEST switch to Off (rightward) and remove the broken strip out of the jaws (see figure 15). Repeat for the other 9 strips.
Figure 15: Left: Jaws clamp on the strip and pulling it apart; Right: The breaking line at the center of strip.
5) For wet zero-span tensile test (Tappi Method T 231), use a dropper to drop just enough water to wet the central area of the strip after it is placed under the jaws. Testing procedure is the same as step 4).
