Testing Services Group, LLC services

TSG employs several different test methodologies for determining evaporative performance of automotive components and systems. TSG performs a wide variety of evaporative emission tests, from short isothermal SHED evaluations to 72 hour diurnal procedures. We also offer the full complement of weight loss test methods for customers needing this protocol. All TSG SHED tests are automated and carefully controlled to maintain conformance to EPA or CARB temperature profiles. TSG PZEV SHEDs use magnetically coupled stirring fans. Calibration activities are carried out monthly to ensure consistency and precision in measurements. SHED bake-outs are routinely performed to eliminate the possibility of HC hang-up and cross-contamination between tests. Additionally, components undergoing accelerated aging at elevated temperatures are vented and segregated by their targeted specification to ensure no cross-contamination among parts occurs.

With multiple electro-dynamic (E/D) shaker systems in-house, TSG performs a variety of tests for customers requiring this design durability information. TSG E/D test stands feature the ability to simultaneously provide temperature cycling of test components. An integral slip table allows for horizontal excitation. Random, Sine and Sine-on-random waveforms are available. TSG offers an E/D test stand coupled to an intrinsically safe, explosion rated thermal chamber. This capability offers customers the opportunity to test their components using fuel and/or with fuel re-circulation, under pressure, and cyclic temperature conditions.

TSG has an extensive base of environmental chambers for thermal cycling testing. Chamber sizes range from small reach-ins to large walk-in styles. Temperature ranges from -40C to +125C are featured. Thermal shock and humidity testing capabilities are also available.

TSG offers pump/module durability testing services that feature: -30C to +80C temperature range. Duty cycling. Real time data collection. Cert stock & splash blend fuels. Flex & Bio-fuel compatible. Voltage cycling, voltage dither. Elevated temperature soak vessels. Contamination testing. Safe operation in Class I, Division I rated test cells.

The Fill Laboratory at TSG offers clients a controlled environment in which to conduct fill tests.  Fill protocols at TSG available to all customers include nearly all major OEM as well as customer defined procedures.  In addition to controlling the fill rate during testing, the TSG fill lab features the ability to set fuel temperature as well as test cell temperatures for characterizing fill quality under a variety of conditions.  Data acquisition is handled automatically by computer, with data plots available in real time during testing for review by the client. TSG maintains a library on-site of more than one hundred of the most commonly called for fill nozzles in the industry.

TSG offers clients an ntrinsically safe semi-anechoic test cell for noise and vibration data collection. With this room it is possible to perform noise and vibration measurements of fuel system components while operating with fuel. Analysis: A wide range of data reduction is available, including octave, 1/3 octave, narrow band and waterfallfor both vibration and acoustic measurements. TSG contracted with “Sound Answers”, an independent consultant, to characterize the room acoustics. The noise floor in the test cell is 25 dB(A).

Operating in a Class I Division I environment, TSG has five different canister test stands available, including two durability stands with the capacity to test 6 specimens simultaneously. Canister loading and purging is computer controlled to client specifications and can be performed with either gasoline or butane. Data sampling frequency is user defined, with rates up to 1 Hz available. Conditioning: TSG can provide canister conditioning, aging and working capacity services for customers on a wide range of canister sizes. Test stands can be programmed for various load and purge rates, various load and purge temperatures.

Level sender/module durability testing can be performed at TSG in a variety of fuels, including alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel.  With thirty-two individual positions  in six separate tanks for test components, TSG can handle large programs in multiple fuels simultaneously.  Fuel temperatures and sender resistance are continuously monitored and recorded throughout the test.

A  test stand for evaluating the flame arresting characteristics of ICV’s is available for fuel system suppliers who need to qualify their components for production release on OEM platforms.  With this test capability, customers have the ability to quantify the performance of their product(s) under controlled conditions in the laboratory.  TSG is recognized by General Motors Corporation as a certified test site for conducting their GMW14844 procedure – Fuel System Flame Arresting Capability.

TSG has been instrumental in the establishment of new ABYC fill testing guidelines.  Using our test carts that provide accurate, programmable fill rates, TSG can perform all of the fill tests needed to verify refueling performance, as well as validate systems designed to provide proper shutoffs and prevent spit back and overfill conditions.