Hydrostatic Head Test

Protective Clothing Tests

Hydrostatic Head Test

The hydrostatic head test is a method of measuring how waterproof a fabric is. The measured value in millimeters obtained indicates how high a water column standing on the fabric must be before the water can penetrate the fabric. For the best fabrics, the results are up to 30 meters high (30 mm) before they penetrate the fabric.

Hydrostatic Head Test

Generally, tests are carried out using a physical water column. However, as fabrics have improved, the ratings are increasing for this method. Having facilities to hold a 30 meter high water column is unrealistic even for scientific test centers. Therefore, the hydrostatic head test is performed using a machine that simulates the downward pressure that a column of water at this height will create.

This machine increases the pressure of the water pushed towards the fabric until water appears on the other side. The pressure level applied to run the water through the fabric is then converted into a measure of how high the water column will be. In this calculation, the result of the hydrostatic head test is obtained in millimeters.

In order for a tent fabric to resist light rainfall, the hydrostatic head value must be around 1000 mm. Heavy rain and heavy winds create more pressure on the fabric and require a higher hydrostatic head value (approx. 2000 mm). The hydrostatic header value of a ground cover is higher (ideally it should be 3000 mm or higher) due to the pressure of people stepping on it.

It is permissible to claim that a fabric is waterproof, mainly if the hydrostatic head value is 1500 mm. But most waterproof jackets comfortably exceed this (values ​​between 10-30 thousand mm are not uncommon). Fabrics for use in garments require a higher level of waterproofing because the garments are subjected not only to heavy rain, but also to the pressure exerted by the backpack straps and waist belt. However, a higher hydrostatic head value does not guarantee better wear.

With the experience gained over many years, our organization also provides hydrostatic header testing services to the demanding enterprises within the framework of laboratory services of materials with a trained and expert staff.

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