Endurance test bench for sanitary tapware

Main functions

The endurance test bench is a test bench designed to test the lifetime of faucets, mixers, diverters, mechanical and thermostatic mixers in a fully automated way and according to NF, EN, ASSE standards, etc.

The machine is equipped with an automated measurement system evaluating the reliability of the valve during its endurance according to the evolution of the operating torque and its sealing.

Operating mode

Discover how our endurance test bench for valves works

Fixation of the faucet to be tested on the central stage;
Adjustment of the faucet position;
Mounting of actuators for motion control (rotation or translation);
Programming of tests on the control screen;
Launch of scenarios.

Characteristics of the device

Stainless steel frame
PC control
Pressure control 0.1 to 6 bar ± 0.05 bar
Flow rate 2×25 l/min
Automatic leak detection
Operation force/torque 100 N; 6 Nm
Closed enclosure for protection against water splashes

Bench developed to meet these standards:

EN-111

EN-816

EN-817

EN-15091

See all standards

Thermostatic mixing valves EN1111

Single-lever mechanical mixing valve – EN817

Single-lever mechanical mixing valve - EN817

Timer valve EN816

Endurance test in accordance with EN816

Enceinte fermée

Closed enclosure providing protection against potential water splashes.

Standard endurance cycle for mechanical mixers

Endurance Joystick mixer

Automated movement of a joystick-controlled mechanical mixing valve using 2 actuators. A rotary actuator for temperature control and a linear actuator for flow control.

Advantages of LifeMulti

Simple assembly

Quick and easy installation of valves of any shape

Leak detection

Automatic shutdown in case of leakage or abnormal operating torque.

PC control

Simple test initiation and monitoring via PC control.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS of the Endurance Test Bench for Valves and Fittings

Specifications	LifeMulti
Hydraulic performance
EC and EF flow	0-25 l/min
EC and EF pressure	0-6 bar
Pressure measurement	± 0,01 bar
Flowmetering EC, EF, EM	± 0,1 l/min
Thermal performance
Temperature range (depending on source)	5-75° C
EC, EF, EM temperature measurement	± 0,2° C
Mechanical performance
Rotary actuator
Max. torque in both directions	6 N.m
Max. speed in 2 directions	180°/s
Torque measurement resolution	0,01 N.m
Resolution of angular position measurement	0,1°
Max. angle of rotation	illimité
Linear actuator
Max. force in 2 directions	100 N
Max. stroke	125 mm
Max. speed	<40 mm/s
Force measurement accuracy	± 0,1 N
Position measurement accuracy	± 0,02 mm
Dimensions of a workstation
Width	550 mm
Depth	650 mm
Height	2 100 mm
Weight	≈170 kg

OPTIONS

Rotary actuator

The rotary actuator is used to operate rotary valve controls. It features torque and position measurement, and can be controlled for position, speed and torque. The output shaft is a splined hollow shaft that can accommodate a wide range of tooling. It can also be coupled to a linear actuator (to operate single-control mechanical mixing valves, for example).

Linear actuator

The linear actuator can be used to operate valve controls such as the flow rate of a mechanical mixing valve, diverter controls, timed valves, etc. It features force and position measurement, and can be controlled in terms of position, speed and force.

By-Pass Hot Cold

The hot-cold by-pass allows hot water to be sent to the cold water inlet of the tap and vice versa. In particular, this system is used to cool thermostatic valve bodies during the thermal cut-out test (initial draw-off).

Rapid hot water temperature reduction

This system enables a sudden drop in hot water temperature to 12°C in a matter of seconds. In particular, it is used to characterize the behavior of thermostatic mixing valves in the event of a sudden change in hot water supply temperature.

Water distributor for hot and cold circuits for energy savings and closed circuit

When the water supply circuit to a bench is a closed circuit, the Splitter returns the mixed water mixed by the tap to the hot water circuit on the one hand, and the cold water circuit on the other, in proportion to temperature. Thanks to this system, the heating and cooling capacities of the hot and cold water generators can be significantly reduced.

Motorization of device mounting plate

Motorization of the valve mounting plate enables the valve to be positioned precisely and easily in relation to the actuator mounting beam, along 2 axes (translation and rotation). Thanks to program control, the user can memorize a particular test position associated with a particular type of valve.

Static pressure tests up to 16 bar

This system enables leak testing at high pressures, up to 16 bar, when the valve is in the closed position.

Internal and external leak detection

The internal and external leak detection system consists of 2 leak detection sensors. The first is positioned at the valve outlet to check that the valve does not leak when in the closed position (internal leak). The second is positioned at the recovery sink to detect any abnormal external leakage from the tap, and stop the test and the bench water supplies.

Internal tanks for temperature control by exchangers on external sources

Temperature control vessels regulate hot and cold water temperature within the bench, and are therefore independent of external power supplies. Thanks to the limited volume of the tanks, temperature setpoints can be changed in less than a minute, and high-precision temperature control is possible whatever the test conditions and bench power supply. Heating and cooling capacities are provided by external water supplies, which may be an existing plant circuit or independent hot and cold water loops.

Automatic analysis and reporting software

The automatic analysis and reporting software allows you to use measurement files to perform analyses of each test function according to various standards, display curves and numerical results, and edit an automatic test report.