PD pull test

[brentcair 0]

Anyone on here have the procedures and standards for the pull test PD does.Thanks

[indyz 1]

It's in the manual on PD's website: http://performancedesigns.com/docs/Reserve_manual.pdf

[brentcair 0]

Thanks

[riggerrob 643]

PD's (tensile test) procedure is almost the same as the PIA test for round canopies suspected of suffering from acid mesh.
Just remember that PD says to only tensile to 30 pounds.

[erdnarob 1]

I guess you mean the fabric pull test from PD.

Should be made according those specifications:
1) using a pair of special visegrip type pliers with 1" x 1" pads (covered with 1/8" synthetic rubber) clamped on the canopy fabric (see Paragear Catalog page 235 item no.S7989). I made mine from Visegrip pliers and adapting a aluminum pad of 1" x 1" attached to the pliers plate using machine screws. The pads are covered with 1/8" synthetic white rubber used for pipe connection seals.
2) the pliers have to be at a minimum of 3" apart (3-5" is OK) on the fabric
3) the pliers have to pull the fabric along the weft or warp of the fabric (no diagonal pull)
4) the zone of the tested fabric has to be at a minimum of 3" from any stitching or seam.
5) the test can be done now with a force of 30 lbs for 3 seconds using a scale attached to one plier
6) test has to be done at 3 different locations. It is recommended to do it near the tail (avoid areas of high pressure during opening like near the nose of the canopy).

Note. Pressure on the Visegrip type pliers can be adjusted to be set at minimum before it starts slipping.
A lot of riggers do not like the idea to pull with 30 lbs on a canopy fabric. I did it for many years on a reserve canopy with no problem at all and PD had the chance to perform a porosity test which was successful.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.