Puff Count Test

This test aims to count maximum puffs from one cartridge, pod, or device. This method includes the requirements found necessary for the generation and collection of e-cigarette aerosol for analytical data.

Puff count is a group of tests. The first is a simple puff count with or without adjusting the number of puffs. The second group of tests is aimed at studying the life cycle of the test taker. The device to be tested is connected to the machine and works until the battery is discharged, or the liquid runs out, and it’s detected automatically by a special sensor.

Pressure drop test

The goal of the test is to find the difference in suction force during puffing. This test determines the amount of force that must be applied for a single puff.

Methodology puff protocol:

1. The airflow rate required to produce the aerosol and the density of the aerosol can vary depending on the number of puffs.
2. The total area of ​​the air holes correlates with the pressure drop for some brands.
3. Smoke-out protocol: E-cigarettes within a brand generally performed similarly when puffed to exhaustion; however, there was considerable variation between brands in pressure drop, airflow rate required to produce an aerosol, and the total number of puffs produced.
4. With this protocol, aerosol density varied significantly between puffs and gradually declined.

Evaporated mass during puff test (EMP test)

The purpose of this test is to determine the amount of material vaporised during a single puff.

This test is used to:
– determine the efficiency of the vaping process of e-liquid, oil or tobacco/ herbal substances;
– assess the dynamics of e-liquid/oil or tobacco/ herbal consumption;
– carry out a comparative analysis of the performance of several devices in the context of substance evaporation.

E-vapor density test

The test can show the visual and digital differences in vapor density. During the test, experts find out how much vapor the device generates during a puff. The test results are used for the following purposes:

– to draw conclusions about the quality of the technical solutions used in the design of the device’s airflow;
– to obtain information about the volume of vapor generated in one or more puffs;
– to observe the qualitative change in the tightening force and the amount of vapor during prolonged use of the device or the declared sessions.

The test is useful when comparing the performance of several devices of the same type, as well as when examining individual devices.

POD/cartridge leakage test

The test performs leakage analysis of the device’s cartridges (pods) under various environmental conditions, and it is used only for devices with removable cartridges (pods), as well as clearomizers, tanks, and other similar elements.

The main test is done under the low atmospheric pressure, which can occur during the transportation of devices by air. Additionally, research can be carried out in a static position of the cartridge (pod) and during vibrations.

The test results serve to detect the intensity of leaks (if any), make conclusions about the design features of the cartridge (pod) and, if necessary, develop recommendations for eliminating leaks.

POD/cartridge design and construction review

The analysis provides a detailed examination of the external and internal elements of the cartridge (pod), including:

– the heating element as the main one;
– air chambers and channels;
– elements supplying liquid/oil supply to the heater (wicks).

The procedure includes a complete disassembly of the cartridge (pod) followed by photographing of its elements and their expert analysis. Particular attention is paid to the heating elements, internal construction elements, and wicks, identifying unique technical solutions.

This type of examination can be carried out on removable or built-in cartridges (pods), as well as clearomizers, tanks, and other similar elements.

Heater element operating temperature test

The test determines the actual surface temperature of the heating element and provides additional information:

– the operational modes of the electronic circuits of the device;
– design features of the heater, and its surrounding elements.

After the test, it is possible to detect overheating of the liquid or tobacco/herbal substrate, as overheating can lead to the formation of harmful chemical compounds in the vapor.

Depending on the type of heating element used in the device, measurements can be made using a high-precision pyrometer or miniature thermocouples.
The test can be used when investigating any type of vape device:

– pod-systems;
– HnB;
– oil vaporizers.

It should be noted that due to the design features of some devices (pod systems and similar ones with replaceable evaporators (cartridges)), this test may be difficult to perform

Overview of internal components and design

The purpose of the test is to examine the features and technical solutions used in the device.

This test involves a complete disassembly of the, followed by photographing of the assembled internal layout, as well as photographing of individual elements and structural units. This research can provide a more detailed analysis of certain components of the device, measurement of element parameters and analysis of materials used.

Additional technical diagnostics can be carried out to identify non-standard technical solutions and characteristics of the device. The analysis can be provided for any type of vape device: pod systems, HnB, oil vaporizers, etc.

Device Drop Test

The test is carried out to determine the strength of devices under various conditions of mechanical impact on them. The investigation is carried out using a drop machine by throwing the device from a height of 122 cm on certain sides or corners of the device.

Based on the results of this research, it is possible to resume the reliability of the structural elements of the device, the quality of its assembly, and the quality of the materials used in the structural elements of the device.

The test can be used in the research process of any type of vape device: pod-systems, HnB, oil vaporizers, etc.

Button failure test

The durability test for mechanical buttons on vaporisers and e-cigarettes is carried out to determine the lifetime of buttons that can be used in certain vape devices.

The test involves carrying out a large number of button presses using a specialized automatic machine until the button is mechanically damaged or there is a loss of electrical contact between the internal elements of the button.

Based on the results of the research, it is possible to make conclusions about the quality of the buttons on the device, which has a direct impact on the lifetime of the device as a whole.

The information obtained during the test can be included in the list of recommendations for improving the performance of the device.

The test can be used in the research process of any type of vape device: pod-systems, HnB, oil vaporizers, etc.

Battery test

A complex test for measuring battery life and performance during lifecycles. The main commercial parameter is to find out whether the  device under the analysis has the declared battery capacity. This test is carried out to analyze the parameters of the battery installed in the device and its response under various current loads.

Based on the test results, it is possible to make conclusions about the quality of the battery and the compliance of its actual and declared parameters. The information collected during this test can also be used in conclusions about the balance level of the device and be used as part of recommendations for improving the characteristics of the device.

The test can be used in the research of any type of vape device: pod-systems, HnB, oil vaporizers.

Supply signal characteristics, power parameters analysis

The test is carried out to determine the parameters of the electrical signal that is applied to the contacts of the heating element during the  operating periods of the device.

The information obtained during the test enables several important parameters to be gathered: 

– determine the type of signal that is applied to the heating element;
– investigate the heating algorithm of the device and the type of the heating element temperature control system;
– determine the values of the real output power supplied to the heating element and the values of the total power/current consumption.

Based on the test results, it is possible to  draw conclusions about the efficiency of the heater temperature control system, the quality of the device’s circuitry, and to obtain information about features of the processes occurring during heating.

The test can be used in the research of any type of vape devices: pod-systems, HnB, oil vaporizers.

PCB review and analysis

The aim of the test is to analyze the device’s schematic solutions necessary to understand the device’s operational algorithms, its functionality, and individual characteristics.

During the research of the device’s PCBs, the maximum possible identification of electronic components is carried out, their interaction is analyzed, possible options of the schematic solutions that provide certain functions of the device are analyzed too.

This type of analysis can be performed in conjunction with “Analysis of power signal characteristics, power supply parameters”, which provides additional information about the device power parameters and its features.

The analysis can be provided for any type of vape device: pod-systems, HnB, oil vaporizers.

Vapor collection for chemical tests

Our laboratory has its vapor collection, which is used as an etalon for making tests for the degrees of nicotine, tobacco-explicit nitrosamines (TSNAs), aldehydes, metals, unpredictable natural mixes (VOCs), flavors, and tobacco alkaloids in an e-cigarette.

For supplying our clients with objective information in changes of the technical requirements and chemical test, our specialists take constant contact with the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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