Automatic Softening Point Ring & Ball Apparatus

The TAS-0128 Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus is an innovative microprocessor controlled automatic tester which is used to determine the softening point of bituminous materials using water or glycerol as the heating fluid. The softening point determines a disk of the sample held within a horizontal ring is forced downward from a distance of 25.4 mm under the mass of a steel ball as the sample is heated at a prescribed rate in a water or glycerine bath. The softening point is taken by two suitably positioned light barriers and the temperature is measured by a PT100 sensor. A uniform temperature distribution in the vessel is maintained by a magnetic stirrer, equipped with an adjustable speed control system and the temperature gradient is strictly maintained during the test by the electronic system conforming to the relevant standards. A software permits to select the test method and the test parameters, run the test automatically, store, retrieve and print data, diagnose and calibrate the instrument. Additional cooling system, permits to quickly cool down the sample allowing to handle the glassware and to perform number of tests during a day by reducing the dead times between consequent analysis.

The apparatus consists of a heater, cooling system, electric lifting system, and magnetic stirrer with speed control, temperature probe, glass beaker, ring and ball support, brass ring with steel ball and ball centering guides (2 pcs. each), light barrier system, microprocessor system and large graphic display with touch screen, RS 232 C port for PC or printer.

Standards

• EN 1427
• ASTM D36
• AASHTO T53

Key Features

• Microprocessor control with automatic programmable test sequences for water or glycerol
• RS 232 serial port for connection to PC or printer
• Colour large TFT graphic display with touch screen
• Electric lifting system
• PID controlled heating system
• Cooling system with selenoid valve control
• Magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed
• Digital light barrier system determines exact softening point of bituminous sample
• Software controlled system allows select test parameters, store and retrieve test results
• Pyrex beaker 1000 cc capacity for sample heating
• Firmware
• Date/time, operator name, test number
• Test parameters conforming the type of test: 80°C and 80-150°C
• Preheating temperature and thermocouple calibration for measuring the heater temperature Magnetic stirrer speed adjustment from 10 to 150 rpm
• Baud rate selection for PC and for printer

Safety Features

• Heater is automatically shut down at the end of the test cycle and cooling media and a solenoid valve is automatically opened by the controller
• Automatic test interruption when there is a probe failure or when the probe is not positioned properly

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