CENTRIFUGE EXTRACTOR ::

This instrument is used for determination and checking of bitumen percentage in bituminous mix, the mix is added with a solvent and dissolved bitumen is removed by centrifugal action. Consists of a removable aluminum rotor bowl, capacity 1500 gms. This shaft and thus the bowl is rotated fast manually by enclosed gears in the cast body and handle. Solvent is introduced during the test through the holes in the cap of the housing. A drain is provided to collect dissolved bitumen coming out of the rotating bowl and getting collected in the housing.

Salient Features ::

CENTRIFUGE EXTRACTOR (MOTORISED) :
Same as above but shaftis rotated by an electric motor and gear. Care is taken to prevent solvent entering into the rotor of electrical motor. Operates on 230 Volts A.C. single phase.
Accessories : 1. Filter paper disc (packet of 100nos.) 2. Benzene

DUCTILITY TESTING APPARATUS ::

In flexible pavement construction, bitumen binders are used. It is important that bituminous material forms ductile thin film around the aggregates, Which serves as a binder. The binder material not of sufficient ductility renderspervious pavement surface and leads to development of cracks. Therefore it is important to carry out the ductility tests on bituminous material. Ductility is defined as distance in cms to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the thread breaks. The briquette is stretched at a rate of 50mm/minute ±25mm per minute at a temperature of 27ºC ± 0.5ºC.

Salient Features ::

Specifications : The apparatus consists of a water bath with a thermostatic heater, and a circulating pump to maintain uniform water temperature. One half of the briquette moulds is fixed on a fixed plate in the water bath, the other half of the briquette mould is fixed to a carrier which slides over a rotating threaded shaft with a clutch. The motor and gears to rotate the shaft are housed in a cabinet fixed above the other end of the bath. A pointer fixed to the carrier moves over a scale graduated from 0-110 cm x 1mm fixed on the bath with “0” (zero) of the scale towards the fixed plate side. The rotating shaft has 2 speeds of travel for the bracket, 5cm/min and 1 cm/min., selected by a clutch. Water bath inside is aluminium, it is an insulated water bath. Water bath is provided with a drain. A heater with thermostatic control is fixed inside the water bath. Control switches for motor, stirrer, heater and indicator lamps are fixed at a convenient place on the water bath, complete with three briquette moulds and one base plate, all made of brass. Operates on 230 volts A.C. single phase.

Accessories : 1. Thermometer IP 38 C, range 23ºC to 27ºC. 2. Ductility mould with base-plate.

Softening Point Apparatus (RING AND BALL APPARATUS) ::

This apparatus is used to determine softening point of bitumen. Ring and ball apparatus is used to determine softening point. It is that temperature at which a sample of bituminous material loaded by a 9.5mm dia steel ball drops at a distance of 25mm.

Salient Features ::

Specifications : The apparatus consists of steel bracket with a sliding plate support. The support has two holes of 10mm dia on which a Ring and Ball guide can be kept. A central hole on this plate is for inserting thermometer. Supplied with a glass beaker approximate 8.5cm. I.D., 12cm high and a hand stirrer and 2 nos. 9.5mm dia steel balls.

RING AND BALL APPARATUS (ELECTRICAL) :
Same as above but supplied with a thermostatic hot plate. suitable for operation of 230 V A.C.

Accessories : Thermometer IP 60C range 2ºC to 80ºC, Thermometer IP 61C range 30ºC to 300ºC x 5ºC. Electrical Stirrer with stand & blades to gently stir water in the beaker. Suitable for operation on 230V AC

Bitumen – Asphalt Testing Equipment ::

STANDARD PENETROMETER ::

Used to determine grade of bitumen. The penetration tests determine consistency of bitumen for the purpose of grading. Depth in units 1/10 of millimeter to which a standard needle having a standard weight will penetrate vertically in a duration of five seconds at a temperature of 25ºC determines penetration for gradation.

 

Salient Features ::

Specifications : It consists of a vertical pillar mounted on a base provided with levelling screws. The head, together with dial plunger rod and cone (or needle) slides on a pillar and can be clamped at any desired height. A rack & pinion and pointer assemble provides fine adjustment of needle or cone tip to sample. It incorporates a clutch mechanism which makes reading of penetration and subsequent resetting a simple and accurate operation. The dial is graduated in 400 1/10 and the millimeter sub-divisions and the needle pointer against figures makes easy reading. Supplied with bitumen penetration needle, ring weight one each 50 gms, and two sample container.

Accessories : Penetration cone for empirical estimation of penetration of lubricating grease, petroleum jelly etc.

AUTOMATIC STANDARD PENETROMETER :
Same as above but supplied with transistorized timer and Electro magnet incorporated in the clutch mechanism to accurately control penetration time to exact five seconds.