SCIFA BITUMEN PENETROMETER

BITUMEN PENETROMETER

Brand: Scifa

Features:

• Hand operated 
• The apparatus consist of a cast aluminum base with an iron stand on which moves an aluminum arm
• A needle with weights is fitted to this rod.
• The dial is graduated from 0-400 in one tenth millimeter sub division
• Supplied complete with adjustable needle holder, penetration needle sample container, transfer dish and weight of 50 Gms

Part Number: Scifa-BPM-SH116

BITUMEN PENETROMETER

BITUMEN PENETROMETER CUP

Oil and Cosmatic Bitumen Pentetrometer

Main Components and Features

1. Cast Aluminum Base: The apparatus is built on a robust and stable cast aluminum base. This foundation provides a solid and durable platform that ensures minimal vibrations during the testing process, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the results.

2. Iron Stand with Adjustable Aluminum Arm: The iron stand serves as the main support structure of the apparatus. Attached to this stand is a movable aluminum arm, which is a critical component of the apparatus. The arm can be adjusted vertically, allowing the user to position it according to the specific requirements of the test. This flexibility ensures that the needle can be accurately positioned over the sample.

3. Dial Indicator: A 6-inch dial is affixed to the aluminum arm. This dial is a key measurement tool, calibrated in one-tenth millimeter subdivisions and graduated from 0 to 400. It provides precise readings of the needle's penetration depth during the test. The clear and easy-to-read dial ensures that measurements can be taken with confidence, reducing the potential for errors.

4. Brass Chromium-Plated Rod: A brass rod, coated with a layer of chromium for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, slides through the lower portion of the aluminum arm. This rod serves as the guide for the needle, allowing smooth vertical movement. The chromium plating not only improves the longevity of the rod but also ensures smooth operation without sticking or friction, which could affect the test results.

5. Needle with Adjustable Weights: The apparatus includes a penetration needle that is attached to the brass rod. The needle is designed to penetrate the sample material under controlled conditions. It is fitted with adjustable weights to ensure consistent and repeatable penetration force. The standard configuration includes a 50-gram weight, which can be easily adjusted depending on the specific requirements of the test.

6. Adjustable Needle Holder: An adjustable needle holder secures the penetration needle in place, ensuring stability and precise positioning. This holder is designed to allow quick and easy adjustments, enabling users to set up their tests with minimal effort.

7. Sample Container and Transfer Dish: The apparatus comes with a sample container and a transfer dish, which are essential for conducting the test. The sample container holds the material to be tested, while the transfer dish facilitates easy handling and positioning of the sample. Both components are designed to be compatible with the overall apparatus, ensuring a seamless testing process.

Hand Operated Version

The hand-operated version of the apparatus is designed for manual operation. It is ideal for users who prefer direct control over the testing process or when power supply limitations are a concern. The user manually lowers the needle using the adjustable arm, and the penetration depth is read directly from the dial indicator. This version is straightforward to operate and does not require any electrical components, making it a reliable and low-maintenance option.

Electrically Operated Version with Automatic Timer

The electrically operated version of the apparatus is equipped with an automatic digital timer and electrical arrangement, which significantly enhances the testing process. This version eliminates the need for manual timing with a stopwatch, offering a more automated and user-friendly experience.

Key Features of the Electrically Operated Version:

1. Automatic Digital Timer: The built-in digital timer allows precise control over the duration of the test. It automates the timing process, removing the need for the operator to manually start and stop a stopwatch. This feature enhances the accuracy and repeatability of the test results, as the penetration time is consistent in every test.

2. Electrical Operation for Ease and Accuracy: The apparatus is powered by an electrical mechanism that automatically controls the needle's movement. This setup ensures that the needle penetrates the sample material with consistent force and timing, reducing the potential for human error. The automated process provides a high degree of accuracy, making this version ideal for applications where precision is critical.

3. Simple Controls: The electrically operated model is designed with user-friendly controls, making it easy to operate even for those with limited technical experience. The digital timer and electrical controls are intuitive, allowing the user to quickly set up and perform tests with minimal effort.

4. Enhanced Safety Features: The electrical model includes safety features to protect both the apparatus and the user. These may include overload protection for the electrical components and secure mounting for the needle and weights, ensuring that the apparatus operates safely and reliably.

Applications and Benefits

Applications: The apparatus is commonly used in laboratories, research facilities, and quality control environments where precise measurement of material penetration is required. It is particularly useful for testing the consistency and quality of materials such as bitumen, waxes, and other semi-solid substances.

Benefits:

1. High Precision and Repeatability: The finely graduated dial, combined with the smooth operation of the needle and weights, ensures highly accurate and repeatable results.

2. Ease of Use: Both versions of the apparatus are designed for straightforward operation, whether manually operated or electrically powered.

3. Versatility: The apparatus can be used for a wide range of materials and testing conditions, thanks to its adjustable components and customizable settings.

4. Durability: The robust construction of the apparatus, including its cast aluminum base and chromium-plated rod, ensures a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.

5. Enhanced Efficiency: The electrically operated version, with its automatic timer, offers increased testing efficiency, reducing the time and effort required to conduct multiple tests.

Conclusion

This apparatus, available in both hand-operated and electrically operated versions, provides a versatile and reliable solution for penetration testing. Its combination of robust construction, precise measurement capabilities, and user-friendly features makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of testing applications. The electrically operated model, with its automatic timer, further enhances the ease and accuracy of the testing process, making it an invaluable tool in any laboratory or testing environment.

Use and Application of Bitumen Penetrometer

Use: The Bitumen Penetrometer is primarily used to determine the consistency and hardness of bituminous materials, such as asphalt, waxes, greases, and other semi-solid substances. The apparatus measures the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the material under specific conditions of time, temperature, and load. This test helps in evaluating the softness or hardness of the material, which is crucial for assessing its suitability for various applications.

Application:

1. Road Construction: Used to test bitumen for quality control in the production of asphalt for road surfaces. The penetration value helps determine the appropriate grade of bitumen needed for different climatic conditions and traffic loads.

2. Quality Control in Refineries: Refineries use the penetrometer to ensure that the bitumen produced meets industry standards and specifications before it is distributed for use.

3. Research and Development: Laboratories and research facilities use the apparatus to study the properties of new or modified bituminous materials. It aids in developing formulations with improved performance characteristics.

4. Roofing and Waterproofing: In the production of roofing materials and waterproofing products, the penetrometer is used to test the consistency of bitumen, ensuring that it will perform effectively in protecting structures from moisture.

5. Adhesives and Sealants: The apparatus helps in testing bitumen used in adhesives and sealants, ensuring the correct level of stickiness and flexibility for various applications.

6. Pavement Design: Used in designing flexible pavements, the penetration value informs engineers about the right type of bitumen needed to withstand specific environmental and loading conditions.

7. Compliance Testing: The penetrometer is used in compliance testing to ensure that bituminous materials conform to national and international standards, such as ASTM and AASHTO, required for construction projects.

8. Material Classification: Helps classify bitumen into different penetration grades, allowing for the selection of appropriate material for specific applications.

People also ask

• What is a penetrometer used to measure in food?
• A Penetrometer is a device that provides a rapid empirical method for measuring the denseness, compaction, consistency or penetrability of a wide variety of solid, semisolid, food and non-food products.
• How to calibrate a penetrometer?
• Move the penetrometer head down until the tip of the plunger rests on the top of the calibration blocks. 4. Remove the top block. Release the Plunger Trigger and guide the plunger until it is gently resting on the second block.
• What is the use of universal penetrometer?
• Penetrometers are used for testing a wide variety of materials such as grease, petroleum, bitumen, tar, asphalt, rubber, cement and soils.
• What is a penetrometer used to measure in food?
  A Penetrometer is a device that provides a rapid empirical method for measuring the denseness, compaction, consistency or penetrability of a wide variety of solid, semisolid, food and non-food products.