Certified Material Testing Products has a range of penetrometers and asphalt penetration test equipment to suit all industries. Our light duty portable penetrometers, automatic and manual models means you can find the right equipment for your test.
In asphalt penetration test accuracy is key. That’s why we have a range of accessories such as bituminous and wax penetration needles, grease penetration cones, and transfer dishes. These accessories work with our penetrometers to allow you to perform unconfined compressive strength test with precision and reliability. Standardised laboratory equipment is essential for accurate test results.
To prepare asphalt sample for penetration test you heat different types of asphalt, form them into asphalt sample and put them in a controlled temperature environment. An electronic automatic penetrometer is then used to test, to get precise measurements.
One of the product in this category is the Universal Penetrometer, Manual. This penetrometer has a manual control system to control the penetration process in cohesive soils test. It’s reliable and suitable for many applications.
If you prefer automated testing we also have the Universal Penetrometer, Automatic. This model has an automatic control system, no manual operation required. High precision and efficiency, ideal for laboratories and test facilities.
To meet industry standards we have ASTM certified options. The Universal Penetrometer Bituminous Needle and Universal Penetrometer Wax Penetration Needle are ASTM certified, so you can be sure of accuracy and reliability in your test range and results for your asphalt sample.
In addition to penetrometers and needles we also have range of accessories such as grease penetration cones and transfer dishes. These accessories are essential for accurate testing and so you can test with ease and efficiency.
To help you with your testing we also have asphalt sample containers in various sizes. Whether you need a 3oz tinned-metal sample container or 6oz we have asphalt sample containers to hold and transport your asphalt sample.
At Certified MTP we know how important testing equipment is. That’s why we have range of penetrometers and asphalt penetration test equipment and with a carry case. Get your equipment updated today and see the precision and efficiency for yourself.
A penetration test is a basic laboratory test to determine the consistency and hardness of semi-solid materials like asphalt and bitumen penetration. This penetration test measures the depth a standard needle will penetrate into the material under a specified load and temperature. Used in the construction industry, the penetration test is important to evaluate the quality and performance of asphalt and bitumen penetration which are part of asphalt concrete pavement. By determining the material’s resistance to penetration this test ensures the asphalt or bitumen penetration will perform under various conditions.
Introduction
Asphalt penetrometers are important tools in geotechnical engineering and construction, used to measure the penetration resistance of asphalt, quality and cohesive soils. These devices are necessary to ensure materials meet specifications for construction and agricultural applications. Testing bituminous materials through standardized test is important as penetration test measures properties like grade, consistency and viscosity. This overview will cover all aspects of asphalt penetrometers, design, functionality, laboratory testing, food products, field work and importance of parameters like unconfined compressive strength and shear strength, unconfined compressive strength.
Principle of Asphalt Penetrometers
An asphalt penetrometer consists of a needle or cone that penetrates the material being tested. The depth and resistance of the needle gives the measurements to determine the compaction of the asphalt or soil. These devices are used in laboratory and field testing, food products to measure the penetration resistance which is often expressed in pounds per square inch.
The penetration grading system was developed in early 1900s to evaluate the consistency of asphalt based on its physical properties. This system measures the properties of asphalt binders, links penetration depth to binder performance and climate adaptability.
Laboratory and Field Applications
In laboratory testing, soil penetrometers are used to determine the soil’s unconfined compressive strength and shear strength, unconfined compressive strength. These measurements are important to know the material’s ability to withstand loads and environmental stresses without shear strength failure. Laboratory provides a controlled environment where parameters like temperature, weight and penetration depth can be adjusted and measured.
Soft bitumen penetration with higher penetration value is required for cold weather applications to prevent cracking in road construction. Penetration test helps to classify bitumen penetration types and select the grade based on environmental conditions.
For field use, asphalt or soil penetrometers like hand penetrometer are designed to be portable and easy to use. These devices come with a carrying case so you can take it anywhere, from construction site to farm. Being able to test on-site allows for immediate quality assessment for decisions on planting, harvesting, food products and construction.
Features of Soil Penetrometers
The typical penetrometer consists of a plunger, needle or cone tip and a scale to read the penetration resistance. High quality models are made of durable materials like stainless steel to withstand harsh field conditions, per OSHA requirements. The dimensions, weight and resistance of the penetrometer are designed according to industry standards like OSHA to ensure safety and reliability in use.
Some penetrometers have digital display for easier reading in cohesive soils, others have dial or gauge. The choice of needle or cone can be based on the testing requirements; for example, a narrower needle for softer materials in cohesive soils and a wider cone for more compacted cohesive soils.
Measurement Procedure
To use an asphalt penetrometer, the device is placed on the surface of the material and the plunger is released. The force required to push the needle or cone into the material is measured at the right depth which gives the data of the material resistance. This can be repeated several times across different areas to get a comprehensive understanding of the material properties.
The data from asphalt to soil penetrometers are recorded in a report or table format for easy comparison and analysis over time or across different materials. These reports can help in determining the compaction of road materials, suitability of soil for agricultural purposes and other critical decisions.
Considerations and Precautions
When using asphalt or soil penetrometers for cohesive soils, make sure to take measurements consistently to avoid variability in the data. The angle of penetration, speed of the plunger and type of hand penetrometer used can affect the results. Also, make sure to maintain the penetrometer regularly, the needle or cone must be sharp and clean for accurate measurement.
Beyond Soil and Asphalt
Asphalt and soil penetrometers are not only used for soil and asphalt testing. In food production industry, penetrometers are used to test the compaction of various food products. This versatility shows the fundamental use of penetrometers in measuring resistance and consistency across different materials for unconfined compressive strength testing.
Conclusion
Asphalt or soil penetrometers are essential tools in construction and agriculture and in testing cohesive soils, providing data on the mechanical properties of soil and asphalt. Whether used in lab to measure unconfined compressive strength and shear strength or in field to assess soil quality for agricultural planning, penetrometers help professionals make informed decisions based on precise and accurate measurement. With technology and design advancements, these devices will continue to evolve and get better and more user friendly across industries.
Penetrometers used in geotechnical engineering to test soil compaction and consistency have found a new and useful application in food industry. This device by measuring the penetration resistance of various food products helps in determining the textural properties which is critical for quality control and consumer satisfaction. This overview will discuss how penetrometers are adapted and used for food products, focusing on its operation, significance and compliance to industry standards like OSHA.
The basic design of a penetrometer used for food testing has a stainless steel plunger and a cone or needle tip which is pressed into the food sample to measure its resistance. The depth of the cone and the force required are measured to determine the texture and firmness of the product. This type of penetrometer is portable so tests can be done directly on the production floor or in the lab.
Each penetrometer has a part number which indicates the type and specifications of the device which determines its suitability for different food products. For example a softer food item may require a penetrometer with different cone tip size or shape than a firmer one to measure the asphalt sample without damaging it.
In food industry, consistency of products is not only about meeting consumer expectations but also about ensuring safety and manageability in processing and packaging. Penetrometers determine the firmness and texture of products like fruits, vegetables, cheeses, gels and other processed foods. The reading from these devices will determine if the food products have reached the desired shear strength and consistency for harvesting, processing or consumption.
For example in case of fruits like apples or pears, penetrometers can measure the firmness which is directly related to ripeness. This measurement will help in deciding the right time for harvest, so the fruits are not too hard or too soft which can affect both yield and quality.
To test a food product, the penetrometer tip is placed on the surface of the sample and the plunger is deployed to penetrate the food to a set distance. The resistance from the food is then recorded, usually in units that reflects the force required to push the penetrometer into the product. The reading is compiled into a report that shows the test conditions, number of samples tested and the average and range of firmness across the samples.
This data is important for food scientists and quality control managers who need consistent and repeatable measurement to decide on product formulation, processing and storage conditions. Independent testing using separate device or samples can further validate the consistency and reliability of the results.
Using penetrometers in food industry also means compliance to safety and sanitation standards. The tools must be cleaned and sanitized between tests to prevent cross contamination between samples. The construction of the penetrometer especially the parts that come into contact with the food must be food grade and corrosion resistant which is why stainless steel is commonly used.
OSHA standards although more commonly associated with occupational safety in industries like construction and manufacturing also applies to the safety practices when using penetrometers in food industry. Proper maintenance and use of the device falls under general workplace safety regulation which protects workers from potential hazards of testing equipment.
Despite its usefulness, using penetrometers in food industry has its challenges. The variability of food products due to its biological nature means multiple tests may be required to get a representative measure of firmness or texture. The penetrometer must also be able to handle different forms and surfaces of food products without altering its inherent properties which requires precise calibration and possibly custom designed tips or plungers.
Penetrometers is a valuable tool for food industry, for producers and quality control teams to measure the textural properties of food products efficiently and accurately. By measuring the firmness and consistency of the products, these device will ensure quality and consumer satisfaction. As the industry evolves, the penetrometer will remain an essential instrument that will adapt to the changing needs and challenges of food testing.
The penetration test method involves a series of steps to ensure accurate and reliable results. First, the asphalt or bitumen sample is heated to a specified temperature, usually 25°C and then poured into a sample container. Once the sample has cooled to the test temperature, a weighted needle is placed on its surface. The needle is allowed to penetrate the sample for 5 seconds. The depth of penetration is then measured, the penetration value is calculated by measuring the distance the needle has penetrated into the bitumen sample which will give a clear indication of the material’s consistency and hardness.
The results of the penetration test will determine the penetration grade of asphalt or bitumen which will indicate the material’s hardness or softness. These penetration grades will classify the material into soft, medium or hard and will guide its use for various applications like road construction, roofing or waterproofing. The penetration test results will also evaluate the temperature sensitivity of the material which is important in predicting its performance under different environmental conditions. By knowing the penetration grades and temperature susceptibility, engineers can decide on the best use of the material for a specific project.
Penetration testing is a fundamental tool in construction, it provides valuable information on the quality and performance of asphalt and bitumen. The results of penetration test will ensure that the materials meet the required specification and standard for various applications. The test results will also evaluate the material’s suitability for different environmental condition, temperature and humidity. Moreover, penetration test results is critical in optimizing the mix design of asphalt concrete pavement, to improve its performance and durability. In general, penetration testing is the backbone of quality control and quality assurance in construction, to ensure that the materials used in the project is reliable and effective.
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