Triaxial Control Panel: Additional Permeability Guide
The Triaxial/Permeability Additional Control Panel allows you to add additional triaxial or permeability test chambers economically for more productivity. The Additional Panel attaches to the Master Control Panel and uses its digital pressure readout to show confining and cell pressures and control air pressures. The Additional Panel has the same precision master pressure regulator, valves, reservoir and burrette assemblies as the Master Control Panel but does not have a Digital Pressure Supply Gauge.
Triaxial and flexible-wall permeability testing are in high demand for structural performance verification and environmental regulations compliance. These modular components are designed to be adaptable to new or existing equipment when building a system to meet your needs, ensuring accurate measurement of pore pressure and control loading rates.
Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T296 AASHTO T297 ASTM D 2850 ASTM D 4767 ASTM D 5084
Overview and Benefits
The Master Control Panel is the complete solution for triaxial shear and flexible-wall permeability testing. It includes a digital readout for accurately setting test cell pressures during various testing phases, emphasizing precision and ease of use. Precise control, logical layout and quality components for accuracy and ease of use. The panel controls air and fluid pressures in the testing cells and is the central point for air, water and drain connections. Powder coated aluminum frame, built to last and logical layout for easy use. So you can do flexible wall permeability testing with confidence knowing you have control of everything.
Understanding Triaxial Control Panels
Triaxial control panels are essential components in triaxial and flexible wall permeability testing of soils. These panels provide precise control over air and fluid pressures in testing cells, allowing for accurate and reliable test results. The master control panel serves as the central hub, regulating air and fluid pressures and managing supply connections for air, water, and drains. By connecting optional add-on panels, you can control multiple test cells, making the system highly adaptable to various testing needs. This flexibility ensures that whether you are conducting triaxial shear tests or flexible wall permeability tests, you have the precise control necessary for dependable outcomes.
Key Components and Operating Principles
The key components of a triaxial control panel include:
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Precision Master Pressure Regulator: The master pressure regulator is crucial for setting and controlling pressures during the saturation, consolidation, and testing phases, ensuring that the pressures are maintained accurately.
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Zero-Displacement Ball Valves: These valves provide positive shutoff and allow for precise control over air and fluid pressures, preventing any unwanted displacement.
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Burettes: Used for measuring flow, these are typically located inside storage chambers with additional capacity to ensure accurate flow measurement.
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Pressure Readout: This displays the pressure readings, and some panels come with a factory-installed digital readout for easy and accurate monitoring.
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Upper Half Controls: These regulate the air pressure to the specimen chamber, ensuring that the air pressure is maintained at the desired level.
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Lower Half Controls: These manage the water supply, ensuring that the fluid pressures are controlled precisely.
The operating principles of a triaxial control panel involve setting and controlling pressures, measuring flow, and regulating air and fluid pressures in testing cells. The panel provides a central point for supply connections and allows for easy filling and draining of the test cell, ensuring that the testing process is efficient and accurate.
Flexible Wall Permeability Testing
The Master Control Panel is for triaxial and flexible-wall permeability testing, to measure pore pressure for correction and control of loads and loading rates. The panel has precise control of air and fluid pressures to set and control pressures during saturation, consolidation and testing phases. Displacement ball valves for positive shutoff, two 50cc burettes with 0.1cc graduations and two 4cc pipettes with 0.008cc graduations for accurate flow measurement. All this attention to detail so every permeability test is precise.
Technical and Pressure Control Customization
The Master Control Panel is available in two versions: psi pressure readout (HM-350M) and kPa pressure readout (HM-350MF). The panel has a factory installed digital readout to set test cell and sample pressures and can be connected to an additional panel to control additional triaxial or flexible-wall permeability test cells. Technical specifications:
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Pressure control: air and fluid pressure control
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Test cell pressure: one regulator
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Sample pressure: one regulator
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Air controlled by precision regulators
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Flow measurement: two 50cc burettes with 0.1cc graduations and two 4cc pipettes with 0.008cc graduations
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Zero-displacement ball valves: positive shutoff
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Effective cell pressure: one regulator
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Permeability test chambers: can be connected to the panel for measurement
All this so the panel has precise control and measurement, a must have for any laboratory doing triaxial or permeability testing.
Integration and Compatibility with Pressure Control Systems
The Master Control Panel is designed to work with other soil testing equipment, consolidation, shear and permeability tests. The panel is compact and expandable so it can be connected to additional test cells and equipment for commercial laboratories. The panel is also compatible with other accessories, HMA-521 Digital Pore Pressure Supply Gauge and HMA-506 Specimen Height Indicator. So it can be adapted to any testing environment.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance of a triaxial control panel. Here are some tips:
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Check the Precision Regulators and Zero-Displacement Ball Valves: Regularly inspect these components for any signs of wear or damage to ensure they are functioning correctly.
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Clean the Burettes and Storage Chambers: Regular cleaning prevents contamination and ensures accurate flow measurement.
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Verify the Pressure Readout: Ensure that the pressure readout is accurate and functioning correctly, as any discrepancies can affect test results.
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Inspect the Upper and Lower Half Controls: Check for any blockages or damage that could affect the regulation of air and fluid pressures.
Troubleshooting common issues with triaxial control panels includes:
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Pressure Fluctuations: Inspect the precision regulators and zero-displacement ball valves for any signs of wear or damage that could cause inconsistencies.
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Flow Measurement Errors: Ensure that the burettes are clean and functioning correctly to avoid inaccurate flow measurements.
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Pressure Readout Errors: Check the factory-installed digital readout for any signs of malfunction and ensure it is calibrated correctly.
Selecting the Right Triaxial Control Panel
When selecting a triaxial control panel, consider the following factors:
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Pressure Control: Look for panels that offer precise control over air and fluid pressures to ensure accurate testing.
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Flow Measurement: Choose panels with accurate flow measurement capabilities, such as burettes with fine graduations.
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Pressure Readout: Opt for panels with a factory-installed digital readout for easy and accurate pressure monitoring.
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Test Cell Compatibility: Ensure the panel is compatible with your test cell and can regulate air and fluid pressures accordingly.
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Expandability: Consider panels that can be connected to add-on panels for controlling multiple test cells, providing flexibility for future testing needs.
By considering these factors, you can select a triaxial control panel that meets your specific testing needs and provides accurate and reliable results.
Benefits and Uses of Effective Cell Pressure
The Master Control Panel has:
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Pore pressure measurement for correction and control of loads and loading rates
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Air and fluid pressure control
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Easy to use and logical layout
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Compact and expandable for other equipment
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Compatible with other accessories
For:
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Triaxial shear testing
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Flexible-wall permeability testing
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Consolidation testing
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Triaxial
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Permeability
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R&D geotechnical engineering
All this precision and measurement.