Brovold Superpave Gyratory Compactor
The tough and proven Brovold Gyratory Compactor (also known as the Brovold Superpave Gyratory) is the industry leader in portability and ease of use when compacting hot-mix asphalt specimens to Superpave mix design requirements. This reliable unit is made by Pine Instruments and is good for both mix design and QC/QA. Self contained and lightweight, it can be taken to remote sites or mobile labs. An industrial computer controls the entire compaction cycle. Enter compaction parameters through the simple menu driven controller, place the prepared mold in the machine, secure the gyratory head and press start. The system will apply consolidation pressure using a vertical actuator for precise load application, induce the angle and gyrate the mold to the specified settings. During the compaction cycle the axis of the mold generates the gyratory motion which is defined as the movement of the mold around a fixed axis at a set angle and generates a conical surface of revolution. At the end of the compaction cycle the specimen is extruded with the same hydraulic ram used for compaction, no more handling of hot heavy molds. Specimens can be further processed for testing, or you may use equipment designed to consolidate freshly molded specimens. Rigid tubular frame and patented gyratory mechanism ensure accurate repeatable results. Assemblies are sold separately and some have holes for drainage or ventilation.The Brovold Gyratory has logging capability designed by Pine to save or export to a portable USB flash drive, or print to an optional PCL Laser Printer. Up to ten completed tests are stored in the compactor’s internal memory and data is also output to the two USB ports for flash drive and printer as well as a RS232 serial port. Data can also be viewed in real time on the four-line digital display, with an integrated load cell providing real-time force measurement. The automated control system processes compaction data in real time for quality control. Default settings of the HM-687 compact specimens to the height, number of gyrations, compaction force and speed required by the standard ASTM and AASHTO test methods, using a standardized method for specimen compaction. All of these parameters can be reset by the user for special applications and different materials. Default internal angle of gyration is 1.16° and 1.25° external. The angle can also be factory set to 0.82° internal if specified when ordering.
Features:
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Meets or exceeds requirements for ASTM D6925 and AASHTO T 312 using the specified method for specimen
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Most portable; 137kg unit fits in a minivan or pickup
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Good for both mix design and QC/QA
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Built-in Extruder
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Molds and accessories available for different testing standards
Included Items:
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Brovold Superpave Gyratory Compactor (115V/60Hz or 230V/50-60Hz)
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Funnel cap for proper placement of sample material
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Tongs
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Magnet for lifting end plates
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Specify the quantity or accessories when ordering
Number of Gyrations 0—299, Number of Gyrations and HeightSpeed of Gyrations 20—40 gpm (adjustable) / 30 ±0.5gpm (factory set; typically set to 30 gpm)
Compaction Force 300—600 kPa (soil compaction; for accurate measurement, see the Soil Compaction and Penetrometer Tester with Dial for precise electronic displacement measurements) (max compaction force: 600 kPa; see the Digital Dial Indicator, 1 x 0.0001in for precise electronic displacement measurements)
Angle of Gyration 1.16° ±0.02° Internal, 1.25° ±0.02° External
Dimensions 150 x 280mm, Dial. x H
Specimen Size Height: 10.0—200.0mm (maximum specimen height: 200.0mm)
Communication Port(s) Serial port, USB Port and Visual Display
System Electrohydraulic
Acquisition Specimen Height, Pressure and External Angle of Gyration
Program Memory Height retained for Last 10 Tests. Height, Pressure, and Angle retained for Last Test Only
Power Requirements 115V / 60Hz, 15 Amp, 1 ph or 230V / 50/60Hz, 10 Amp, 1 ph
Product Dimensions 30 x 21.3 x 55.4in (760 x 540 x 1,410mm), WxDxH
Net Weight 304lb (138kg)
Estimated Shipping Weight 700.0lb (317.52kg)
Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T 312 ASTM D 7229 ASTM D 6925—see also the Mini Slump Cone for enhanced concrete testing accuracy. (Concrete Slump Cone) ASTM C143
Compaction
Compaction is a process used across industries such as construction, mining and manufacturing where the goal is to reduce the volume of materials like concrete, asphalt and soil to achieve greater density and stability. This process is achieved using specialized machines like gyratory compactors and primary gyratory crushers. In ore processing for example primary gyratory crushers are used in the initial stages where they crush and compact large rocks and minerals to prepare them for further processing. Compaction is the application of low static compression combined with a shearing action to eliminate air voids and ensure the samples is tightly packed. Whether in the production of durable concrete structures or the efficient processing of mined compaction is a critical step that enhances the quality and longevity of the final product.
Components and Design
Gyratory compactors are designed with several key components that work together to deliver precise and efficient compaction. At the heart of this equipment is the main shaft which rotates to create the gyratory motion. Around the main shaft are concave liners which form a conical surface that evenly distributes pressure during compaction. The spider assembly provides structural support and stability so it operates smoothly even under high loads. Advanced features like load cells allow for real-time monitoring of the load applied, the gyratory angle and vertical position can be adjusted to suit different compaction requirements. Many modern gyratory compactors also have real-time direct shear measurement and automated controls so users can optimize the compaction process and get consistent high quality results in both concrete and asphalt applications.
Operation and Functionality
Operating a gyratory compactor is a simple yet effective process. Material is placed into a mold which is then placed into the machine. The compactor applies low static compression and a unique shearing action through its gyratory motion so the material is compacted uniformly throughout the mold. This combination of forces maximizes density while minimizing air voids which is especially important in applications like concrete and asphalt production. On mining sites gyratory compactors are used to process and compact ores to more efficient handling and reduced waste. The operation is designed for ease of use with automated controlling the application and mold movement so operators can get reliable results with minimal manual intervention. This not only improves productivity but also safety by reducing the need for direct handling of heavy or hot materials.
