Slake Durability Apparatus: A Guide
The Slake Durability Apparatus was designed to simulate weather related wetting/drying cycles to test the durability of shale and weak rock. This method follows ASTM D4644 standards for reliability and consistency in testing rock durability. Samples are rotated at 20rpm in 5.5 x 3.9in (140 x 100mm) Dia. x W Wire Mesh Drums within 11.5 x 8.5 x 7.5in (292.1 x 215.9 x 190.5mm) W x D x H Water Tanks, then oven dried for two cycles. The Slake Durability Index is the percent sample loss after two wetting and drying cycles. The apparatus can also be used in other construction related applications to test the abrasion resistance of shale and similar soft rocks.
The 4ft (1.2m) base can hold up to four Water Tank and Drum Assemblies. Additional Water Tank and Drum Assemblies, Wire Mesh Drums, and Water Tanks can be purchased separately to test more samples.
Features:
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Water Tanks with quick release drive units
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4ft (1.2m) base can hold up to four Water Tank and Drum
Includes:
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Slake Durability Apparatus- Slake drive unit
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Two Wire Mesh Drums
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Two Tanks
Electrical 115V / 60Hz, 1 Amp
Dimensions 48 x 14 x 9.25in (1,219 x 355 x 235mm) W x D x H
Weight 67.0lb (30.4kg)
Meets Test Method: ASTM D 4644
What is a Slake Durability Apparatus?
The Slake Durability Apparatus is a testing device designed to test the durability of rocks, especially shale and similar soft rocks, when immersed in water. It simulates weather related wetting and drying cycles to determine abrasion resistance and deterioration over time. Used in construction related applications such as embankments, this apparatus tests the durability of rocks and predicts their performance in different environmental conditions. By wetting and drying rock samples in a controlled environment, the apparatus gives you valuable data on how these materials will behave when exposed to natural weathering processes.## Apparatus Functionality
The Slake Durability Apparatus consists of a motorized drive unit, tank assemblies and test drums. The motorized drive unit is mounted on a baseplate and can rotate two or four drums at 20rpm. The tank assemblies are filled with water to 20mm below the drum axis to ensure consistent immersion of the samples. The test drums are 2.00 mm mesh, 140mm Dia. x 100mm L and designed to tumble samples through water and then oven dry for two cycles. The percent loss of mass, the Slake Durability Index, is the measure of rock durability. Available in various models with quick release drive units and additional drum assemblies for more samples, this is a versatile tool to test the abrasion resistance and durability of rock samples.