The Automatic Vicat is used to study the setting time of hydraulic binders. Its operation is intermittent and it is fitted with a device for recording the penetration of the plunger into the paste. The traditional setting test of hydraulic binders is usually carried out with an instrument consisting of a simple arm that drives a cylinder complete with Vicat needle and of a scale graduated to 0.001 mm on which the penetration value of the plunger into the binder can be read. Due to the manual operation of such a machine it is not always to determine precisely the initial and final setting times. Imprecise measurements due to mixing defects, such as air pockets and so on, can often induce misinterpretations, thus making it difficult to distinguish between the actual phenomenon and the apparent one.

This instrument is completely automatic and has been researched and designed to for both simple operation and the elimination of uncertainties associated with hand operation, thus guaranteeing absolutely precise and reliable results. The apparatus carries out the whole test automatically with no need of the operator presence.

The results obtained are recorded on chart paper. The chart clearly shows the course of the test and it allows the initial and final setting times to be determined with complete accuracy and without ambiguity.

FEATURES

The Multiple Automatic Vicat can accommodate four moulds. The frame, made of light alloy, has been designed to give the instrument that compactness that ensures solidity and resistance under the various conditions of use.

Its limited weight and its rational shape allow the apparatus to be easily transported. 4 timers, can be adjusted from 1 to 99 min., vary the duration of a penetration and the interval between tests, thus the total duration of test. The plate accepting the mould rotates in a spiral, thus allowing the needle to penetrate each time in a different position, at a distance of 6.4 mm from the previous one at 9.5mm from the edge of the mould. Complete with a patented device for the continuous cleaning of the needle, complete with 2 bushes divided into 2 halves: 1 to clean the 1mm needle and 1 to clean the 1.13-mm needle.

The initial and final setting times are read on the chart, according to the number of penetrations and to their depth. At the end of the test, the apparatus automatically stops. Additionally, a light will flash if at any time there has been a power cut.

The instrument is supplied complete with plungers of 300g, moulds, glass plates, pens 50 charts and electrical connectors. The needles for performing the tests to the requirements of the various standards must be ordered separately. The 4 element multiple has been designed to allow the setting time to be determined at elements operate independently from each other.

Dimensions: 780x360x460mm weight 42 kg

ACCESSORIES

NEEDLE 1.13mm diameter, suitable for performing tests to the requirements of EN, BS,UNI, DIN, NF.

NEEDLE 1 mm diameter, suitable for performing tests to the requirements of ASTM,AASHTO.

FINAL SETTING TIME NEEDLE, for performing tests to the requirements of EN

PATENTED DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS CLEANING OF THE NEEDLE. Supplied complete with 2 bushes in 2 halves: one is suitable for cleaning 1 mm dia. needle and the other for the 1.13mm dia. needle.

PATENTED DEVICE FOR NEEDLE CLEANING AND WATERBATH. To carry out tests on 90% humidity specimens, as required by the EN 196 standard. The thermostatic group, allowing to recycling and keep water at 20°C ± 1°C, is not necessary in order to reach saturated humidity and must be ordered separately. The device consists of a pan, a specimen-holder complete with pivots for the machine positioning, two bars to place the specimen holders, a cover with needle cleaning device. Supplied complete with 2 bushes in 2 halves: one is suitable for cleaning 1 mm dia. needle and the other for the 1.13mm dia. needle.

THERMOSTATIC UNIT with closed circuit cooling device. Temperature adjustable from 5 to 40°C