équipement de laboratoire d'essai des matériaux

BBR3 - BENDING BEAM RHEOMETER 3

Touch-screen system with built-in computer for determining flexural creep stiffness for asphalt binder and other materials.

The Bending Beam Rheometer 3 (BBR3) been designed to perform flexural tests on asphalt binder and similar specimens per AASHTO T 313, AASHTO TP 87, ASTM D6648, and BS EN 14771 specifications as part of the PG grading system according to Superpave. The BBR3 is the first of its kind to offer a state of the art internal computer system incorporating touchscreen technology. The BBR3’s new external chiller is now more compact and omits less noise during operation. Programmable test parameters allow users to input and save their own unique settings, allowing the BBR3 to satisfy a diverse range of testing applications.

The BBR3 consists of a fluid bath base with a built-in touchscreen computer, load frame, and external chiller. During operation, a known force is applied to the center of a horizontally supported specimen beam submerged in a cold liquid bath while internal software calculates the flexural creep stiffness of the beam. Used in part to determine a sample’s critical cracking temperature and low temperature PG grade, the BBR3’s -40⁰C to 25⁰C temperature range is efficiently calculated by a platinum RTD measuring device.

The 500g load cell and changeable specimen supports easily transition the BBR3 for crack sealant testing, and the free standing external chiller ensures that the cooling fluid maintains a constant temperature.

Programmable Test Parameters

Programmable test parameters allow the user to define a test and save those parameters for later testing. Predefined test parameters include the standard ASTM BBR test as well as the crack sealant test and the sliver test.

The BBR3’s programmable test parameters include:

Deflection Plot, Load Plot, Bath Temperature, Stirrer Speed, Specimen size, Testing Times, Load, and Testing Company.

High Accuracy

Recent testing by our team of qualified engineers shows that the ATS BBR3 features a Displacement Transducer accuracy of 0.097 micron, a measurement resolution of 0.006g, and a Deformation Accuracy of 0.097. While other BBR models may favor Peltier cooling, we’ve found that the BBR3 operates more efficiently without it. Overall our testing reinforced what our customers already know – when it comes to BBR models, the ATS BBR3 outshines the competition.

Reporting Features

Reporting features on the new BBR3 include the ability to name your sample and enter any important notes. Test data is now collected twice per second. In addition to these new features, BBR3 users now also have the ability to upload their company logo directly into their test report.

System Status Lights

The BBR3’s system status lights let users know what system components need to be verified. If verification cannot occur, the software gives users the option to standardize right from the verification screen.

Lights are red if a component has not been verified or standardized within the last 24 hours. If it is getting close to falling outside of the 24 hour parameter the lights will turn yellow, prompting the user to verify and possibly standardize those parts of the system. If those components are well within tolerance, the system status lights are green.

Once the BBR3 has been connected to a network, users have the ability to access their equipment using a mobile phone, tablet, or PC. This also allows users to connect to a wireless printer, making it easy to print data and test results. A USB port on the back of the unit is also available for users who prefer to connect a printer directly.

In addition to the USB port on the back of the BBR3, a USB port on the front of the unit allows for user friendly software updates. Operators can also use this USB port to download data onto a flashdrive, or connect a wireless keyboard for more efficient data input.

Specifications

• Load Frame: Integral stainless steel frictionless construction
• Loading Shaft: In-line stainless steel with blunt point
• Test Load: Variable test range from 0 to 400 mN standard. System maintains required test load within +/- 5mN throughout test cycle.
• Test Cycle Times: Cycle times for pre-load, recovery, and test load are completely operator-adjustable.
• Load Cell: 500 g (temperature-compensated)
• Mechanical Overload Protection: Standard
• Test Weights: Calibrated and traceable to NIST
• Sample Supports: 3mm (.118”) radius stainless steel spaced 4.00in (101.6mm) apart
• LVDT Displacement Transducer: 0.25in (6.35mm) calibrated range to provide 2um resolution throughout testing and verification range 
• Data Display: Large on-screen display of load, displacement, and bath temperature provides ease of setup and operation. Realtime displacement, loading, and temperature graphs are displayed during the test cycle and can be re-plotted and re-scaled as needed for easy viewing.
• Cooling Unit: Included (non-CFC refridgerant)
• Operating Temperature: Ambient to -40°F (-40°C)
• Temperature Measurement: Platinum RTD
• Power Requirements: 115VAC 50/60Hz or 230VAC 50Hz
• Compressed Air Requirements: 50psi (0.34 MPa) clean, dry air supply required

Digital Air Regulation: 

• Linearity of < +/- 1.5% of span
• Hysteresis Repeatability < 1.0% of span
• Supply Pressure Sensitivity < 0.2% of span per 1.0 PSIG