Qigao SYD-2801 Low-Temperature Constant-Temperature Water Bath (Penetration Test Dedicated)

Overview

The Qigao SYD-2801 Low-Temperature Constant-Temperature Water Bath is a precision thermal conditioning system engineered specifically for ASTM D5, ISO 4307, and JTG E20-2011 T0604-2011 standardized penetration testing of bituminous materials. It operates on the principle of forced-circulation liquid temperature control, utilizing a closed-loop water bath with integrated high-stability PID temperature regulation and low-noise centrifugal circulation pump. Unlike generic thermostatic baths, the SYD-2801 is optimized for integration with penetration testers—particularly needle penetration apparatuses requiring stable, uniform thermal environments at sub-ambient temperatures down to 5.0 °C. Its design ensures minimal thermal gradient across the bath volume (<0.05 °C deviation over 5.5 L), critical for reproducible penetration depth measurements in compliance with road construction material specifications.

Key Features

• Hermetically sealed 5.5 L stainless-steel bath chamber with corrosion-resistant interior coating, preventing evaporation and contamination during extended low-temperature operation.
• Wide operational temperature range from 5.0 °C to 100.0 °C, digitally adjustable in 0.01 °C increments via front-panel touchscreen interface with real-time feedback.
• High-precision temperature control architecture achieving ±0.1 °C stability over 30-minute dwell periods—validated per ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability protocols.
• Integrated 5 L/min circulation pump with 1 m head pressure, ensuring uniform thermal distribution even when connected to external open-bath penetration testers or auxiliary test fixtures.
• Freestanding floor-mount configuration with non-slip rubber feet and ergonomic handle; no benchtop anchoring required, facilitating relocation between QC labs and field testing trailers.
• Compliance-ready electrical design: CE-marked power module, Class I insulation, and over-temperature cut-off protection aligned with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SYD-2801 is validated for use with standard penetration test assemblies conforming to ASTM D5 (Standard Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials), JTG E20-2011 T0604-2011 (Chinese Highway Engineering Standard), and EN 1426 (Bitumen and Bituminous Binders — Determination of Penetration). It supports both standard 100-g needle assemblies and modified load configurations (e.g., 200-g for stiff binders). The bath accommodates standard 140-mm-diameter open-top sample containers used in routine asphalt QC workflows. All thermal performance data—including ramp rate consistency, dwell stability, and spatial uniformity—are documented in accordance with GLP principles and support audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

The SYD-2801 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument without embedded PC software. However, its RS-485 communication port enables integration into centralized lab management systems (LIMS) via Modbus RTU protocol for remote temperature setpoint logging, alarm status monitoring, and event-triggered data capture. Internal non-volatile memory retains the last 100 temperature setpoints and corresponding dwell durations. For regulatory environments requiring electronic records, the unit supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data export when paired with third-party validated acquisition software—enabling full audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signatures for GMP-aligned asphalt testing facilities.

Applications

• Low-temperature penetration testing of paving-grade and polymer-modified bitumens per JTG E20-2011 and ASTM D5.
• Thermal conditioning of asphalt binder samples prior to dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) or bending beam rheometer (BBR) analysis.
• Stabilization of open-loop water baths used in viscosity, softening point, or ductility testing where external thermal coupling is required.
• Calibration verification of penetration depth transducers and displacement sensors under controlled thermal conditions.
• Research applications involving temperature-dependent mechanical property mapping of thermosetting resins and elastomeric sealants.

FAQ

Is the SYD-2801 compatible with non-Qigao penetration testers?
Yes—it is designed with universal 1/4″ NPT inlet/outlet ports and standard 5 L/min flow compatibility, enabling seamless integration with HSY-2801, Brookfield CAP2000+, or any ASTM D5-compliant penetration apparatus.
What is the recommended maintenance interval for the circulation pump?
Under continuous operation at ≤40 °C, pump service (bearing inspection and impeller cleaning) is recommended every 12 months or after 2000 operating hours—whichever occurs first.
Does the unit include a calibration certificate?
A factory-issued calibration report covering temperature accuracy (±0.1 °C) and stability is included. NIST-traceable certification with uncertainty budget is available as an optional add-on.
Can the bath operate continuously at 5.0 °C in high-humidity environments?
Yes—the insulated chamber and condensation-trap design prevent internal moisture accumulation; however, ambient relative humidity should remain below 80% RH to avoid external cabinet condensation.
Is firmware upgrade capability supported?
Firmware updates are performed via USB interface using Qigao’s proprietary Q-Config utility; version history and update logs are retained internally for audit purposes.