Qigao HSY-4509K Fully Automatic Penetration Tester for Hard Asphalt
| Brand | Qigao Instruments (SHQIGAO) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | HSY-4509K |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Temperature Control Range | 20.00 °C to 50.00 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ≤ ±0.1 °C |
| Penetration Measurement Accuracy | ≤ ±0.1 mm |
| Maximum Penetration Depth | 660 penetration units (0.1 mm increments) |
Overview
The Qigao HSY-4509K Fully Automatic Penetration Tester for Hard Asphalt is a precision-engineered instrument designed in strict compliance with ASTM D5, ISO 2857, and national standards GB/T 4509–2010 and JTG E20–2011 (Test Method T 0604–2011). It implements the standardized needle penetration principle—measuring the vertical depth (in 0.1 mm units) to which a standardized needle assembly (2.5 g ± 0.05 g) penetrates an asphalt specimen under controlled load, time (typically 5 s), and temperature (commonly 25 °C, but adjustable from 20.00 °C to 50.00 °C). This gravimetric displacement method serves as a fundamental rheological index for characterizing consistency, hardness, and thermoplastic behavior of bituminous binders—critical parameters in pavement design, quality control of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), and performance grading (PG) evaluation per AASHTO M320.
Key Features
- Fully automated test sequence: motorized needle deployment, dwell timing, retraction, and result calculation—all executed without manual intervention.
- Integrated Peltier-based thermostatic water bath with dual-mode (heating/cooling) PID temperature regulation; achieves ≤ ±0.1 °C stability across the full 20.00–50.00 °C operating range.
- High-resolution LVDT displacement sensor (0–66 mm range, 0.01 mm display resolution) mounted in a frictionless, decoupled configuration to eliminate mechanical hysteresis and ensure traceable linear response.
- Touchscreen HMI (7″ capacitive display) with intuitive workflow navigation, real-time parameter monitoring, and on-device data review for up to 200 test records.
- Modular needle assembly compliant with JTG E20 T 0604–2011: stainless-steel conical tip (0.1 mm radius), mass-certified at 2.5 g ± 0.05 g, quick-release mechanism for rapid calibration verification.
- Dual data export pathways: USB flash drive (CSV format) and RS-485 interface supporting MODBUS RTU protocol for integration into LIMS or centralized QA/QC networks.
- Self-developed PC software (registered copyright No. 6097415) enabling remote operation, batch report generation, and audit-trail-enabled data archiving aligned with GLP requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HSY-4509K accommodates standard 55 mm × 35 mm cylindrical metal sample pans (ASTM D5-compliant dimensions) and supports testing of solid or semi-solid bituminous materials—including unmodified road petroleum asphalt, polymer-modified asphalt (PMA), oxidized bitumen, and residue from evaporation of cutback or emulsified asphalts. Its thermal and mechanical architecture also permits adaptation for non-petroleum applications governed by analogous penetration protocols: e.g., consistency testing of food-grade gels (cheese, margarine, confectionery), pharmaceutical ointments (USP <911>), and industrial waxes. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, dwell time (0.1–60.0 s adjustable), and needle mass—are programmable to meet method-specific requirements under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware and companion Windows application provide full data lifecycle management. Each test record stores timestamp, operator ID (optional login), temperature reading at penetration onset, measured displacement, calculated penetration value (in 0.1 mm units), and pass/fail status relative to user-defined specification limits. Audit logs capture all parameter changes, calibration events, and user actions—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access control. Data exports include CSV (for Excel analysis) and PDF (formatted per ASTM D5 reporting templates), with optional digital signature embedding for regulatory submission.
Applications
- Routine QC testing of asphalt binder shipments against contractual penetration grade specifications (e.g., 60/70, 40/50).
- Research-level characterization of aging effects (RTFOT, PAV) on asphalt stiffness evolution.
- Validation of modifier dispersion efficiency in SBS- or crumb rubber–modified binders.
- Comparative consistency assessment of bio-based asphalt alternatives and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binders.
- Non-destructive consistency screening in food R&D labs for texture profiling of dairy and confectionery products.
- Material qualification in coatings and adhesives development where tack and cold-flow resistance are critical.
FAQ
What standards does the HSY-4509K comply with?
It conforms to GB/T 4509–2010, JTG E20–2011 (T 0604–2011), ASTM D5, and ISO 2857 for asphalt penetration testing.
Is external water circulation required for temperature control?
No—the unit incorporates a self-contained, refrigerated water bath with Peltier cooling and resistive heating; no chiller or tap-water connection is needed.
Can the instrument perform repeated penetrations at different temperatures on the same sample?
Yes—temperature ramping between tests is supported, and the system allows sequential multi-point testing with automatic dwell stabilization before each penetration cycle.
How is measurement traceability ensured?
LVDT sensor calibration is traceable to NIST-equivalent national metrology institutes; needle mass certification documentation is provided with each unit per JTG E20 requirements.
Does the system support network connectivity for lab-wide data aggregation?
Yes—via RS-485 (MODBUS RTU) for SCADA integration or optional Ethernet/WiFi module (firmware-upgradable) for TCP/IP-based LIMS interfacing.
