Cavistel AD0113 Series Automatic Asphalt Ductility Tester
| Origin | Italy |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | AD0113 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Cavistel AD0113 Series Automatic Asphalt Ductility Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed to determine the ductility of bituminous binders in accordance with internationally recognized standards—including ASTM D113 (Standard Test Method for Ductility of Bituminous Materials), ASTM D5976 (Standard Test Method for Ductility of Asphalt Binders Using a Forced-Ductility Apparatus), IP 32 (Institute of Petroleum Standard), and IS 1208 (Indian Standard for Ductility of Bitumen). It operates on the principle of controlled tensile deformation: asphalt specimens—molded into standard “figure-eight” shapes—are horizontally pulled at a constant, user-selectable rate within a thermally regulated water bath until fracture occurs. The resulting elongation (in mm or cm) at break is recorded as the ductility value—a critical indicator of binder flexibility, low-temperature cracking resistance, and compatibility with polymer modifiers. Engineered for reproducibility and regulatory compliance, the AD0113 integrates active refrigeration, high-resolution load sensing, and real-time data acquisition to support routine QC testing in asphalt laboratories, refineries, and highway materials research centers.
Key Features
- Integrated refrigerated water bath with temperature control range of −10 °C to +40 °C, equipped with a hermetically sealed compressor and PID-based digital temperature controller (PT100 RTD sensor, ±0.1 °C accuracy)
- Dual-sample capability: accommodates two standard asphalt specimens simultaneously in horizontal configuration
- Motor-driven pulling system with continuously adjustable speed (typically 1 cm/min, 5 cm/min per ASTM/IP requirements); automatic shutdown upon specimen rupture
- Two high-precision load cells (0–200 N range, ±0.5 N resolution) mechanically coupled to the mold carriage for real-time tensile force monitoring
- Stainless steel water bath with ceramic-coated exterior, PTFE-white bottom surface for enhanced visual observation, and integrated copper impeller stirrer (switchable via front-panel button)
- Transparent, hinged acrylic lid for unobstructed viewing while maintaining thermal stability and minimizing evaporation
- CE-certified safety architecture: automatic power cutoff triggered by low water level or overtemperature conditions; status LED alerts on control panel
- Electroplated aluminum control panel with bilingual (English-only interface) prompts and accessible electronics compartment
- RS-232 serial interface for bidirectional communication with external Windows-based PCs (Windows 95/98 compatible software included)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AD0113 supports standard asphalt specimens prepared per ASTM D113 mold dimensions (10 mm × 10 mm cross-section, central constriction of 1 mm diameter). It accommodates both penetration-grade and polymer-modified bitumens, including oxidized, cutback, and emulsified types when properly conditioned. The system complies fully with ASTM D113, D5976, IP 32, and IS 1208 test protocols. Its temperature uniformity (<±0.3 °C across bath volume), mechanical repeatability (RSD <1.2% for replicate tests), and traceable calibration path align with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements. Optional documentation packages include factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST or EU national metrology institutes.
Software & Data Management
The included Windows-based software acquires synchronized time-series data: tensile load (N), extension distance (mm), and bath temperature (°C). Data are plotted in real time as force–extension curves and temperature–time profiles. Users may export datasets to CSV format, generate printable test reports with operator ID, date/time stamps, and pass/fail flags against specification limits (e.g., min. 100 cm for PG 64-22), and archive results to local storage or floppy disk (legacy support retained for legacy lab environments). Audit trail functionality logs all parameter changes and test initiations—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.
Applications
- Quality control of paving-grade and roofing-grade bitumens during refinery production and terminal blending
- Evaluation of aging effects (RTFOT, PAV) on ductility retention
- Performance grading (PG) verification for asphalt binders under SHRP specifications
- R&D assessment of novel modifiers (SBS, EVA, crumb rubber) and bio-based binders
- Contractor field-lab verification of delivered asphalt consistency prior to paving
- Teaching and demonstration in civil engineering and materials science curricula
FAQ
What is the maximum extension length supported by the AD0113 series?
The base model supports 100 cm or 150 cm extension (configurable at order stage); extended variants AD0113-500, AD0113-510, and AD0113-520 offer 500 mm, 1000 mm, and 1500 mm travel ranges respectively.
Is an external computer mandatory for operation?
Yes—the instrument requires a Windows PC (desktop or laptop) connected via RS-232 for test initiation, real-time monitoring, and data export; standalone manual mode is not available.
Does the unit include calibration tools or certified reference standards?
Factory calibration is performed using traceable load cells and PT100 probes; NIST-traceable calibration kits and annual recalibration services are available as optional accessories.
Can the water bath accommodate alternative test fluids besides distilled water?
Only distilled or deionized water is recommended; glycol/water mixtures or other coolants are not approved due to potential corrosion and sensor drift risks.
What electrical supply is required?
220 V AC, 50 Hz, single-phase, 1800 W nominal load; dedicated circuit with grounded outlet and surge protection is advised.
