The UTR-0390-T Slake Durability Apparatus has been designed to examine how rocks deteriorate over a period of time, whilst being immersed in water.
Slake durability is a simulated weathering test to measure abrasion resistance during wetting and drying cycles of shale and similar soft rocks as used in embankments and other construction-related applications. First, samples are tumbled in mesh drums through a water medium, and then they are oven-dried for two cycles. The slake durability index is determined by the percent loss of mass once the test is completed.
The UTR-0390-T includes a motorized drive unit which is fitted onto the base plate. The drive unit can rotate either two or four drums at 20 r.p.m. The tank assemblies are filled with water to 20 mm below the drum axis. The test drums are manufactured from 2.00 mm mesh and have the dimensions of 140 mm dia. x 100 mm long.