Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus

A disk shaped sample is held within a horizontal ring and forced downward a distance of 25.4 mm under the mass of a steel ball as the sample is heated at a prescribed rate.

The softening point is taken by two suitably positioned light barriers and the temperature is measured by a temperature sensor.

The machine is equipped with software that is used to:

• Select the test method and the test parameters
• Run the test automatically
• Store, retrieve and print data
• Diagnose and calibrate the instrument.

The machine has an additional cooling system, which allows the sample to be cooled down quickly so the user can handle the glassware safely. This also allows the user to perform a number of tests throughout the day, by reducing the dead times between consequence analysis.

The apparatus consists of a heater, cooling system, electric lifting system, a magnetic stirrer with speed control, temperature probe, glass beaker, ring and ball support, brass ring with steel ball and ball centering guides (2 pcs. each), light barrier system, microprocessor system and large graphic display with touch screen, RS 232 C port for PC or printer.

Main Features

• Uses both water and glycerol as bath liquid (30-150°C)
• Automatic pre-conditioning and test start
• User defined test sequences and automatic finalization of the test
• PID controlled heating and cooling system
• Optic sensors for accurate determination of softening point
• Motorized beaker lift
• Colored touch-screen graphic display
• Title information input such as date/time, test number, operator name
• Versatile calibration and calibration preparation menu
• Heater is automatically shut down at the end of the test cycle and cooling media and a solenoid valve is automatically opened by the controller.
• Automatic test interruption when there is a probe failure or when the probe is not positioned properly.

‍

‍