RING AND BALL APPARATUS AZA0932

Description

Principle of Test – Ring & Ball Method

Bitumen does not have a sharp melting point; instead, it softens gradually with increasing temperature. The Ring and Ball method defines the softening point as the temperature at which a standard steel ball, placed on a bitumen specimen contained in a brass ring, causes the softened material to drop 25 mm under controlled heating conditions.

This test is essential for:

• Bitumen grading and selection for different climatic conditions

• Quality control of bituminous binders

• Predicting pavement performance, especially resistance to rutting at high temperatures

Design & Manual Operation

The AZA0932 Ring & Ball Apparatus is designed for durability, stability, and ease of operation, making it a standard fixture in highway, academic, and materials testing laboratories.

Construction Features

• Rigid steel bracket with sliding support plate for stable positioning

• Precision-machined component layout ensuring correct alignment of rings, balls, and thermometer

• Manual hand stirrer to maintain uniform bath temperature

• Open design for clear visual observation of ball drop

• Cost-effective manual system, ideal where automated systems are not required

Standard Components Supplied

• Steel bracket with sliding plate support

• Heat-resistant glass beaker (approx. 600 ml)

• Brass rings – 2 Nos. (as per IS / ASTM dimensions)

• Steel balls – 2 Nos. (9.5 mm diameter, 3.50 ± 0.05 g)

• Ball guides

• Manual hand stirrer

Note:
Standard thermometers and an external heat source (hot plate or burner) are required and supplied separately.

Standards Compliance

The AZA0932 is manufactured to conform to the following standards:

• IS 1205:1985 – Determination of Softening Point of Bitumen

• ASTM D36 – Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring and Ball Method)

• EN 1427 – Bitumen and bituminous binders

• IP 58 / IP 63 – Institute of Petroleum

• AASHTO T53 – Softening Point of Bituminous Materials

Compliance with these standards ensures globally accepted and reproducible results, critical for highway and infrastructure projects.

Applications

• Bitumen and asphalt quality control laboratories

• Highway and pavement engineering

• Research and academic institutions

• Government and contractor QC departments

Technical Specifications

Why Choose AZA0932?

• Proven manual softening point determination

• Fully compliant with Indian and international standards

• Durable steel construction for long service life

• Ideal for hot climate bitumen selection

• Cost-effective solution for routine laboratory testing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary use of AZA0932?
To determine the softening point of bitumen and bituminous materials.

Q2: Is AZA0932 automatic?
No. It is a manual apparatus requiring external heating and manual observation.

Q3: Why is softening point important in India?
Higher softening point bitumen performs better in high temperatures, reducing rutting and deformation.

Q4: What liquid bath is used?

• Water for softening points up to 80°C

• Glycerin for softening points above 80°C

Q5: Are thermometers included?
No. Standard thermometers are required and supplied separately.

AZA0932 – Reliable Manual Softening Point Testing for Bitumen Quality Control