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RING AND BALL APPARATUS AZA0932
The AZA0932 Ring & Ball Apparatus from Azalab is a fundamental laboratory instrument designed for the manual determination of the softening point of bitumen, road tars, and bituminous binders. The softening point test is a critical quality control parameter in civil engineering and road construction, particularly in regions with wide temperature variations.
The softening point represents the temperature at which a bituminous material changes from a semi-solid to a softened state under standardized conditions. The AZA0932 provides a robust, reliable, and cost-effective manual solution, fully compliant with Indian and international testing standards.
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:
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Bitumen grading and selection for different climatic conditions
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Quality control of bituminous binders
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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
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Rigid steel bracket with sliding support plate for stable positioning
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Precision-machined component layout ensuring correct alignment of rings, balls, and thermometer
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Manual hand stirrer to maintain uniform bath temperature
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Open design for clear visual observation of ball drop
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Cost-effective manual system, ideal where automated systems are not required
Standard Components Supplied
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Steel bracket with sliding plate support
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Heat-resistant glass beaker (approx. 600 ml)
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Brass rings – 2 Nos. (as per IS / ASTM dimensions)
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Steel balls – 2 Nos. (9.5 mm diameter, 3.50 ± 0.05 g)
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Ball guides
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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:
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IS 1205:1985 – Determination of Softening Point of Bitumen
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ASTM D36 – Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring and Ball Method)
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EN 1427 – Bitumen and bituminous binders
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IP 58 / IP 63 – Institute of Petroleum
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AASHTO T53 – Softening Point of Bituminous Materials
Compliance with these standards ensures globally accepted and reproducible results, critical for highway and infrastructure projects.
Applications
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Bitumen and asphalt quality control laboratories
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Highway and pavement engineering
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Research and academic institutions
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Government and contractor QC departments
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0932 |
| Operation | Manual |
| Test Method | Ring and Ball Softening Point |
| Application | Bitumen and bituminous binders |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to approx. 150°C |
| Heating Method | External heat source (not included) |
| Temperature Measurement | Manual thermometer (not included) |
| Observation | Manual visual |
| Beaker Capacity | Approx. 600 ml |
| Material | Steel frame with glassware |
| Standards | IS 1205, ASTM D36, EN 1427, IP 58/63, AASHTO T53 |
| Design | Compact benchtop |
| Country of Origin | India |
Why Choose AZA0932?
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Proven manual softening point determination
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Fully compliant with Indian and international standards
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Durable steel construction for long service life
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Ideal for hot climate bitumen selection
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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?
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Water for softening points up to 80°C
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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
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0932 |
|---|---|
| Operation |
Manual (requires external heating source and manual observation) |
| Test Method |
Ring and Ball Method |
| Material |
Durable metal construction with high-quality glassware. |
| Dimensions (Approx.) |
Compact benchtop design. |
| Ball Drop Observation: |
Manual visual observation. |
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