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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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CENTRIFUGE EXTRACTOR (HAND OPERATED) AZA0944
Key Features
- Manual hand-crank operation (no external power required)
- Heavy-duty cast aluminum body for long life
- Removable aluminum extraction bowl for easy cleaning
- Smooth, vibration-free rotation mechanism
- Tight safety lid to prevent solvent loss
ELASTIC RECOVERY MOULD AZA0958
The AZA0958 Elastic Recovery Mould is a precision-engineered testing accessory used in bitumen ductility and elastic recovery tests, particularly for evaluating polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) and elastomer-modified binders. It plays a critical role in determining the elastic behavior of bituminous binders after elongation, which directly influences pavement performance under traffic loads and temperature variations.
Elastic recovery is a key parameter for modern road construction materials, especially where enhanced flexibility, crack resistance, and rutting resistance are required. The AZA0958 mould ensures the formation of standardized, dimensionally accurate specimens, enabling reliable and repeatable elastic recovery measurements in accordance with international standards.
KINEMATIC VISCOMETER BATH AZA0948
MARSHALL STABILITY TEST APPARATUS AZA0953
The AZA0953 Marshall Stability Test Apparatus from AZALAB is a fundamental and widely adopted instrument in civil engineering and highway material laboratories for evaluating the performance characteristics of compacted bituminous mixtures. It forms the core equipment of the Marshall Mix Design Method, a globally recognized and extensively used procedure for asphalt concrete pavement design and quality control.
The apparatus is designed to accurately determine two critical parameters of asphalt mixtures—Marshall Stability and Marshall Flow—which together indicate the mix’s load-bearing capacity, resistance to permanent deformation, and ability to accommodate traffic-induced stresses without cracking.
REFRIGERATED DUCTILITY TEST AZA0957
The AZA0957 Refrigerated Ductility Testing Apparatus from AZALAB is a specialized laboratory instrument designed to determine the ductility of asphalt binders and bituminous materials at low temperatures. This test is critically important for evaluating the performance of asphalt pavements in cold and variable climatic conditions, where thermal contraction can lead to cracking and premature pavement failure.
Ductility, defined as the distance a bituminous binder can be stretched under tensile stress before rupture, is a key indicator of binder flexibility. At low temperatures, asphalt binders become increasingly stiff and brittle. The AZA0957 enables engineers and material technologists to accurately assess a binder’s resistance to thermal cracking, ensuring the selection of materials suitable for cold climates and long-term pavement durability.
SAY BOLT VISCOMETER AZA0950
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The Saybolt method measures efflux time, providing a standardized and widely accepted indication of flow behavior at controlled temperatures.
STANDARD PENETROMETER AZA0938
The AZA0938 Standard Penetrometer from Azalab is a robust, reliable, and manually operated laboratory instrument designed for the accurate determination of the consistency of bituminous materials, including bitumen, asphalt, waxes, and greases. It is an essential testing device widely used in civil engineering laboratories, highway authorities, asphalt plants, and quality control laboratories where consistent and repeatable penetration measurements are required.
The AZA0938 operates on the classical penetration testing principle and provides a cost-effective yet precise solution for grading and classifying bituminous binders in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as ASTM D5, EN 1426, AASHTO T49, IP 49, and IS 1203.
