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RING AND BALL APPARATUS (ELECTRICAL) AZA0933
The AZA0933 Ring & Ball Apparatus (Electrical) from Azalab is a precision laboratory instrument designed for the accurate and repeatable determination of the softening point of bitumen, asphalt binders, and other bituminous materials. This test is fundamental for evaluating the temperature susceptibility and high-temperature performance of asphalt binders, which directly influences pavement resistance to rutting and deformation.
By utilizing electrically controlled heating instead of open flame, the AZA0933 ensures consistent heating rates, improved safety, and superior test repeatability, making it an essential instrument for highway laboratories, civil engineering departments, and research institutions.
Description
Principle of Test – Ring & Ball Method
Bitumen does not exhibit a sharp melting point; instead, it softens progressively with temperature. The Ring & Ball method defines the softening point as the temperature at which a standard steel ball, placed on a bitumen specimen molded inside a brass ring, causes the softened material to drop 25 mm under standardized heating conditions.
In the AZA0933:
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Two bitumen specimens are prepared in brass rings
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Steel balls are placed on top of the specimens
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The assembly is immersed in a liquid bath (water or glycerin)
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The bath is heated at a controlled rate of 5°C/min
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The temperature at which the ball and softened bitumen fall is recorded as the softening point
The electrical heating system ensures strict compliance with the specified heating rate, eliminating operator-dependent variations.
Electrical Heating – Accuracy, Uniformity & Safety
The AZA0933 offers significant advantages over manual or flame-heated systems:
Key Electrical Features
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Precisely controlled heating rate (5.0 ± 0.5 °C/min)
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Digital temperature controller and display for real-time monitoring
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Integrated magnetic stirrer ensuring uniform bath temperature
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Elimination of open flame, significantly improving laboratory safety
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Improved repeatability and reproducibility of results
While heating is automated and controlled, ball drop observation remains manual, ensuring compliance with standard test procedures.
Standard Components Supplied
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Heat-resistant glass beaker (approx. 800 ml)
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Brass rings – 2 Nos. (standard dimensions)
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Steel balls – 2 Nos. (9.53 mm dia, 3.50 ± 0.05 g)
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Brass / metal ball guides
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Ring support assembly (brass or stainless steel)
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Integrated electrical heating unit
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Digital temperature controller
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Built-in magnetic stirrer with stirring bar
Standards Compliance
The AZA0933 Ring & Ball Apparatus (Electrical) is manufactured in accordance with major international standards:
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ASTM D36 – Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring & Ball)
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EN 1427 – Bitumen and bituminous binders
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AASHTO T53 – Softening Point of Bituminous Materials
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IP 58
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IS 1205
This ensures globally accepted, comparable, and specification-compliant results.
Applications
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Bitumen and asphalt quality control laboratories
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Highway and pavement engineering
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Asphalt mix design verification
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Academic and R&D institutions
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Government and contractor QC labs
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0933 |
| Operation | Electrical |
| Test Method | Ring & Ball Softening Point |
| Application | Bitumen and bituminous binders |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to approx. 150°C |
| Heating Control | Electrical heating with digital controller |
| Heating Rate | 5.0 ± 0.5 °C/min |
| Temperature Display | Digital LED/LCD |
| Temperature Sensor | RTD (PT100 or equivalent) |
| Stirring System | Integrated magnetic stirrer |
| Observation | Manual ball drop observation |
| Power Supply | 230V AC, 50/60 Hz, Single Phase |
| Standards | ASTM D36, EN 1427, AASHTO T53, IS 1205 |
| Design | Compact benchtop |
| Country of Origin | India |
Why Choose AZA0933?
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Accurate and standard-compliant softening point determination
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Electrically controlled heating for repeatable results
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Safer alternative to flame-based systems
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Integrated stirring for uniform temperature distribution
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Ideal for routine QC and research laboratories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main purpose of AZA0933?
To determine the softening point of bitumen and asphalt binders using electrically controlled heating.
Q2: How is AZA0933 better than a manual Ring & Ball apparatus?
It provides precise heating control, uniform temperature distribution, improved safety, and higher repeatability.
Q3: Is ball drop detection automatic?
No. Heating is automatic, but ball drop observation is manual as per standard methods.
Q4: What bath liquid 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: Which industries use AZA0933?
Highway laboratories, asphalt plants, academic institutions, and civil engineering QC departments.
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0933 |
|---|---|
| Operation |
Electrical Heating with Controlled Temperature Ramp |
| Test Method |
Ring and Ball Method |
| Heating Rate |
Electrically controlled 5.0 ± 0.5 °C/minute. |
| Temperature Display |
Digital LED/LCD display |
| Weight (Approx.) |
[Insert Weight, e.g., 7-10] kg. |
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