RING & BALL APPARATUS(SEMI AUTOMATIC) AZA0934

Description

Principle of Test – Ring & Ball Method

Bituminous materials soften gradually rather than melting sharply. The Ring & Ball method defines the softening point as the temperature at which a standard steel ball, placed on a bitumen specimen molded in a brass ring, causes the softened material to drop 25 mm under controlled heating.

In the AZA0934:

• Two bitumen samples are prepared in standard brass rings

• Steel balls are positioned centrally on each specimen

• The assembly is immersed in a liquid bath (water or glycerin)

• The bath temperature is increased at a controlled rate of 5°C/min

• The automatic detection system records the exact temperature at the moment the ball drop occurs

This automation removes operator reaction-time errors and ensures highly repeatable results.

Semi-Automatic Features for Enhanced Accuracy

The AZA0934 incorporates intelligent automation while retaining compliance with international standards:

Key Functional Features

• Microprocessor-controlled heating ensuring precise 5.0 ± 0.5 °C/min heating rate

• Digital temperature display with high-accuracy RTD (PT100) sensor

• Automatic ball drop detection via optical or contact sensor

• Integrated magnetic stirrer for uniform bath temperature distribution

• Optional cooling fan for faster test turnaround

• User-friendly digital control panel

• Over-temperature and safety protection

These features significantly reduce manual intervention while improving test reliability.

Standard Components Supplied

• Heat-resistant glass beaker (approx. 800 ml)

• Brass rings – 2 Nos. (standard dimensions)

• Steel balls – 2 Nos. (9.53 mm diameter, 3.50 ± 0.05 g)

• Brass ball guides – 2 Nos.

• Ring support assembly (brass / stainless steel)

• Integrated electrical heating system

• Microprocessor controller with digital display

• Magnetic stirrer with stirring bar

• Automatic ball drop detection system

Standards Compliance

The AZA0934 Ring & Ball Apparatus (Semi-Automatic) is designed to comply with major international standards:

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

• EN 1427 – Bitumen and bituminous binders

• AASHTO T53 – Softening Point of Bituminous Materials

• IP 58

• IS 1205

Compliance ensures globally accepted, reproducible, and specification-compliant results.

Applications

• Bitumen and asphalt quality control laboratories

• Road and highway engineering projects

• Asphalt mix design verification

• Academic and R&D institutions

• Government and contractor testing laboratories

Technical Specifications

Why Choose AZA0934?

• Semi-automatic operation for higher accuracy and repeatability

• Automatic ball drop detection eliminates operator error

• Electrically controlled heating ensures standard compliance

• Uniform bath temperature via integrated stirring

• Ideal balance between manual simplicity and full automation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main function of AZA0934?
To determine the softening point of bitumen using a semi-automatic Ring & Ball method.

Q2: What does “semi-automatic” mean in AZA0934?
Heating control, temperature measurement, and ball drop detection are automated, while sample preparation remains manual.

Q3: How is AZA0934 different from AZA0933?
AZA0934 includes automatic ball drop detection, whereas AZA0933 requires manual observation.

Q4: Which bath liquid is used?

• Water for softening points below 80°C

• Glycerin for softening points above 80°C

Q5: Who should use AZA0934?
Highway labs, asphalt plants, consultants, research institutes, and QC laboratories requiring higher precision.