Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus
Product Code : EL-BTLE-10440
Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus (code EL-BTLE-10440) is a softening point tester for bituminous materials, run under microprocessor control with water or glycerol as the bath liquid. As the sample is heated at the prescribed rate, the steel ball forces the softened disk down 25.4 mm, two light barriers detect the softening point and a PT100 sensor gives the temperature, while a magnetic stirrer, cooling system and touch screen software complete the 16 kg, 750 W unit.
Get a quote: use the Add To Cart enquiry button below, or send your quantity and delivery location through the contact page.
Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Determining the softening point of bituminous materials |
| Heating fluid | Water or glycerol |
| Test principle | A disk of sample held in a horizontal ring is forced down 25.4 mm under the mass of a steel ball while heated at a prescribed rate |
| Softening point detection | Two light barriers (light barrier system) |
| Temperature measurement | PT100 sensor (temperature probe) |
| Heating and cooling | Heater and cooling system; additional cooling system to cool the sample quickly between tests |
| Lifting | Electric lifting system |
| Stirring | Magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed control, for uniform temperature distribution in the vessel |
| Temperature gradient | Maintained by the electronic system during the test |
| Glassware and fittings | Glass beaker; ring and ball support; brass rings with steel balls and ball centering guides, 2 pcs. each |
| Control | Microprocessor system with large graphic touch screen display |
| Connection | RS 232 C port for PC or printer |
| Software | Selects test method and parameters, runs the test automatically, stores, retrieves and prints data, diagnoses and calibrates the instrument |
| Dimensions | 530 × 300 × 280 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 16 kg |
| Power | 750 W |
| Standards | EN 1427, ASTM D36, AASHTO T53 |
| Product code | EL-BTLE-10440 |
| Manufacturer | Engineering Lab Equipment, Ambala, Haryana, India |
What Is the Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus Used For?
The softening point is the temperature at which bitumen becomes soft enough to sag under a set load, and together with penetration it is a basic check on binder grade and on how a binder will behave in hot weather. On this automatic version the operator fills the brass rings with sample, places them with the balls and centering guides on the support in the beaker of water or glycerol, chooses the method on the touch screen and starts the run. The magnetic stirrer keeps the bath uniform, the software heats at the prescribed rate and the light barriers log the temperature as each ball drops, after which the cooling system readies the glassware for the next test. The standards listed are EN 1427, ASTM D36 and AASHTO T53.
What to Specify When Ordering
- Quantity — the number of testers required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus detect the softening point?
Two light barriers are positioned to sense when the ball has carried the softened sample down 25.4 mm, and the PT100 sensor records the bath temperature at that moment.
Which bath liquids can be used?
Either water or glycerol can serve as the heating fluid, held in the glass beaker and kept at a uniform temperature by the magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed.
What is included in the ring and ball set?
Brass rings with steel balls and ball centering guides, 2 pcs. each, are provided along with the ring and ball support, glass beaker and temperature probe.
What can the software do?
It lets the operator select the test method and parameters, runs the test automatically, stores, retrieves and prints data, and carries out diagnosis and calibration of the instrument.
Why is there an additional cooling system?
It cools the sample down quickly after a test so that the glassware can be handled sooner, cutting the dead time between analyses and allowing more tests in a day.
How large is the unit and what power does it use?
It measures 530 × 300 × 280 mm, weighs approximately 16 kg and draws 750 W, and results can go to a PC or printer through the RS 232 C port.
OEM Manufacturer
The Automatic Ring and Ball Apparatus is made by Engineering Lab Equipment (Engineering Labs Equipment Pvt Ltd) at its works at Plot No. 43, Industrial Park, Sector 2, Growth Center, Saha, District Ambala, Haryana, India. The company designs, makes and tests bitumen and asphalt testing equipment for binder tests, mix preparation and specimen testing for engineering colleges, polytechnics, technical training institutes and research laboratories in India and overseas, and can build equipment to an institution's own requirements. Tender and OEM enquiries are handled through the Tenders/OEM page.
Related Bitumen and Asphalt Testing Equipment
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See the full Bitumen/Asphalt Testing Lab Equipment range or all Civil Engineering Lab Equipment.
Request a Quote
For this and other bitumen and asphalt testing lab equipment, schools and colleges can contact Engineering Lab Equipment, a manufacturer, supplier and exporter based in Ambala, India. To ask for a quotation, send the number of automatic softening point testers required and your delivery location through the contact page, or use the Add To Cart enquiry button on this page.
Last updated: October 2026
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