Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) Apparatus

Product Code : EL-CTLE-10315

Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) Apparatus (code EL-CTLE-10315) is a set for judging how absorbent a concrete surface is, by measuring the rate of water flow per unit area into the surface under a constant 200 mm head. Its capillary tube is fixed to a scale and linked by connecting tubes to a water reservoir, with everything carried on a stand.

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Specifications

What Is the Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) Apparatus Used For?

The outer layer of concrete is the first defence against water and the harmful substances it carries, and its quality can differ from the body of the concrete because of how the surface was compacted and cured. In the test, water from the reservoir is brought into contact with the concrete surface through the connecting tubes and held at a 200 mm head; the flow into the concrete is then found by timing the movement of water along the capillary tube against its scale. A low rate of absorption indicates a dense, well-cured surface. The standard listed for it is BS 1881 Part 208.

What to Specify When Ordering

• Quantity — the number of ISAT units required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ISAT measure?
It measures the rate of flow of water per unit area into a concrete surface held under a constant head of 200 mm, which shows how absorbent the surface is.

What are the main parts of the ISAT apparatus?
It has three working parts, a capillary tube on a scale, a water reservoir and the connecting tubes, and all of them are carried on a stand.

Why test the absorption of the surface rather than the whole specimen?
The surface layer protects the concrete beneath it, and its absorption reflects how well it was compacted and cured, which can differ from the interior.

Which standard is listed for initial surface absorption?
The standard listed for it is BS 1881 Part 208, and the test is run at a constant water head of 200 mm.

OEM Manufacturer

Engineering Lab Equipment (Engineering Labs Equipment Pvt Ltd) builds the Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) Apparatus at its works in Saha, District Ambala, Haryana (Plot No. 43, Industrial Park, Sector 2, Growth Center). Its concrete testing equipment, from workability apparatus and specimen moulds to compression and flexure machines go to engineering colleges, polytechnics, technical training institutes and research laboratories in India and abroad, and equipment can be made to an institution's own requirements. For tenders and OEM supply, see the Tenders/OEM page.

Related Concrete Testing Equipment

• Straight Edge — flat steel strike-off bar, 1 × 12 in, for cube, cylinder, slump cone and air meter work.
• Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester — 52 kHz transducer instrument timing ultrasonic pulses through concrete to reveal cracks, voids and damage.
• Air Entrainment Meter — pressure gauge meter with 7 or 8 liter flanged vessel for air content of fresh concrete.
• Digital Compression Testing Machine (Hand Operated) — compression frame of C channel type with side-mounted digital load indicator and self-aligning upper platen.
• Permeability Apparatus Three Cell — mild steel multi-cell water permeability set with 0–15 kg/cm² regulator, foot pump and 500 cc cylinder.

See the full Concrete Testing Lab Equipment range or all Civil Engineering Lab Equipment.

Request a Quote

For this and other concrete testing lab equipment, schools and colleges can contact Engineering Lab Equipment, a manufacturer, supplier and exporter based in Ambala, India. For a price, send the number of ISAT units required and the delivery location through the contact page; the Add To Cart button on this page also adds the Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT) Apparatus to an enquiry.

Last updated: October 2026