Digital Penetrometer

Test method

Penetration tests are performed on petroleum products to determine consistency and shear stability (lubricating greases) for design, quality control and identification purposes. A standard cone or needle is released from a penetrometer and allowed to drop freely into the sample for 5 seconds (or a different specified interval) at constant temperature. The depth of penetration of the cone or needle into the sample is measured in tenths of a millimeter by the penetrometer.

Features

• Tests the consistency of lubricating greases, petroleum waxes, bitumen, pastes, creams and other solid to semi-solid products
  
• Automatically timed operator programmable penetration measurements
  
• Motorized placement of penetrator on sample surface
  
• Large LCD to display all functions
  
• RS232 port for data transfer
  
• Full measurement range of 0-620 in 1/10mm scale or 1/100mm scale
  
• Rechargeable battery or AC operation
  
• Large, removable base accommodates grease worker cups and other ASTM and non-standard sample containers
  
• Complete selection of penetrometer cones, needles and accessories for petroleum products testing and for a wide range of other applications
  
• Conforms to all ASTM, IP, ISO 9001 and related specifications for penetrometers

Description

Microprocessor-based penetrometer loaded with advanced features to provide ease of operation and highly reproducible consistency measurements of petroleum products. Microprocessor control provides a full range of measurement and reporting options, and operation is simplified by four user-programmable presets that facilitate lowering the penetrator tip to the sample surface. 

Automatically timed penetrationsThe penetrometer defaults to the standard ASTM interval of 5.0 seconds, or the operator may conveniently program a different interval in the range between 0.1 and 9999.9 seconds (in 0.1 second increments). A curing or temperature stabilization period may also be programmed by the operator (to delay the release of the penetrator into the sample) and for added convenience all selected parameters are retained in memory and automatically repeated in subsequent tests until changed by the operator. Separate keypad controls for each parameter simplify operation. Penetration and delay intervals count down on a large, easy to read LCD on the head of the unit.

Convenient measurement and reporting optionsPenetration measurements in the full range of 0 - 620 in 110mm scale are reported in either 110mm or 1100mm increments at the operators option. For quality control testing, a penetration range can be entered into memory prior to testing. If a test result falls outside of the programmed range, an audible signal and visual error message alert the operator of a failed sample. Test results are displayed in digital format on a large LCD readout on the head of the penetrometer and can be communicated to a printer or computer via a built-in RS232 interface.

Simplified penetrator tip placementCorrect placement of the penetrator tip on the sample surface is essential for accurate penetration test results. The Koehler Digital Penetrometer has four operator programmable presets that lower the penetrator to the sample surface height at the touch of a button, greatly simplifying the process to ensure reproducibility. A fine adjustment button permits slight adjustments as needed. Full manual operation is also available with the use of coarse and fine push button controls and built-in magnifier and illuminator arms. When testing electrically conductive samples, a built-in circuit senses the sample surface for automatic placement. After testing, the penetrometer head returns to a raised position at the touch of a button to facilitate cleaning of the penetrator and changing of the sample.

More convenience featuresThe detachable machined base provides a large platform to accommodate a wide range of sample containers and constant temperature cylinders. It removes easily to permit the head assembly to be reversed (for use with a constant temperature bath) or mounted directly to a bath housing or other location. A built-in rechargeable battery pack permits field operation and provides back-up in the event of power interruption. Battery recharges automatically during operation of the penetrometer on standard AC electrical service.