Penetration Measurements of Bitumen and Wax with Automatic Surface Detection System

The accuracy and repeatability of a penetrometer’s results are heavily dependent on the operator's ability to position the test probe on a sample’s surface. The PNR 12 penetrometer from Anton Paar (Austria) eliminates that variable by automatically detecting the surface of bitumen samples underneath a layer of water by means of a special force sensor plunger. After placing the needle tip exactly on top of the water covering the bitumen sample, the needle assembly freely plunges into the cup and performs the job. This eliminates any errors from image reflection observation of the needle tip in the water bath by the human eye. This outstanding feature allows precise positioning of the test probe even by inexperienced personnel.

PNR 12 digitally displays test conditions and measurement results in a self-explanatory manner. For user-friendly operation, PNR 12 comes with a jog wheel (push and turn). Limit settings can be used to set upper and lower limits for penetration depth. Alarms will be given after the test if a result falls outside of the required range of the product specification.

Up to 200 test results are stored in the internal device memory and are easily read out via USB and converted to Excel. The connection to a lab data management network is another sophisticated possibility for further result reports and calculations. A certified calibration kit that includes a measurement time check feature and a temperature sensor for recording test conditions is also available.

In addition to standard programs (bitumen, wax, grease), PNR 12 is ready for up to 16 user-defined programs. The instrument and the test kits all comply with national and international standards like ASTM, EN, ISO, DIN, JIS etc. Officially certified needles can be obtained from Anton Paar.