Bitumen Penetrometer

About Bitumen Penetrometer

A Bitumen Penetrometer is a precision laboratory instrument used to determine the consistency and hardness of bituminous materials by measuring the depth of penetration of a standard needle under specified conditions of load, time, and temperature. It is widely used in civil engineering laboratories, road construction projects, and quality control testing of asphalt materials.

Key Features:

• Designed as per ASTM D5, EN 1426, and AASHTO T49 standards
• Measures penetration in 0.01 mm or 0.1 mm resolution for high accuracy
• Sturdy base with leveling screws and vertical adjustment system
• Equipped with digital/analog dial gauge for precise readings
• Automatic or semi-automatic needle release mechanism
• Built-in timer control for standard test duration (usually 5 seconds)
• Supplied with penetration needle, sample containers, and weights

Working Principle:

The instrument determines penetration by allowing a standard needle to penetrate vertically into a bitumen sample under controlled conditions. The depth of penetration (in tenths of a millimeter) indicates the softness or hardness of the materialhigher penetration means softer bitumen.

Applications:

• Bitumen and asphalt testing laboratories
• Highway and road construction projects
• Quality control in petroleum and construction industries
• Research and educational institutes

Technical Specifications (Typical):

• Penetration range: 0400 (1/10 mm)
• Load: Standard (100 g total with needle)
• Test temperature: Typically 25C
• Timer: 060 seconds (adjustable)
• Power supply: 220240V (for digital models)