Learn How a Laboratory Crushing Equipment is Increasing the Efficiency of Crushing and Maximising Results

Aggregates are present in most construction materials, including concrete, ballast, and asphalt. As such, several methods are available to test their resistance to wear, identify their physical and mechanical properties, and characterise their geometry. Part of the testing process is using suitable laboratory crushing equipment to reduce the aggregate size into manageable sizes, so they can be tested properly. Many types of lab crushers exist, with the lab-type jaw crusher, knife mill, and vibrating disc mill among the most popular for milling and crushing.

Why use lab crushers?

Laboratory crushing equipment makes it easier to crush core samples, aggregates, and other similar materials in the lab. They come in different models, which you can choose based on capacity, feed, and output grain size requirements. After crushing a sample, it can be analysed to determine its material properties. Additionally, the crushed aggregates can tell you about their origin or surrounding environment. As such, lab crushers are also important for environmental studies when they help researchers analyse data.

Choosng the right equipment is crucial to maximise results, save time, and increase efficiency. A jaw crusher, for instance, usually comes with a mechanical gyrating plate and a fixed plate arranged in a funnelled, angled shape, with a wider feed at the top and a narrow discharge below. With a rocking motion, the gyrating plate works on the specimen against the fixed plate, crushing it towards the exit point of the funnel. You can adjust the size of the aggregate for crushing by configuring the machine.

More compact and durable

Newer laboratory crushing equipment has heavy-duty jaws or plates to apply pressure and effectively crush the material. Some models are also more compact, space-saving, and portable. As such, they find more use in other applications, such as recycling, mineral processing, rock quarries, and mining.

We have high-quality laboratory crushers.

Here at PCTE, we supply the latest laboratory crushing equipment with immediate delivery to your lab. Contact us to get a quote and ask our technical experts for more details about our products.

Maximising Efficiency with Concrete Cylinder Grinders

Concrete cylinders are critical samples for testing concrete compressive strength. Creating them requires a mould while ensuring parallel and plane surfaces, which can be easily achieved by a concrete cylinder grinder, a device that squares the ends of the sample for accurate compression.

An automatic grinding machine works for various strengths, making them ideal for concrete mixes exceeding 48.3mPa or 7000 psi. It can grind specimens from Ø38mm to Ø150mm using appropriate adaptors, and you can configure the grinding method to suit every strength grade to get reliable results.

Applications

Concrete cylinder grinders allow you to determine the strength grade of 80 MPa or less, with single-end grinding for constant results. Samples produced using double-end grinding provide compressive strength values for all grades.

Automatic grinders can seamlessly grind the parallelism and planeness of test cylinder ends complying with ASTM Standards C31, C-192, and C-39 and EN 12390-3, 12504-1, and 12390-1. They can grind 150 mm x 300 mm test cylinders and 100 mm x 200 mm samples with an adaptor.

Enhancing your testing environment

You can connect a concrete cylinder grinder to a water circulation tank with a filtration system. This setup is ideal for laboratories without an in-house water treatment system.

A PLC (programmable logic controller) manages the grinder and its automatic controls, serving as its brain that controls all functions. It has output and input connectors for every electromagnetic valve, sensor, and any other control plugged into it. The machine’s internal memory has a program to execute logical operations, and you can modify it using a programmer when necessary.

How Do You Scan Concrete for Rebar?

Reinforcement is critical to the overall stability of concrete structures because they help improve tensile strength. Workers usually have to drill or cut through the concrete to find these steel rods before performing any coring or cutting operations. However, scanning the concrete for steel bars can increase safety and preserve the structure’s integrity. As such, there is a need for high-quality concrete scanning equipment that can produce reliable results in real-time.

The importance of scanning rebar

Sometimes, contractors don’t scan a concrete structure before coring or cutting, thinking they are saving time and resources this way. But this could lead to costly consequences in the long run. Skipping that crucial process puts them at risk of striking the rebar and damaging their equipment. It may even result in injury, project delays, and weakened concrete.

How to locate rebar in concrete

X-rays used to be the standard for scanning concrete for rebar. Today, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the preferred concrete scanning equipment as it provides a faster, more efficient, and more accurate way to locate and map steel bars.

GPR applies electromagnetic wave propagation for imaging and identifying changes in concrete’s magnetic and electrical properties, making it the best technology for locating post-tensioning and reinforcing. The latest systems are easy to use, intuitive, and capable of delivering high-resolution scans with greater penetration depths. They make it easier to map congested areas with complex post-tensioning and multiple layers of steel.

For instrance, Proceq’s GP8000 Scanner is ideally suited for locating reinforcement within concrete and can be easily used for line and area scans and export data and graphs for post processing.

Applications of ground penetrating radar for concrete scanning

GPR is a preferred technology in concrete scanning equipmentas it emits electromagnetic energy into the concrete slab. The device records the echoes of the pulses to create an accurate image. The results can help pinpoint the exact location of rebar before you cut or core. The device is also helpful for determining concrete thickness, investigating unknown structures, and identifying rebar geometry.

How Does Utility Locating Equipment Works?

The utility locating equipment is a type of machine that helps locate the pipes, wires and other fittings under the ground. It is vital to check the location of these utilities before constructing a structure from the start or renovating an existing building. Failing to gather these details can lead to gas leaks, pipe bursts, and other hazards. It creates a risk to the safety of people at the construction site and costs a fortune to mend.

Using the utility locating equipment, the professionals create a chart of the exact location of the entities under the ground. Based on this, they plan and design the structure, ensuring no harm to these utilities at any cost!

Working of utility locating equipment

The working principle of this equipment is simple. The technician uses the transmitting and the receiving device to send direct signals to the underground utility and determine its position by measuring the reversed signal on the receiving device. This method is called active locating.

Another way to locate the utilities is passive locating. Under this, the technician relies on the natural radio transmissions from the object under the earth. But as the natural frequencies are not accurate and reliable, experts always recommend using the active locating method to locate the utilities. The working of the equipment is simple; a technician moves the utility detecting equipment over the ground and keeps sending the energy signals to the ground. Simultaneously, he monitors the receiving device for any reverse energy signals. Once an object (a wire, pipe or anything) gets located, the data logger records the reading. The experts at the end mark the location and use this reading for decision making. Buy the Best

In the end, it is fair to say that the utility locating equipment makes it easy for the professionals at a construction site to make significant decisions related to the structure. However, to get all the benefits, one must invest in premium quality equipment from a trusted seller. Do proper research, check detailed specifications and opt for a renowned brand to make the purchase.

Get the premium quality utility locating equipment and experience the ease in decision making that it offers!

 

What are the Various Types of Concrete Temperature Monitoring?

It is essential for the concrete to set well to ensure the sturdiness of the structure. But there are chances of concrete layers cracking up in areas with extreme weather conditions. It can drastically impact the aesthetics and the strength of the entire structure. The only way to not let the cracking and other damages happen is to do concrete temperature monitoring.

This is why quality control and construction experts continuously do concrete temperature monitoring. They ensure that the concrete temperature doesn’t rise or fall beyond the prescribed level, so that concrete sits well and doesn’t harm the structure in any way!

Concrete temperature monitoring types

There are different techniques that professionals use for the purpose of concrete temperature monitoring. Some of them are as listed below:

Using thermocouple

It is an affordable and readily available solution. One can simply put the thermocouple before spreading the layer of concrete and connect it to the data logger. The temperature will get displayed on the screen, which can be noted by the concerned person and monitored constantly to ensure that it is under control. If the structure is large (area wise), the experts prefer putting the thermocouple at varied depths to get accurate results. Thermocouple data loggers are widely used and trusted by experts for the precision that they offer.

Wireless Systems

These are the pieces of equipment that one can place under the layer of concrete and get the readings on their mobile device. There are no wires involved like the thermocouple. It uses wireless sensors to monitor temperature and log readings on the device with which you sync it. It is more convenient as there is no mess of wires at all. These systems are gaining popularity with each passing day, as it offers the utmost convenience.

Whichever way you want to go with to monitor the temperature of the concrete layer, make sure you choose the right equipment. Never skimp on the research part. Gather information about different types and equipment and then pick a reliable brand to make the purchase. Understand that it is only with the apt equipment that you can get precise readings. Otherwise, one faulty reading can lead to disasters you are not expecting!

Some interesting facts about utility locating equipment

One thing that every construction worker expects from the utility locating equipment is to give reliable results. On top of that, it comes with an ease of use feature, nothing like it. For the uninitiated, let us start from scratch and discuss details about utility locating equipment, and some of its interesting facts!

What is utility locating equipment?

It is the professional equipment that helps in locating the utilities under the surface. These utilities include water pipes, cables, gas pipes, and countless other things that get placed while setting the foundation of the building. It is vital to locate these utilities, as they can otherwise lead to a hazard. You may start digging or drilling at a point where there is a gas pipe, and it can lead to a fire outburst or an explosion in no time.

The working principle of the utility locating equipment is to send and receive signals under the surface and calculate the wave motion to determine various details. It is popularly known as active locating and gives spontaneous results on the spot.

Interesting facts about utility locating equipment

• You can calculate the depth or the utility under the ground no matter how far it is. The reflected signal will help calculate the exact distance, and there is no doubt about the accuracy.
• If you invest in premium quality equipment rich in advanced features, you can store the readings you get in multiple attempts to cross-check the results or use this information for later use.
• Any construction worker can use this equipment. There is no need of getting any formal training. All they have to do is move on the ground with the utility locating equipment in hand, and the experts can check and analyse the recorded readings later.
• It is a cost-effective technique and gives a competitive advantage against the contractors that use other inefficient methods to locate utilities.

In the end, it is fair to say that every contractor in the construction business should invest in the equipment used for utility locating. Be a vigilant buyer and invest in a premium quality product to ripe all the expected perks!

Advantages of ground-penetrating radar for a buyer

Increasing demand for an aesthetically appealing, fully functional and modern building has resulted in the complexity of the structure. Real estate agents, landowners and even architects are working with this approach, and re-constructions are happening at a fast pace. There are a lot of utilities put under the foundation of the building to meet the ever increasing requirements.

Ground penetrating radar helps to identify the location of the utilities, which is vital information for taking construction-related decisions. When the contractors know exactly where the things lie below the surface, they can plan the construction well, keeping these connections safe. There are various other benefits of ground penetrating radar. Let us dig deeper and discuss some of them:

Advantages of the ground penetrating radar

Perfect imaging

The image that this equipment provides is clear and accurate. You can blindly rely on the resulting X-ray can and take significant decisions based on it. Expect to get the exact orientation and depth of the objects under the surface with these images.

Versatility

There are a lot of things that a GPR can do. It provides due diligence records, investigates the components of an existing structure and provides a clear image of the same. Because of this versatility, these radars find their use in multiple industries.

Safe to use

There is no destruction involved in using the ground penetrating radar. You do not have to scrap the surface or drill something into it to get the desired results. Hence, it is safe to use, and accuracy is the by-product.

Efficient

Having accurate details is about having a competitive advantage. When you have appropriate records, your decisions can never go wrong. Hence, investing in a GPR is a fruitful decision always.

There are endless other benefits that you can get by investing in a ground penetrating radar. The best thing about this equipment is that you do not need to be an expert or get formally trained to use it. It would be enough to watch a product tutorial video and get started with the use. So, if you are in the construction industry, look for a reliable seller and order the radar right away as it has a lot to offer!

How Using a Handheld Paint Thickness Gauge Can Make All the Difference?

Coatings are a vital part of many industries. It acts as a protective outer layer, improves the esthetics of the material, and adds up to its functionality. However, as there are so many things that a coating can do, stakes are high on the quality and thickness of the coating. Hence, it is vital to measure these details using a paint thickness gauge to ensure that the coating is doing what you expect out of it.

Getting accurate information about thickness will help experts take various development and manufacturing-related decisions. For example, understand that a thin layer over a metal surface will make it more prone to rust and other decays. Hence, the manufacturer must ensure that he puts the right pain coat on the metal to increase the product lifespan!

Perks of using a handheld paint thickness gauge

There are different types of equipment available in the market which you can use to measure the thickness of a coating. One of the most popular types is the handheld paint thickness gauge. It is a device that follows a non-destructive testing strategy to measure the required details. As a result, you wouldn’t have to chip, crack, or cause any harm to the coating to see how thick it is. The perks of using it are:

• It is easy to use the device, as you only have to move the object over the surface under question. Then, Eddy current will traverse through the surface, and the readings will get recorded and displayed on the digital screen attached to it.
• You can rely on these results blindly as they are as accurate as they can get. You can take even the most significant decisions based on these readings.
• You can use it anywhere as it is easy to carry and use even in challenging locations. So, if you need them at a remote location, you can carry them along.

There are many ways in which a handheld paint thickness gauge can help you. If you work in an industry that can use this equipment to make crucial decisions, consider investing in a premium quality product. Buy from a reliable seller, and the results will amaze you!

Working of Soil Extensometer and its Principles

The construction industry is always prone to hazards. One small mistake can lead to complications and can even cost lives. Hence, it is significant to check every aspect carefully, be it the architecture or the quality of raw material. You can set a trusted structure on a sturdy base, and for that, the type of soil has a lot to offer. How it will react to the construction work will help make the construction decision easily.

Hence, the experts use a soil extensometer to determine how the soil reacts to the construction work. It is a device made up of sensory assembly with flanges mounted over it. It also has other parts like adaptors, adjustment units, sockets, and more to get the necessary readings. Let us learn how this equipment works:

Working of a soil extensometer

It works on the principle of displacement as it measures how the soil will get displaced when it experience some tension. There is a telescoping rod attached to a measuring scale. As you insert the rod into the soil, the flanges mounted over it start moving away from each other. As the rod goes deep into the ground, the flanges keep moving away. The experts measure the maximum distance between the flanges deep under the earth to calculate the soil behaviour. Telescopic rod records the readings and helps infer details like depth.

The soil extensometer helps in multiple industries during the construction process. It finds its use in:

• Measuring the subsidence in mines and tunnels
• Making sure that the embankment spread has not moved farther.
• Determining if the soil underneath is sturdy enough to accommodate even the high-rise buildings.

There are various other ways in which the soil extensometer can prove fruitful. But to get all these benefits, you should invest in premium-quality equipment. For this, you should carry out thorough research and find a reliable seller first. Explore all the equipment they have listed on their website and choose the one that fits your requirements. Then, read product reviews and pay attention to the specifications to make a fair purchase and get all its benefits!

Features of Concrete Thickness Gauge

A concrete thickness gauge is a device used to measure the width and quality of concrete constructions. The equipment works on the Impact Echo principle. According to this method, the sonic waves get directed on the concrete surface. As a result, the sound waves penetrate the surface, travel inside the concrete, and reflect due to internal and external structures.

The stress factor of the echo is studied, and the patterns are observed as recordings. In the latest model of a concrete thickness gauge, one can easily view the results and patterns on a computer, laptop, or tablet.

The usage of this device does not require any excavation or drilling of the concrete surface. Therefore, it is a significant part of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). If you are looking for a good-quality concrete thickness gauge, the below points will give you the fundamental idea. We have mentioned here the key features of this equipment for your reference. 

• The device is lightweight and easy to carry. In addition, it is a handheld tool, and engineers can directly use it at the site.
• The time required for calibrating such devices is less. Thus, users can quickly access high precision and accuracy, saving time in the fieldwork.
• The concrete thickness gauge does not require any coupling agents to work. It rules out any complications in using it.
• The latest models of these tools enable the plotting of output into an excel sheet.
• The sonic waves can permeate into cured paint and bonded tile. Thus, the thickness of these materials is also measurable.
• One can understand the flaws’ pattern inside the concrete using this device. 
• Live results are available for display. Users can also save the results.

The Final Thoughts

The concrete thickness gauge is an essential tool to measure the concrete parameters. 

You shall get this equipment at Papworths Construction Testing Equipment (PCTE). They provide these devices with high accuracy and easy calibration. 

Now you got an idea about the features of the concrete thickness gauge. However, if you still want to know more on this topic, you can visit the portal of PCTE. The experts here will assist you in picking the suitable concrete thickness gauge.