ATS BBR3 User manual

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original
BBR3
Bending Beam Rheometer 3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
This manual contains important operating and safety information. Carefully read and
understand the contents of this manual prior to the operation of this equipment.
www.atspa.com

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original
REVISED JULY 2018.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Applied Test Systems (ATS).
© Copyright Applied Test Systems 2018.
For assistance with set-up or operation, contact the ATS service department. Please have this manual and product
serial number available when you call.
Telephone: [phone].

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original i
Manual Contents
A. Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1
A.1 Unpacking.................................................................................................................................................. 1
A.2 Standard Users and Passwords ................................................................................................................ 1
A.3 Warranty Information ................................................................................................................................. 1
A.4 After Sale Support ..................................................................................................................................... 1
B. Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 3
B.1 For Owners, Operators, and Maintenance ................................................................................................ 3
B.2 Cautions & Warnings ................................................................................................................................. 3
C. System Overview ....................................................................................................................... 6
C.1 Equipment Parts........................................................................................................................................ 6
Front of Unit ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Back of Unit.......................................................................................................................................... 7
Load Frame.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Tank Interior ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Gage Kit ............................................................................................................................................. 10
C.2 General Product Description ....................................................................................................................11
Major Components..............................................................................................................................11
Accessory Items..................................................................................................................................11
Product Specications ....................................................................................................................... 12
Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................................. 13
Load Frame........................................................................................................................................ 13
Specimen Support ............................................................................................................................. 14
Air Bearing ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Linear Variable Di󰀨erential Transformer (LVDT) ................................................................................ 15
Load Cell............................................................................................................................................ 15
Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)........................................................................................... 15
Computer Control System Software .................................................................................................. 15
Mechanical Refrigeration Unit (Chiller) .............................................................................................. 16
Accessories........................................................................................................................................ 16
Specimen Molds .......................................................................................................................... 16
Condence Beam ........................................................................................................................ 16
Non-Compliant Beams................................................................................................................. 17

ii MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original
Step Disk ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Load Cell Calibration Weights...................................................................................................... 17
Controls.............................................................................................................................................. 18
Internal Controls .......................................................................................................................... 18
Data Instruments ......................................................................................................................... 19
Basic Unit Controls ...................................................................................................................... 20
D. Installation................................................................................................................................ 21
D.1 Recommended Tools............................................................................................................................... 21
Installation.......................................................................................................................................... 21
Operation ........................................................................................................................................... 21
D.2 Unpacking the BBR3 ............................................................................................................................... 21
D.3 Assembling the Load Nose...................................................................................................................... 22
D.4 Connecting Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 25
E. Operation .................................................................................................................................. 28
E.1 Filling the Bath......................................................................................................................................... 28
E.2 Power Up the BBR3 ................................................................................................................................ 28
E.3 Overview of Touchscreen and Menus ..................................................................................................... 29
E.4 Editing Users and Permissions................................................................................................................ 29
E.5 Standardization Process.......................................................................................................................... 32
E.6 Verication Process ................................................................................................................................. 36
E.7 Test Setup................................................................................................................................................ 40
Test Name.......................................................................................................................................... 41
Test Date ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Saving Test Parameters..................................................................................................................... 41
Copying a Test ................................................................................................................................... 41
Creating a New Test........................................................................................................................... 42
Deleting a Test ................................................................................................................................... 42
Adding Report Images ....................................................................................................................... 42
Adding a Test Company..................................................................................................................... 43
Standard or Data Report.................................................................................................................... 43
Deection Plot and Load Plot............................................................................................................. 43
Bath Values........................................................................................................................................ 44
Specimen Values ............................................................................................................................... 44
Test Times.......................................................................................................................................... 44
E.8 Run Test .................................................................................................................................................. 44

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original iii
Load Setup......................................................................................................................................... 45
Start Test............................................................................................................................................ 46
Run Crack Sealant Test ..................................................................................................................... 47
View Test............................................................................................................................................ 48
E.9 Diagnostics .............................................................................................................................................. 49
Analog Inputs AI1, AI2, and AI3 ........................................................................................................ 49
Analog Outputs AO1 and AO2 ........................................................................................................... 49
Digital Inputs 1, 2, 3, and 4 ............................................................................................................... 50
Digital Outputs 1 and 2 ..................................................................................................................... 50
Digital Outputs 3 and 4 ..................................................................................................................... 50
Cool PID Values................................................................................................................................. 50
F. Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 52
F.1 Preface..................................................................................................................................................... 52
F.2 Load Shaft Stuck or Stalled During Verication or Standardization ......................................................... 52
G. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 55
G.1 Cleaning the BBR3.................................................................................................................................. 55
G.2 Changing the BBR3 Fluid Bath ............................................................................................................... 55
APPENDIX A: Warranty ............................................................................................................... 56
APPENDIX B: Wiring Diagram..................................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX C: Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................... 59
APPENDIX D: Image Glossary..................................................................................................... 60

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original | A. Introduction 1
A. Introduction
A.1 Unpacking
Retain all cartons and packing materials until the unit is operated and found to be in good condition. If damage has
occurred during shipping, notify Applied Test Systems (ATS) and the carrier immediately. If it is necessary to le a
damage claim, retain the packing materials for inspection by the carrier.
A.2 Standard Users and Passwords
Every BBR3 is programmed with three standard user settings. Each setting has a corresponding password and set of
user restrictions. Please refer to the table below to login and operate your new equipment.
User Name Password Permissions
Administrator admin Basic
Standardization Diagnostics
User Edit
Operator oper Basic
Standardization
Default Basic
A.3 Warranty Information
All new ATS systems are shipped with a warranty. Units have a warranty against defective parts and workmanship for
one full year from the date of shipment. Please see APPENDIX A of this manual for complete details on the warranty.
A.4 After Sale Support
If there are any questions concerning the operation of the unit or software, contact the ATS Service Department at
[phone].
Before calling, please obtain the software revision number and the serial number from the unit’s data tag. A sample
data tag is illustrated below, and can be completed with the unit’s information for easy reference. Please be prepared
to give a complete description of the problem to the ATS Service Department.

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original | A. Introduction2
Figure A.1 - ATS Sample Data Tag

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original | B. Safety 3
B. Safety
B.1 For Owners, Operators, and Maintenance
All ATS equipment is designed to be operated with the highest level of safety. This manual uses note, caution, and
warning symbols throughout to draw your attention to important operational and safety information.
Read and understand all instructions and safety precautions listed in this manual before installing or operating your
unit. If you have any questions regarding operation of the unit or instructions in this manual, contact the ATS Service
Department at [phone].
Read and follow these important instructions. Failure to observe these instructions can result in permanent damage
to the unit, signicant property damage, personal injury or death.
B.2 Cautions & Warnings
Read and understand all instructions and safety precautions listed in this manual before installing or
operating your unit. If you have any questions regarding operation of the unit or instructions in this
manual, contact our Service Department.
Thoroughly understand the safety features and operation of the equipment. This manual will provide
operators with safety concerns and general procedures. Be familiar with correct operating principals
and use good judgment. Also refer to the appropriate manuals for system component safety
instruction manuals.
Use caution when working with liquids at low temperatures. Protect skin by wearing protective
clothing, and follow safety, operation, and maintenance procedures described in the appropriate
instruction manuals.
Obey all national and local electric code requirements.
Handle the BBR3 carefully. Avoid dropping and jarring the BBR3. Damage to machine may result.
Dangerous high voltages present. Do not attempt to open the enclosure or gain access to areas
where you are not instructed to do so. Refer servicing to qualied service personnel only.
Injury to the operator could occur if operational procedures are not followed. Follow all steps or
procedures as instructed and refer to accompanying documents.
Flammable vapors may be emitted from bath. Operate uid bath in a well ventilated area . Do not
smoke or use an open ame near the bath. Refer to uid manufacturer’s documentation for more
detailed information specic to safety precautions for the bath uid being used.

4MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original | B. Safety
Do not submerge hand and arm in extremely cold test bath. Do not attempt to pull the drain plug
when the uid bath level is high and temperature is extremely cold. Extremely cold uid may cause
frost bite.
Use caution when handling air hoses during operation or when performing maintenance as contents
will be under pressure.
Handle load cell with care. The load cell will be damaged if the load frame is put on it’s side with the
load nose attached, or if the load nose is over tightened.
Handle the refrigeration hose with care. The refrigeration hose may be damaged if it is twisted or
pulled, especially when the unit is cold. Do not move the refrigeration unit unless it has been turned
o󰀨 for at least 8 hours and has reached room temperature.
Prevent damage to the cooling unit. Never operate the cooling unit if the ambient temperature is
higher than 25 degrees C.
The cooling unit should be placed in a well- ventilated area, on a stand at least six inches above the
oor and not on the same surface as the BBR3.
Carefully place the calibration weights on the load cell’s weight pan. If the Linear Variable Di󰀨erential
Transducer (LVDT) shaft is bumped, it may become inaccurate or even permanently damaged.
Avoid damage to the Condence Beam. Do not leave a load on the condence beam for an extended
period of time. This may cause the beam to bend and could result in inaccurate readings for future
tests.
Before energizing the electrical power to the bending beam rheometer, turn o󰀨 all power switches and
place all controls in an OFF or neutral position. Check that your power source is of the appropriate
voltage and is surge- protected. Use appropriate power adapters based upon your region.
FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS may be located within enclosure. Exposure may result in severe injury.
Refer to maintenance manual before servicing.

MAN - BBR3 - REV: Original | C. System Overview 5
C. System Overview
C.1 Equipment Parts
Front of Unit
1. Load Frame
2. Chiller
3. USB Port
4. Touch Screen Monitor
5. Power Indicator
6. Leveling Feet
7. ZERO Regulator
8. LOAD Regulator
Figure C.1 - Front of BBR3 Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8