Gilson HM-397 User manual

(Continued on back.)
INTRODUCTION
The versatile HM-397 Load Frame can be utilized for multiple soil
tests. Individual component sets can be tted to the load frame to
perform California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconned Compressive
Strength, Soil Cement, and Triaxial tests.
This 10,000lbf (44.5kN) capacity frame has a strain rate of
0.0001—0.3in/min (0.00254—7.62mm/min) controlled to +/- 1%
of set point. Front panel controls allow the operator to adjust
the direction and speed of the platen. The strain rate is set using
thumbwheel selector. Sliding the cross-arm up or down the
coarse-threaded 1.25in (32mm) diameter rods and tightening
the nuts makes adjustment for the wide variety of testing
components quick and easy.
FEATURES
• Precision adjustable strain rate of 0.0001—0.3in/min (0.00254—
7.62mm/min) allows for multiple testing options
• Powerful 1/4hp DC drive motor
• Load capacity up to 10,000lbf (44kN)
• Maximum frame opening of 11.9 x 37.3in (302 x 947mm)
• Durable 16-gauge steel cabinet and precision loading screw
• Hardened steel 8in (203mm) diameter platen accepts a wide
variety of test xtures
• Heavy 1.25in (31.8mm) diameter vertical rods with coarse threads
• Front panel controls
• Upper and lower limit indicator lights
• Corrosion-resistant components
UNPACKING & SET UP
1. Inspect your HM-397 for damage, remove it from the pallet.
2. Place the Load Frame on a sturdy, level surface such as a bench
top or HMA-94 Load Frame Cart.
3. Connect to a properly grounded power supply with correct
voltage and amperage output.
4. Adjust and level the crossarm to the appropriate height.
5. Install required Component Set and any accessories required
for testing.
HM-397
Gilson Load Frame
0.0001—0.3in/min, 10,000lbf (44.5kN)
HM-397 and HM-397F
OPERATING MANUAL
Rev: 05/2020
PHONE: [phone] P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200
740-548-7298 E-mail: [e-mail] Product Web Page: www.globalgilson.com
FAX: [phone]
740-548-5314

California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
ASTM D1883; AASHTO T 193
HMA-684 6,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685D 10,000lbf load cell, LVDT, readout box,
piston
Soil Cement
ASTM D1632, D1633
HMA-687 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, 4 in platen
HMA-687D
10,000lbf load cell , LVDT, readout box, 4 in
platen
Triaxial
ASTM D2850, D4764; AASHTO T 296, T 297
HMA-686 1,000lbf load cell, dial indicator
HM-413 1,000lbf load cell, LVDT, readout box
Unconned Compressive Strength
ASTM D2166; AASHTO T 208
HMA-681 500lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683 1,000lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683D 1,000lbf load cell, LVDT, plastic discs
COMPONENT SETS
Accessories
HMA-94 Load Frame Cart
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. Main Power On/O: Switch is illuminated when ON.
2. Strain Rate: Thumb wheels are used to select the platen
speed.
3. Run: Sets the platen direction and operates the unit
continuously at the strain rate set by the thumb wheel.
4. Stop: Pressing the stop switch stops the platen movement.
5. Jog Button: Increases the speed of platen to the maximum
speed of the load frame jack screw (0.3in/min) when the
switch is pushed to the up position.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
1. Limit up, Red: The platen has reached the upper limit of
travel. No further movement upward is possible.
2. Up, Yellow: Shows the current direction of travel, when platen
is moving up.
3. Run, Green: The load frame is in operating mode at the speed
selected by the thumb wheels.
4. Down, Yellow: Shows the current direction of travel when
platen is moving down.
5. Limit down, Red: The platen has reached the lower limit of
travel. No further movement downward is possible.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read all safety and operating instructions before operating
the unit.
2. Connect the three-pronged plug to a properly wired grounded
receptacle with appropriate electrical current for the machine.
3. Install kit or individual components to measure load,
displacement, or other properties according to specic test
method.
4. Power the unit on with the main power switch.
5. Mount the selected test xture on the machine platen and
ensure it is centered. Raise or lower the platen with the JOG
switch so there is enough travel for the requirements of the
test without reaching the mechanical limit.
6. Set the desired strain rate using the thumb wheel selector.
7. Use the Run switch to select the desired direction of travel
by raising or lowering the switch. If a limit switch is active in
the chosen direction, as indicated by the red limit indicators,
the motor will not run. Once running, the appropriate yellow
direction and green RUN indicators will be illuminated. The
platen will run until the STOP button is pressed or a limit switch
is tripped.
8. After the test is complete, use the JOG or RUN switch to
reposition the platen.
ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING
DISCONNECT AND LOCKOUT POWER
SUPPLY WHEN SERVICING THE UNIT