impact Le Chateilier User manual

User Guide
User Guide
Le Chateilier Bath
CE310
Impact Test Equipment Ltd
www.impact-test.co.uk & www.impact-test.com

Impact Test Equipment Ltd.
Building 21 Stevenston Ind. Est.
Stevenston
Ayrshire
KA20 3LR
T: 01294 602626
F: 01294 461168
E: [email protected]
Test Equipment Web Site
www.impact-test.co.uk
Test Sieves & Accessories Web Site
www.impact-test.com

CONTENTS
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.2 IDENTIFICATION
1.3 APPLICATIONS
1.4 STRUCTURE AND OPERATING OF THE APPLIANCE
Chapter 2 SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
2.2 SAFETY DEVICES
2.3 DANGEROUS PARTS AND RESIDUAL RISKS
Chapter 3 INSTALLATION
3.1 LIFTING
3.2 UNPACKING
3.3 INSTALLATION
3.4 ELECTRIC CONNECTIONS
Chapter 4 FEATURES OF THE APPLIANCE
4.1 DIMENSIONS AND MASS
Chapter 5 OPERATOR’S INTERFACE
5.1 CONTROLS AND MESSAGES
Chapter 6 USE
6.1 WARNINGS
6.2 PREPARATION OF THE APPLIANCE
6.3 SPECIMEN POSITIONING
6.4 SWITCHING ON OF THE APPLIANCE
6.5 EMERGENCY STOP
6.6 STARTING AFTER AN EMERGENCY STOP
6.7 TRIAL STARTING
6.8 EXAMPLE OF OPERATING
Chapter 7 MAINTENANCE
7.1 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
7.2 SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
7.3 PERIODICAL INSPECTIONS
Chapter 8 DIAGNOSIS
8.1 DIAGNOSIS
Chapter 9 SCRAPPING
9.1 SETTING ASIDE
9.2 SCRAPPING
ENCLOSURES
A COMPLETE APPLIANCE
B INSIDE VIEW OF THE APPLIANCE
ELECTRICAL LAY-OUTS
S1
EEC CONFORMITY DECLARATION (FOR EEC COUNTRIES ONLY)
2

1.3 APPLICATIONS
The Le Chatelier water bath has been developed to perform tests on the soundness of cements according to
standard EN 196/3.
The bath and the dipped specimens reach the boiling point in 30 ± 5 minutes thanks to a heating element
(starting temperature 20° ± 2°).
The standard also requires keeping the boiling temperature for a period of 3 hours ± 5 minutes.
This appliance has to be used only for the aim it has been projected and manufactured for.
Any other use of the machine is not permitted.
ATTENTION The instructions given in this operating manual are only made for the right use of the
appliance. To carry out the test in the right way, the user must refer to the specific
standards in force for the test itself
1.4 STRUCTURE AND OPERATING OF THE APPLIANCE
The appliance is formed by a stainless steel inside chamber (B2) suitable to hold water and
Le Chatelier moulds (B5 – OPTIONAL); the bath can hold up to 12 moulds.
The bath is equipped with a cover (B1) that sets a limit to the evaporation. On the cover there’s a vent-hole
(B3) allowing to adjust the steam flow in order to avoid cover jolts during the boiling step.
Inside the chamber there’s a heating element (B6) as well as a removable rack to hold the Le Chatelier
moulds.
The combined action of the timer and the heating element grant the water boiling by avoiding its evaporation
and assuring that Le Chatelier moulds remain covered by the water during all the test execution.
For further information please contact the agent or the manufacturer.
3
Chapter 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 GENERAL FEATURES
•This manual is addressed to the carrier, the installer, the user, the maintenance operator, the scrapping
operator.
•Please read it carefully because it informs you about the operating of the machine in safety conditions.
•This manual has is a part of the product and refers only to the machine it is delivered with.
•Keep the manual in order during the whole life of the appliance to consult it for any needs.
•In case of sale, the manual and its enclosures should be given together with the machine.
•The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damages caused by a misuse of the machine.
•The manufacturer has the right to modify this technical literature as well as the machines this refers to
without any previous notice.
•Messages meaning:
ATTENTION Indicates the procedures that can seriously damage the machine if they are not
followed carefully.
DANGER Indicates the procedures that can be dangerous to the operator if they are not
followed carefully.
1.2 IDENTIFICATION
MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION: See the cover page
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION: See the plate on the machine where complete identification
data and electrical information is to be found.

4
Chapter 2 SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
•The use, lifting, installation, maintenance and scrapping of the machine must only be carried
out by qualified staff.Qualified people are those who are authorised to carry out any activities due to
their experience and knowledge of the machine operation and the standards, rules and regulations.
The user must be taught about the machine operation to avoid misuse of it and about the safety devices,
which the machine could be eventually equipped with. The safety devices will have to be kept assembled
and checked daily.
The manufacturers offer training and assume no liability for any damages due to a misuse of the
machine by unskilled staff.
•The manufacturer recommends carefully following the instructions and procedures of the operating
manual and the safety standards concerning the safety devices and the general regulations governing the
work environment.
•Verify the conformity of the machine to the standards in force in the country where the machine is to be
installed.
•The operating manual must be read carefully by the safety supervisor, by the operators and maintenance
engineers. It must always be kept near the machine.
•Any tampering or modifications to the machine (electric, mechanical etc.) are not allowed without the
written agreement of the manufacturer and the manufacturer will not accept any damages in respect of
modifications.
•The removal of or tampering with safety devices will be an infringement of the EEC Safety Standards.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damages.
•The machine has to be installed in a place safe from fire and explosion.
•We recommend using only original spare parts and accessories; otherwise the manufacturer assumes no
liability.
•Take care to avoid dangerous situations during operation; on malfunction immediately stop the machine
and contact the manufacturer or Authorised Service Staff of the dealer at once.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage caused to persons or property if the general safety
standards or the instructions of this manual are not followed.
2.2 SAFETY SYSTEMS
MEANING: Safety devices are all the safety measures using specific equipment (guards, cages etc.) to
protect the operator from any danger that couldn’t be avoided when the appliance was designed.
DANGER The removal of safety devices or tampering with the machine could cause risks to
the operator or any other persons.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage caused to persons or
property due to tampering with safety devices.
•PASSIVE SAFETY DEVICES
These devices don’t require any action or intervention to be operational.
2.3 DANGEROUS PARTS AND RESIDUAL RISK
Take care inside and around the machine where the operator could be wounded or damaged.
During some procedures the operator may face some risk ff danger. The risks can be eliminated by carefully
following the procedures in this manual and using suitable safety devices.
The main switch also acting as emergency switch.
For active safety devices are meant all those devices avoiding or reducing the risks for the operators. These
devices require an active and aware intervention to be operated.

DANGER RISK FOR SCALDS AND BURNS.
During the test execution and for a certain period after it, the operator faces the risk
to be scalded or burnt by the elevated water temperature (100° C).
So, it is recommended not to touch any part of the appliance (not even the moulds) if
you are not using the special safety means (consult the person in charge for the
safety of people working into the laboratory), otherwise it is absolutely necessary to
wait until the appliance and its content are cooled down.
Install the appliance so to grant its stability.
Do not move or bump into the same during the test execution and before the cooling
step has been completed.
5
ATTENTION Employ only skilled operators trained for lifting heavy machinery.
GENERAL INFORMATION
•Before use of the equipment, ensure that all the components are in good working order and
check that there are no defective or damaged parts. If necessary repair or replace any
damaged parts before use.
•Pay attention to the risk of electric shock from direct or indirect contact, due to unforeseen failure of the
electric system.
•Do not subject the equipment to violent shocks.
•Do not expose the equipment to fire, extreme temperature or weld splatters.
•Avoid corrosive substances coming in contact with the equipment.
•Never wash the appliance using water sprays.
DURING USE
•To ensure maximum operator safety, do not touch any moving components during test execution and
always observe proper safety measures.
•During the test keep hands, fingers and clothing away from moving parts.
•Do not breathe in steam and do not let test substances touch eyes and skin.
•Do not wear loose clothing, ties, watches, rings or other items which could get tangled in moving parts.
LIFTING
•During lifting take care that the machine is firmly held and secured and that it cannot slide.
•Do not stand in a direct line with the application of force. Do not allow people under loads that are not
fully supported.
RISK OR DANGER FORESEEN SAFETY MEASURE
TRAPPING OF FINGERS OR HANDS REINFORCED GLOVES
ABRASIONS OR CUTS REINFORCED GLOVES
STEAM SCALDS OVERALLS AND GLOVES
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage caused to persons or property if the general safety
standards or the instructions of this manual are not followed.

CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION
DANGER Consult chapter “DANGEROUS PARTS AND RESIDUAL RISKS” before
proceeding.
3.1 LIFTING
The instructions in this section must be followed during the transportation of the appliance and in the
following situations:
• Lifting and the storing
• First installation
• Further installations
The machine is usually supplied fully packaged.
ATTENTION Avoid impact and tipping the equipment.
ATTENTION Protect the machine from atmospheric agents. Water and humidity could oxidise
it, causing serious damage.
3.2 UNPACKING
After removing the packaging, check that all parts of the machine are not damaged. In case of doubt, DO
NOT USE THE MACHINE and refer to the supplier.
DANGER Materials used for packaging (plastic, polystyrene, screws, nails, wood etc.)
must to be kept away from children. They must be disposed of according to
local regulations.
ATTENTION Avoid impact and tipping the equipment.
ATTENTION Before disposing of packaging, check that any accessories, manuals,
documents, or spare parts are not inside.
3.3 INSTALLATION
The machine has to be placed in an environment suitable for its designed purpose (in a
laboratory protected from atmospheric agents). A skilled operator must be responsiblre for installation.
PERMITTED TEMPERATURE RANGE + 5°C to + 40°C
PERMITTED HUMIDITY RANGE 30% to 95%
MAX. HEIGHT OVER SEA LEVEL
1000 m
GENERAL WARNINGS
• The machine must be installed so that it is freely accessible from each side in order to be able to carry out
maintenance operations.
6
•No authorised persons and no dangerous objects must be near the machine.

3.4 ELECTRIC CONNECTIONS
DANGER Skilled operators must install electrical connections.
DANGER Before connection, refer to the electricsdiagram and the plate on the machine for
information about the voltage and frequency etc.
DANGER Connect the earth terminal PE (yellow-green) before making any other connections.
DANGER Apply a knife switch at the top of the connecting cable of the machine to the power system.
The knife switch must be combined with an overload safety device
with a differential switch (safety switch).
The technical features of the safety device must be in accordance with the standards in
force in the country where the machine is installed.
ELECTRIC TOLERANCES:
• Real voltage ±10 % of the nominal one
• Frequency: ±1 % of the nominal one in a continuous way ±2 % of the nominal one for a short
period
• The harmonic distortion of the sum from the second to the fifth harmonics not more than 10 % of the total
voltage as a real value between the conductors. A further distortion of 2% is accepted for the sum from
the sixth to the thirtieth harmonics of the real total value between the conductors.
• With reference to the tension unbalance of the three-phase voltage, the inverted sequence component
and the zero sequence component must not be more than 2% of the direct sequence component of the
voltage
• The voltage pulses must not last more than 1,5 ms with an up/down time between 500 ms and 500 µs
and a peak value not higher than 200 % of the real value of the nominal tension.
• The electrical feed must not be interrupted or zeroed for more than 3 ms. Between two interruptions it
must not take more than 1 s.
• The interruptions must not overcome 20 % of the tension peak for more than one cycle. Between two
interruptions it must not take more than 1 s.
Chapter 4 FEATURES OF THE APPLIANCE
4.1 DIMENSIONS AND MASS
LENGTH 264 mm
WIDTH 403 mm
HEIGHT 196 mm
MASS 5 kg
7

Chapter 5 OPERATOR’S INTERFACE
5.1 CONTROLS AND MESSAGES
DESCRIPTION ENCLOSURE A – COMPLETE APPLIANCE
A1 MAIN SWITCH
A2 TIMER
A1 MAIN SWITCH
Switches the appliance on or off.
A2 TIMER
Maintaininsthe bath temperature at boiling point, avoiding evaporation and ensures the
Le Chatelier moulds are submerged for the whole test.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS- ENCLOSURE B – INSIDE VIEW
B1 COVER
B2 CHAMBER
B3 VENT-HOLE
B4 REMOVABLE RACK TO HOLD SPECIMENS
B5 LE CHATELIER MOULDS
B6 HEATING ELEMENT
B1 COVER
Reduces water evaporation during the test.
B2 CHAMBER
Houses the specimens and the water required to perform the test.
B3 VENT-HOLE
Allows adjustment of the steam flow in order to avoid cover jolts during the water boiling. It also helps to
limit evaporation.
B4 RACK TO HOLD SPECIMENS
This rack is useful to hold the Le Chatelier moulds (OPTIONAL) and must be placed inside the chamber.
It allows quick and easy handling of the moulds.
B5 LE CHATELIER MOULDS
These hold the mortar specimens. They are not included and should be ordered separately.
B6 HEATING ELEMENT
For heating the water.
8

Chapter 6 USE
DANGER Read chapter “DANGEROUS PARTS AND RESIDUAL RISKS” before proceeding.
6.1 WARNINGS
Before commencing normal use of the equipment,verify that it is in good working
conditions with no defective or damaged parts. If necessary carry out required maintenance
operations
6.2 PREPARATION OF THE APPLIANCE
The standard EN 196/3 requires the water to reach the boiling point in 30 ± 5 minutes time,
starting from a temperature of 20 ± 2°.
This appliance has been developed to satisfy this requirement using 12 Le Chatelier moulds complete
with specimens and with a water level inside the chamber of 30mm from the upper line.
The first heating step requires a greater heating power if compared with the second maintaining step. The
timer has this control function.
From various trials, we have discovered that setting the timer to 30 minutes allows it to meet standards
requirements. (With 12 complete moulds and a water level of 30 mm from the upper line). For any different
conditions, the operator must find out the correct time to set the timer to in order to comply with the
Standard.
According to the standard, the boiling temperature has to be kept constant for 3 hours ± 5 minutes; during
this time, the water level will decrease. The appliance has been developed to keep the moulds well
submerged during the test. It is suggested to limit the evaporation by opening the vent-hole B3 only when
necessary and to verify the water level from time to time.
If the operator discovers that the water level is too low and does not give cover to the heating
element and the moulds, it will be necessary to add some boiling water during the test execution.
ATTENTION Ensure that the water in the chamber always covers the heating element. If not
this would be seriously damaged.
6.3 SPECIMEN POSITIONING
Place the Le Chatelier moulds in the rack, put it into the inside chamber and add the exact water quantity (as
defined by trial tests, see previous chapter).
6.4 SWITCHING ON OF THE APPLIANCE
To start the appliance put the Main Switch (A1) on “I”.
6.5 EMERGENCY STOP
In case of emergency, stop the appliance by putting the Main Switch (A1) on “0”.
DANGER Do not touch any part of the appliance or its contentsuntil theyhave cooled
down; there is the risk of burns and scalds from the elevated testing
temperature.
ATTENTION It is worth remembering that test interruption causes cancellation of the whole test.
6.6 STARTING AFTER AN EMERGENCY STOP
DANGER Before starting the appliance again, find and eliminate the problem, which led to the
emergency stop.
To start the appliance again, move the main switch (A1) to the “I” position, this will reset all normal
functions.
9

6.7 TRIAL STARTING
Before beginning standard use of this machine, check that it is in perfect working condition by visually
examining every part. If you find any defective or suspect equipment, repair or replace it immediately.
In case of problems during thetest cycle, see Chapter “ DIAGNOSIS “.
If the instructions in this manual do not offer a solution, please contact the supplier.
6.6 OPERATING EXAMPLE
DANGER Put the following into practise only after having carefully read and
understood all the instructions given in this manual.
Hereunder we describe a “ standard-procedure” which allows an inexperienced operator to use the
Le Chatelier water bath in the correct way.
1. Prepare the appliance as described in the Chapter “PREPARATION OF THE APPLIANCE” of this
manual.
2. Place the moulds correctly as described in the Chapter “SPECIMEN POSITIONING” of this manual.
3. Put the Main Switch on the “I” position and set the timer on 30; so that the heating element can
utilise its maximum heating power.
4. After 30 minutes the heating power is halved in order to maintain the temperature for a period of 3
hours ± 5 minutes as required by the standard.
5. Once the test is over, switch off the appliance by moving the Main Switch to “0”.
6. Analyse the tested material as required by the standard.
10

CHAPTER 7 MAINTENANCE
DANGER Read chapter “DANGEROUS PARTS AND RESIDUAL RISKS” before proceeding.
DANGER All maintenance operations must be carried out with the machine turned off and
unplugged from the knife switch.
DANGER Any kind of maintenance operations concerning components of the machine and
electrical components, even those that seem simple, must be carried out by skilled
operators.
DANGER Only original spare parts can be used. The Manufacturer will assume no liability if non-
original spare parts are used.
7.1 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
In order to maintain the efficiency of the machine, periodically clean the inside chamber to remove calcareous
residuals. Avoid the use of solvents which damage the painted parts and those made from synthetic
materials. Periodically carry out all required inspections in the chapter “PERIODICAL INSPECTIONS”.
7.2 SPECIAL MAINTENANCE
For any special maintenance operation (repairs, replacements or any other operation not described in this
manual), please refer to the supplier.
7.3 PERIODICAL INSPECTIONS
Verify that the heating element is free from calcareous deposits. If present, remove them using a plastic
palette knife.
DANGER Before starting any cleaning operation, ensure that the appliance is switched off and
disconnected.
CHAPTER 8 DIAGNOSIS
In this chapter you will find common problems that may occur during machine use.
ATTENTION Skilled operators must carry out all maintenance, checking, control and repair
operations.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CURE
After switching on the appliance, the
heating element doesn’t work
No supply Check the plugs are correctly in.
Fuses are broken Contact the supplier for correct
fuse replacement.
Heating element is
broken
Contact the supplier.
Electrical system
failure
Contact the supplier.
11

ATTENTION Contact the supplier for any problem not listed above or if the
problem remains even after intervention according to these
instructions.
CHAPTER 9 SCRAPPING
9.1 SETTING ASIDE
If setting aside for a long time it is necessary to disconnect the electrical supply.
Execute all maintenance operations.
Oil parts that are not varnished and protect the machine against the dust.
9.2 SCRAPPING
When the machine is not used anymore, it is recommended:
• Disconnect the supply cable.
• Cover/destroy all parts which may be dangerous.
• Disassemble the machine and scrap it as per local regulations.
12

ENCLOSURE A COMPLETE APPLIANCE
A1

ENCLOSURE B INSIDE VIEW OF THE APPLIANCE
B1
B2
B3
B6
B4
B5