TESTING 1.0306 User manual

TESTING Bluhm & Feuerherdt GmbH
Production and Distribution of
Systems for the Testing of
Construction Materials
Motzener Str. 26b
DE - 12277 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 / 30 / 710 96 45-0
Fax +49 / 30 / 710 96 45-97
www.testing.de
1
Operating Manual
Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus

Automatic
Vicat Needle Apparatus
1.0306
2
Importance of this Operating Manual:
CAUTION: Do not place this machine into operation until you have completely read this
Operating Manual and have fully understood all its contents.
Contents Page
1. Basic instructions ...................................................................................................3
1.1 Designation .........................................................................................................3
1.2 Purpose for which this system was designed......................................................3
1.3 Conditions under which this system may NOT be used ......................................4
1.4 Guarantee ...........................................................................................................5
1.5 Acceptance of delivery, transport, and setting up................................................5
1.5.1 Acceptance of delivery..................................................................................5
1.5.2 Transport ......................................................................................................6
1.5.3 Setting up the system ...................................................................................6
1.6 Scope of delivery.................................................................................................7
1.7 Electrical connections..........................................................................................7
2. Characteristics of the equipment...........................................................................8
3. Operating the Vicat needle apparatus.................................................................10
3.1 Putting the machine into operation....................................................................10
3.2 Description of the control elements ...................................................................12
3.3 The test procedure ............................................................................................13
3.4 Calibration of the needle....................................................................................15
4. Maintenance and cleaning....................................................................................16
5. Troubleshooting....................................................................................................17
6. Shutting down the system for longer periods of time........................................17
7. Scrapping the system...........................................................................................17
8. After-sales service ................................................................................................18
8.1 Date of this version of the Operating Manual ....................................................18
8.2 Copyright...........................................................................................................18
8.3 Spare parts and technical help..........................................................................18
Attachments:
EG Declaration of Conformity
Inspection Record
Record of Measurement and Testing

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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1. Basic instructions
1.1 Designation
Designation of the manufacturer:
See page 1 of this Operating Manual
Device serial number
See the rating plate on the unit: it will
show the complete ratings and the electri-
cal specifications.
1.2 Purpose for which this system was designed
This Operating Manual contains the information required for operation of the products de-
scribed here, for the purpose for which they have been designed. This Operating Manual
is intended to be used only by technically qualified staff.
“Technically qualified staff” in the sense of this manual is defined as those persons who –
as a result of their training; their experience; the instructions which they have received; as
well as their knowledge of the relevant standards, regulations, accident-prevention regu-
lations, and conditions under which this system will be used in the company –have been
authorized by the person responsible for the safety of the company facilities to carry out
the activities and actions required for operation of the equipment described below, and
who can recognize and prevent any possible dangers arising from such operation (this
definition of technically qualified staff has been provided in IEC 364).
The User must by all means observe the requirements and limit values, as well as all
safety instructions, given in this Operating Manual. Any use of this device not in conformity
with these stipulations shall be considered tobe in violation of the use for which this system
was intended. If this device must be operated under special conditions, or with special
modes of operation, then this will be authorized only after consultation with the manufac-
turer, and after obtaining his prior and express approval.
This Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus is intended only for determining the setting time
for cement. The beginning and the end of the setting process is determined by the pene-
tration behaviour of a steel needle into a cement paste sample, under certain specified
conditions.
IMPORTANT
NOTE:
The instructions given in this Operating Manual are valid only under
conditions in which the device is correctly used. In order to properly
perform the test, the User must observe the specific standards that ap-
ply to the test.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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This operating manual contains safety instructions that are to be observed in order to ex-
clude any risk of fatalities, injuries, damage to the equipment or improper operation. Safety
markings are as follows:
Caution!
This warning refers to dangers that could cause material damage.
Danger
This warning refers to dangers that could cause severe injuries or even
fatalities.
Note

Provides practical advice on operation
1.3 Conditions under which this system may NOT be used
This system has been designed and built in accordance with the latest state of the engi-
neering art, and with recognized engineering rules and regulations. However, danger can
arise to the health and safety of the User, and of third parties, and damage can result to
the components of the system, or to other objects of value in the vicinity. For these rea-
sons, the User must observe the following instructions:
Do not take the device apart, and do not try to repair or to modify it.
Operate the device only in the range of voltage supply as given in this Operating Manual.
Do not operate the device in places that are subject to the following conditions:
Formation of ice, Heat radiation, Formation of condensate, Dust, Corrosive gases, Vibra-
tions, Severe impacts, Do not operate the device in places with great relative humidity and
temperature fluctuations.
Caution
The mixing of cement with water causes the release of alkaline sub-
stances. In working with concrete, it is essential to take all necessary
precautions to prevent dry cement from entering the eyes, mouth, or
nose. Use protective clothing to prevent skin contact with wet cement
or concrete. If cement or concrete enters the eyes, immediately and
carefully wash out the eyes with clean water. Seek medicalhelp without
delay. If moist concrete comes into contact with the skin, wash it off
immediately.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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The operating person must take care not to endanger his or her own health and safety, or
the health and safety of other persons. Only those persons may independently operate
this system who have received sufficient training in the operation of this system.
If defects or damages to this system occur that impair its operational safety, the system
must immediately be taken out of operation. It may be put back into operation only after
all sources of danger have been eliminated.
1.4 Guarantee
Our General Terms of Sales and Delivery apply in all cases.
The Manufacturer guarantees that this Operating Manual has been prepared in conformity
with the technical and functional parameters of the product as delivered. The Manufac-
turer reserves the right to add supplementary information to this Operating Manual as re-
quired.
The guarantee provided by the Manufacturer is the legal guarantee. This guarantee does
not cover wear-and-tear parts.
The Manufacturer guarantees trouble-free operation only if the User observes the instruc-
tions in this Operating Manual, and only if the User employs the delivered system for the
purpose for which it is intended.
The Manufacturer shall not be liable for damages that may occur if the product is used for
purposes for which it is not intended, or if the User does not observe the instructions and
rules for operation as set forth in this Operating Manual.
No claims for damages may be lodged against the Manufacturer if the product is modified
in its structural or constructional characteristics without the prior written consent of the
Manufacturer, or if its functional characteristics are modified without such consent.
Any person acting in violation of the above stipulations may be prosecuted before a court
of law.
1.5 Acceptance of delivery, transport, and setting up
1.5.1 Acceptance of delivery
When accepting delivery of the product, first inspect it for its outer, visible condition. If this
inspection is satisfactory, the delivery may be accepted from the freight forwarder (courier
or other haulage company).

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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If there are no shortcomings, and if there are no transport damages, then use the bill of
delivery to make sure that the consignment is complete, and that all parts have been de-
livered.
If you assume or suspect transport damage, or if transport damage becomes apparent
only after you have accepted the delivery, immediately make an exact report of the condi-
tions and any damage as they exist. Send us this report immediately by fax or e-mail.
Important: Absolutely do not make any changes to the delivered goods.
After we have studied your report, we can make a decision whether we can correct the
difficulties by one of the following options:
Deliver spare parts to you, or
Send a specialized fitter/installer to your plant, or
Ask that you return the system to us for repair.
1.5.2 Transport
This system can be moved by hand to the place where it should be installed. Its weight
(mass) is approx. 16 kg.
1.5.3 Setting up the system
Set up the system on a level base that is that not subject to vibrations, and that can effec-
tively support the weight of the unit.
The ambient conditions that must be observed are as follows:
Permissible temperature conditions:
From + 5 °C to + 40 °C
Permissible relative humidity:
30 ... 50%
Maximum elevation:
1,000 metres above sea level
Caution
Be sure to take all normal and logical precautionary measures to en-
sure that the equipment is not subject to impact, and that it is not dam-
aged in any other way.
We recommend that the Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus be placed on a work
desk, so that the drum with the plot of measuring results is located at a conven-
ient level for the operating personnel.
The main working position for the operating personnel is in front of the device.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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1.6 Scope of delivery
In the standard version, the Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus is delivered with the fol-
lowing accessories:
Container for water storage
Diagram recording paper (500 sheets)
Recording stylus with ball-pen recorder and propelling-pencil leads (leads for me-
chanical pencil)
Drop rod
Ring according to EN: diameter 70 / 80 mm
Needle, with diameter 1.13 mm x 50 mm length
Allen wrench (socket wrench) (size no. 2)
Available as options:
Needle, with diameter 1.13 mm x 30 mm, with special foot
Consistency plunger
Timer switch
1.7 Electrical connections
Danger
In accordance with the pertinent standards, the yellow-green connec-
tion terminal must be connected to the earthing system before addi-
tional electrical connections are made.
Before making the electrical connections. Also check the machine rat-
ing plate to make sure that the ratings of the building power supply
conform to the requirements of the product for voltage, wattage, am-
perage, and frequency.
The technical characteristics of this safety device must also satisfy the
standards that apply in the country in which the machine is installed.
Caution
The manufacturer of this product cannot be held liable for any damages
that result because the information here is not observed.
Actual voltage: 10% of the rated voltage
Frequency: 50 Hertz 1% of the rated frequency, continually; 2% of the rated fre-
quency, on a short-term basis
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages to persons or property that arise be-
cause the above instructions have not been observed.
We recommend the use of a residual-current-operated circuit-breaker (RCCB) with
30-mA rated residual-current trip.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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2. Characteristics of the equipment
The noise levels given here do not necessarily represent safe levels for persons operating
the equipment. The safety and suitability of the noise levels for operating personnel are
influenced by other factors such as the following: length of time that personnel are ex-
posed to the noise, the surrounding environment, other equipment installed in the vicinity,
etc.
Official data on noise-exposure levels are necessary to evaluate the damage that person-
nel can suffer from being subjected to the noise from this equipment.
Sound pressure level equivalent “A” at the workplace:
23 dB(A)
Standards applying to the above data:
EN ISO 3746
This system belongs to those items of equipment whose acoustic emission in general does
not reach a rating level of 90 db(A) (in accordance with DIN 45 635).
The noise emitted by the system will depend on various factors: e.g., the specific product,
the place of installation, and the like. For this reason, it is not possible to indicate a gener-
ally valid sound pressure level for this system.
Technical data:
Dimensions:
280 mm wide x 430 mm deep x 460 mm high
Weight (mass):
16 kg
Required electrical ratings:
110-230 VAC; 50-60 Hz
Weight (mass) of drop rod:
300g ± 1

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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Prog.
A
B
C
D
G
Graphic
represen-
tation
Appl.
Stan-
dard
EN 196
ASTM 191
EN 196
DIN 1168
Needle
cleaning
yes
yes
yes
no
no
Length of
needle
50 mm
50 mm
50 mm
30 mm
50 mm
Diameter of:
Penetrations Mould
Ø 70 mm
Ø 65 mm
Ø 70 mm
Ø 70 mm
Ø 70 mm
26
37
90
22
16
The User can use the following program selections to set and to check the exact height
of the needle:
Test + 30“ Check of needle height: Vicat ring
for needle length = 50 mm
Test + 1’ Check of needle height: Vicat ring
for needle length = 30 mm
Test + 2’ Check for lower end stop
Needle must be slightly above glass plate
After a maximum of 3 minutes, the drop rod is automatically returned to its starting position.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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3. Operating the Vicat needle apparatus
3.1 Putting the machine into operation
Attention
For reasons of safety, the drop rod must be removed from the machine
before it is transported. Before placing the Vicat needle apparatus into
operation, take the drop rod and insert it into the machine at its proper
place.
The recording stylus for plotting the Vicat results is delivered with a ballpoint-pen refill or
with a propelling-pencil (mechanical-pencil) lead. After you insert the drop rod, you must
use the knurled nut to set the exact distance between the point of the recording stylus and
the recording drum.
Insert the needle into the drop rod as far as it will go. Then lightly
tighten the headless grub screw with the supplied no. 2 Allen
wrench.
The next step is to wrap the recording paper around the recording drum. Use the paper-
holding springs to hold the paper in place, and shove the paper up to the edge. The lowest
paper-holding spring should be set so as to be positioned just over the edge.
Carefully insert the drop rod, from the top, all the way into the cover of the system housing
lid, until it will go no farther. Push the recording stylus (ballpen refill or pencil lead) back so
that it moves past the retaining spring of the recording drum with the paper.
Switch on the system by using the switch on the rear side.
The system will now perform a self-test. If the system successfully passes the self-test, it
will signal that it is ready for operation by showing the green signal lamp.
grub screw

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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Switch on the device on the back side.
The device will start a self-check. When successfully done it will signalize readiness with
a green lamp on.
start position when
drop rod is released
(0mm penetration)
Upper dead-center
position,
the pencil will write a
horizontal line
40mm penetration

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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3.2 Description of the control elements
Start
This button starts the test cycle.
Stop
This button stops the test cycle.
Standard
This setting is for selection of the standards that will apply for the test.
Time
This setting is for selection of the time interval between the start of one
penetration and the start of the following penetration.
Delay
The setting is for a start delay
Slow
This button is for selection of the type of needle drop:
OFF Free drop
ON Damped (restrained) drop
Prepara-
tion for
settings
This control element enables moving the drop rod into its lower or upper
position.
This function is used to prepare for the test, or to make settings for the
system.
The functions of the signal lamps:
Green lamp:
is on when the system is switched
on:
This means that the system is ready for opera-
tion.
flashes when the button is
pushed:
The test is running.
Yellow lamp:
This lamp is off:
The rod will drop in free fall.
This lamp is on:
Damped (restrained) drop of the rod.
The button is pressed during the
test:
This will stop the test.
Red lamp:
The red lamp is off:
The system is ready for operation.
The red lamp is flashing:
The system has a defect. See the section
below entitled “Troubleshooting”.
If button is pressed during the
“TEST” program:
The red lamp button will then serve as a
confirmation button.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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If button is pressed while the sys-
tem is performing the normal test:
This will stop the normal test procedure.
3.3 The test procedure
Insert the drop rod from above into the device (in the reverse direction as shown in
the drawing below).
Switch on the system. The drop rod will now move into the upper position.
Make your selection for the following parameters:
oThe standard that will apply to the test
oThe type of fall (free fall or damped fall)
oThe desired time
Place the prepared test specimen on the rotary disk.
Press the START button. The test procedure will then begin.
Programm
Needle length
[mm]
Norm
Vicat-Ring
[Size min.]
Anzahl der
Einstiche
A
50
EN 196
Ø 70/80
26
B
50
ASTM 191
Ø 65/75
37
C
50
EN 196
Ø 70/80
90
D
30
Erstarrungs-
ende
Ø 70/80
22
Test + 5’
50
Normsteife
1
G
50
(Konus)
Gips
DIN 1168
Ø70/80
16

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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End of solidification
1st option:
You can read the end of solidification on the drum
2nd option:
Stop the program at the appropriate time
turn the Vicat ring upside dowm
exchange the needle for start of solidification against needle for end of solidification
choose program “D”
The drop rod will now be brought to a lower postion (according to shorter needle) and
released from there (here: zero-line is 20mm lower).
The end of solidification will be determined by the impressions. When there are no circular
impressions to be seen any more, the needle penetrates less than 0,5mm.
This means the end of solidification.
0,5mm
Solidification end
2mm
0mm

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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3.4 Calibration of the needle
The Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus is set at the manufacturer’s plant in accordance
with the heights of the needles as they are delivered. As a result, the User does not need
to make any adjustment settings under normal conditions.
If, however, any deviations are discovered and the User must make adjustments to the
needle calibration, then he should follow the steps below:
1. Remove the fall rod upward as shown in the drawing below (arrow 1 below).
2. Unscrew the countersunk-head screw on the drum (arrow 2 below).
3. Remove the 4 screws from the side wall of the upper part of the device (arrow 3
below).
2
1
3

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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4. Set the distance between the needle and the surface of the Vicat ring by using the
magnets (see arrow 4 in drawing below).
5. Set the lower distance between the needle and the surface of the glass by using
the limit stop (arrow 5 in drawing below).
4. Maintenance and cleaning
Please get directly in contact with the manufacturer in case of any special maintenance
work that may become necessary: for example, repairs, exchange of parts, and all other
tasks that are not described in this Operating Manual.
The Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus needs practically no maintenance. After several
years of use, we recommend cleaning the system thoroughly and lubricating the moving
parts.
It may become necessary after using the Operating Manual for a long period of time, or
using it in dirty surroundings, to clean the outside the system. Please proceed as follows:
1. Switch off the main power switch of the system.
2. Unplug the system from the power supply.
3. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust that may lie loosely on the sur-
face of the device. If necessary, you can clean the outside of the unit with a moist
cloth. You can also use normal household cleaning agents if required.
Attention
Do NOT use forced water, rushing water, gushing water, or spray wa-
ter to clean the Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus. Also do not use
dripping sponges or other unsuitable cleaning agents to clean the sys-
tem. If water enters the controller unit by using such unsuitable clean-
ing methods, this will result in permanent damage to the mechanical,
electronic, and/or electrical components of the system.
All maintenance or repair work involving components of the Automatic
Vicat Needle Apparatus or its electrical system must be performed by
suitably qualified specialists.
Magnet for end
of solidification
5
Magnet
for 50mm
needle
4

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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For instructions on how to clean all parts of the system related to the testing procedures
(for example, the needles, weights, and containers), please consult the descriptions in
the applicable standards.
5. Troubleshooting
Attention
All maintenance, testing procedures, inspection, and maintenance
work performed on the system components or the electrical system
must be performed by suitably qualified specialists.
TROUBLE
POSSIBLE CAUSES
ACTION TO TAKE
The system will not start.
There is no power supply.
Check the power cable.
Defective fuse.
Check the fuse on the main
power switch.
The red signal lamp is
flashing.
The drop rod was not in-
serted.
Insert a drop rod.
The photoelectric switches
(light barriers) do not de-
tect the initial position.
Check the photoelectric
switches (light barriers) in the
device. Get in touch with the
manufacturer.
The needle distances are
not correct.
The setting of the needle
height is not correct.
Make the adjustment as de-
scribed above in the section on
Calibration of the Needle.
6. Shutting down the system for longer periods of time
In the event that you intend to shut down the system for a longer period of time, it must be
disconnected from the mains power supply. Then perform all required maintenance tasks.
Finally, cover up the unit to protect it from dust.
7. Scrapping the system
If the system will no longer be used by anyone, we recommend the following procedure:
Unplug the power cable from the mains power supply.
Cover all dangerous parts (for example, sharp or protruding components)
Take the system apart and scrap it according to the valid legal regulations in your
area.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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8. After-sales service
Great care was taken to assure that this Operating Manual was properly prepared. We
cannot, however, guarantee that it has no mistakes, or that all data are complete and
correct in the event of technical modifications.
8.1 Date of this version of the Operating Manual
Version No. 5
March of 2016
8.2 Copyright
The copyright to this Operating Manual is held by:
TESTING Bluhm & Feuerherdt GmbH
This Operating Manual is intended for use only by the User and his/her staff. It contains
instructions and data that may NOT be:
Reproduced,
Distributed, or
Provided to any third party.
Any person acting in violation of the above stipulations may be prosecuted before a court
of law.
8.3 Spare parts and technical help
If you have any questions of technical nature, or if you need spare parts, please get in
touch with the following address:
TESTING Bluhm & Feuerherdt GmbH
Motzener Str. 26b
DE –12277 Berlin
Germany
Tel. [+ 49 30] 710 96 45-0
Fax [+ 49 30] 7510 96 45-98
www.testing.de
[email protected]

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
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EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the Machinery Directive
2006/42/EC Appendix II 1.A
The authorised representative established in the community,
Mr. Feuerherdt
hereby declares that the following product
Manufacturer: TESTING Bluhm & Feuerherdt GmbH
Motzener Str. 26b
12277 Berlin
Product designation: Vicat Needle Apparatus
Serial number: continuous
Serial/Type designation: 1.0306
complies with all of the relevant provisions of the above named guidelines as well as the addi-
tional applied guidelines (following) - including any of the amendments thereto which are in force
at the time of the declaration.
The following additional EU Directives have been applied:
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EC
The following harmonised standards have been applied:
DIN EN 60204-1 The Safety of Machines - Electrical Equipment of Machines - Part 1:
General Requirements (corrigendum 2010)
DIN EN ISO 12100 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assess-
ment and risk reduction (corrigendum 2013)
The name and address of the person who has been authorised to compile the technical docu-
mentation:
Mr. Metge
Location: Berlin
Date: 28/02/2014
_______________________________ _______________________________
(Signature) (Signature)
Managing Director Technician