The Bending Beam Rheometer 3 (BBR3) has been designed to perform flexural tests on asphalt binder and similar specimens as part of the PG grading system according to Superpave. The BBR3 is a state of the art internal computer system incorporating touchscreen technology. The BBR3’s new external cooling unit is now more compact and omits less noise during operation. Programmable test parameters allow users to input and save their own unique settings, allowing the BBR3 to satisfy a diverse range of testing applications.
The BBR3 is made up of a fluid bath base with a built-in touchscreen computer, load frame, external refrigeration unit, and a calibration kit with carrying case. During operation, a known force is applied to the center of a horizontally supported specimen beam submerged in a cold liquid bath while internal software calculates the flexural creep stiffness of the beam. Used in part to determine a sample’s critical cracking temperature and low temperature PG grade, the BBR3’s ambient to -40°C temperature range is efficiently calculated by a platinum RTD measuring device. The 500g load cell and changeable specimen supports easily transition the BBR3 for crack sealant testing, and the free standing external cooling unit ensures that the cooling fluid maintains a constant temperature.
Programmable test parameters allow the user to define a test and save those parameters for later testing. Predefined test parameters include the standard ASTM BBR test, as well as the crack sealant test and the sliver test. The BBR3’s programmable test parameters include: Deflection Plot, Load Plot, Bath Temperature, Stirrer Speed, Specimen size, Testing Times, Load, and Testing Company.
The BBR3 features a Displacement Transducer accuracy of 0.097 micron, a measurement resolution of 0.006g, and a Deformation Accuracy of 0.097. While other BBR models may favor Peltier cooling, the BBR3 operates more efficiently without it. Reporting features on the new BBR3 include the ability to name your sample and enter any important notes. With the new BBR3, your data is collected twice per second in addition to these new features, BBR3 users now also have the ability to upload their company logo directly into their test report.
Once the BBR3 has been connected to a network, users have the ability to access their equipment using a mobile phone, tablet, or PC. This also allows users to connect to a wireless printer, making it easy to print data and test results. A USB port on the back of the unit is also available for users who prefer to connect a printer directly. In addition to the USB port on the back of the BBR3, a USB port on the front of the unit allows for user friendly software updates. Operators can also use this USB port to download data onto a flash drive, or connect a wireless keyboard for more efficient data input.
