Solids clamping system with liquid immersion

This fixture enables ‘large’ solid samples to be tested whilst immersed within a temperature controlled liquid. The temperature control is by means of a Peltier device which offers simplicity and compactness as well as relatively rapid changes in setpoint temperature. The advantage of using a liquid heat transfer medium is near perfect temperature control compared to other methods such as forced gas or radiation.

The fixtures were originally designed for use with bituminous mix materials where measurement of bulk properties of the mix is required together with extremely accurate temperature control. Other applications also exist with certain polymeric materials.

The clamping arrangement, which can accommodate samples of up to 10mm in thickness, utilises spring loaded clamps which do not require spacers and are infinitely adjustable to accommodate irregular sample thicknesses.

The maximum sample width is 13mm with a free sample length of 50mm. The working temperature range is -15°C to 95°C depending upon the fluid medium used.

An optional alignment ‘jig’ can be used to accurately load the sample into the clamps before insertion into the temperature control chamber.

Key features

• Accepts ‘large’ solid samples including mix specimens
• Accurate and stable temperature control
• Rapid temperature changes
• Simple and compact design
• Operating range from -15°C to 95°C
• Optional alignment jig