TE-BBR Thermoelectric Bending-Beam Rheometer * Meets or Exceeds ASTM D 6648, AASHTO T313, and SHRP Provisions for Flexural Creep Testing of Asphalt Binders * Precise, Repeatable Data * Environmentally-Friendly Thermoelectric Cooling (No External Refrigeration or Refrigerants Required) * Graphical Software for Windows®XP® * Cooling to –36° Celsius in most Laboratory Environments The CANNON Thermoelectric Bending-Beam Rheometer performs low-temperature flexural creep stiffness measurements on asphalt binders as specified in current ASTM D 6648, AASHTO and SHRP methodology. The TE-BBR achieves temperatures from ambient to –36° Celsius using the latest in Peltier technology. Bath fluid, which does not circulate outside the TE-BBR, is cooled by solid-state cooling modules surrounding the bath. Heat is dissipated from the hot side of the thermoelectric modules by circulating a mixture of water and antifreeze through an Air/Water Heat Exchanger. This arrangement facilitates rapid cooling and eliminates costly and potentially hazardous refrigerants. The TE-BBR is capable of controlling temperature within 0.03° Celsius, a precision far exceeding the requirements of current flexural creep test methodology for asphalt binders. The instrument measures specimen beam deflection to within 0.155 microns (1550 Angstroms) and force to within 0.147 milliNewtons (0.015 grams). The TE-BBR will measure specimen beam loads from 0 to 450 grams. Data acquisition is accomplished internally with information transferred to a host computer via a standard RS-232 interface. The software allows computer control and viewing of parameters through a graphical interface. Reports and graphs can be printed on any Windows-compatible printer. The operational firmware is upgradable – updates or changes may be downloaded via computer. Computer Specifications The TE-BBR controls air pressure with four pneumatic pressure regulators, permitting the operator to adjust main input line pressure, air bearing pressure, and pressure supporting the loading shaft for a “zero” condition and a “load” condition. A magnetic stirring bar at the bottom of the bath vessel circulates bath fluid to ensure uniform temperature distribution throughout the bath. The speed of the stirring bar rotation is adjustable. New Crack Seal Option! Allows for flexural creep testing of 0.5” thick specimens. Excellent for characterizing crack seal “creep” under load at cold temperatures. Kit includes modified beam support, thin and thick beam for calibration, and all necessary installation hardware and documentation. Support adapter design permits testing of both 0.25” and 0.5” beams. TE-BBR Specifications Dimensions: 610 mm wide x 540 mm deep x 610 mm high (24 x 21.3 x 24 inches) including Load Unit [add at least six inches to rear measurements to allow for air flow and rear cable/tubing connections] Bath Volume: 5 liters (1.33 gallons) Weight: 54.5 kg (120 lbs) Shipping Weight: 61.4 kg (135 lbs)