Laboratory Equipment

Retrofitting of an Old Concrete Press

UPGRADING KIT TO CONVERT A MANUALLY OPERATING PRESS TO FULLY AUTOMATIC

We offer you the ability to convert your existing compression testing machine in order to be in conformity with the EN 12390-4 requirements.

  • SCADA
  • ISO 7500
  • EN 12390-4
  • RS485
Retrofitting of an Old Concrete Press

By keeping your old press frame and installing our kit, you will able to perform the crushes of your specimens fully automatically at the preset load rate while the accuracy of your strength results (MPa) will increased to the highest possible level.

PROTEM has developed an integrated solution for upgrading old compression testing machines that can be applied to almost any type of machine.

With our experience, we propose the complete replacement of the old hydraulic pack of your press as well as all the electronic measuring equipment. We will only keep the loading frame and all its accessories (cylinder, platen etc.) intact, provided of course that they are working properly.

The proposed solution consists of a self-contained compact hydraulic power pack unit that feeds the cylinder of the old press and an electronic control panel that fully controls the press.

HYDRAULIC POWER PACK

It is a compact construction (all in one) with built-in electronic control panel. It features rollers and a handle for easy movement and includes:

  • 0130 liter oil tank with level and temperature indication.
  • 02Two-stage oil pump inside the tank consisting of a) Low pressure gear pump b) High pressure radial piston pump. Thanks to the two-stroke pump the time until the specimen reaches the upper plate is reduced and the total duration of each test is reduced accordingly. The high-pressure pump’s revolutions are adjusted by an inverter accordingly to the desired rate of loading.
  • 03The maximum operating pressure is 700 bar, which is the activation limit of the safety valve.
  • 04Distribution block controlling the oil flow provided by the two stage pump. It incorporates a safety valve (in case of overpressure) and a socket for the pressure sensor.
  • 05High accuracy pressure transducer 0,05% FS made by the Swiss company KELLER. This is a digital sensor that communicates with the PLC via RS485, bypassing the usage of analog converters (A/D) that usually distort the measurements. The sensor measures the ambient as well as the oil temperature, and automatically compensates for temperature variations providing the same accuracy in any ambient temperature conditions.
  • 06The motor power of the pump is 380V / 50hz / 0.75Kw.
  • 07External oil filter for retention of foreign particles that may be present in the hydraulic circuit (very common in old presses).

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

It is steel enclosure, IP54, with a front access door, mounted on a base in the hydraulic tank and includes:

  • 01Telemecanique PLC with PROTEM’s special PID software to automatically adjust the loading rate.
  • 02Telemecanique or Fuji inverter. The loading rate is controlled by changing the pump motor rotation speed.
  • 03PROTEM’s SCADA software for monitoring and controlling the machine, specimen crushing and calibration. No installation is required because it is a web application running through the browser on any device (PC, laptop, Tablet or smartphone).
  • 04Plug & Play ready to be connected to PROTEM’s optional Laboratory Management Software, Betolink® Laboratory.
  • 05START button as well as EMERGENCY STOP button.

ADVANTAGES OF OUR SOLUTION

  • 01Not having to buy a new press saves you a lot of funds.
  • 02Make your tests by automatically adjusting and maintaining the rate of loading (constant speed) as required by the regulations (EN 12390-4).
  • 03Increase the precision of your test results as our measurement and recording system is much more accurate than any existing system. All of the presses we upgrade can be classified as Class 1 according to EN ISO 7500-1 after calibration by certified bodies (customer's responsibility).
  • 04If it is required to replace the loading frame in the future, whether because it may be spoiled and repairing it is unprofitable or because you may want to increase its capacity (e.g. from 2.000 to 3.000KN), it can easily be done by keeping our upgrading kit the same and replacing only the frame with a new one by PROTEM or any other manufacturer.
  • 05Your press will become much simpler to use and even inexperienced operators can perform tests more easily and faster than they do today.
  • 06The noise levels in the press operation room will be greatly reduced (<60 dB).
  • 07Regular calibration of the press will be made much easier and with smaller errors thanks to the special calibration routine that incorporates PROTEM's SCADA software.
  • 08Your technical support will now be provided by PROTEM.

APPLICATION

  • Our solution applies to almost any type of concrete compression testing machine available in the market.
  • Whether you have an old mechanical press or a newer electronical one that does not confirm with the EN 12390-4 standard, our solution can fully modernize your press and will also offers you the ability to connect it to our Laboratory Management software.

Photos

Open to new challenges

Connect with us

Do you prefer live communication? So do we!

+30 210 5716500info@protem.gr3, 35th Str., 133 41 Industrial Park, Ano Liossia / Athens, GreeceContact