Humboldt H-1240.4F User Manual

07.09

product manual

H-1240 & H-1240.4F

Electric

Penetrometer

with Digital

Automatic Timer

Introduction

The Humboldt Electric Automatic Penetrometer is of rugged construction, but
requires careful handling to safeguard its accuracy. Keep the instrument clean
at all times – especially the drop and indicator plungers, which constitute the
spindle assembly. Use denatured alcohol as the cleaner for these surfaces.

For complete test procedure(s), refer to the following specifications: ASTM D5,
D217, D937, D1168, D1321, D1403, D1831, and AASHTO T49.

Installation

1. Level the instrument carefully by means of the leveling screws on the base,
sighting the spirit level from above, in order to obtain accurate alignment.
After the instrument has been leveled, avoid shifting its location.

2. Position the height of the supporting casting by turning the knurled travel
nut on the main support post and then tighten the black knob.

3. If additional weights are used, these should be taken from the side post and
set on the end of the plunger (opposite end of the needle chuck).

4. Insert penetrating needle or cone into chuck and tighten the chuck screw.

Instruction

As supplied by Humboldt the unit is programmed to provide a solenoid
actuation period (plunger release) of 5 seconds. The panel-mounted, electronic
timer uses 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz. In order to use 240 VAC, a step-down transformer
or converter suitable for digital circuits is required. The H-1240.4F is supplied
with an H-1042 transformer for this purpose and is plug compatible with the
penetrometer cap-plug, but requires the input line cord to the transformer to be
wired for local service.

For further timer information refer to the ATC Model 365B Long Range Timer
Instructions.

Operation

1. Holding the plunger with one hand, squeeze the lever on the front of the
support casting with the other to allow raising the plunger & needle to clear
the sample. Flip the toggle switch on the front panel to the up position and
pre-select the specified time of penetration by turning the knobs on the
timer bezel.

2. To conduct a test set the needle, cone or micro-cone on the sample
surface. When ready to begin, press the red pushbutton on the front
panel to release the plunger for the pre-selected amount time. The timer­controlled electromagnet will immediately release the plunger and after
the preselected time interval will re-grip it to stop the test.

3. Measure the travel of the plunger assembly by lowering the dial indicator
rod to contact the plunger and observing the dial reading.

4. To reset for the next test, the front panel toggle switch must first be flipped
to the down position, then the above sequence can be repeated.

CAUTION: Keep hands, clothing and other objects away from moving parts
when the machine is in operation.

Drawing

H-1240

Penetration Needles and Cones

Application Specification Model Description

Standard hardened stainless steel

Bituminous materials

Waxes with 250 or
less penetration

Battery paste

ASTM D5; AASHTO
T49, IP49; ASA Std.,

A37.1; Fed Spec.

SS.R. 406C, Meth.

214.01

ASTM D1321

N/A H-1255

H-1280

H-1300

H-1302

H-1290

H-1310

H-1317

needle, 40-45mm exposed needle
length. Wt. 2.5g.

Same as H-1280. Certified to ASTM
accuracy by independent laboratory.
Wt. 2.5g.

Same as H-1290. Certified to ASTM
accuracy by independent laboratory.
Wt. 2.5g.

Long hardened stainless steel needle,
50-55mm exposed needle length.
Wt. 2.5g.

Hardened stainless steel wax
penetration needles with tapered point,
blunt tip of truncated cone. Ferrule is
approx. 3.2mm dia. Wt. 2.5g.

Same as H-1310. Certified to ASTM
accuracy by independent laboratory.

Hardened stainless steel tip with
special plunger. Total wt. 60g ± .050g.

Joint sealant for
asphalt & concrete
pavements

Grease-testing
penetrometers

For all 90° cones

Grease-testing
penetrometers ASTM D2884 H-2524

Food products and
paste paints

(shortenings,
margarine, butter,
etc.) Measuring
firmness of solid and
plasticized fats

(i.e., recovery of
used grease) Small
obtainable samples

ASTM D5329 H-1320

H-2520

ASTM D217, D937

ASA Std. Z11.3

U.S. Dept. of

Agriculture

AOCS Cc 16-60 H-1270

ASTM D1403 H-2519

H-2522

H-2525

H-2529

Resilience ball penetration tool.
Total wt. 27.5g.

Hollow 90° brass cone, highly polished
stainless steel tip. Removable nut and
stem. Wt. 102.5g.

Same as H-2520, completely made of
stainless steel. Wt. 102.5g.

Stainless steel replacement tip, nut and
stem.

Magnesium cone and plunger, same
dim. as H-2520. Total wt. cone and
plunger 30.0g.

Aluminum. Same dimension as H-2520.
Total wt. 35g.

10° aluminum cone, 3.2mm ferrule,

0.8mm stainless steel blunt tip.
Overall length 106mm. Wt. 45g.

1/4 scale. (Not considered a substitute
for full-size cone specified in ASTM
D217.) Wt. 9.38g.

Penetration Needles and Cones

H-1280
H-1290
H-1300
H-1302

H-1310
H-1317

H-1255

H-2520
H-2522
H-2529

H-1320

H-2519

H-1270

Warranty

Humboldt Mfg. Co. warrants its products to be free from defects in material or
workmanship. The exclusive remedy for this warranty is Humboldt Mfg. Co.,
factory replacement of any part or parts of such product, for the warranty of this
product please refer to Humboldt Mfg. Co. catalog on Terms and Conditions
of Sale. The purchaser is responsible for the transportation charges. Humboldt
Mfg. Co. shall not be responsible under this warranty if the goods have been
improperly maintained, installed, operated or the goods have been altered or
modified so as to adversely affect the operation, use performance or durability
or so as to change their intended use. The Humboldt Mfg. Co. liability under
the warranty contained in this clause is limited to the repair or replacement of
defective goods and making good, defective workmanship.

Humboldt Mfg. Co.

875 Tollgate Road
Elgin, Illinois 60123 U.S.A.

Testing Equipment for

HUMBOLDT

www.humboldtmfg.com

U.S.A. Toll Free: 1.800.544.7220

Voice: 1.708.456.6300

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Construction Materials