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Germann Instruments, Inc.
Test Smart – Build Right
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5.
Choosing the correct rubber gasket
Three rubber gaskets are available type PR-1010A, PR-1010 and PR-1010C, to be used for specimens with
different diameters (
See Table 3
).
Tightening of the four bolts will cause the in-between spacer to compress the rubber gaskets against the
stainless steel rings.
The maximum sealing between the rubber gaskets and the specimen is achieved if the outer
circumference of the gaskets mounted the concrete specimen fits closely the 130 mm in diameter groove
parts of the cell, after the gasket mounted specimen has been inserted in the groove.
When compressing the gaskets with the spacer ring in between the gasket will not be allowed to expand,
but will only be compressed against the specimen. In this manner epoxying will not be needed.
The filling holes are threaded for attachments to nipples and hoses. The hoses can be connected to a
pump or bucket with the solutions to flush the reservoirs during testing, partly to maintain the
concentration of the solutions and partly to maintain a required temperature, if needed.
Always, apply a thin coat of silicone oil to both faces of each gasket (contacting the spacer and the steel
ring portion of each mesh) eases assembly of the cell.
Tightening of the four bolts/nuts/washers is performed in a cross between two bolts, more and more.
Table 3
Specimen diameter related to the required type of gasket.
Specimen diameter
(mm)
Gasket
type
Gasket dimensions
(inner diameter, outer diameter &
thickness)
Epoxy
(Recommended between
gasket and specimen)
104 – 102
PR-1010A
99 mm x 127 mm x 10 mm
No
101 – 97
PR-1010B
93 mm x 126 mm x 10mm
No
96 – 93
PR-1010C
90 mm x 126 mm x 10mm
No
Sealing without using epoxy between the gasket and the specimen eases the testing procedure
considerably.
Efficient sealing is partly achieved by regularly shaped specimens, partly by constant diameters of the
specimens, partly by choosing the correct sized rubber gasket for the specimen in question that fits
closely the 130 mm groove diameter of the cell parts after installation on the specimen, and, finally, by
applying a thin coat of silicone oil between the gasket side faces and the spacer and stainless steel ring in
the cell groove.
NOTE:
Do not lift the desiccators containing the samples and water. The water or solution has to be
drained prior to removing the top lid and the samples; otherwise, the desiccator may separate at the
bottom.
The PR-1081 vacuum pump has to be operated and maintained according to its instructions. Fill in the
oil as prescribed for operation of the pump and empty the oil from the pump after a test series has
been performed.
