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Germann Instruments - Model AVA-3000 -Air Void Analyzer
The AVA-3000 by Germann Instruments is an advanced air void analyzer designed to measure the size distribution of voids and air-void parameters in fresh concrete. Utilizing a sample of air-entrained mortar from fresh concrete, the device employs a blue AVA release liquid and a riser column filled with water to facilitate the separation of air bubbles. As the sample is gently introduced into the release liquid, air bubbles are freed and ascend through the water column following Stoke's Law, where larger bubbles rise faster than smaller ones. A buoyancy pan at the column's top, connected to a balance, records the weight changes due to the ascending bubbles. These continuous measurements, collected over a test duration of 25 minutes, provide a comprehensive analysis of bubble size distribution. The system boasts rapid quality control and assurance testing capabilities, making it essential for assessing freeze-thaw resistant concrete. Packed with a USB interface for real-time data acquisition, the AVA-3000 outputs detailed size distribution reports and histograms for bubbles smaller than 2 mm and employs algorithms that calculate the spacing factor and surface area in compliance with ASTM C457 standards. The device also features operational voltage settings, a magnetic stirrer, a heater-equipped 35 L bath tank, and precise measurement tools, making it indispensable for both research and industrial applications.
A mortar sample of the air entrained concrete is obtained from the fresh concrete with a sampling tool and injected into the blue AVA release liquid at the bottom of a riser column with water above.
The mortar sample is stirred gently into the release liquid by which the air bubbles are released and start rising through the water following the Stoke´s Law: larger bubbles will rise faster than smaller bubbles. At the top of the riser column a buoyancy pan attached to a balance measures the change in the pan´s weight caused by the rise of the air bubbles. Those changes are continuously collected over the test, when it ends, the information in analyzed and the size distribution of the bubbles is obtained.
Air-Void system in concrete.
- For rapid quality control and quality assurance testing in-situ of freeze-thaw resistant concrete
- For research purposes where knowing the size distribution of the entrapped air bubbles is relevant
- For establishing relationships to durability determined by freeze-thaw tests, ASTM C666-15
- USB interface
- Measuring time = 25 min./test
- Sample size for a test = 20 mL
- Real time data acquisition (weight vs time) showed on screen
- Reports voids’ curve of size distribution and histogram for void size < 2 mm
- Algorithm calculates spacing factor and surface area in relation to ASTM C457
- Operational voltage 240 V AC
- Weight: 13.8 kg (bath tank) and 7.8 kg (base unit)
- Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 30 cm (bath tank) and 47 x 48 x 21 cm (base unit)
- Mini balance: 300 g capacity, 0.01 g resolution (0.001 g internal accuracy)
- Magnetic stirrer: 150 mNm, 4000 rpm
- 35 L bath tank with de-aerating pump and heater