Predicting Setting Times - I-Cal Set - Calmetrix I-Cal 8000 User Manual

Calmetrix I-Cal 8000 User Manual
J. ESTIMATING SETTING TIMES FROM CALORIMETRY CURVES – I-CAL SET
I-Cal Set will help you predict initial and final setting times within close approximation by applying the
"Fractions Method" and generate Thermal Indicators of Set (TIS). This method is based on the assumption
that for a given mix design there is a correlation between the heat evolution and setting times. Initial set is
reached when the temperature level in a sample placed in the I-Cal reaches a certain fraction of the peak.
Each mix has its very own fraction values corresponding to initial and final set. Once the fraction values are
determined for a given mix design, they can be used to predict setting times when the same mix is used
again in the future.
How to use the F-Cal Set module.
To be able to predict setting times for a given mix design, you will first have to create a model which
establishes the relationship between the temperature curve and initial and final set, as measured by a
standard method, for example ASTM C403.
First, build a model
To build a new Model for a given mixture, proceed as follows:
7. Go to I -Cal Set and select the "Modeling" tab. Click on New Model (a)
8. Click on "Add Modeling Log" (b). A new window will pop up, letting you browse to the file containing
the calorimetry curve for the mix for which you would like to build a model. You can load up to 8
curves for the same mix.
9. Select one or several curves for this mix and click on "Accept". The selected curve(s) will appear on
the screen, as shown below.
10. For each curve, enter the measured Initial Setting time in the Initial TIS field and the Final Setting
time in the Final TIS field (c). These values should be measured using the standard you normally
use to determine setting times, e.g. ASTM C403. Now select the curves that you want to use to
build your Fractions Model for this mix by checking or un-checking the "Valid" box (d). The average
fraction values of all "Valid" mixes will display in the Initial Set Fraction and Final Set Fraction fields
to the right (e).
11. Save your model by clicking on "Save" (f). You will be asked to provide a name for your model.
Once saved, your model will be stored in the Calibration folder and can later be selected when
predicting setting times for the same mix design using the Data Analysis tab.
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