Page 1
Operating Instructions Minilab Model PVF-C Accessories: Model Transverse Strength Attachment PBV/M Twin-Transverse Shear Strength Attachment PQS/M Screening Device for Preparation Sample Tensile Strength Device PZV/M High Pressure Measuring Device PHD/M www.simpsongroup.com...
Page 2
This document contains information that is proprietary and confidential to Simpson Technologies Corporation or its subsidiaries which shall not be disclosed outside or duplicated, used or disclosed in whole or in part for any purpose other than to evaluate Simpson Technologies for a proposed transaction.
Usage of other materials may be possible upon consultation with the technical service of Simpson Technologies. Any other application outside the intended usage will be regarded as...
Introduction 1 Organizational Measures The operating instructions should be readily available at the place of operation. In addition to the operating instructions, the general legal regulations or other mandatory rules for prevention of accidents and environmental protection should be made known and be observed! The personnel instructed to use this apparatus, before beginning work, should have studied and fully understood these Operating Instructions, in particular the “Safety”...
Operation Maintenance manual. If any questions exist, you must contact your supervisor or Simpson Technologies before taking further action. If properly operated and maintained, you’re Simpson Technologies supplied equipment can provide many years of dependable and safe operation.
2 Safety 2.1.1 Safety Alert Symbols This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. OBEY all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death. Indicates imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
This label is located on the left side of the panel enclosure above the main switch. No changes or part substitutions shall be made on this equipment without consulting Simpson Technologies. Changes may compromise safety features, resulting in a hazardous situation. PINCH POINTS (STC #998-4727) This label is located on the Piston of the pneumatic cylinder.
Page 12
2 Safety AUTOMATED VERTICAL MOVEMENT (STC #998-4728) This label is located on the right service door next to the handle. After power interruption, an automatic restart may occur. In this case, the piston will move upward. Follow Lockout and Tagout procedures before servicing.
Page 13
Instructions manual. All protective guards and covers shall be installed and all doors closed before operating the equipment. If any questions remain unanswered, you must contact your supervisor or Simpson Technologies before taking further action. Follow Lockout and Tagout procedures before servicing.
2 Safety Lockout and Tagout System Procedure Whenever performing any type of maintenance or repair, whether in the form of cleaning, inspection, adjustment, mechanical or electrical maintenance, the equipment must be rendered into Zero Mechanical State (ZMS). Prior to maintenance (routine or otherwise) or repair of equipment, a safety procedure should be established and maintained.
Safety 2 2.2.2 Glossary Authorized Person(s) - Personnel who have been designated by his/her department to perform maintenance or service on a piece or pieces of equipment, machinery or system. These individuals are qualified to perform the work through proper training on the Lockout/Tagout procedures for the equipment, machinery or system.
3 Short Description & Specifications Short Description & Specifications Application The Minilab, Model PVF-C, is a multi-purpose instrument used to determine strength properties of clay and/or chemically bonded foundry sand specimens. The instrument may be used to create a 50mm x 50mm cylindrical test specimen and determine several sand properties through various tests.
Page 18
3 Short Description & Specifications Transverse Strength Resolution: 1 N/cm In addition to these standard test types, the following values may be recorded on the Minilab when the corresponding device is connected. Value Type Device Resolution (N/cm Wet Tensile Strength 0.001 Permeability 1 unit...
Short Description & Specifications 3 Specifications, Dimensions and Weights (Approximate) Specifications Minilab Length 830 mm (32.6 in) Width 400 mm (15.7 in) Height 250 mm (9.8 in) Weight 56 kg (123.4 lbs.) Power 230 V - 50 Hz Air Compressed Min.
3 Short Description & Specifications Accessories 3.5.1 Transverse Strength Attachment (Model PBV/M) This accessory is mounted on the Minilab, Model PVF-C, and is used to determine the transverse strength of standard core sand transverse specimens. With the PBV/M Base Plate mounted on the Minilab, a transverse specimen is placed on the two Base Bolts and force is applied at the center, initiating a bending force.
Short Description & Specifications 3 3.5.3 Screening Device for Preparation Sample (Model PES) This accessory is not mounted on the Minilab. It is used along with the Test Specimen Tube, Model PVG, and Minilab Pedestal to develop standard test specimens. Sand is poured through the PES screen and funnel, which sifts and pours the sand into the test specimen tube for Minilab test preparation.
3 Short Description & Specifications 3.5.5 High Pressure Measuring Device (Model PHD/M) This accessory is mounted on the Minilab, Model PVF-C, and is used to determine high-pressure compression strength of foundry sands. With the PHD/M base plate mounted on the Minilab, a standard sand specimen of 50 mm x 50 mm is placed on the Minilab pedestal and placed below the squeeze pinch.
However, damage can occur en route, so it is wise to inspect all equipment on arrival. Notify both the carrier and Simpson Technologies of any damage at once. Damage should be noted on the shipper’s receipt before signing for receipt of the shipment.
Test Spring with Load-Path Diagram If any of the above components are missing (excluding accessories), contact your local Simpson Technologies office. See Figures 8.1 – 8.3 for apparatus layout and components. Do not store the device in the open and unprotected from atmospheric conditions.
Unpacking and Installation 4 Installation The installation of the apparatus is the responsibility of the client to include procuring and preparing the material required for this purpose. The Minilab should be placed on a stable, non-slippery surface, free of vibrations. This surface should also have sufficient load-bearing capacity to support the weight of the Minilab.
4 Unpacking and Installation A pressure regulator/filter and fittings required to connect the Minilab to the regulator/filter have been included with the equipment package and will need to be attached to the machine as shown in Figure 8.2. Supplying a pneumatic hose from the air supply to Minilab fittings is the responsibility of the customer.
Unpacking and Installation 4 Airborne Noise Emission There is no motor or other noise emitted by this machinery other than the click of a solenoid valve being operated. As such, the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level at the workstation does not exceed 70dB(A).
5 Commissioning Commissioning Adjustments After the Minilab has been installed (See Section 4, “Unpacking and Installation”) the following steps should be executed: 5.1.1 Compressed Air Pressure 1. Carefully open the Shut-off Ball Valve (Figure 8.2, Item 4) on the rear of the device. 2.
Commissioning 5 Operating Component and Functions 5.2.1 Operator Panel (OP) During testing, the measurement values are shown on the Operator Panel (Figure 8.1, Item 6) display. The number keys are used to enter changes for factors which must be altered. Navigation is conducted by the directional cursor keys. The “Enter”...
5 Commissioning Connecting External Devices 5.3.1 Personal Computer (PC) A PC may be connected to the Minilab with the supplied serial cable for downloading and managing test data. This is done by connecting the serial cable to the COM port at the Minilab rear (Figure 8.2, Item Several programs are available for data collection.
Commissioning 5 5.3.2 Printer If you wish to send the data directly to a printer rather than store on a PC, you can connect a printer directly to the Minilab by means of a RS-232 parallel adapter. Configure the adapter the same as you would for a PC (see previous section).
Operating Instructions For more information on how to use and care for your Simpson Analytics equipment and accessories visit our Simpson Technologies channel on YouTube and search our library of videos. Subscribe to our channel to keep updated on new releases.
Operating Instructions 6 6.1.2 Options The “Options” Menu is accessed by clicking the F2 button. This menu allows for adjustment in correction factors, calibration, printing, scale range, force test sample, date + time, language, authorization, logging on, and logging off. The desired setting may be adjusted by clicking on the corresponding button.
Page 34
6 Operating Instructions 6.1.2.2 Calibration The technical measurement settings may be found on the menu, "Calibration.” “Way” indicates the piston displacement, and “Force” indicates the force exerted by the piston on the sample during measurement. In the "Max way" display box, the maximum displacement for piston movement during a measurement should be entered (see Section 7.3).
Page 35
Operating Instructions 6 6.1.2.3 Print Out In the menu, "Print," the user can switch between "Manual" and "Automatic” by clicking the “Print-out mode” button. With "AUTO," the result of each measurement is sent to the serial inter- face. With "Manual," the complete data record can be printed at any time. A maximum of 100 data records are stored.
Page 36
Simpson Technologies. 6.1.2.5 Force Test Sample The Force Test sample is set to 1963N by default. This corresponds to a pressure of 100 N/cm on the test specimen.
Page 37
Password," is displayed for the entry of the passwords attaining to the individual levels. These menus are only accessible by technical service of Simpson Technologies. 6.1.2.9 Log On By clicking the “Log on” button, the user may enter a username and password (see section 6.1.2.5) to make changes to the options.
6 Operating Instructions 6.1.2.10 Log Off After logging in to make changes and take measurements, it is recommended that the user logs out and leaves the password level. The permission to make changes remains active for 5 minutes without a logout.
Operating Instructions 6 Operation After the commissioning has been completed in accordance with Section 5, testing may commence. Before starting measurement test specimen manufacture, be sure to close the lower front Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5). The doors are to keep the operator safe from moving parts and debris and are equipped with safety switches that will not allow machine operation while Protection Doors are open.
Page 40
6 Operating Instructions The Piston extends downward and compacts the sand with a pressure of 100 N/cm (with the standard 1963 N. Force settings may be adjusted in accordance with Section 6.1.6) The height of the test specimen (in mm) is shown on the display.
Operating Instructions 6 6.2.2 Compactability Measurement 1. With Pedestal (Figure 8.1, Item 14) underneath, fill the Specimen Tube (Figure 8.1, Item 12) using a sieve, and level off the excess molding sand. The small edge of the tube must be facing upward.
6 Operating Instructions 6.2.3 Compression Strength Measurement 1. Prepare a test specimen as specified in Section 6.2.1. 2. Place the Sand Chute (Figure 8.1, Item 13) over the top of the Pedestal (Figure 8.1, Item 14), secure with set screws on both sides, and place the Pedestal in its position, centered on the Minilab Base Plate (Figure 8.1, Item 9).
Operating Instructions 6 4. Select menu, "Compressive Strength," on the Operator Panel (Figure 8.1, Item 6) and press the “Measurement” Button (Figure 8.1, Item 1) on the enclosure door to begin testing. The Piston extends downwards and exerts a force on the test specimen until it breaks.
Page 44
6 Operating Instructions 3. Center the radial surface of the prepared test specimen on the Pedestal and close the Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5). (There are grooved radial surfaces on the Sand Chute to aid the specimen placement on the Pedestal.) Figure 6.2.3 4.
Operating Instructions 6 The Piston (Figure 8.1, Item 3) extends downward and exerts a force on the test specimen until it breaks. The maximum breaking force required relates to the splitting strength in N/cm and is shown on the display. 5.
Page 46
6 Operating Instructions 3. Center the radial surface of the prepared test specimen on the curved edges of the Twin-Transverse Shear Attachment Base and close the Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5) (see Figure 6.2.7). Figure 6.2.7 4. Select menu, "Shear Strength," on the Operator Panel (Figure 8.1, Item 6) and press the “Measurement”...
Operating Instructions 6 5. After completion of the measurement, remove the Twin- Transverse Shear Attachment Base and Shear Unit, and clean off any sand deposits. 6.2.6 Transverse Strength Measurement (PBV/M) 1. Prepare a core transverse test specimen. 2. Remove the Compression Insert (Figure 8.1, Item 4) (if applicable) from the Piston (Figure 8.1, Item 3) (see Figure 6.2.4), and align the two pins of the Transverse Strength Attachment Cutter (Figure 8.1, Item 10) in its place (see Figure...
Page 48
6 Operating Instructions 4. Center the wide surface of the prepared test specimen on the Transverse Strength Attachment Base Bolts and close the Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5) (see Figure 6.2.10). Figure 6.2.10 5. Select menu, "Transverse Strength," on the Operator Panel (Figure 8.1, Item 4) and press the “Measurement”...
Operating Instructions 6 The Piston extends downward and exerts a force on the test specimen until it breaks. The maximum breaking force required relates to the bending strength in N/cm and is shown on the display. In addition, the distance (in mm) the specimen travels until it breaks is displayed (elasticity).
Page 50
6 Operating Instructions 3. Place the prepared dog bone test specimen in the Tension Device and close the Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5) (see Figure 6.2.12). Figure 6.2.12 4. Select menu, "Tensile Strength," on the Operator Panel (Figure 8.1, Item 6) and press the “Measurement” Button (Figure 8.1, Item 1) on the enclosure door to begin testing.
Operating Instructions 6 5. After completion of the measurement, remove the tension device and clean off any sand deposits. 6.2.8 High Pressure Measurement (PHD/M) 1. Remove the Compression Insert (Figure 8.1, Item 4) (if applicable) from the Piston (Figure 8.1, Item 3) (see Figure 6.2.4).
Page 52
6 Operating Instructions 4. Center the flat surface of the prepared test specimen on the Pedestal and close the Protection Doors (Figure 8.1, Item 5) (see Figure 6.2.15). Figure 6.2.15 5. Navigate to the high pressure test menu, and select menu, "High pressure,"...
Operating Instructions 6 The Piston extends downward and exerts a force on the high pressure measuring device. This amplifies the force by a factor of 6 and presses the test specimen until it breaks. The maximum force required relates to the compressive strength in N/cm and is shown on the display.
6 Operating Instructions 6.2.10 Wet Tensile Strength Measurement 1. Connect the Wet Tensile Strength Testing Apparatus (Model PNZ), equipped with the Analog Output PNZ, to the interface connection on the rear of the Minilab labelled, “Wet Tensile Strength” (Figure 8.2, Item 2). 2.
Maintenance and Calibration 7 Maintenance and Calibration For more information on how to use and care for your Simpson Analytics equipment and accessories visit our Simpson Technologies channel on YouTube and search our library of videos. Subscribe to our channel to keep updated on new releases.
7 Maintenance and Calibration Calibration The devices supplied by technical service of Simpson Technologies are calibrated before delivery. Therefore, calibration during the initial commissioning is not absolutely necessary. 1. The correct function of the Minilab can be checked with the menu "Calibration."...
Page 57
If the tolerances for the displacement or force are exceeded, the Minilab must be calibrated again. Please contact the technical service of Simpson Technologies. The Minilab can also be checked with the Test Spring. In this case, use a suitable spring which has known values and carry out a compressive strength measurement with the spring in place of a test specimen (see Section 6.2.3 for instructions on how to carry out this...
8 Apparatus Layout Apparatus Layout Figure 8.1: Minilab Front & Included Accessories Minilab man-CH-PVF-C-V17-2...
Page 59
Apparatus Layout 8 Item Symbol Description Power Indicator – ON Symbol Power Indicator Light Measuring Symbol Measuring Button Return Symbol Return Button Piston Compression Insert Protection Door Operator Panel Safety Switch Force Sensor Minilab Base Plate Transverse Strength Attachment Twin-Transverse Shear Strength Attachment Specimen Tube 120mm Sand Chute Collection Base Ramming Pedestal Type F...
Parts List / Ordering Parts / Returns Spare Parts List Simpson maintains a large inventory of common spare parts for all current Simpson Analytics products. The following table provides part numbers for common spare parts for this device. Contact Simpson Technologies with the part number and description when ordering.
592-820-705 High Pressure Measuring Device (PHD/M) Ordering Replacement / Spare Parts The source of replacement parts for your Simpson Analytics equipment is just as important as the make of the equipment you purchase. ALWAYS order parts for your Simpson Analytics equipment directly from Simpson Technologies.
Page 66
The material being returned must be identified and the reason for its return clearly specified. Once approved for return, Simpson Technologies will issue the customer an RMA form to be included with the shipment and with instructions on where and how to ship the goods.
Decommissioning 10 Decommissioning Before doing any work, review the Safety Procedures in Section 2 and Lockout/Tagout all the power sources to the machine and peripheral equipment. Failure to follow safety procedures could result in serious injury. Use qualified personnel and follow safety procedures, applicable local policies and regulations in decommissioning the Minilab and peripheral equipment.
Page 68
Fax: +91 (33) 2290 8050 simpsongroup.com Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. SIMPSON, the illustrative logo and all other trademarks indicated as such herein are registered trademarks of Simpson Technologies Corporation. For illustrative purposes the Simpson equipment may be shown without any warning labels and with some of the protective devices removed. The warning labels and guards must always be in place when the equipment is in use.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Minilab PVF-C and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers