Simple Performance Testers
 

The IPC Simple Performance Tester (SPT) is a fully integrated package comprising a triaxial cell, environmental chamber, hydraulic actuator and pump, a refrigeration and heating unit with heat exchanger and a control and data acquisition system. The triaxial test cell is mounted on the top left of the unit. There is space for the
operators PC on the top at the right hand side if required, or it can be remotely located. A quiet (built-in) hydraulic pump provides pressure for the vertical loading system. Compressed air is used for confining pressure and to raise and lower the triaxial cell.
The most important feature of any such test equipment is the chamber in which the test sample is confined and evaluated. IPC employs a highly modified geotechnical triaxial cell, which doubles as an environmental chamber. The test cell allows viewing of the sample at all times during a test without the need for special lighting or illumination. Prior to installation in the test cell, samples are fitted with three surface mounted transducers.

The triaxial cell itself is raised and lowered by an inbuilt control system, which meets required operator safety standards. This is the same automated system which IPC has employed for several years in our more complex equipment and avoids the need for the operator to dismantle and move the heavy cell assembly when changing test specimens. The temperature of the confining medium (re-circulated air) is regulated by a heat exchanger assembly and controlled by a temperature sensor within the cell. Thermal equilibrium can be obtained within a three-minute time limit.