How an SPT Works

A Simple Performance Tester, or SPT, can be an invaluable resource for those who are working on a construction site. For those who are working with hot asphalt, this is a way of testing the content and quality of what is contained in that asphalt mix. This is important because if the composition is not the right blend, then it might not harden correctly or can be prone to leakage down the road. This is why any professional construction company should invest in the right machinery and equipment, and this is one of the first pieces that are recommended by experts.

There are a number of different components that combined, form the basis of the basic SPT. These include an environmental chamber, refrigeration and heating units, and a hydraulic pump, among others. The chamber that holds the actual asphalt sample that is going to be tested is an extremely important part of this, and should be monitored closely to make sure that no outside elements are contaminating this sample. That is why most of these units will include a viewing window that allows you to peer into this chamber, for better monitoring capabilities.

While these SPT devices may seem complicated and hard to control by novices, they are actually designed to be as foolproof as possible. The machine is, in essence, designed to operate itself, so after you put in the sample it will actually do most of the work without any interference necessary. There aren't very many external controls, in fact, to make sure that you can't tamper with it while it is doing its work. This is why, even though it can be a bit of an investment, it is well worth it in the long run because it can be operated by beginners, and offers outstanding results.

There is a wide battery of tests that a typical SPT device is able to perform, and these are for the most part computerized. The companies that sell these machines are best able to help with prepares and any other frequently asked questions, with most offering significant warranties and customer support. This helps ensure that you will get as much use as possible out of your machine, throughout a variety of construction jobs and asphalt-pouring sessions. The only main thing to keep in mind is the necessity to choose the right samples and keep them free from outside elements that may give you inaccurate test results.