Gyratory Compactors
	Servopac The Servopac is a fully automated, servo-controlled gyratory compactor designed to compact asphalt mixes by means of the gyratory compaction technique. Compaction is achieved by the simultaneous action of static compression and the shearing action resulting from the mould being gyrated through an angle about its longitudinal axis. A number of ergonomic features have been designed into the machine to ensure operator safety and minimal manual exertion while handling the hot and heavy asphalt filled moulds. The mould may be slid from a bench directly into the compaction chamber and, following compaction, to the pneumatically operated specimen extraction device, thus eliminating any lifting. The compaction chamber is completely enclosed, and the access door is fitted with safety glass to allow the operator to view the compaction process. The door closes and opens automatically and a safety interlock prevents the machine from operating while it is open. An emergency stop button is provided. The Servopac has a four column frame for increased rigidity. Vertical stress is measured by a load cell and is accurately controlled during compaction. The gyratory motion is also servo-controlled enabling the gyratory angle to be accurately controlled during compaction, irrespective of load and minor flexing of the machine’s components. The servo-control operation of the machine allows the vertical stress, gyratory angle and speed to be quickly modified from a hand-held control pendant or PC. The optional PC ‘Windows’ interface provides a screen to input test parameters and display and plot either height, density or angle against gyratory cycles in real time. Test data may be stored and retrieved or transferred to other analysis packages. The Servopac is designed to comply with SHRP Superpave asphalt mix design requirements and the recommendations of the draft CEN European standard on gyratory compaction.
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