Safety Symbols and Markings i
Liability ii
General Safety Instructions iii
Device Handling iv
INTRODUCTION 1
Product Description 1
Parts of the Device 4
UTC-4830.FPR HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT 5
Units of the Hydraulic Unit 8
Dual Stage Pump 8
Motor 9
Distribution Block 9
Oil Tank 9
U-TOUCH PRO CONTROL UNIT 10
Parameters Tab 13
Test Type Tab 13
Specimen Tab 15
Test Parameters Tab 16
Results Tab 18
Settings Tab 19
Company Tab 19
Date/Time Tab 20
USB/Storage Tab 21
Unit System 21
Language 23
Password 23
Calibration 24
Calibration Procedure 25
Admin 27
Gain Tab 27
Channels Tab 29
PID, Files and Device 30
INSTALLATION 33
Environment 33
Unpacking 35
OPERATION (CONTROL VIA HYDRAULIC POWER PACK) 35
Flexure Test 36
Compression Test 38
OPERATION (CONTROL VIA COMPUTER SOFTWARE) 41
Flexure Test 41
Compression Test 43
CONNECTIONS 44
Hydraulic Connections 44
Rear Panel Connections 44
MAINTENANCE 46
TROUBLESHOOTING 47
DECLARATION 50
CONTACT INFORMATION 52
Figure 1: Dimensions of the UTCM-3722 3
Figure 2: Parts of the UTCM-3722.FPR 4
Figure 3: Front Side, Back Side and the Parts of the Machine 6
Figure 4: Main Tab 12
Figure 5: Plot Settings Tab 12
Figure 6:Parameter Settings Tab 13
Figure 7: Specimen Tab 15
Figure 8: Test Parameters Tab 16
Figure 9: Results Screen 18
Figure 10:Settings Tab 19
Figure 11:Date/Time Tab 20
Figure 12:USB Storage Tab 21
Figure 13: Unit System Tab 22
Figure 14: Language Tab 23
Figure 15: Password Tab 24
Figure 16: Calibration Tab 25
Figure 17: Gains Tab 28
Figure 18: Channels Tab 29
Figure 19: PID Screen 30
Figure 20: Auto-tuning Screen 31
Figure 21: Base Tab 32
Figure 22: 30 mm Distance Piece 36
Figure 23: Lower Platen 36
Figure 24: UTCM-4200A 37
Figure 25: 30 mm Distance Piece 38
Figure 23: Lower Platen 39
Figure 27: UTCM-4210A 40
Figure 28: Flexural Strength of Cement Mortars 42
Figure 29: Information Screen 43
Figure 30: Network Connection 45
Figure 31:Extraction of Box 48
Figure 32:Fuse with its Spare 48
Table 1: Dimensions of the UTCM-3722 3
Table 2: Spare Parts List 7
Table 3: Gain Options of Some Sensors 28
Table 4: UTCM-3722.FPR Electrical Connection Properties 33
This manual contains important information on the safe usage and maintenance of UTCM-3722.FPR 250 kN Cement Compression Machine and of its related components. Please read through the manual carefully before operating the device for the first time and keep it for the future reference.
Safety features of the machine are following:
device or the cells.
The Compression jig must be ordered separately with the device is placed in the middle on the bottom platen. Samples prepared in accordance with standards are placed in jig. Distance pieces and removable transparent front-rear safety doors (Should be factory installed) should be ordered separately if required.
UTC-4830.FPR hydraulic control unit controlled by U-Touch PRO Control Unit is designed to supply the required oil to the load frames for loading. It is very silent, even at full load rapid approach pump is supplied as standard. A safety valve (maximum pressure valve) is used to avoid machine overloading.
UTC-4830.FPR hydraulic control unit is equipped with safety devices that are emergency stop switch, maximum pressure valve to avoid machine overloading, and limit switch connection to prevent excessive piston movement. Dimensions of the frame can be seen in the Figure 1.
Figure 1: Dimensions of the UTCM-3722 Table 1: Dimensions of the UTCM-3722
UTCM-3722.FPR consists of following sections:
Figure 2: Parts of the UTCM-3722.FPR
The UTC-4830.FPR Automatic Hydraulic Power Pack controlled by U-Touch PRO Control Unit is designed to supply the required oil to the load frames for loading. The power pack is very silent, even at full load rapid approach pump is supplied as standard. A safety valve (maximum pressure valve) is used to avoid machine overloading.
UTC-4830.FPR is equipped with safety devices that are emergency stop switch, maximum pressure valve to avoid machine overloading, and limit switch connection to prevent excessive piston movement.
Mains supply is 220-240 V/50-60 Hz, 1ph. Power rating of the device is 1100 W Dimensions are 370x400x920 mm in height x length x depth. The net weight of the machine is 85 kg. Figure 3 shows the front side, back side and the parts of the UTC-4830.FPR.
Table 2: Spare Parts List
The motor which drives the dual pump is a 0.75 kW AC motor which is controlled by an Omron J7 motor inverter. The variation in the oil flow is executed with the variation of the rotation speed of the motor.
All the operations of U-Touch PRO Control Unit are controlled from the front panel color resistive touch screen display and the function keys. The unit can be configured as using for two frames or one frame with three displacement transducers. The Control Unit has easy to use menu options. It displays all menu option listings simultaneously, allowing the operator to access the required option in a seamless manner to activate the option or enter a numeric value to set the test parameters. Its specimen setting sub- menu lists different specimen types including but not limited to cube, cylinder, block, beam, beam double upper bearers, cube splitting tensile, cylinder splitting tensile, paving block splitting tensile and kerb flexure. Digital graphic display of the unit is able to draw real-time "Load vs. Time" or "Stress vs. Time" graphics. Main Features of the control unit are following:
In the main tab, on the left column, load, and stress is shown separately in their individual boxes in kN and MPa respectively (see Figure 4). These are the live values that come from the sensors except for the stress value. Stress value is simply the division of the live horizontal load to the area of the specimen that will be selected. Moreover, in the same column, some summary information about the upcoming test is listed (test number, status of the test, selected test speed, test type, and the specimen type).
Figure 4: Main Tab
In the Plot Settings Tab there are two sub-menus are embedded. These are Load-Time and Stress- Time. (See Figure 5).
Test Type: Various types of test and samples can be tested with this readout unit. Types are Compression, Tensile, and Split Tensile.
Control Mode: Two types of modes can be selected. In auto mode pace rate entered by the user is adjusted from PID system automatically after starting the test. In manual mode is used generally for calibration and load verification times. After choosing manual mode pace rate can be adjusted from the black button in front of the hydraulic unit.
Frame Selection: Two frames can be connected to UTCM-3722.FPR simultaneously. The two connected frames can be connected to either a compression testing machine used for the compression test or a compression and a tensile device. In this menu, you can select the frame you have connected to the device and perform tests with the device you have selected.
Decimal Point: Decimal Point is used for adjusting the number of digits after decimal point for load, stress and other channel values.
First tab in this page is “specimen type” which has 4 options as cube, cylinder, masonry unit, and irregular. The dimension is defined as diameter in round specimens and as width in square specimens. The value of the dimension (diameter, height, and width) can be input in millimeter to the second tab. At the bottom of the display automatically calculated area can be observed in mm2 (See Figure 7).
Figure 7: Specimen Tab
Figure 8: Test Parameters Tab
Start speed: It is not recommended to change this value by the user. It defines the approach speed of the piston to the sample. The desired speed of the test is multiplied by the percentage written here. The device proceeds with the obtained speed until loading onto the specimen begins. When the device starts to apply a load to the specimen, the selected test speed enters the circuit. These two stages are controlled by a dual stage pump. After the piston touches the specimen, the radial piston pump is activated.
Max load: One of the safety features of the machine that stops the motor to prevent over loading. The max load value must be selected 10% of the max capacity of the frame to make calibration at max capacity value.
Failure threshold: Below this value no failure will be detected by the machine. At the start of the test, there may be small fluctuations in the load reading due to micro-cracks or electrical noise and this option can be used to enable the machine to continue the test even when load decreases below this value. For example, if this value is set as 3 kN and if load decreases 50% for half a second at 2 kN machine will continue the test. In the same situation if this value is set as 1 kN, machine will stop the test.
Zero Suppression: This option defines the value below which readings are filtered. Below 1% capacity of the load cell, machine can only read electrical noise. Instead of visualizing electrical noise, machine will filter these values as 0 and displays a stable value.
Break percentage: This value defines the break detection algorithm of the machine. In real time, the machine constantly takes the current reading value and compares it to the maximum value reached during the test. When the ratio of current value to maximum value reaches this value defined by the user, test will be stopped. For example, if this value is 10% and the peak stress is 400 kPa. The test will be terminated when the stress value falls to 360 MPa. (400 x 10% = 40; 400 – 40 = 360)
Pace Rate: Test speed for tests can be adjusted in this box. There are two different test speed unit. First one is kN/s and the other one is MPa/s.
Record Raw Data: Raw data during the test can be recorded with desired intervals to the internal memory of the touchscreen. Please note this function uses internal memory of the machine and logs should be dumped to flash drive very often if this function is checked with low intervals.
Figure 9: Results Screen
Settings tab contains the company, date/time, USB storage, language, and password. All of the sub-tabs are explained in the following section (see Figure 10).
In this tab, on the left side of the screen there is a calendar that displays the date and interacts with the user. By using the box placed on the right side of the screen; year, month, day, hour, minute, and second values can be input and then by pressing the “SET” button, date and time settings are done (see Figure 11).
Figure 11:Date/Time Tab
There are two boxes in the screen under “USB STORAGE” tab (see Figure 12). The first box is used in data transfer from the memory of the control unit to a USB stick. By touching the Refresh button the current memory status can be displayed in percentage. The Clean Storage deletes the recorded test results (both txt and excel files) and clears the memory.
Figure 12:USB Storage Tab
Figure 13: Unit System Tab
When the Unit System is changed, PID settings must be made again. For example, when switching from kN to lbf, the speed of the device is not at the desired setting. PID values need to be reconstructed. How to change PID values is explained in section 3.5.3.
The device is available with different language options (see Figure 14). The languages installed in the device are English, Turkish, French, Spanish, and Russian.
Figure 14: Language Tab
Figure 15: Password Tab
void if this menu is used by unauthorized personnel.
Figure 16: Calibration Tab
These values are located under the value column. The first value must be zero. Since values getting from pressure transducer are transformed to the load values, second calibration point must be selected around 50-100 kN. Other calibration points can be set by increasing the value as 10% or 20% of the maximum load capacity of the machine.
First adjust the pace rate value to zero by rotating the Pace Rate & Calibration adjusting knob (Potantiometer) located right side of the U- TouchPRO Screen to counter clockwise position.
To start getting Raw-Values, start the calibration operation by placing the load cell between the upper plate and distance pieces of the compression press. After that press start button. While the machine is running, import the first calibration point value before the upper platen touch but not apply load to the loadcell. After that rotate the Pace Rate & Calibration adjusting knob to the clockwise direction slowly. Then, after reaching the actual data written for P2, press the "get raw" key and save the millivolts value by the transducer. Then continue to rotate the Pace Rate & Calibration button, and when it reaches the second value (P3), press "get raw" as for the first value. When the value in the Real-Value column is matched with the value you read from the load cell placed in between the plates do the same process until completing raw-values to import at all calibration points. When all calibration points are calibrated press Stop Button to unload the machine. Press Save To Memory to save changes for calibration.
Verification of the Calibration: Since load measurement system verifications are required for International Standards, verification must be performed by an expert engineer whose tools are approved for verification.
General logic behind the “gain” is to increase resolution of the data that flows in to the controller from sensors through their corresponding channels as much as possible without reaching the saturation before the maximum value of the related sensor.
Gain values of each channel can be arranged by using this menu. First box is for gain control and it is used to arrange gain values of channels. Second box (GAINS) in the middle shows the present gain values for each channel. The last box (RAW DATA) displays the live raw data of channels to check the saturation. (see Figure 17). As an information the gain options of some sensors are given in the Table 3.
Figure 17: Gains Tab Table 3: Gain Options of Some Sensors
NOTE: Gains of each channel is optimized according to the sensors supplied with UTEST as ex-factory. Gain menu is only for the use of UTEST Technical Service Staff. Unauthorized
changes may result in wrong test results or even damaged sensors and mechanical parts of the device and the device will be out of warranty.
Channel selection is made from the upper left part of the screen. There are three channel options (Channel 2, Channel 3 and Channel 4); for load cell, horizontal and vertical displacement transducers, and pressure transducer. By using this channels any of the device connected to the UTC 4830.FPR can be calibrated or data can be recorded or tests can be done for connected devices. For example, two different type of machine can be connected to the UTC 4830.FPR at the same time using different channels. To do so, simply connect the socket of the machine to the socket of the channels of the UTC 4830.FPR. If two different machines are connected to the UTC 4830.FPR, these devices can be controlled separately as channel 3 and channel 4 from choosing device that want to be controlled the frame selection section.
Figure 18: Channels Tab
PID parameters can be changed using this screen. If machine fails to reach desired speeds PID parameters can be adjusted to enable correct test speeds. These values should not be changed unless instructed by UTEST personnel (see Figure 19).
Figure 19: PID Screen
The Coefficient display in the PID screen shows the Kp, Kd and Ki values used by the machine for the PID, but these values vary depending on the changes to be made in the Auto-tuning section (see Figure 20).
Figure 20: Auto-tuning Screen
Depending on the structure of each specimen, the behavior under load is different and these specimens must first be introduced to the UTCM- 3722.FPR. Taking this difference into account, the PID values (Kp, Kd and Ki values) must be calculated and written in their place on the PID screen. This calculation is performed by Auto-tuning. First, the shape information of the sample is selected from the Coefficient screen (eg. CUBE). After that First Speed, Second Speed and Switch Time values are entered in Autotuning screen. These are the defult values and are 20%, 50% and 15 respectively. The First Speed is the speed at which the machine starts to compress itself to pick up the specimen and then the machine applies the load at the Second Speed and recognizes the sample. As a result of this operation, it calculates the Kp, Kd and Ki values of that sample, these values should be written in their places on the Coefficient screen and press the SAVE button.
NOTE: These values (Kp, Kd and Ki values for each type of specimen) of each sample are entered as default by UTEST.
Files: Files transferred by UTEST technical service personnel can be loaded to the machine using this tab.
Base: IP and theme selections, frame selections can be made on this tab. Theme changes the visual display of the touchscreen. The IP, SM, and GW values written in Figure are the current values set by UTEST. Do not change these values. (see Figure 21).
Figure 21: Base Tab
UTCM-3722.FPR will be sent in a main part. Therefore, users do notneed to assemble it. First, the machine must be placed properly. Then, electrical connections must be done. Place the unit near an appropriate power source. Leave enough space at the sides of the unit so as to you canclean specimen breakage, maintain the machine and access the back of the unit. The unit should be fixed to the level floor using expandable fixing bolts for permanentinstallation. Measure the distance between the holes at the feet of the machine on the appropriate location. Then, mark the appropriate location to anchorage. Drill holes at the marked locations. Use expansion bolts for fixing themachine.
Make sure that the room in which the device is going to be placed have a proper mains supply which is in compliance with the machines specifications, and enough number of plugs for the connection of the device, PC/laptop, etc. Check the voltage (V), ampere (A), frequency (Hz), and the phase of the mains supply in Table 4.
Table 4: UTCM-3722.FPR Electrical Connection Properties
Main electricity line must be free from instabilities and repetitive power cuts for both the extended life of the device and the continuity of testing. Therefore, make sure that the mains supply is well grounded. If the power cuts are frequent or the grounding is not well enough, the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is recommended.
Make sure that the device is placed in a clean and dry surrounding. Direct contact of the device with the sunlight should be avoided. A conditioned room for example, will comply the above conditions and will result in best operational performance and measurement results. Device should be well accessible from the front and the sides for connections, testing and maintenance.
In order to prevent inaccurate test results, the ground should be rigid enough to minimize vibrations or shocks. If there is any other testing equipment or a source that creates vibrations on the floor, UTCM-3722.FPR should be placed maximum possible distance to that source. Surface of the ground should be horizontal and smooth enough so that the horizontal and vertical alignments of the device are not shifted.
NOTE: If remote assistance will be required from the UTEST Technical Service Department, the room should have an internet access.
Open the wooden case without damaging the contents and remove all packaging materials. Check for completeness and damages if exist. Report any irregularities directly to the supplier. Take necessary precautions and carefully transport and place the device to its place. Load cell is fixed to the device as ex-factory. Remove and untie the cables of the load cell, ethernet cable and power cable. You can use the 2 eye bolts on the top when carrying the device. (See Figure 1).
Figure 22: 30 mm Distance Piece
Figure 23: Lower Platen
Figure 24: UTCM-4200A
WARNING: It is very important that the valve on the frame is in the FLEXURE section before performing Flexure testing. Otherwise
the load cell on the device will be damaged extremely.
Figure 25: 30 mm Distance Piece
Figure 26: Lower Platen
WARNING: It is very important that the valve on the frame is in the COMPRESSION section before performing Compression testing.
Otherwise the load cell on the device will be damaged extremely.
Figure 28: Flexural Strength of Cement Mortars
Figure 29: Information Screen
WARNING: It is very important to ground the machine and that the earth of the electrical supply is in good condition. In the case of
inefficient and nonexistent earth, there is a potential danger to operator, machine and the good working of the UTOUCH Screen. The electrical specifications written on the label at rear of the machine should be checked before connecting power cable to the supply line.
AC Power Input: The AC power input consists of a combined fused, IEC inlet socket and switch. The fuse for 220-240 V is rated at 6 amps (protected by a lid located beside rocker switch). Check that the main supply corresponds
the requirements of the machine before connecting the main cable to the main supply. Then, plug the molded plug into the power input.
Load cell: There are two load cell sockets at the back side of the hydraulic power pack. One of the socket is for compression test and the other one is for flexure test.
Ethernet Port: IP address on the ethernet port of the computer to be connected to the device using ethernet socket is IP address: 192.168.1.176 By this connection computer can be connected to the UTOUCH Screen (See Figure 22). You can get further information from UTEST about the communication protocol.
Figure 30: Network Connection
WARNING: It is important to care that the unit must be switched off and the main cable must be removed before starting any
maintenance for user’s safety.
Daily: Users should always check that the platens and the ram are clean before starting the test. Debris on the platens and between the folds of the gaiter can be cleaned by raising the hydraulic piston, around of which should also be cleaned from debris. As most specimens being tested are wet, the platens and the distance pieces should be dried.
Monthly: Users should check whether there is leakage or damage at the hydraulic hose by inspection. Inspect the plates for wear and the gaiter for damage. If necessary, contact at UTEST Sales Department for replacement damaged items. Oil level should be checked by the help of oil level indicator on the tank. When the piston is in its rest position, the oil should be at the maximum level. If oil level decreases, old oil should be removed completely and the tank should be filled with new oil. The oil output plug should be disconnected from the tank.
In case of condensation in humid or very cold medium, the oil should be changed at least every 2 or 3 years.
It is recommended to use an appropriate bowl for draining the old oil because there are 20 liters oil in the oil tank. After removing the old oil, replace the oil output plug. Then disconnect the oil inlet plug and refill the tank up to maximum oil level and replace the oil inlet plug (see Figure 1 to find oil filling and draining plugs). A little oil may leak out of the piston because of the design of the seal during the oil replacement process. If necessary, wipe it away with something dry.
Possible problems and repair technics are mentioned below. Please read this section before calling UTEST technical service.
If the lower platen rises until the upper platen contacts with specimen but cannot apply load on it, it means solenoid valve or safety valve is broken down. In order to solve this problem:
First, safety valve is unscrewed and its seal is checked. Debris on it and the place on which the safety valve is screwed is cleaned by spraying with compressive air. And then, safety valve is screwed again and the machine is run. If the problems still continue, check solenoid valve and do the same process for it. In case the problem still continues, these parts should be changed one by one.
If the machine does not switch on, check whether the emergency stop button stays in a pressed position or not. If the emergency stop button does not stay in pressed position, then fuse in rocker switch is changed with its spare given. You must first plug out the power cable to perform this operation. After that, extract the box which carries the fuse with screwdriver and change the fuse with its spare (See Figure 31 and 32).
Figure 31:Extraction of Box
Figure 32:Fuse with its Spare
In case compression machine starts to run but stops when load is applied, calibration values are checked. If this problem still exists, software is checked. Call UTEST for settings. In case sudden increase or sudden decrease of load values occurs, it is checked whether there are other machines the power plug of which is plugged into the same plug socket. If there are any, separate the power plugs from each other. If the problem still continues, the ground of the building in which your compression machine is set is checked. If the ground of the building is not existing or inefficient, a new ground line must be installed.
In case UTOUCH Control Screen unit does not switch on; power cable is plugged out and then fuse should be checked.
In case the error message “floating value” is seen when the program is run, the decimal symbol of the operation system of your computer may be comma. Replace comma with dot. To do that according to windows operating system;
Control panel->Clock, language and region->Region and language- >Formats->Additional Settings->Numbers->Decimal symbol