Product Manual EIE – RCPT APPARATUS

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 Organization’s ISO 9001:2015 Certificate

PRODUCT MANUAL: EIE – RCPT APPARATUS PAGE NO.:2

 Forward

Dear valued customer,

We just want to take a moment out to thank you for your keen interest in our company
products. We greatly appreciate your business and the opportunity you provided us to assist
you. You have joined a selected group of customers who have switched to the technologically
superior and quality enhanced laboratory testing product.

Time has changed, so do the technology. Your purchase lists you on the cutting edge of 21st
century technology. The attached test report is an excellent way of expressing and
maintaining your trust in EIE’s - superior quality testing products. Our continued efforts and
commitment is to provide you efficient sales after services, prompt attention and highest
level of customer satisfaction. If for any reasons, you have questions or comments, we are
delighted to hear from you. Call us on 0091-79-660406013 or send us email at
info@eieinstruments.com/kunal@eieinstruments.com. You can expect us to respond to your
email within 24-48 working hours.

Once again, thank you for your trust and kind patronage. We look forward to serve you better
in future.

Yours sincerely,
EIE Instruments

PRODUCT MANUAL: EIE – RCPT APPARATUS PAGE NO.:3

 Table of contents

Organization’s ISO 9001:2015 Certificate...............................................................................................2

Forward..................................................................................................................................................3
Table of contents...................................................................................................................................4
List of Figures.........................................................................................................................................4
1 Introduction of RCPT......................................................................................................................5
2 Principle.........................................................................................................................................5
3 Packaging slip.................................................................................................................................5
4 Chemicals and apparatus required in RCPT test.............................................................................5
5 Installation of RCPT........................................................................................................................6
6 Specification for Rapid Chloride Permeability Tester.....................................................................7
6.1 Specification of RCPT Apparatus.............................................................................................7
6.2 Specification of RCPT diffusion cell..........................................................................................7
7 Preparation of chemical solutions..................................................................................................8
7.1 Preparation of NACL................................................................................................................8
7.2 Preparation of NAOH..............................................................................................................8
7.3 Preparation of concrete sample (specimen)............................................................................8
7.4 Assembling of diffuser cell......................................................................................................9
8 Operation instruction for RCPT (HMI)..........................................................................................10
9 Procedure to perform the test.....................................................................................................13
10 Calculation...................................................................................................................................13
11 Precautions to followed...............................................................................................................14
Warranty certificate.............................................................................................................................15

List of Figures
Figure 1 Component Diagram of Diffuser Cell..............................................................................................................9
Figure 2 Connector for main power Supply................................................................................................................10
Figure 3 Main switch To Turn ON/OFF the Apparatus...............................................................................................10
Figure 4 Test Selection Screen.....................................................................................................................................11
Figure 5 Required Data to perform test......................................................................................................................11
Figure 6 Reading While Test is Under process............................................................................................................12
Figure 7 Final Result Screen.........................................................................................................................................12

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1 Introduction of RCPT
RCPT is commonly referred as Rapid Chloride Permeability Tester. Rapid Chloride Permeability Test can
be used for a wide range of application and quality control purpose. RCPT has multiport testing facilities
is especially designed to test concrete samples (specimens) for concrete ion permeability test for civil
engineering department and various research centers. RCPT is also known as Coulomb test.

2 Principle
The Rapid Chloride- ion Permeability test (RCPT) is conducted to know to assess the resistance of
concrete to the penetration of chloride ions, an indicator of its permeability. A customer can test up to
four samples at a time (as per ASTM C – 1202 standard) electrical indication of concrete ability to resist
chloride ion penetration. The sample (specimen) must be 100 mm diameter with 50 mm thickness. It is
also available in eight cell.

3 Packaging slip
1) Plexi glass chambers with conductive brass mesh, terminals and steel bolts – 4 pairs
2) DC constant Voltage power supply (220 V) cum DAQ unit with 4 channels – 1 No.
3) 250 mm Vacuum desiccators – 1 No.
4) Vacuum pump – 1 No.
5) Elastomeric Rubber Mould for cylindrical specimens – 4 No.
6) Thermocouple – 4 No.
7) RTV Sealant + gun – 1 No.
8) Mould for specimen – 4 piece
9) NACL, NAOH – 1 each.

4 Chemicals and apparatus required in RCPT test

 Sodium chloride (NACL)
 Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH)
 Vacuum pump
 Vacuum desiccator
 Wash bottle 2 piece (1000ml)

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 Concrete specimen

5 Installation of RCPT

1. Inspect equipment and shipping crate immediately upon receipt. If any damage is apparent,
immediately discuss it with the delivery person and contact the transportation company
immediately. Make notes of any damages on the bill of landing.
2. Retain all shipping material for later inspection.
3. Check packing slip carefully and ensure all materials have been received as indicated in packing slip.
4. Instrument is supplied in enclosed wooden case. Unpack the wooden case, locate and count the
number of accessories and main working unit. Remove packing strip from surroundings of the
instrument and all its accessories. Please inspect and note whether any part of the instrument is
damaged or any accessory is missing according to packing slip? If it is so, then immediately make
note of it and report to the manufacturer.
5. Due to the vibration incurred during shipping and handling, it is possible that mechanical connection
could become loose. Inspect all connection to ensure that they are secure.
6. After visual inspection, if everything is found to be okay, transit the instrument to suitable safe place
where it is intended to install. Caution: Handle with care.
7. Recycle the packing material and wooden box. Do not throw it away for environment protection.
8. Place the unit on a plain, even and sturdy surface leaving 12-18” space away from the wall.
9. Do not install unit in a corrosive environment. A corrosive environment may lead to poor
performance and deterioration of unit.
10. Do not place the equipment in a draft, sunlight or near a place of equipment, which emits heat as
well as electromagnetic conduction emission.
11. Keep Standard Operating Procedure and Respective Standard ready to conduct the test.

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6 Specification for Rapid Chloride Permeability Tester

6.1 Specification of RCPT Apparatus

 Power of 55 – 65 Volts DC is supplied by each cell.
 EIE – RCPT apparatus is accommodated with HMI LCD display fully touch screen to control and
operate the tests procedure.
 Apparatus is furnished with four cells to perform 4 different tests in same period of time
 D – link wireless router is fitted in apparatus to connect it directly to PC, to visualize the test
procedure easily.
 RTD connector code is provided in every cell to read the exact temperature and also for safety
purpose of diffuser cell, as high temperature may damage the cell.
 Each cell is fitted with Fuse of 1 ampere to protect the cells from short circuit and high voltage
supply.
 Salazer switch is provided to turn ON/OFF the apparatus.

6.2 Specification of RCPT diffusion cell

 Each & every RCPT diffuser cells are made up of transparent acrylic material of 150 mm 150 mm50
mm thick as per described in ASTM C - 1202.
 Concrete specimen (sample) of 100mm diameter and 50mm thick is fitted in acrylic material.
 It is provided with rubber gasket and washers to achieve leak proof.
 Stainless steel bolts with washers and nuts are provided to hold the specimen rigidly.
 The power supply will be applied to each cell through banana sockets and the current is distributed
through the brass mesh.

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 Each cell will be provided with openings in top for pouring chemicals and the temperature sensors.
The openings can be closed with lids.
 The volume of chemicals within the chamber must be 250ml.

7 Preparation of chemical solutions

The solution of NACL and NAOH is prepared to perform the test to check chloride permeability of
concrete. Diffuser cell consists of two chambers, first chamber is filled with sodium chloride solution
(NACL) and another chamber is filled with sodium hydroxide solution in fixed amount (250 ml).
Prescribed amount and preparation of solution is detailed below:

7.1 Preparation of NACL

Use 3% of NACL (sodium chloride) powder i.e. 30 grams of NACL in 1 liter of distilled water. Stir the
solution properly so that NACL is completely dissolved in water. Now NACL solution is ready to pore in
the diffuser cell.

7.2 Preparation of NAOH

Use 0.3 mole of sodium hydroxide (NAOH) i.e. 0.3  40 grams (NAOH) = 12 grams (NAOH) user have to
dissolve in 1 liter of distilled water. Stir the solution properly so that salt is completely dissolved in
water. Now pore the solution in another chamber of diffuser cell.

7.3 Preparation of concrete sample (specimen)

Prepare concrete specimen using the mould of size 100 mm diameter  50 mm thickness. Fix the
desiccators and vacuum pump nearby to connect them properly through rubber tube. Keep the stand
which holds the water tank near the desiccators. The desiccator’s lid is fitted with knob, two valve
openings. One of the valve openings is connected to the vacuum pump and another one to water tank
through rubber tubes.
Now turn ON the vacuum pump and let the pressure decrease to less than 50 mm Hg (use manometer
to check vacuum pressure). Maintain vacuum for 3 hours. After 3 hour open the water valve and let the
specimen completely immersed in water (with vacuum still running), then close the water valve and let
vacuum running for an additional hour. After an hour turn off vacuum pump and allow air to re- enter in
the desiccator.

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Then soak the specimen under water for 18 ± 2 hours. Now the specimen is ready for test fit it tightly in
diffuser cell.

7.4 Assembling of diffuser cell

The diffuser cell is provided with power connecting terminal, the terminal is connected to brass mesh for
distributing the current uniformly throughout the area of cross section. To seat the concrete module
properly a groove is provided in the acrylic diffuser cell. The groove is provided with brass washer and
the neoprene rubber washer to arrest the leakage of chemical solutions. Four corners of the cell s are
provided with fixed holes. The concrete specimen is placed between the two cells and tightened using
stainless steel bolts and nuts. Apply Silicone grease over joints between the cell and the concrete. There
may be small gaps, fill the gaps with silicone grease on both the ends. Apply the silicone grease over the
surface of the concrete specimen to arrest the leakage of chlorides through the surface of the concrete
specimen. Allow some time for drying the silicone grease. After solidification, Cell1 (fitted with black
terminal) is filled with sodium chloride solution of 3 M strength and is to be connected to the negative
supply of the RCPT apparatus. Cell 2 (fitted with red terminal) is filled with sodium hydroxide solution of
0.3M strength is connected to the positive supply of the apparatus. Each cell will hold approximately 250
ml of solution. If there is gap in the edges, silicon compound can be applied over the edges and the
surface of the concrete specimen to arrest the leakage if any. Now diffuser cell is ready for conducting
the test for chloride permeability.

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 Figure 1 Component Diagram of Diffuser Cell

8 Operation instruction for RCPT (HMI)

 Connect the three pin adapter to the connector provided on the unit, then plug the cord in the main
power supply.

Figure 2 Connector for main power Supply

 Whenever you have to perform any test, Turn ON the Salzar Switch (Mains Switch ON)

Figure 3 Main switch To Turn ON/OFF the Apparatus

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 As the unit gets started Then on HMI Screen, select Mode will appear, user have to select the RCPT
test and proceed further.
NOTE: Never go in calibration mode and do not try to change the factory set calibration

Figure 4 Test Selection Screen

 After selecting RCPT test, New window of Main Screen is displayed on HMI screen.

Figure 5 Required Data to perform test

 In the main screen user have to feed the “BATCH NAME” according to the User choice what the name
you want to give the test, Test record will appear by that name only.

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 Logging Period is the total test time for the sample being tested, it is user defined user can increase/
decrease the time as per requirement. According to ASTM D – 1202 it is 360 minutes.
NOTE: Always enter the test time in minutes only
 Logging interval is the record time for the test readings of different intervals, it must also be entered
in minutes.
 Set the voltage according to the sample requirement using the sign displayed on the screen.
 After entering all the above needs you can select “START” to start the test.
 If user wants to stop the test in any case, have a click on “STOP” to hold the test.

Figure 6 Reading While Test is Under process

 When the test is under process user can monitor the readings of current supply (in ampere),
Temperature rise of each cell due to the electric current pass and also actual voltage being supplied
by the apparatus.
 User can transfer the reading to their PC, using “EXPORT TO PC” option being displayed on the HMI
display.
 By selecting monitoring on right hand side of HMI display user can check each interval reading also.

Figure 7 Final Result Screen

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 After test is performed user can take the readings recorded of every 30minutes interval and final
reading of 360 minutes.
 Coulombs are also calculated for each cell in the final reading.

9 Procedure to perform the test

1) Prepare the test sample of concrete of dimension 100 mm diameter  50 mm thickness (As
mentioned in ASTM standard)
2) Remove the specimen from desiccator and fix it tightly in the diffuser cell.
3) Now, pour NACL solution in one chamber and NAOH solution in another chamber of diffuser cell.
4) Then carefully connect all the terminals to diffuser cell according to the sign indicated on it, also RTD
cable to visualize the temperature increase.
5) Again check all the connection carefully before starting the test.
6) Set the parameters in HMI displays as explained above in section.
7) Now by clicking on “START” start the test.
8) After completion of test take the reading and turn off the apparatus.
NOTE: While test is under process keep checking the temperature if it rises above the decided limit
please stop the test otherwise diffuser cell may be affected.
 Users are advised to operate the unit through UPS as whole tests get terminated if power supply
gets off while performing the test, and you have to start the test from step 1. Hence always use the
apparatus through UPS only.

10 Calculation
User can set the record time “30 minutes” and also the Logging time as 6 hours (360 minutes). HMI will
take the readings of corresponding cells at every record time with its initial readings automatically. At
the end of Log time, the system will stop after taking the final reading. User can take the reading as per
recorded on the system.

Average current flowing through one cell is calculated by,

Q = 900(I0 + 2 I30 + 2 I60 + 2 I90 + 2 I120 + 2 I150 + 2 I180 + 2 I210 + 2 I240 + 2 I270 + 2 I300+ 2
I330 + I360)

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Where,
Q = Charge passed (Coulombs)
I0 = Initial current reading in mA.
I30 = Current reading at 30 minutes in mA.
I60 = Current reading at 60 minutes in mA.
I90 = Current reading at 90 minutes in mA.
I120 = Current reading at 120 minutes in mA.
I150 = Current reading at 150 minutes in mA.
I180 = Current reading at 180 minutes in mA.
I210 = Current reading at 210 minutes in mA.
I240 = Current reading at 240 minutes in mA.
I270 = Current reading at 270 minutes in mA.
I300 = Current reading at 300 minutes in mA.
I330 = Current reading at 330 minutes in mA.
I360 = Current reading at 360 minutes in mA .

11 Precautions to followed
1) While cleaning take care that the small/ sensitive parts which do not get damaged.
2) Keep the instrument tidy, clean and dry with mint cream. Before initiating the fresh day, use
preferably clean soft cloth. Brush up the unit body to maintain its finishing and shine.
3) Keep checking the RTD temperature if cross the limit (above 100C) immediately terminate the test
and turn off the apparatus.
4) Place the unit in plane and even surface only otherwise inaccuracy may occur.
5) Fix the sample properly and tightly in the diffuser cell.
6) Cross check the output voltage using voltmeter for accurate result.
7) After completion of test disconnect all the connections carefully.
8) Always connect positive terminal to positive terminal in diffuser cell and negative terminal to
negative terminal of diffuser cell only.
9) Disassembly of this equipment is strictly limited to the qualified persons and licensed engineers
only.

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 10) In case of any difficulty, please do not try to repair without consulting us, especially when the
instrument is under warranty period.

Warranty certificate

Your EIE product is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year
under normal use from the date of purchase. This WARRANTY does not apply to any product damaged
by accident, misuse, mishandling, abuse, negligence, transit, improper line voltage, drop, fire, flood or if
the products were altered or repaired by anyone other than the qualified service personnel. The liability
of EIE Instruments is limited to repair or replacement and under no circumstances shall EIE be liable for
any collateral consequential damages or loss. This guarantee specifically excludes the expendables and
consumables.
All warranty claims must be directed to your corresponding purchase
organization that is responsible for the sale of this equipment. The users are responsible for shipping
expense. The warranty cards which are not signed and stamped by the actual user will be treated as
void. The warranty card should accompany the defective products sent for repair, without which no
claims would be entertained. Please detach the below warranty card from following cut-line.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of the company:

Address:

Telephone no:

Mobile no:

Email address:

Date of purchase:

Product model:

Serial no:

Bill or cash memo no:

PRODUCT MANUAL: EIE – RCPT APPARATUS PAGE NO.:15

This card should be detached, filled in properly and posted within 15 days from the date of purchase
otherwise the warranty becomes invalid.

PRODUCT MANUAL: EIE – RCPT APPARATUS PAGE NO.:16

 Any Note or Queries

Please write us
Thank you
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