CDF CIF Freeze Thaw Tester - ASTM C666 & RILEM Testing

CDF CIF Freeze Thaw Tester Overview

At Qualitest, we supply the CDF CIF Freeze Thaw Tester to assist testing crews in verifying how construction materials handle freezing conditions. The unit places specimen containers directly into an integrated liquid bath measuring 170 cm by 51 cm by 20 cm, filled with roughly 100 l of a water and ethylene glycol mixture. This layout provides direct liquid contact, producing even thermal distribution, fast temperature transitions, and an accurate temperature curve that maintains a gradient perpendicular to the sample surface.

The testing station operates across a span from -20 °C to +20 °C using indirect cooling liquid control. Governed by an onboard microprocessor with network connectivity, the system records thermal readings continuously and executes automated freezing and thawing routines that you can adjust to suit your specific testing plan.

Compliance & Standards

Civil engineering test facilities and quality control teams require systems that conform to established international test procedures. This machine carries out freeze-thaw resistance testing according to recognized consensus methods from ASTM, RILEM, CEN, and DIN.

Verified Test Methods:

• ASTM C666 Procedure A (and ASTM C666-2008 Procedure A): Standard test method for assessing concrete resistance during repeated freezing and thawing cycles.
• CDF RILEM TC 117 FDC & CIF RILEM TC 176 IDC: International recommendations governing freeze-thaw testing of concrete with or without de-icing agents.
• CEN/TS 12390-9: European standard covering concrete freeze-thaw testing, including VDZ cube test procedures.
• CEN/TR 15177 (2006-06): Technical protocol for checking internal structural degradation from freeze-thaw cycles.
• EN 13581: Determination of freeze-thaw resistance for concrete surface treatments.
• DIN 4226 & DIN 52104: Standard testing specifications covering aggregate properties and frost resistance.
• Önorm 23303 XF1: Testing procedure for concrete frost exposure resistance.
• Safety and Refrigerant Regulations: The refrigeration loop uses R448a refrigerant, an environmentally responsible cooling medium that eliminates the mandatory annual leak checks required by regulation EU 517-2014. The entire physical and electrical assembly complies with applicable safety standards for refrigeration and electrical systems.

Key Features

Connecting raw specifications directly to routine laboratory work, this freeze-thaw testing setup provides several clear operational benefits:

• Microprocessor Control with Remote Connectivity: A built-in microprocessor controller lets you execute automated thermal cycles across the -20 °C to +20 °C range. Its internet interface enables remote progress tracking and centralized test management.
• Direct Fluid-Bath Heat Transfer: Specimen vessels rest inside a 170 cm by 51 cm by 20 cm bath holding approximately 100 l of water-glycol coolant. This indirect thermal contact maintains steady temperature curves and creates the perpendicular temperature gradient required for realistic surface scaling checks.
• Continuous Temperature Recording: An onboard data logger captures and stores temperature values throughout every run, maintaining records for verification audits.
• Low-Maintenance Cooling Circuit: Utilizing R448a refrigerant meets environmental mandates and bypasses the yearly inspection routines specified in EU 517-2014, minimizing laboratory downtime.
• Electrical and Heating Options: Running on a 400 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz feed (with an optional 60 Hz configuration available) at a maximum electrical demand of 10.5 kW, the machine can be ordered with additional heating capacity to execute ASTM C666 Procedure A and CEN/TS 12390-9 cube tests.
• Air and Water Heat Dissipation: Standard models use air-based cooling, while an optional combined air and water cooling setup is available for sites with dedicated laboratory water loops.

Product Applications & Operating Environments

This concrete testing equipment serves commercial testing agencies, road research institutes, concrete producers, and university civil engineering departments. Common practical applications include:

• Pavement and Highway Concrete Evaluation: Checking surface scaling and frost resistance on concrete slabs subjected to severe cold exposure.
• Cube and Specimen Durability Testing: Conducting VDZ cube evaluations per CEN/TS 12390-9 or ASTM C666 Procedure A using dedicated test containers.
• Protective Coatings and Aggregates: Assessing the protective performance of impregnations per EN 13581 and evaluating aggregate frost durability per DIN 52104.

Operating Environment Specifications:

Because freeze-thaw data requires steady ambient surroundings, the system is engineered for indoor laboratory installation:

• Ambient Room Temperature: Operates smoothly in facility temperatures between +5 °C and +28 °C.
• Relative Humidity: Performs consistently in rooms with humidity levels up to 65 percent.
• Enclosure Rating: Enclosed to an IP20 protection standard for indoor research spaces.
• Floor Plan Requirements: Measures 225 cm wide by 95 cm deep by 120 cm high, with an empty equipment weight of 560 kg, requiring stable floor positioning and three-phase electrical connections.

If you want to upgrade your material evaluation setup, we at Qualitest can provide technical recommendations and container accessories to suit your laboratory testing schedule.

CDF CIF Freeze Thaw Tester – Freeze Thaw Resistance Technical Specifications 

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