Vicat Needle Apparatus

The setting time determination of cement and mortars is one of the most important parameters for the quality inspection and verification in any cement testing lab. The Vicat Consistency Test method, done by a Vicat Needle Apparatus provides a means of determining compliance with a specification limit for Vicat time of setting of Cement, Mortar and Gypsum.

These test methods determine the time of setting of hydraulic cement by means of the Vicat needle. Two test methods are given; Test Method A is the Reference Test Method using the manually operated standard Vicat apparatus, while Test Method B permits the use of an automatic Vicat apparatus that has, in accordance with the qualification requirements of this method, demonstrated acceptable performance.

The standard consistency of cement is that consistency, which permit the vicat needle (plunger) to penetrate to a point 5 to 7mm from the bottom of the vicat mould when tested.

QUALITEST - TESTING offers a full range of manual, single station semi-automatic and fully automatic vicat needle apparatus systems with multiple stations.

ASTM C191: Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle