Alkali Aggregate Reaction Bath

Alkali Aggregate Reaction Bath enables monitoring of expansion behavior by curing standard mortar bars in highly alkaline solutions at a constant temperature of approximately 80 °C. This approach is an accelerated procedure developed to detect potentially harmful reactivity in a short time and to measure internal expansions that affect long-term durability. Double-walled insulated body and stainless-steel inner tank provide long service life; chemically resistant fittings ensure safe operation with alkaline solutions. Specimens are positioned uniformly within the solution using stainless-steel suspension racks or specimen baskets. This design ensures equal contact of each specimen with the solution and repeatable test results. A digital timer and temperature display allow automated control of test duration; bath temperature is maintained at constant levels throughout the test period. The device maintains stable temperature at approximately 80 °C by a microprocessor-controlled PID thermostat, and a recirculation pump ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the bath. The digital display clearly indicates the setpoint and current temperature information. Over-temperature cut-off, low-level protection, and fused power input are provided as standard safety equipment. The large-capacity tank accommodates multiple specimens of prism or bar geometry in a single cycle using adjustable racks/holders; racks are made from materials offering dimensional stability in chemical environments. The bottom drain valve allows rapid discharge and safe renewal of the solution; the level indicator and wide-mouth filling cover facilitate service operations. The insulated body increases energy efficiency while reducing external surface temperature. An external interface port can be added to the control unit for data logging or computer control.