Humboldt HM-9111 Asphalt Permeameter - Manual (Page 2)

These Asphalt Permeameters are compact, self-contained, easy-to-use units,
which can be used in the lab or in the field. They are used to test the permeabil-
ity of a compacted asphalt paving mixture by using the falling-head method to
determine hydraulic conductivity of saturated 4" and 6" samples. These Perme-
ameters comply with ASTM Provisional Standard PS 129 and Florida FM 5-565.
Both permeameters include a 500cc manometer with 15ft of .25" OD water line,
built-in hand pump and a pressure gauge.
Directions for Use—(see ASTM Provisional PS-129·01 for procedure)
Position the two rear legs on an angle (45 degrees)and tighten the bolts. Attach
the outflow pipe to the brass ball valve and tighten. The out flow pipe will then
be positioned two inches (2.0") over the bottom of the sample pedestal.
Attach the two upright rods to the permeameter base by threading through the
base and installing the nut from the bottom on each rod and tightening.
The piston on the front panel is used for drawing a vacuum on the membrane in
order to position the membrane cylinder over the sample. Attach the tube from
the cylinder to the VACUUM quick connect on the front panel and working the
hand pump back and forth you will notice the membrane being pulled against
the side wall of the container. This will allow you to place the container over the
sample and pedestal. You will then position the top cap assembly into the con-
tainer and over the sample. Note the two dished out pockets in the top cap are
to be aligned with the nylon acorn nuts on the hold down clamp. The hold down
clamp is then positioned to upright rods and the nuts tightened.
The two clamping screws on the clamp assembly are screwed down evenly until
the large o'rings on the pedestal and top cap are expanded against the side wall
of the latex membrane in the container.
The manometer tube is then placed through the clamp assembly and into the
top cap. Please note there is an o'ring in the top cap. It may require extra effort
(pushing down the manometer) to seat it properly through the o'ring. A lubricant
is sometimes recommended on the end of the manometer tube.
The container tubing is then removed from the VACUUM quick connect on the
front panel and attached to the PRESSURE quick connect. The membrane can
then be pressurized using the hand pump. Keep in mind the gauge on the front
panel is for reading positive pressure only. Please note the latex membrane is
susceptible to damage and will leak if not cared for properly.