Zwick introduces a new large-drop impact tester for testing pipelines in accordance with API 5L3
The drop weight test helps Engineers to evaluate the fractured surfaces of Ferritic steels, as the relative proportions of deformation and brittle fracture surfaces are diagnosed by visual determination. Ferritic steels are usually used for pipeline tubes or for sheet metals used in the manufacturing of such tubes. The recommended practice 5L3 issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API) describes the testing procedure to be used on large-drop impact testers. A specimen supported at both ends is impacted with a cold-press-fitted notch, with the point of impact opposite the notch. Since the specimen thicknesses are very large sections of actual pipeline tubes, high impact energies of up to 100,000 Joule are necessary to break the specimen. A key characteristic of Zwick's DWT large-drop impact testers are their sophisticated and integral safety concept which prevents access to the test area while in test mode. Furthermore, for drop impact tests, high throughput testing is required, so Zwick has developed a pneumatic feeding system to simplify the loading of the specimens into the testing machine.Technical data for the Zwick DWT 60-2,5> Maximum energy 60,000 Joule> Drop weight approximately 2450 kg, depending on the drop energy. To be able to vary the drop energy, the drop weight is separated into single weights> Overall height 6160 mm> Drop height of 715 mm to 2,500 mm continuously adjustable> To be used for specimens according to API RP 5L3> Modular system with two sizes, two drop heights and six energy ranges>Pneumatic specimen feed system and mounting outside the test area>Electrical and mechanical test area protection>Touch screen operation with display for drop height, drop weight, drop energy and velocity>Four high-performance shock absorbers with compensation tank for the safe absorption of the drop weight