Construction materials testing
Le Chatelier Soundness Apparatus
A split brass cylinder with two long indicator arms that magnifies the expansion of a cement paste after boiling. It checks that cement will not expand and crack after it has set (soundness).
- Cement manufacturing
- Construction materials testing
- Ready-mix concrete
- Academic labs
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance checklist
Each use
- Clean moulds and glass plates
- Check indicators are straight and the slit closes
Monthly
- Check the water bath heater and the time it takes to reach boiling
- Descale the bath if hard-water deposits build up
Annual
- Check mould dimensions and elasticity as given in the apparatus standard
- Replace damaged or corroded moulds
- Check the steel rule against a calibrated reference
SAFETY
Safety precautions
Before you work on the Le Chatelier
- Boiling water causes scalds: use tongs and heat-resistant gloves to handle moulds.
- Cement paste is alkaline: wear gloves and eye protection.
- Keep the water bath on a stable surface and never let it boil dry.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Le Chatelier in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.