Normalab NPN Tech Semi-Automatic Penetrometer

A semi-automatic penetrometer for bitumen, grease and wax

The NPN Tech is Normalab’s half-automated penetrometer. It lowers a standard needle or cone into a sample for a set time and measures how deep it goes, which gives an empirical measure of consistency. The measurement is made by an optoelectronic depth detector driven by a stepper motor with a stated accuracy of 0.05 mm, so the operator does not read a dial.

Normalab lists ASTM D5, D217, D937, D1321, D1403, D7342, ISO EN 1426, IP 179 and related methods. In practice that covers penetration of semi-solid and solid bituminous materials, consistency of lubricating greases, and petroleum waxes and petrolatum; the leaflet also names cosmetic and food products as possible applications.

Technical specifications

Software, options and calibration

The integrated software lets the operator choose the operating mode (bitumen or grease, manual or automatic), pause time, penetration time, penetration limits and the number of determinations. A flexible LED lamp and magnifying lens help the operator position the needle on the sample surface, and automatic surface detection is available as an option.

Delivered items are a flexible magnifying lens (P/N 9417343), a flexible LED lamp (P/N 9427342), a needle holder (P/N 941737) and an AC power cable. Needles, cones, containers and accessory kits depend on the application and are ordered separately. Listed options are a cryostat, a transfer bath and support, a cooling incubator, an automatic approach kit for conductive products, an automatic holder for hard bitumen, and an accessories kit specific to your application.

A calibration kit is offered for checking the accuracy of penetration measurements within the laboratory quality system. It includes a contact finger, certified gauges of 20 mm and 40 mm, a rest block and a connection wire for automatic approach.

Choosing the right configuration

Asphalt and bitumen laboratories normally test penetration at 25 °C in a controlled water bath, so the bath or cryostat, the needle type and the sample containers matter as much as the instrument. Grease laboratories prepare samples first; the leaflet points to the Normalab GWM Classic grease worker for that step.

Confirm before ordering the standard and material, the accessory kit, whether automatic approach or the hard bitumen holder is needed, the thermostat bath, and the local supply voltage. The instrument is a bench unit, so allow clearance above it for the 720 mm height and a vibration-free table, because any movement during the test affects the depth reading. Explore other liquid analytical systems on this site.

Documents and quotation

The Normalab NPN Tech leaflet is attached to this page. Send the material, standard and accessories you need and Seven Star LLC will prepare a quotation; availability is confirmed before ordering.