Overview: Field Applications:

The CSI-153 Brittleness Tester is used in the ✓ Gryogenic gasketing

industry to determine the temperature at ✓ Transfer devices for cryogenic fluids
which plastic and elastomers exhibit brittle ✓ Space
failure when subjected to low temperature ✓ Deep-sea exploration equipment
impacts under specified conditions per many
international test standards.
Suitable for Materials:
The test provides for the evaluation of long ✓ Plastics
time effects such as crystallization or ✓ Elastomers
those that may be introduced by low ✓ Flexible Polymeric Materials including fabric coated materials
temperature incompatibility of
plasticizers in the material under test. A
statically estimated brittleness
temperature is established at which 50
percent of the specimen would fail when
subjected to the test condition.
Material’s performance can be
evaluated in its end use
environment regarding to
temperature and impact.
Theory of Operation:
Brittleness temperature is the temperature at which 50% of the tested specimens exhibit brittle failure at specified impact conditions. It is utilized primarily for
plastics and elastomers.
Testing requires seeing the temperature set point until stability is gained. The specimen are then loaded onto the desired specimen holder using the provided
alignment jig and optional torque wrench at 5 in-lb. Next the sample holder is Immersed into the test bath filled at a specified temperature. The specimens are then
impacted at 2000 ± 200 mm/s and then examined. The procedure is repeated at a lower temperature until enough data is generated to determine a brittleness
temperature. The temperature is then displayed digitally, the temperature and the failure conditions of the samples are then recorded by the Operator. If testing per
ASTM D746, Brittle failure is defined as fracture into 2 or more pieces, or any visible cracks. The specimens can also be bent to a 90° angle and visually examined for
cracks at the bend caused by impact.
Solenoid Actuated Striker Assembly

✓ Accurate and Precise

✓ Repeatable Results
✓ Automatic Return
✓ Superior Durability
Introduction:
The Brittleness Test apparatus is constructed from brushed stainless steel bath frame for superior
durability. The double wall insulated bath ensures the test temperature is maintained to achieve accurate
and repeatable test results. The bath frame features a built-in circulator and baffle to achieve optimum
temperature gradient across all specimen during testing. A cooling coil, heater, and drain are standard
features for this unit. The test temperature is regulated automatically by a digital PID temperature
controller, calibrated RTD sensor, and liquid heat transfer media.
The user friendly Operator’s Control Panel allows the Operator to select either 10 or 20 samples to test.
After the test is completed, the striker will return to its home position according to the 10 or 20 sample
selection. The CSI-153 also features a manual striker return switch, which allows the user to end the
test at any time and return the striker to its home position. This feature is very useful when the Operator
wants to test outside of 10 or 20 samples, such as per ASTM D2137 Method C.
Cooling Options:
Either CO2 (dry ice) or LN2 (liquid nitrogen) may be used to lower the test temperature to the desired
level.
Dry Ice Cooling
A manual operation and is popular with users that employ the CSI-153 tester for low volume testing.
With the dry ice option, the digital temperature controller does not have the feature to decrease the
test temperature. The test temperature may be maintained constant by the judicious addition of small
quantities of dry ice. Changing the temperature will require either the addition of more dry ice or
heating the bath with the digital temperature controller.
Liquid Nitrogen Cooling
Is high recommended If testing is to be routinely performed. With this option the digital temperature
controller can control the cooling and heating portion of the test within ±0.5°C. This option cuts the
burden on the Operator and lowers the testing time.
Easy to Read Specimen Stations

Built-in Circulator

Plexiglas Test Bath Cover with Handle

Solenoid Actuated Striker Assembly

PID Temperature Controller

10 or 20 Specimen Selection

Double Wall Insulated Stainless Steel Bath

Gas Pressure Relief Valve

Cryogenic System

Exhaust/Gas Outlet

Drain with Shut Off Valve

Standard Features:
Test Bath Assembly Frame: Material: Brushed Stainless Steel Temperature System: RTD Conformance: ASTM E1137/E1137M
Insulation Double Wall
Heating System: Heating Method: Electric heater
Drain: Included with shut off valve
Liquid Media Stirrer/Circulator: Built in with Baffle System Cooling System: Type: Cryogenic
Operator’s Control Panel: Main Power Switch with LED Indicator Cooling Method: Liquid nitrogen with internal heat
10 or 20 samples test cycle selector exchangers
Manual Striker Return Switch Includes: Low Temperature Piping and
Temperature Control Power Switch with LED Indicator Valves
Drive Power Switch with LED Indicator Exhaust/Gas outlet:
Test Push Button Diameter: 1/4 in.
Temperature Controller
Safety Features: Plexiglas Test Bath Cover with Handle, 2 piece
Type: Dual display PID
Gas Pressure Relief Valve
controller, Dual control output
Solid State Relay for safe control
pre-configured for cooling and
heating Hardware: Set of Allen Wrenches: Included, 9 Pcs
Display: 4 digits, Decimal point
programmable Documentation Included: Operator’s Manual, Manufacturer’s Conformance Certificate
Accuracy: ±0.5°C Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Resolution: ±0.1°C Lifetime Technical Support: Included
Temperature Range: -70°C to Ambient
Features: Automatic temperature control/
tuning/alarm signal for out of
range temperature
Sample Holder Assembly: Includes: Sample Basket, Sample Alignment Jig Optional Features:
Low Temperature System Temperature Range: -90°C to Ambient
Striker: Material: Steel
Striking Edge Speed: 2000 ± 200 mm/s NIST Traceable Calibration Calibration Certificate with data per user specified
Travel distance after impact : ≥6.4 mm Certificate with Data Test Standards
Striker Edge Radius: 1.6 ± 0.1 mm
Distance of center line of 7.87 ± 0.1 mm
striker to clamp
Striking Energy: 3.0 J
Maximum Number of Sam- 20 samples
ple:
Striker and Clamp Gap: 6.35 ± 0.1 mm.
Striker Type: Solenoid Actuated
Features: Automatically returns to
home position
Optional Accessories:
Cryogenic Braided Hose
Sample Holder Assembly
Striker Calibration Kit
Sample Cutting Die
Torque Wrench:
Explosion Proof Exhaust Cabinet
Length: 6 ft
(1.8 m)
Other lengths available
Cover: No
Per Customer Specified Test Standard
Steel Ball Holder
Steel Calibration Ball, Chromed
Guide Tube Assembly with Analog Scale
Ball Striker Adapter
Spring
Striker Plate Spacer
Set of Rubber Spacers
Set of Tools and Hardware
Must Specify: Mallet Handle or Flat Back
ASTM D746 Type A, Type I
ASTM D2137 Test Method A
ASTM D746 Type A, Type II
ASTM D2137 Test Method A and B
ASTM D746 Type B, Type III
ISO 974
Used to mount samples to sample holder at a specified
torque
Available for installations where flammable heat transfer
media is employed for testing
Physical Dimensions:
Approx. Instrument Weight: 150 lbs.
(68 kg.)
Approx. Instrument Dimensions: 40W x 12D x 19H in.
(102W x 31D x 48H cm.)
Approx. Shipping Weight: 300 lbs.
(136 kg.)
Approx. Shipping Dimensions: 56W x 21D x 35H
(142W x 53D x 89H cm.)
Installation Requirements:
Electrical Specifications: 115VAC, 50/60Hz, 1Ph, 12A
220VAC, 50/60Hz, 1Ph, 6A
Nitrogen Supply Pressure 25 PSI
Nitrogen Input Connection 3/8” NPT Female
Nitrogen Supply Tank with regulator Customer Supplied
Liquid Heat Transfer Media Customer Supplied
Reference Test Standard:
1. ASTM D746
2. ASTM D2137
3. ISO 974
4. ISO 812
5. DIN 53 546
6. DIN ISO 812
7. GB/T 15256
8. BS 903-A25
9. Fed. Spec. L-P 406B Method 2051