The CSI-153 Brittleness Tester is the most suitable apparatus used inthe industry for the determination of the temperature at which plas-tics and elastometers exhibit brittle failure due to controlled impact.

Reference:

• ASTM D-746 Standard Test Method for BrittlenessTemperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact

• ASTM D-2137 Standard Test Method for Rubber PropertyBrittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics.

• ISO 974 Plastics - Determination of Brittleness Temperatureby Impact.

Model CSI-153Low Temperature Brittleness Tester

The Brittleness Tester determines the temperature at which

plastics, elastomers, flexible polymeric materials, includ-

ing fabric coated materials experience brittle failure due to

low temperature impact under controlled conditions.

Many field applications, including cryogenic gasketing,

transfer devices for cryogenic fluids, space, and deep-sea

exploration equipment, to name a few, are required to re-

main flexible, and maintain structural properties at low

temperature conditions with or without impact.

Model CSI-153 is used to determine the effects low tem-

perature may have on a particular type of material, such

as crystallization and incompatibility of plasticizers.

Material’s performance can be evaluated in its end use en-

vironment regarding to temperature and impact.

Model CSI-153 features a double wall insulated bath, of

brushed stainless steel construction for better durability. It

features a built-in circulator and baffle for optimum tem-

perature gradient across all specimens during the test. Tem-

perature conditioning is achieved via a microprocessor con-

troller, RTD sensor, and electric heater and a liquid tem-

perature transfer media. Either pulverized dry ice or nitro-

gen gas is employed to lower the temperature of the trans-

fer media; dry ice cooling is a manual operation and popu-

lar with users that employ the tester for low volume test-

ing. Use of liquid nitrogen is mandatory if testing is to be

routinely performed. An

optional explosion proof

exhaust cabinet is also

available for installations

where flammable heat

transfer media is em-

ployed for testing.

Brittleness Testing:

Testing requires setting the

temperature set point until

stability is attained. Load

the specimens onto the

specimen holder using the

provided alignment jig. Im-

merse the specimens into

the bath. After a predeter-

mined time, start the striker

by a selector switch in the

front control panel. Record the temperature and the

failure conditions of the samples. Remove the speci-

men holder from the bath. Additional test runs can

be run in similar fashion. Refer to the particular test

standard for detailed information on test procedure

and report requirements.

Technical Specifications:

Number of Specimens 20Selection No. of Samples 10 or 20Impactor Speed 2000 ± 200 mm/sStriker Type SolenoidActuatedStriker Nose Radius 1.6 ± 0.1 mmStriker and Clamp gap 6.35 ± 0.25 mmStandard Sample Holder Holds TypeAI &AIISample Holder (option) Type BHeater Tubular, electricTemperature Control PID microprocessorTemperature Sensor RTDTemperature Range -70°C Standard

(-90°C Optional)Electrics 115VAC/60Hz/1Ph(Optional) 230VAC/50Hz/1Ph

Dimensions 49”W x 14”D x 24”HWeight, Net 150 lbs.

Disclaimer: Product improvement is a continuing goal at CSI. Designs and revisions are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1125 Conroy PlaceEaston, PA 18040 U.S.A.

Tel: 610-923-6500 Fax: 610-923-6543www.csi-instruments.com

Model CSI-153Low TemperatureBrittleness Tester