The ALFA Microwave Oven is specifically designed for rapid determination of the total water content in fresh concrete, serving as an effective tool for quality control in construction materials testing. By accurately measuring the water content, it aids in estimating the mixing water content and calculating the water/cement ratio when the cement content is known. Additionally, it can be utilized to determine the water absorption of coarse and fine aggregates representative of those used in concrete.
The testing procedure involves drying a specimen of fresh concrete using the microwave oven's high-power capabilities within a short period. The mass difference between the fresh and dried specimen represents the water content. By knowing the unit weight of the concrete, the water content per unit volume can be determined.
This microwave oven features an adjustable timer and selectable power levels to accommodate various testing requirements. It is supplied with a turntable to ensure efficient and homogeneous drying of specimens.