TML Proctor / Fagerberg
Proctor/Fagerberg test is a method to determine the amount of cargo that is safe for transportation.
Proctor/Fagerberg test is a method to determine the amount of cargo that is safe for transportation. The material is partially dried at about 60°C depending on the material.
The material should be at least tree times the amount as the required amount. once it's dry a suitable amount of water is added to the material. The sample will be mixed carefully for 5 minutes approximately one fifth of the mixed sample is filled into the mould after leveling the sample the provided hammer is used tamp the sample.
the process is repeated for 25 times for all five of the layers. Then the extension piece can be removed so that the sample can be leveled once again and after the weight of the cylinder with the sample is determined the sample is dried and the weight can be determined
The Proctor/Fagerberg testing equipment set consists of a hammer and hammer guide (50 or 75mm) and the cylindrical stainless steel mould 150 mm in diameter and 120 mm high with a detachable extension piece. The product sizes variate on the type of test that is being performed.
Features and Benefits
- Helps ensure safe maritime transport by accurately determining TML
- Equipment for the Test method for fine and coarse-grained materials with a maximum size of 5mm
- Versions sizes availible for iron, coal and the standard version
- Enhances compliance with international shipping codes (IMSBC)
- Produces accurate test results
Technical Specifications
| Technical data* | normal* | coal* | iron* | bauxite* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer weight | 350g | 337.5g | 150g | 337.5g |
| compact hammer diameter | 50mm | 75mm | 50mm | 50mm |
| drop height | 200mm | 150mm | 150mm | 150mm |
| tube hammer inner diameter | 53mm | 78mm | 53mm | 78mm |
| mould inner volume | 1000cm³ | 2121cm³ | 1000cm³ | 2121cm³ |
| mould inner diameter | 105mm | 150mm | 105mm | 150mm |
| mould inner height | 115,5mm | 120mm | 115,5mm | 120mm |
| height extension | 75mm | 75mm | 75mm | 75mm |
Proctor/Fagerberg working principle
The Proctor/Fagerberg test is conducted to determine the maximum density a material can achieve under a specified compaction force at various moisture levels.
A sample of the bulk material is mixed with varying amounts of water to create test specimens with different moisture contents.
The prepared sample is placed in the Proctor mold and compacted using the rammer or tamper. Multiple layers of material are compacted, each with a consistent number of blows to achieve uniform compaction.
Measurement of Density and Moisture Content: After compaction, the weight and volume of the sample are measured to determine its dry density. The moisture content is also analyzed.
The results are plotted on a graph to identify the optimum moisture content (OMC), which corresponds to the moisture level at which the material achieves its maximum dry density.
Using the Proctor/Fagerberg test, the Transportable Moisture Limit is determined for bulk cargoes.
The TML represents the highest moisture content at which the material can be safely transported by sea without the risk of liquefaction.
By determining the TML, the Proctor/Fagerberg test helps prevent cargo liquefaction, which can cause ships to capsize due to shifts in cargo stability.
This is crucial for the safe maritime transport of bulk materials like iron ore fines, bauxite, and coal.
The Proctor/Fagerberg equipment provides precise measurements of dry density and moisture content, ensuring reliable data for determining the stability of bulk materials.
This helps in adhering to international shipping regulations, such as the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.
Equipment
Proctor/Fagerberg equipment is a specialized testing system used to determine the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density of granular bulk materials, particularly used in industries dealing with maritime shipping, bulk materials handling, and geotechnical engineering.
The method helps evaluate how moisture content affects the compaction and stability of granular materials, such as iron ore, coal, sand, or other bulk cargoes, which is critical for safe transportation and storage.
The Proctor/Fagerberg Test Method is crucial for determining the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) of bulk cargoes to prevent cargo liquefaction, a dangerous phenomenon where a cargo can behave like a liquid if it is over-saturated and subjected to vibration, which can cause instability in a ship during transportation.
Similar to equipment used in soil testing, the Proctor mold is a cylindrical metal container designed to hold a specified amount of bulk material.
The rammer is a weighted plunger used to compact the material inside the mold at a consistent force.
These are used to ensure consistent and uniform compaction during the test, allowing for controlled application of force.
A precision scale is used to measure the weight of the compacted sample to calculate its dry density accurately.
Includes moisture content analyzers to determine the water content of the material before and after compaction.
TML Proctor/Fagerberg FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Applications
- Used to determine the TML of bulk cargoes to ensure safe transport by sea. It is especially important for cargoes like iron ore fines, nickel ore, and coal, which have a high risk of liquefaction.
- Applied to assess the compaction characteristics of soil and aggregate materials, helping in road construction, dam building, and other civil engineering projects.
- Useful for assessing the compaction properties of mined materials to optimize storage and transport, reducing the risk of accidents and material loss.
- The test helps improve the handling and processing of bulk materials in industries like agriculture, cement, and chemicals, where moisture content can impact material flow and processing efficiency.
Visit our Applications page for our database of specific applications