Penetration Test

Overview

Penetration test – this test determines whether the Transportable Moisture Limit has been reached. At its simplest a sample of the material under test is placed in a cylinder and a weight placed on top. The cylinder is subjected to vibration to test its shear strength. If the sample has sufficiently high shear strength the weight will not sink; conversely if the sample has low shear strength it will liquefy and the weight will sink. This test is an alternative to the Flow Table Test, which is more complex and requires special expertise, such as that provided by Inspectorate, to determine whether or not a cargo has a Transportable Moisture Point that is sufficiently below the Transportable Moisture Limit. Both penetration and flow table tests must be carried out with a great deal of expertise and care.

The penetration test is used for coarse cargos such as coal where the Flow Table Test is not suitable.