• New safer direct transmission
• Operator friendly: safe and easy to use
• Avoids NRC licensing* costs and paperwork
• Fast and accurate compaction tests to avoid penalties
Accudepth is a patented method for measuring just a thin top layer of asphaltic concrete, instead of a full depth reading that includes the underlying base material. Top lifts as thin as 3/4 inch (19 mm) to full depth can be measured accurately in 1/10 inch (3mm) increments.
Fast
The C-300 speeds backscatter testing of rough surfaces because the gauge’s unique Untouchable mode reduces surface preparation. In Untouchable, the reading is made with the gauge 1/4 inch above the surface for accurate measurement without touching the material. Save 5 minutes or more per test on difficult surfaces! Contact Reading Air Gap Reading
Avoid compaction penalties
With Accudepth without Accudepth Untouchable mode speeds testing 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the
Easy to Use
The C-300 is easy to learn and use. It is designed to minimize retraining of operators. The user interface is intuitive and employs sensors to simplify operation and avoid errors. The large display does not use cryptic abbreviations or nonstandard terms, which may lead to confusion.
• Simple on-screen instructions guide the user.
• Direct display of density, moisture, % compaction, and % air voids in English or metric units.
• One button testing: press Start Test and results appear automatically as measurements finish.
• Easy to carry with the C-300’s light and compact ergonomics.
• Large LCD screen is easy to read in direct sunlight and is backlit for night work. Using the Air Gap method, the Seaman C-300 provides accurate test results in asphalt, soils, and concrete. Air gap provides an excellent alternative to the direct transmission method in soils, and is of particular advantage in large granular and other hard materials where it may be difficult to make an access hole for the direct transmission method.
Accurate
The Seaman Nuclear Corporation Model C-300 Density Moisture Gauge uses the Air Gap Ratio method to achieve a unique combination of accuracy and safety in testing. The Air Gap method uses the ratio of two readings: one in contact with the surface, the other two inches above the surface. The Air Gap Ratio method meets ASTM D2922, D2950 and AASHTO T310. Air Gap dramatically reduces errors due to: material type, high surface temperature, side effect, and other field conditions. The C-300 is also the fastest gauge to start testing because there is no requirement to wait for 15 minutes for the gauge electronics to “stabilize”. The C-300 can begin testing within seconds of turning on the gauge.
New Safe Optional Direct Transmission
Now, a direct transmission system with a non-radioactive probe that contains a detector instead of a source! The radioactive source remains safe and protected inside the gauge. This design is unique to Seaman gauges and makes them by far the safest nuclear gauge available. C-300 safety benefits:
• No routine exposure to an unshielded radioactive source.
• No risk of an extended radioactive source rod being broken off causing a safety or environmental incident.
Safer for backscatter too!
The Seaman design eliminates risks associated with other nuclear gauges. The radioactive source always remains sealed and protected inside the gauge. When the handle is raised to carry the gauge, the source is automatically shielded. Other nuclear gauges employ an external shutter at the bottom of the gauge to shield the gamma source. This shield is opened and the source is lowered for backscatter or direct transmission testing. Because the shield mechanism rests against the test surface, dirt and grit are easily drawn into the gauge and can cause the shield to stick open, exposing the user to the unshielded source when the gauge is carried or cleaned. Regulatory agencies and manufacturers’ instructions warn users of this risk and require frequent disassembly, cleaning, and lubricating of the shield mechanism. This procedure requires compressed air, long handled tools, and care to avoid high radiation exposure, because when the shutter is removed for cleaning, the user is working with an unshielded source. These routine risks are avoided with the safe design of the C-300.
Safe Probe OK to clean by hand.
Document Your Results
Measurements can be stored and identified by project name, station, offset, and direction from the centerline. Tests are fully documented with time, date, lab density, and other key information. This data can be transferred to any spreadsheet or word processor. The C-300 can also output directly to a printer to produce instant documentation in a table format. Easy transfer of test results
Front-mounted probe makes tests easier because:
• It allows visibility of the hole for easy insertion of the probe into the test surface.
• It is unnecessary to hold the gauge in the air to guide the probe into the ground.
• It is easy to avoid knocking material into the prepared hole or otherwise damage the test sample.
• It is easy to clean the probe and its holder — and there is no exposure to an unshielded source. The C-300 automatically detects the presence and depth position of the probe, so the user simply presses the Start Test key to begin a measurement. When the probe is not needed it can be removed and placed in the case.
Technology for safe, fast, and easy testing
Specifications Measurement
Density range 80 – 170 PCF (1.28 – 2.72 kg/l)
Moisture range 0 – 50 PCF (0 – 0.8 kg/l)
Radiological
Gamma source 8 – 10 mCi (300 – 370 MBq) cesium 137, double encapsulated Neutron source 40 mCi (1.5 GBq) americium 241 beryllium, double encapsulated Optional gamma & neutron source 4.5 mCi radium 226 beryllium, double encapsulated (U.S.A. only)
Electrical
Power source 12 v. 3.0 Amp-hr sealed lead acid, gelled electrolyte battery. Running time 60 – 80 hours per battery. Easy swap of spare battery without tools. Display indicates battery voltage and time remaining. Automatic low voltage shut off to prevent error. Data port RS232, DB9 Connector, 4,800 – 38,400 baud. Display 4 x 40 alphanumeric LCD with back lighting and adjustable contrast. Data storage 1362 measurements. May be grouped in up to 998 projects.
Mechanical dimensions
Gauge 17 x 9.75 x 13.25 in. (43 x 25 x 34 cm) 38 lb (17 kg), 42 lb (19 kg) with direct transmission Accessories included Standard count reference, surface preparation plate, spare battery, charger, data cable, and operator’s manual. Direct transmission option includes a pin, puller, and hammer. Direct transmission (optional) Probe contains a detector and is not radioactive. 4 to 8 inch (100 to 200 mm) depth range in 2 inch (50 mm) increments. 12 inch (300 mm) maximum depth is also available. Accudepth Thin lift measurement regardless of base density. User selectable depth as thin as 3/4 inch (20 mm). Untouchable For reduced surface preparation. Trench mode For correction of moisture in side wall.
*No NRC Licensing
When equipped with the alternate natural source, there is no NRC licensing in 19 states and U.S. possessions. Avoid $2,000 annual fees and time-consuming administrative burden. Applicable in:
Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Model C-300 density moisture gauge exceeds applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards, and regulatory requirements for use and transportation throughout the
