When paving with Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) it's important that the properties of the material being laid down match what is called for in the mix design. One of the most basic factors to test for is the asphalt content of the material. There are two popular options to determine this value and both are relatively simple. The first employs solvent in a number of methods to separate the asphalt from the aggregate and filler materials. The other is to use an Ignition Furnace that ignites the asphalt, or bitumen burning it away. Once the asphalt is removed from the specimen and the percent content is calculated, gradation can be performed on the aggregate left behind.
The Binder Ignition method was developed at The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), and both ASTM and AASHTO have established standard test methods for the procedure. The asphalt content is determined by the binder fraction. A specially designed asphalt ignition furnace is heated to a chamber temperature of 538ºC to ignite and burn the asphalt off of a loose HMA sample. This procedure is complete in about 30 to 40 minutes for samples from 1,200 to 1,800g, and slightly longer for samples up to 3,000g. The remaining aggregate is then weighed, initial and final weights are compared, and the asphalt content is calculated. A correction factor is sometimes required to compensate for a small amount of mineral content burned away from the aggregate. Aggregate grading is then determined with standard sieve analysis.
The unit provides asphalt content of bituminous paving mixtures accurate to 0.11%, with a fast, environmentally friendly, and cost effective method of determining asphalt content.
A 1200-1800 g sample of asphalt can be tested in 30-45 minutes using this Content Furnace.
Furnace has an internal scale, which automatically monitors the sample weight throughout the ignition process, saving valuable technician time and increasing productivity in the lab.
The ignition method replaces the costly and time consuming solvent extraction method.
The automatic door-lock feature prevents opening the chamber door during the critical test time for operator safety and testing integrity.
Our System has the capability to accept positive or negative correction factors for use with mixes containing hydrated lime.
- Ignition method reduces testing time and costs.
- Samples up to 5000 g.
- No exposure to harmful solvents.
- Patented ceramic filter reducing emissions by 95%.
- Automatic and manual mode.
- Automatic weight compensation for each sample load tested.
Standards: AASHTO T308-10, ASTM D6307-10, BSEN 12697-39:2012
This unique furnace automatically detects endpoint within .01% of the sample weight.
In the automatic mode, the endpoint automatically is detected; the software ends the test, prints out the results and beeps.
In the manual mode, the unit begins to beep but will continue to test until the user presses “stop” to end it.
Once the “stop” button has been pressed, the door will unlock and the results will be printed.
Supplied complete with 4 basktes, 2 trays, 2 covers, handle, cooling cage, insulated plate, gloves, face shield, 4 rolls of printer tape.
Overall dimensions: 552x654x933 mm
Chamber Dimensions: 355x355x355 mm
Power supply: 230V 1ph 50Hz 4800W 20A
Temperature range: 200...650 °C
Weight: 120 kg approx.