Aging (PAV, VDO, RTFO, TFO)

Pressure Ageing Vessel PAV and Vacuum Degassing Oven VDO

The ageing of asphalt binders during service is affected by ambient temperature and other mixture-associated variables, such as component proportions in the mix, aggregate properties and many more. Short term aging (2 years or less) can be simulated in laboratory by using a Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFOT), while long term aging (more than 7 years) can be simulated with a Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV).

Pressure Aging Vessel PAV

The Pressure Aging Vessel has been developed to simulate in-service aging of binders.

Standards ASTM D6521 EN 14769 AASHTO R28

Pressure Ageing Vessel PAV 81-PV2600
Description

 

The Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) has been developed to simulate in-service aging of asphalt binder after 5 to 10 years. The binder is exposed to high pressure and temperature for 20 or 65 hours (selectable up to 99) to simulate the effect of long-term oxidative aging.

The aging of asphalt binders during service is affected by ambient temperature and by mixture-associated variables, such of component proportions in the mix, aggregate properties and many more. This conditioning process is intended to provide an evaluation of the relative resistance of asphalt binders to oxidative aging at selected elevate temperatures and pressures. It is normally performed after initial conditioning using a Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFOT).

Residue from this conditioning practice may be used to estimate the physical and chemical properties of asphalt binders after several years of i-service aging in the field and to compare these properties to pre-conditioning test results of the same binder.

The Pressure Aging Vessel PAV can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.

The apparatus consists of stainless steel (AISI 304 with ASME and CE certifications) pressure vessel with encased band heaters and internal pressure and temperature controls. Data logs of both temperature and pressure are saved on USB stick or transferred to PC at the end of the test.

The user-friendly software allows the operator to view the vessel temperature and pressure in real-time, both asset targets ad actual values, with a high rate of a refresh. It is also possible to view, in real time, the temperature and pressure graphs.

The instruments feature PID temperature control and highly efficient heaters that allow heating rate and temperature control exceeding the Standards’ specifications.

Pre-heating of the instrument can be programmed (maximum 60° C for safety reasons) to allow the operator to find the PAV ready for the next test at any time. An acoustic alarm advises the operator when the test is finished.

The PAV requires a suitable compressed air tank with, 2.1Mpa minimum pressure.
This could be for example an air compressor or commercial bottled air, depending on reference standards.

 

 
 
 
Main features
  • Platinum RTD temperature internal measurement to +/- 0.1° C
  • Freely selectable test temperatures from 80° to 120°C, PID controlled to +/- 0.5°C  
  • Efficient heating system allowing the test temperature to be achieved in one hour, exceeding the Standards’ specification
  • Programmable pre-heating functions (limited to 60° C to avoid accidental burns during sample rack positioning) for time optimization
  • Pressure monitored by transducer and controlled to 2.1 +/- 0.1 MPa
  • User friendly software allows real time readout of vessel temperature and pressure
  • 6″ colour touch screen reclinable display
  • Temperature and pressure calibrations performable by the user
  • CE and ASME certified pressure vessel
  • Electrically locked top cover, to avoid direct exposure of the pressure vessel during the test
  • Forced ventilation cooling system allowing quick cooling of sample rack to avoid accidental burn
  • Over temperature limit switch
  • Over pressure relief valve
Products
81-PV2600

Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) conforming to ASTM D6521, AASHTO R28, EN 14769. 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph

 
81-PV2600/Z
Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) conforming to ASTM D6521, AASHTO R28, EN 14769. 110V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
Technical specifications
  • Working temperature range: 80 to 120° C
  • Temperature measurement: Platinum RDT with +/- 0.1 resolution
  • Testing time: up to 99 hours
  • Power: 1000 W
  • Dimensions, mm (l x w x h): 430 x 660 x 480
  • Weight (approx.): 90 kg
Accessories
81-PV2600/1
Spare sample container (TFOT pan) for PAV
 
81-PV2600/2
Spare sample rack for PAV

Rolling Thin Film Ovens (RTFO)

To simulate the short-term ageing of binders.

Standards ASTM D2872 AASHTO T240 EN 12607-1

Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO)
Description
These ovens are used for measuring the effect of heat and air on a moving film of semi-solid bituminous materials. The internal chamber is made from stainless steel, insulated with fiberglass or similar, with an external frame made from engine-turned stainless steel and a door with a centrally located window.
Special attention has been given to the safety features which conform to CE requirements. 

The Rolling thin film ovens (RTFOT) can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.

The oven is supplied complete with flow meter, ASTM 13C thermometer and 8 heat resistant glass containers (64 m high x 140 mm diameter).
The oven must be connected to a compressed air source supplying 2 bar minimum presure. If not available in the laboratory we recommend to order Diaphragm pump (see accessories).
 
Version available:
  • 81-PV1632, PV1633 and PV1634 conforming to ASTM/AASHTO standards
  • 81-PV1642 conforming to EN standard
Main features
  • Capacitive touch-screen display with 7” color control panel, including temperature/time graph, timer function, visual warnings and digital air flow regulator
  • Full conformity to temperature specifications (time to reach target temperature after switch on, target temperature adjustment after samples insertion) from the Standards
  • Able to maintain a temperature of 163°C ± 0.5°C, or any other user defined test temperature between ambient and 200°C
  • Safety features: Automatic over-temperature switch, door switch, internal light, alarm for door open with fan still running; magneto-thermic switch
  • Integral stainless steel structure, internal and external
  • Door with double-glazed window
  • Door locking system allowing easy opening also with busy hands
Products
81-PV1642

RFTOT Asphalt oven for rolling thin film oven test. EN version, complete with ASTM 13C thermometers and 8 glass container. 230V/50Hz/1ph

 
81-PV1632

RFTOT Asphalt oven for rolling thin film oven test. ASTM version, complete with ASTM 13C thermometers and 8 glass container. 230V/50Hz/1ph

 
81-PV1633

RFTOT Asphalt oven for rolling thin film oven test. ASTM version, complete with ASTM 13C thermometers and 8 glass container. 220V/60Hz/1ph

 
81-PV1634

RFTOT Asphalt oven for rolling thin film oven test. ASTM version, complete with ASTM 13C thermometers and 8 glass container. 110V/60Hz/1ph

Technical specifications

Construction: full stainless steel, interior and exterior
Temperature range: from +50 to +200°C (default 163°C) ± 0.5°C
Air flow: adjustable from 0.1 to 10’000 ml/min

External connections:
– USB connection for USB pendrive connection, allowing to upload or save test profiles (including temperature, flow meter and carousel speed setpoints and PID settings)
– Serial connection allowing to remotely upload and download test profiles from PC

Safety features:
– Automatic over-temperature switch
– Door switch
– Internal light
– Alarm for door open
– Test phase completed alarm
– Magnetothermic switch

Power: 3000 W
External dimensions: 750 x 750 x 900 mm (w x d x h)
Weight: approx. 110 kg
Accessories
82-PV0160/10MF
Loss on heat thermometer IP 47C ASTM 13C, range +155 to +170°C, mercury free with alternative liquid
 
81-PV0161/10
Spare glass container
 
81-PV0161/12
Diaphragm pump for 81-PV16XX RTOFT oven 110-230V/50-60Hz/1Ph
 
81-PV0161/13
Scraper for RTFOT bottle
 
81-PV0161/14
Metal rack for holding/cooling RTFOT bottles
 
81-PV0161/15
RTFOT bottle tong

TFOT Bitumen Oven

Used for determining the loss in mass of binders.

Standards EN 13303 ASTM D6 ASTM D1754 AASHTO T47 AASHTO T179 BS 2000 EN 12607-2

81-B0160/C
Description
Used for determining the loss in mass (exclusive of water) of oil and bituminous and the effect of heat and air on a film of semi-solid bituminous material. Depending on the standard in use, the TFOT oven has to be completed with the accessory to perform the test as follows:
For EN 13303, ASTM D6, AASHTO T47, BS 2000, NF T66-011, CNR No. 50 select accessory 81-B0160/1
For EN 12607-2, ASTM D1754, AASHTO T179, UNE 7110 select accessory 81-B0160/2.

The TFOT bitumen oven can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.

See accessories.
Products
81-B0160/C

TFOT (Thin-Film Oven Test) bitumen oven to EN 12607-2, 13303, ASTM D6, D1754, AASHTO T47, T179. 230V, 50Hz, 1ph.

 
81-B0160/CY
TFOT (Thin-Film Oven Test) bitumen oven to EN 12607-2, 13303, ASTM D6, D1754, AASHTO T47, T179. 220V, 60Hz, 1ph.
 
81-B0160/CZ

TFOT (Thin-Film Oven Test) bitumen oven to EN 12607-2, 13303, ASTM D6, D1754, AASHTO T47, T179. 110V, 60Hz, 1ph.

 
Technical specifications
  • Internal chamber made from stainless steel
  • Insulation with fiberglass or similar
  • External frame made from enameled steel
  • Temperature control by contact thermometer
  • Door with double panel window
  • Power: 1300 W
  • Internal dimensions: 330x330x330 mm
  • Outside dimensions: 500x500x900 mm
  • Weight approx.: 35 kg
Accessories
81-B0160/1
Rotating shelf with 9 containers 55 x 35 mm dia for loss on heating
 
81-B0160/2
Rotating shelf for thin film oven test, 316 mm dia
 
82-PV0160/10MF
Loss on heat thermometer IP 47C ASTM 13C, range +155 to +170°C, mercury free with alternative liquid

Vacuum Degassing Oven VDO

VDO is designed to remove air bubbles created during PAV ageing.

Standards ASTM D6521 EN 14769 AASHTO R28

Vacuum Degassing Oven VDO 81-PV2610
Description
Most Standards make degassing oven of the PAV-aged asphalt samples mandatory. The Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) is designed to remove air bubbles created during accelerated oxidative ageing of asphalt binder by the PAV. This final conditioning makes the aged binder suitable for further tests such as BBR, DSR, penetration, ductility, softening point and many more.

The apparatus consists of a stainless vacuum vessel with encased band heaters and integlral vacuum and temperature controls. A platinum RTD measures internal test temperature to +/- 0.1° C. Selectable test temperatures (from ambient to 200° C) are controlled to +/- 4.0° C.

The Vacuum Degassing Oven VDO can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.

Vacuum is provided by an integrated vacuum system and monitored by a pressure transducer and controlled to achieve 15 kPa absolute pressure.Temperature and vacuum are indicated both as set points and as actual values on the 6″ digital color touch screen display. Temperature and vacuum calibratin can be site executed. Data logs of both temperature and vacuum are saved on USB stick or transferred to PC at the end of the test.

The vacuum chamber can accept either eight 55×35 mm or four 70×45 mm (available as accessories) sample containers. The instrument is supplied complete with temperature traceable calibration certificate, 8 aluminium 55×35 mm sample containers,a  double face sample holder and operator’s manual.
Main features
  • Platinum RTD temperature internal measurement to +/- 0.1° C
  • Selectable test temperature (from ambient to 200° C) controlled to +/- 4.0°C
  • Integrated vacuum pump
  • Vacuum monitored by transducer and controlled to 15 +/-0.1 kPa absolute pressure
  • Digital touch screen 6″ display for temperature, vacuum, set points and actual values
  • Reclining display allowing view from any angle
  • Over temperature limit switch
Products
81-PV2610

Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) – meets AASHTO R28, ASTM D6521 and EN 14769 test standards – 230V, 50-60Hz, 1Ph

 
81-PV2610/Z
Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) – meets AASHTO R28, ASTM D6521 and EN 14769 test standards – 110V, 60Hz, 1Ph
Technical specifications
  • Working temperature range: ambient to 200° C
  • Temperature measurement: Platinum RTD with +/- 0.1° C resolution
  • Pressure measurement: pressure transducer wit +/- 1 kPa resolution 
  • Power: 600 W
  • Dimensions, mm (l x w x h): 430 x 440 x 480
  • Weight (approx.): 30 kg
Accessories
81-PV2610/1
Sample containers 55×35 mm – set of 8 pcs.
 
81-PV2610/2
Sample containers 70×45 mm – set of 4 pcs.

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