| Carbolite introduces the Asphalt Binder Analyser which is fully compliant with the latest ASTM, AASHTO and BS Draft standards specifying equipment and procedures in determining the asphalt binder content of hot mix asphalt/bituminous mixtures by the loss on ignition method. This method replaces the traditional solvent procedure and thereby not only avoids the health and environmental concerns associated with chlorinated solvents, but also the related expense of such chemicals. The ABA 7/35 asphalt binder analyser combines a sophisticated furnace and weighing system to continuously measure the weight loss of a bituminous mixture during combustion, and automatically calculates the binder content at the end of the test. |
|  The use of double skin construction ensures a safe and cooler outer case temperature. The analyser is designed for use as either a bench mounted model or can be positioned on an optional work height support stand. A door safety switch cuts power to the elements when the door is opened and a 180 deg side opening door allows complete access to the chamber opening. Low thermal mass insulation ensures that the asphalt binder furnace, rated at 750 deg C, is ready for use after only 30 minutes heat up time; this rapid heat up time allows the unit to be switched off between tests and eliminates the need for a 24 hour timer. Exposed element coils are recessed from the chamber opening and have the advantage of increased life due to lower element loading and the reduced risk of contamination build up on the element surface. An independantly controlled afterburner significantly reduces furnace emissions. The unit is designed to be fully compliant with the relevant standards, without requiring a filter system, thereby eliminating maintenance to clean filters. The analyser is supplied with two sets of sample trays, loading handle, cooling cage and printer paper. The furnace is rated for 8kW for operation on 208/240 volts, 50/60Hz, three phase or single phase, and the furnace holding power is approximately 3kW. The balance pan extension in the furnace chamber ensures that the sample tray is guided into position and is positively located within the chamber, ensuring ease of loading/unloading and preventing contact with the elements.  |
The balance can be simply calibrated using standard weights whilst in position. A lift compensation factor allows for the lift created by the volatile extraction fan and reduced air density.
The control panel incorporates the temperature controls for the main chamber and the afterburner, an easy to read dot matrix display where helpful step by step instructions, test set-up parameters and all test results are displayed, a printer that provides a permanent record of tests, and on/off power controls. Input of the sample start weight, which must always be weighed externally, can be entered either manually or uniquely and automatically via an optional second Ohaus balance connected to the unit via RS232 digital communications and eliminates the possiblity of operator error. Both ''asphalt mix' and 'dry aggregate' calibration factors can be determined automatically by the ABA unit. The unit has the unique advantage of being able to calculate the binder contents using calibration factors based on asphalt mixes and dry aggregate samples, without the need for a conversion between the two. Test set up parameters can be saved with the unique (customer specified) file names into libraries and easily recalled at a later date. The digital temperature controller (Carbolite model 201, which is designed exclusivey by Eurotherm) indicates the binder analyser furnace chamber temperature and can easily be activated to show the set temperature. The controller has a highly accurate self-tuning feature and ramp to set point capability and the superior design features eliminate the need for routine calibration. The push buttons are housed behind an integral and attractive wipe-clean membrane. |
