New loss on ignition analyser simplifies calculation of asphalt binder content of hot mix asphalts

Carbolite’s new ABA 7/35B Asphalt Binder Analyser simplifies and automates calculation of the asphalt binder content of hot mix asphalts (HMAs) used for in road surfacing. The system will be demonstrated for the first time in Europe at ACHEMA 2012.

This easy-to-use analyser is optimised for standard compliant tests to BS EN 12697-39-2004, ASTM 6307-10 and AASHTO T308-10 – standard test methods for determining the asphalt content of hot mix asphalt applying the ignition method.  The quality of an asphalt road depends on the correct mixture of aggregate (roadstone) and binder (bitumen) and the standard compliant tests pinpoint the proportion of binder (bitumen) holding together the aggregate (stone fragments) in tarmacadam road surfacing.
The ABA 7/35B’s intuitive touch screen interface is easy to use even when wearing gloves, for fast simple error-free operation.  Test recipes are easily stored, recalled and transferred between furnaces.  And with English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (simplified Mandarin) and Russian languages as standard, the control interface is suitable for widespread use around the world.
The Carbolite system provides automatic collection of weights and correction factors that helps to reduce errors and automatic end-point detection and results calculation increases testing speed and accuracy.  Test specific, end of test detection methods (percentage or absolute), aggregate correction factors and print outputs can all be selected using the analyser in order to comply with the standard test methods.  Permanent result reports can be printed or output to a USB flash drive.
A central controller takes weight measurements from the internal balance and is able to upload weights from compatible external balances. It also manages temperature control in both the main chamber and the afterburner.   During the test process the door is locked whilst the sample ignites and burns and then releases with a ‘test finished’ alarm when testing is complete. Logging test results is easy and multiple test methods / recipes can be stored.
The physical construction of Carbolite’s furnace, is a proven, robust, hard wearing design and the unit comprises a main chamber with durable heating elements able to run up to 750°C. The inclusion of an integrated high temperature afterburner helps reduce emissions and makes the loss on ignition technique more environmentally friendly.
“The new easy-to-use ABA 7/35B Asphalt Binder Analyser, which utilises a loss on ignition test method featuring an integrated weighing system that avoids the mess and chemical waste disposal issues of traditional solvent extraction based test methods, is already entering into extended trials with some of the UK’s largest asphalt producers in the next few weeks,” said Carbolite’s Product Manager, Alan Street.  “Featuring intuitive touch screen and automated calculation capabilities makes the ABA 7/35B an ideal solution for production quality assurance at a quarry or asphalt plant.  The system can also support on-site quality assurance by a contractor to protect their project warranties”.
The benefits of using the ABA 7/35B Asphalt Binder Analyser will be demonstrated by Carbolite’s representatives on Booth H49 in Hall 4.2 of ACHEMA 2012 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany from 18 – 22 June 2012.
For sales and technical information please contact:
Carbolite, Parsons Lane, Hope, Hope Valley, S33 6RB.
Tel: +44 (0) 1433 620011, Fax: +44 (0) 1433 621198,
E-mail: info@carbolite.com
www.carbolite.com