Asphalt Content Furnace

Proven ignition method for determining asphalt content.

NCAT, the National Center for Asphalt Technology has developped an environmentally friendly and cost effective method for determining asphalt content. A 12 lab round robin field test has been conducted by NCAT exclusively with the Thermo Scientific NCAT Asphalt tester. Results and proven performance are documented by NCAT. Thermo Scientific's NCAT tester provides asphalt content of bituminous paving moistures accurate to 0.11%. This method provides a clean aggregate sample for gradation analysis. 

Saves you time

• Ignition method reduces testing time as compared to solvent extraction's, 1200-1800 gram sample can be tested in 30-45 minutes.
• Unit can accommodate samples up to 4000 grams.
• Internal balance automatically monitors the sample weight throughout the ignition process. Balance accurate to within ±0.1 gram.
• 24-hour timer means the furnace will be ready for testing by the start of the work day.
• Unit performs the test automatically, this frees the technician to perform other duties in the lab.

Easy to operate

Simply enter sample weight, calibration factor, load, push start, push stop at beep, and sign receipt. 

Saves you money

• Standard 30 amp electrical services is required as compared to competitive models requiring costly 40-5- amp special supplies.
• No costly solvents or disposal expense is required for the ignition method.
• Rugged refractory embledded heating element plates, help protect the element wire during use for expanded service life.

Safety

• Eliminates the use of harmful solvents.
• Patented high temperature filtration system. The only system on the market utilizing a ceramic filter and a high temperature afterburner to help reduce emissions. Now permanently fixed in the upper area of the furnace. Assembly no longer required. Allows full use of the 14" x 14" x 14" chamber.
• Door safety interlock removes power from the heating elements upon opening during test process.
• Full 180 degree door swing for safe loading and unloading. Door hinge also has stop to prevent opened foor from floating closed.

Software

• Input of positive or negative correction factors.
• Automatic endpoint detection within 0.01%. Sensitivity adjustable from 0.01% to 0.04%.
• New software allows you choose between automatic and manual test mode...
• Automatic - Endpoint is detected, unit ends test, print out results, furnace idles at set point temperature.
• Manual - Endpoint is detected, furnace beeps until the stop test button is depressed. Unit then print out results and idles at set point temperature.
• Automatic temperature compensation. Adjusts for weight change due to sample and basket assembly temperature change. This is computed for each sample load tested, unlike competitive models that assign a fixed number to a given range of load sizes.
• New software gives test results as, calibrated asphalt content per weight of HMA sample or bitumen ratio per weight of aggregate.
• RS232 port provides data interface with personnal computer for graphical data analysis.

Features

• Hard copy print-out eleminates need to document results and eliminates transcription errors.
• Unit continuously monitors sample weight, chamber temperature and time.
  • Sample sizes - up to 4000 grams
  • Automatic endpoint detection within .01% with audible endpoint notice
  • True balance accuracy is ±0.1 gram
  • Automatic load temperature compensation
  • Internal balance
  • Printout of test results
  • Test data displayed during test
  • RS232 output interfaced with your PC provides storage of 1000 plus test results
  • Combination filter-fan system enhances ignition and filters exhaust to an acceptable level
  • 24 hour start timer
  • Positive or negative input of aggregate calibration factor
  • Complies with AASHTO draft #1 and ASTM draft #3 as prepared by NCAT and submitted on 5/3/96