Asphalt Content Furnace

Gilson Asphalt Content Furnace: Precision and Efficiency in Pavement Analysis

The Gilson Asphalt Content Furnace is an indispensable tool for engineers and technicians engaged in quality control and research for hot-mix asphalt (HMA). Designed for accurate and reliable asphalt content determination, this robust, manually operated furnace fully complies with stringent ASTM D6307 and AASHTO T308 standards, ensuring your test results are always defensible and precise.

Unparalleled Efficiency and Accuracy: Capable of processing standard 1,200–1,800g HMA samples in a remarkably quick 30–45 minutes, the Gilson furnace significantly boosts laboratory throughput. For larger samples, it accommodates up to 3,000g, allowing for greater representativeness in challenging mix designs. Despite its manual operation, this furnace rivals and often surpasses the accuracy and processing times of more complex automatic-weighing units, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising performance.

Optimized Combustion Process: The furnace operates by heating the asphalt sample, causing the binder portion to ignite. This process is meticulously controlled to ensure complete combustion. The main chamber's temperature rises above the setpoint, peaks, and then gradually returns as coke-type residual products are thoroughly burned off. For new mix designs, the decoking period can be precisely determined by returning the sample for an additional 5–10 minute burn cycle, confirming completion when a stable total weight is achieved. This repeatable process guarantees accurate asphalt content measurement.

Advanced Exhaust and Safety Systems: Environmental responsibility and operator safety are paramount. As the asphalt ignites, volatilized components of the binder are directed into a high-temperature afterburner chamber. Here, they undergo complete oxidation, effectively neutralizing harmful emissions. Large volumes of room air are drawn in to rapidly cool the exhaust, ensuring safe discharge to the outside. Any residual particulate matter is efficiently captured by a disposable in-line filter, maintaining a clean and safe working environment. For enhanced safety, the furnace remains securely locked during operation and throughout the crucial cool-down phase until internal temperatures reach a safe level for handling.

Intuitive Control and Programmability: The easy-to-operate digital controller features a large, bright display, providing clear visibility of operating temperatures, times, setpoints, and menu functions. This user-friendly interface allows for the storage of up to ten timed programs, each with specific chamber and afterburner time and temperature setpoints. This programmability ensures consistency and repeatability across various HMA types and testing protocols. An integrated preset function allows for scheduled furnace activation, eliminating warm-up waiting times and maximizing lab efficiency. Furthermore, the versatile controller supports custom programs with multiple ramps and dwells, extending its utility to other laboratory applications such as glassware cleaning.

Robust Construction and Global Adaptability: Constructed with a durable stainless steel case, the furnace features a convenient drop-down door that doubles as a stable shelf for easy and ergonomic sample tray handling. High-quality Kanthal A-1 heating elements ensure long-term performance and are easily accessible for inexpensive replacement, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. The Gilson Asphalt Content Furnace boasts exceptional electrical versatility, convertible during installation to operate on a wide range of single or three-phase electrical supplies (208 to 380V at 50 or 60Hz), with current draws from 16 to 45 amps. A NEMA 6-50 Cord Set is supplied, making it suitable for laboratories worldwide.

Key Features of the Gilson Asphalt Content Furnace:

• Manual Precision: Simple, reliable operation delivering highly accurate asphalt content determinations for samples up to 3,000g.
• Performance Parity: Achieves accuracy and processing times comparable to, or exceeding, automated systems.
• Enhanced Safety: A robust locking mechanism ensures the unit remains sealed until a safe cool-down temperature is reached.
• Environmental Compliance: High-temperature afterburner and in-line particulate filter ensure clean exhaust and safe operation.
• Programmable Control: User-friendly digital controller with storage for up to ten custom test programs and a time-saving preset function.
• Durable Design: Stainless steel construction with a drop-down door for convenient sample handling and easily replaceable Kanthal A-1 heating elements.
• Global Compatibility: Adaptable to various single or three-phase electrical supplies for worldwide use.

Asphalt Content Furnace Included Items:

• Gilson Asphalt Content Furnace
• Two Sample Baskets
• Basket Cover
• Sample Tray
• Tray Handling Fork
• Two Ceramic Hearth Plates
• Exhaust Filter
• Filter Holder

Specifications:

• Specimen Size: Up to 3,000g
• Maximum Temperature: 1,093°C (1999.4°F)
• Electrical: 240V/50-60Hz, 45 Amps, 10,800 Watts, 1 phase (convertible)
• Plug Rating: NEMA 6-50 Cord Set
• Chamber Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 9in (533 x 533 x 229mm), WxDxH
• Product Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 43in (1,092 x 762 x 1,092mm), WxDxH
• Estimated Weight: 542.0lb (245.85kg)

Meets Test Methods:

• AASHTO T308
• ASTM D 6307