ATS High Performance (RTFO) Rolling Thin Film Oven
RTFO High Performance New model with improved performance and technology to study the significant aging phenomena on traditional and new bituminous binders using a moving film. The frame and the internal chamber are made of stainless steel with a large door to see the test room. This new version is fully controlled by 7’’ digital touch-screen panel for test temperatures, start and stop carriage rotation and ventilation system. Also, when the test starts, the internal room temperature, the air flow and the carriage speed (15 rpm +/- 0.2) are displayed in real time on the digital screen.
Supplied with: Digital flow meter Precision digital thermostat to maintain 163 °C temperature Control thermometer ASTM 13C Ventilation device, eight glass containers diameter 64x140 mm.
Includes a dual safety thermostat to prevent overheating.
Power supply: 230V 1ph 50-60Hz 1700W
Dimensions: 25x25x36 inches
Specifications
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Bench top unit w/ leveling legs
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Double wall construction stainless steel oven
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Touchscreen controller with step-through instructions
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High temperature silicon vacuum system to hold bottles in carriage
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Up to 220°C
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Temperature recovery in 6 minutes of specimen loading
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NIST traceable platinum RTD +/- 1°C
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NIST traceable digital flow meter 200-5,000 ml/min
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Programmable temperature, preheat, aging time, rotation speed and air flow
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USB Port on the front for data downloads and software updates
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VNC Viewer – remote monitoring with smart phone or tablet app
Includes
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8 specimen jars
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Stylus & clip
What is RTFO Testing
The Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test is a fundamental test in asphalt binder evaluation, it provides critical information. By simulating the short-term aging that occurs during asphalt manufacturing and placement, the RTFO test helps to predict how asphalt pavements will behave over time. This test is required in the asphalt industry to ensure pavements meet design requirements and perform under different conditions. The RTFO test replicates real world aging processes, it’s a must have for engineers and researchers.
RTFO Test Procedure
The RTFO test procedure is a step by step process to simulate asphalt binder aging. A thin film of asphalt binder is placed in a glass bottle, the bottle is then secured in a rotating carriage in the oven. The oven is set to 163°C (325°F) and the carriage rotates at 15 rpm for 85 minutes. This controlled environment exposes the asphalt binder to heat and air, the same way it ages in real world. The test measures the mass change of the asphalt binder, the result is a percentage that represents its performance and durability.
Test Procedure and Equipment
The RTFO test involves a series of steps from sample preparation to data collection. The test requires special equipment, thin film oven, rotating carriage and glass bottles. The oven is designed to control temperature within a narrow control failure temperature range, for accuracy and simplicity. This is critical to the test results integrity. The procedure is standardized and detailed in AASHTO T 240 and ASTM D 2872, so you can be sure of consistency from test to test.
How to Read RTFO Test Results
Reading the RTFO test results is key to evaluate asphalt binders. The main metric is the mass change of the asphalt binder, expressed as a percentage of the initial mass. This data is used to calculate the binder’s viscosity and other properties which in turn will predict the asphalt pavement behavior. Also the results can evaluate the effectiveness of asphalt binder modifiers and other additives, to improve pavement performance and life.
The RTFO test has many benefits, that’s why it’s the preferred test in the asphalt industry. Its ability to simulate short term aging with high accuracy and reliability means the test results are both accurate and relevant. The simple operation of the test equipment makes it easy to use with minimal training. The RTFO test is used to evaluate asphalt binders and predict pavement performance, research and development to test new asphalt binder modifiers and additives. This test is a must have to ensure asphalt pavements meet design specifications and perform over time, for safer and longer lasting roads.
