ATS High Performance (RTFO) Rolling Thin Film Oven

ATS High Performance (RTFO) Rolling Thin Film Oven

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. The RTFO is manufactured with an advanced design and durable construction to ensure compliance with industry standards. 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: Constant Temperature Viscosity Bath, Digital flow meter, precision digital thermostat to maintain 163 °C temperature, control thermometer, lab water bath, ASTM 13C ventilation device, eight glass containers diameter 64x140 mm.

Includes a dual safety thermostat to prevent overheating.

Power supply: 230V 1ph 50-60Hz1700W

Dimensions:25x25x36 inches

Specifications

• Bench top unit w/ leveling legs

• Double walled stainless steel oven

• Touchscreen controller with step-through instructions

• High temperature silicon vacuum system to hold bottles in carriage

• Temperature programmable from 0°C to 200°C (temperature range: 0°C to 200°C)

• Maximum temperature: Up to 220°C

• Temperature recovery time in 6 minutes of specimen loading

• NIST traceable platinum RTD +/- 1°C

• NIST traceable digital flow meter 200-5,000 ml/min

• Programmable temperature, preheat, aging time, rotation speed and air flow

• USB Port on the front for data downloads and software updates

• VNC Viewer – remote monitoring with smart phone or tablet app

These ovens are equipped with precision components for accurate and repeatable testing. The heated environment provides precise temperature control for consistent results. The design ensures excellent repeatability of test results, and the recovery time after specimen loading is minimized for reliable testing performance.

Includes

• 8 specimen jars

• Stylus & clip

Introduction to Asphalt Binder Testing

Asphalt binder testing is a vital step in ensuring the long-term quality and durability of asphalt pavements. One of the most important methods used in this process is the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test. The RTFO test utilizes a thin film oven to replicate the short-term aging that asphalt binder undergoes during the manufacturing and placement of hot mix asphalt. By exposing a moving film of asphalt binder to controlled heat and air, the test closely simulates the conditions experienced in the field. This approach allows engineers to assess how the binder will perform under real-world stresses, making it a cornerstone of the Superpave PG binder specification. The thin film oven method provides critical data on the effect of heat and air on asphalt, helping to predict field performance and ensure that pavements meet rigorous standards for safety and longevity.

Background and History of RTFO

The evolution of asphalt binder testing began with the Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT), which aimed to simulate the aging process of asphalt binders. However, the TFOT relied on static heating, which did not accurately reflect the dynamic conditions found during actual pavement construction. To address these limitations, the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test was developed, introducing a rolling thin film exposure that more effectively mimics aging. This innovation allowed for more uniform and realistic aging of the asphalt binder, improving the reliability of test results. The RTFO test quickly became the industry standard, with its procedures codified in AASHTO T 240 and ASTM D 2872. These standards ensure that the thin film oven method delivers consistent, accurate, and repeatable results, making it an essential tool for evaluating asphalt binder performance and durability.

The Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test is a fundamental test method in asphalt binder evaluation, providing critical information about binder properties. The RTFO is a standardized test method, governed by AASHTO T240, used to simulate the short-term aging that occurs during asphalt manufacturing and placement. In this procedure, samples of asphalt binder are prepared and tested to evaluate how the material will perform under field conditions. These tests are widely used in the industry to ensure pavements meet design requirements and perform under different conditions. Accurate measurements are essential to determine the properties of the asphalt binder after testing. The test replicates real world aging, making it a must have for engineers and researchers.

Technology

Modern technology is engineered for precision, reliability, and ease of use. The film oven features a robust stainless steel interior and exterior, ensuring durable construction and long service life. Double exhaust vents enhance air flow and heat dissipation, while a platinum RTD sensor precisely controls temperatures within a tight range—typically from 50°C to 200°C, with a standard test temperature of 163°C ± 0.5°C. The oven’s advanced design includes a digital temperature display for real-time monitoring of the measured temperature, and a flow meter to accurately measure and control air flow throughout the test. These features guarantee reliable accuracy and repeatable results, even with minimal training. The straightforward operation and advanced technology of the thin film oven rtfo make it an indispensable tool for asphalt binder testing, supporting both routine quality control and advanced research applications.

Procedure

The test procedure is a step by step process to simulate asphalt binder aging. A thin film of asphalt binder is placed in a sample 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 on a moving film, closely simulating real-world aging conditions. It is important to thoroughly scrape and clean the sample bottles to ensure accurate residue removal. 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 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 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.