Binder Ignition Oven Asphalt Starter Kit

Ignition Oven Asphalt Content: Starter Kit

Binder Ignition Oven Asphalt Starter Kit

The NCAT Furnace Starter Kit is required for the NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace for first use and operation. Kit includes four sample baskets, two basket covers, two trays, two basket retainer brackets, transport handle, aluminum cooldown plate, cooldown safety cage, fan motor lubricant, stainless steel basket brush and four rolls of printer paper. For extra safety the kit includes a face shield and heat resistant gloves.

• Starter Kit for NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace

• (4) Sample Baskets

• (2) Basket Covers

• (2) Trays

• (2) Basket Retainer Brackets

• (4) Rolls of Printer Paper

• Transport Handle

• Aluminum Cooldown Plate

• Cool Down Safety Cage

• Fan Motor Lubricant

• Face Shield

• Heat Resistant Gloves

• Stainless Steel Basket Brush

The Binder Ignition Furnace Oven Starter Kit is required for the NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace for first use and operation.

For extra safety the kit includes a face shield and heat resistant gloves. With everything you need in one kit the NCAT Furnace Starter Kit is designed to make the setup and operation of the Asphalt Content Furnace easy and trouble free.

In addition to the starter kit Certified MTP offers Lab Ovens, Grieve Ovens, Convection Ovens, Vacuum Ovens, Industrial Furnace Ovens, Rolling Thin Film Oven and more. Make sure your asphalt testing equipment is fully stocked and up to spec with the Binder Ignition Furnace Oven Starter Kit and other quality products from Certified MTP.

For more information and resources on asphalt testing solutions, equipment and technology check out our related blog posts on pavement performance, asphalt mix design, specific gravity testing and more. You can also explore our asphalt pavement testing equipment for high-quality tools and instruments. Stay informed and make informed decisions with Certified MTP.

Asphalt content testing is a critical step in ensuring the quality and durability of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mixtures. The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) has developed an environmentally friendly and cost effective method for determining asphalt content using the ignition method. This method is standardized under AASHTO T 308 and ASTM D6307, which provide protocols to ensure reliable and accurate asphalt content determination. This is the industry standard for asphalt content testing and it’s important to understand the benefits and applications of this technology. The ignition method gives accurate test results and is in line with modern environmental and economic considerations making it the preferred choice in asphalt technology.

Asphalt Content Determination Testing Methods

There are two ways to determine asphalt content: solvent extraction and ignition furnace. Solvent extraction methods use various solvents to separate the asphalt binder from an uncompacted HMA sample. The asphalt content is calculated as the percentage difference between the initial and final weights. However extraction methods have several drawbacks: high solvent costs, handling and disposal concerns.

The ignition furnace method uses a specially designed asphalt ignition furnace to burn the asphalt off a loose HMA sample. The remaining aggregate is then weighed and the asphalt content is calculated. This method is faster, more accurate and environmentally friendly than extraction methods. By eliminating the need for hazardous solvents the ignition furnace method and reduce ignition process emissions in environmental impact and safety risks making it the better choice for modern asphalt content testing.

Ignition Furnace and Oven Starter Kit

NCAT Asphalt Ignition Oven is a modern device for determining asphalt content by the ignition test method. The oven has a large heating chamber, triple stack basket set and internal electronic balance that monitors sample weight throughout the ignition test process. The oven temperature range is 392 to 1202°F (200 to 650°C) and is easy to operate: just sample weight, calibration factor and start. The furnace can also be operated in manual mode, allowing users to control the process beyond automatic endpoint detection. Once the sample is loaded and parameters are set, the furnace begins the burn-off cycle automatically.

The Ignition Furnace and Oven Starter Kit includes everything you need to get started with content testing: oven, sample load tested and refractory embedded heating elements. The refractory embedded heating elements are designed for extended service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. The kit for sample load tested items minimizes process emissions and gives accurate content determination. With all the components included the starter kit allows users to test content safely and efficiently and get reliable test results with minimal environmental impact. The furnace includes a data interface, such as an RS-232 port, for graphical data analysis and integration with external data systems. The automated features of the NCAT ignition oven contribute to saving technician time by streamlining the testing process.

Furnace and Correction Factor

The content furnace stands at the forefront of modern asphalt technology, providing a reliable and efficient means of determining content in hot mix asphalt (HMA) samples. Utilizing the ignition method, this equipment offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent extraction methods. With the ability to handle a load tested between 1,200 and 1,800 grams, the asphalt ignition delivers rapid results, typically completing tests within 30 to 40 minutes.

A key advantage of the content furnace is its advanced emission control system. To reduce ignition process emissions, the furnace is equipped with a high temperature afterburner and a proprietary ceramic filter, which together can process emissions by up to 95%. This not only ensures compliance with environmental standards but also promotes laboratory hygiene and safety, aligning with California EPA guidelines and OSHA recommendations.

Accurate determination of asphalt binder content hinges on the use of a correction factor. This factor compensates for aggregate mass loss that occurs during the ignition process, which can otherwise skew test results. The correction factor is established for each specific mix type prior to testing, ensuring that the calibrated content reflects the true composition of the HMA sample. The furnace software automatically compensates for weight changes due to temperature fluctuations, while the internal electronic balance and internal scale monitors continuously track sample weight throughout the test. This real-time monitoring allows the software to compute results with precision, providing a reliable measurement of asphalt binder content.

After the ignition test, the remaining aggregate is available for further analysis, such as a gradation test, to assess particle size distribution. This comprehensive approach supports quality control and mix design optimization in bituminous paving mixtures.

Compared to the solvent extraction method, which relies on hazardous chemicals and poses risks to both personnel and the environment, the ignition method is a safer and more sustainable choice. The asphalt ignition oven’s emission controls and elimination of solvents make it a friendly solution that meets the demands of modern content determination.

The California Transportation Department has also adopted this method as a standard, recognizing its accuracy, efficiency, and environmental benefits. These organizations emphasize the importance of proper calibration, regular maintenance, and the correct application of the correction factor to ensure test integrity.

It is crucial to determine the correction factor for each mix type before testing, as negative correction factors can occur if aggregate mass loss exceeds the asphalt binder content, leading to underestimation of content. By programming the furnace software to account for these factors, laboratories can ensure the accuracy and reliability of their results.

In summary, the content furnace and the use of a properly determined correction factor are essential for the accurate determination of content in HMA samples. The ignition method not only provides a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to solvent extraction but also ensures precise, repeatable results when best practices and guidelines are followed. This approach supports the ongoing advancement of technology and the production of high-quality, durable pavements.

Benefits and Applications

The ignition furnace method has many benefits and applications in the asphalt industry. Some of the advantages:

• Faster testing time than extraction methods

• More accurate content determination

• Friendly: reduces solvent costs, handling and disposal concerns

• Safer: software activated door lock and automatic interlock

• Graphical data analysis savings via RS-232 port

The ignition furnace method is used in the asphalt industry for quality control, research and development. It's a must have for ensuring the quality and durability of HMA mixtures. By giving quick and precise results it helps professionals make informed decisions and ultimately better pavement performance and longer lasting roads.