NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace

NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace

Asphalt Content Analysis

Asphalt content analysis is the foundation of quality and durability of roads, highways and other paved surfaces. By accurately determining the asphalt content in bituminous paving mixtures, engineers and technicians can verify the mix meets design specifications and performance standards using a variety of asphalt tools. The NCAT furnace is the trusted solution for this process using the ignition method to quickly and precisely determine asphalt content. With its internal electronic balance the furnace monitors the sample throughout the test, saves technician time and delivers reliable results. It can handle unique mix characteristics and larger sample testing making it versatile for various mixtures. The high temperature afterburner minimizes emissions so each test is both effective and environmentally friendly. Whether for routine quality control or research the furnace simplifies the process of determining asphalt content and building durable infrastructure.

NCAT Oven: Furnace with Embedded Heating Elements

The NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace (also known as an asphalt ignition oven) has an electronic balance that automatically monitors the sample weight throughout the ignition process, saves technician time and increases productivity in the lab. Just enter the sample weight and mixed design calibration factor for your mix design, put the sample in the furnace chamber and the operator presses the “start” button to begin the test. When the test is complete the system will automatically stop the test and print the results. A periodic “beep” will let you know the test is complete. Hit “stop” and the chamber door will unlock and you can remove the sample and let it cool for gradation analysis

Asphalt binder ignition is an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to determine asphalt content of mixtures and ensure high quality and economical asphalt product. Asphalt binder ignition testing is faster than solvent extraction and offers reduced testing costs. A 1,200-1,800g sample of asphalt can be tested in 30-45 minutes with the Furnace, reduces testing time compared to traditional methods. The unit can test up to 5,000g samples at extended testing times, making it suitable for high volume testing and larger or more complex samples. Asphalt binder ignition testing eliminates the cost of solvent, the secondary cost of solvent disposal and the safety concerns of handling solvent in the lab.

Furnace software has automatic or manual test modes. In automatic mode the software will stop the test when the endpoint is reached, print the results and “beep”. The system will automatically end the test once the endpoint is reached, for safety and efficiency. It will continue to beep until “stop” is pressed to unlock the door. In manual mode the unit will “beep” when the endpoint is reached but will continue to test until “stop” is pressed, then print the results and unlock the door. Positive or negative correction factors can be entered to correct for unique mix characteristics. Weight change due to sample and basket assembly temperature change is automatically compensated for each sample tested. The automatically detected endpoint of the test cycle is reached when the weight loss from the sample is less than a user established setpoint between 0.01% and 0.5% for three consecutive readings. Test results are calculated as asphalt content per total weight of HMA sample or bitumen ratio per weight of dry aggregate to ±0.11%, for accurate results as part of the asphalt content analysis.

The furnace is pre-heated to a setpoint temperature between 450°-650°C (842°-1,202°F). The default setpoint temperature is 538°C (1,000°F), which is the standard operating condition for asphalt content testing. The hot-mix asphalt sample is weighed and divided into two screened baskets on a tray assembly. This complete assembly is placed in the chamber on the furnace hearth tray. Once the door is closed and the test started the door will not open until the test is complete. During ignition and burn-out the volatiles released are further oxidized in a high temperature afterburner with a patented ceramic filter heated to 750°C (1,382°F). This has been shown to reduce ignition process emissions by up to 95%, for consistent results.

The furnace controller has a 24/7 timing function that can be user programmed to preheat the furnace to any time the operator sets and to set custom weight loss parameters for endpoint detection. A secure, automatic door-locking system provides operator safety and test integrity during critical burn-off times. The modular, embedded heating elements provide extended service life and easy, inexpensive replacement. An RS-232 port for data interface with a personal computer for graphical data analysis.The furnace comes with the electronic balance, Hearth Tray, six Fuses and an operation manual. The Starter Kit is required and includes; two Sample Basket Assemblies, Transport Handle, Aluminum Cool Down Plate, Cool Down Safety Cage, four rolls of Printer Paper, Basket Brush and Motor Lubricant. For added safety the kit includes Head Gear with Face Shield and Heat Resistant Gloves. Order additional Sample Basket Assemblies for quicker sample preparation and more sample throughput.

Chamber Dimensions: 14x14x14in (35.5x35.5x35.5mm), WxDxH.

Overall Dimensions: 21.75x26.63x40.5in (54.3x65.1x102.9mm), WxDxH.

Electric: 240V/60Hz, 1-Ph, 20/27 Amp

Furnaces are not supplied with power cords and must be hard-wired directly to a suitable electrical supply or supplied with a cord and plug by the user.

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T308, ASTM D 6307, and ASTM C143 (concrete slump test). For accurate results in these tests, use a Steel Concrete Slump Cone, Metric Equivalent.

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) played a key role in developing and standardizing the asphalt content furnace, ensuring it meets industry standards and is environmentally friendly.

Features

The NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace is designed to provide accurate and efficient determination of asphalt content in mixtures. For safe and effective operation, consider using an Asphalt Content Furnace Vent Kit to properly vent combustion air and exhaust gases. Here are some key features and benefits of the furnace:

• Sample Testing: The NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace accommodates larger sample testing, reducing labor and costs. This feature allows for the testing of bigger sample sizes, making it ideal for high-volume testing applications. By handling sample loads of up to 5,000g, it ensures comprehensive analysis and reliable results.

• Ignition Method: Utilizing the ignition method to determine asphalt content, the furnace offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to solvent extraction. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their disposal, significantly reducing testing costs and environmental impact.

• Refractory Embedded Heating Elements: The furnace features refractory embedded heating elements, which provide extended service life and are easy to replace. This design ensures efficient and effective operation, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

• Manual Mode: For greater control over the testing process, the furnace can be operated in manual mode. This feature is particularly useful for applications requiring specific testing parameters, allowing technicians to tailor the process to their needs.

• Data Output: Data output for graphical analysis

• Sample Load: Up to 5,000g

• Auto Sample Stability: Auto detects sample stability

• Afterburner: 95% reduction in ignition emissions

• Calibrated Asphalt Content: Calibrated asphalt content results

• Bituminous Paving Mixtures: For construction and transportation industry

• Ignition Test: Ignition test method

• Solvent Extraction: No solvent extraction required

Applications and Features

The furnace is used in construction, maintenance and research for content analysis. One of its biggest benefits is the 95% reduction in ignition emissions due to the ceramic filter and high performance refractory heating elements. This makes the furnace environmentally friendly and extends the life and reduces maintenance. The NCAT furnace’s software automatically compensates for weight changes due to temperature fluctuations in the sample and basket assembly so test results are accurate and consistent. With auto mode, users have full control over endpoint detection and can tailor testing protocols to their project requirements. The RS-232 port provides a data interface to a personal computer for graphical data analysis and printing of test results. This makes data management easy and allows for review and sharing of results. Technicians can save time, increase productivity and maintain high quality and safety in pavement construction. The furnace is the tool of choice for anyone involved in the analysis and quality control of bituminous paving mixtures.