Thermo Scientific NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace

A 12 lab round robin field test was conducted by NCAT exclusively with this furnace. Results and proven performance are documented by NCAT.

• Asphalt content of bituminous paving mixtures is accurate to 0.11%.
• Samples up to 5000 grams are accommodated. Testing larger samples reduces the total samples needed for testing each day, reducing labor and costs.

• Ignition method reduces testing time when compared to solvent extraction. A 1200–1800 gram asphalt sample can be tested in 30-45 minutes.
• Internal scale monitors sample weight throughout the process, saving technician time and increasing productivity because samples don’t have to be removed and weighed.
• Standard 30 amp electrical service is used, not 50 amp service, which costs more to install and operate.
• Ignition method replaces the costly and time consuming solvent extraction method by eliminating the cost of solvent and solvent disposal. Cost analysis has shown that the average asphalt producer can pay for the cost of the furnace in as little as 26-32 weeks based on solvent cost savings alone.
• Modular design of refractory embedded heating elements provides extended service life and inexpensive and easy replacement.

• You are not exposed to harmful solvents.
• Automatic door-lock prevents door opening during the critical test time, protecting you and ensuring test integrity.
• High temperature afterburner is used with a patented ceramic filter to reduce ignition process emissions by up to 95%.
• Independent laboratory study, conducted with the California Transportation Department in accordance with California EPA guidelines, showed emissions from the furnace during the ignition test were within EPA parameters. A laboratory hygiene study, conducted in accordance with OSHA guidelines, proved the system poses no health threats during proper use.

• Furnace software allows a choice of automatic or manual test mode.
• Automatic mode: endpoint is detected and the software ends the test, prints the results and beeps. It continues to beep until you press Stop to unlock the door (in accordance with AMRL specifications).
• Manual mode: endpoint is detected and the furnace begins to beep but continues to test until you press Stop to end it. After you press Stop, the door unlocks and results print.
• Furnace software automatically compensates for weight change due to sample and basket assembly temperature change. Compensation is computed for each sample load tested (i.e, a fixed number is not assigned to a given range of load sizes).
• Positive or negative correction factors are accepted for use with mixes containing hydrated lime.
• Endpoint within 0.01% of the sample weight is automtically detected. Sample stability is reached once the endpoint criterion is met for three consecutive minutes during the test. Endpoint sensitivity is adjustable from 0.01% to 0.5%.
• Software computes test results as calibrated asphalt content per total weight of HMA sample or bitumen ratio per weight of dry aggregate.
• 24 hour/7 day timer can be programmed to preheat the furnace before you arrive.   
• RS-232 port provides data interface with a PC for graphical data analysis.

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