How it Works

The asphalt sample is placed in a washing drum lined with a special mesh designed to separate bitumen and filler from the sample. Solvent and ultrasonic motion is added to ensure complete separation.

The mixture of filler/bitumen/solvent is then centrifuged to separate out the filler. The aggregates and filler are dried by forced air circulation and the residue of solvent is recovered.

The remaining bitumen/solvent solution is distilled and separated into two different tanks. Part of the solution can be drained off before distillation and connected to a flask for use with a rotary evaporator to recover a bitumen sample for other tests. The clean distilled solvent is recycled for other extractions.

*The unit should be connected to a water cooling unit to feed the three different cooling coils of the apparatus.

Fully automatic test cycle:

• Washing of the asphalt sample (up to 3.5 kg) with solvent and ultrasonic motion, with simultaneous heating and rotation of the drum lined with screening mesh.
• High speed extraction centrifuge for separation of filler from binder solution.
• Condensation of solvent vapour in a stainless steel tank including cooling coil, confirming to latest anti-pollution requirements.
• Automatic recovery of solvent by a continuous distillation process.
• Easy binder recovery for future tests such as penetration, softening point, etc.
• Fast connection for rotary evaporatory flask available as option.
• Extraction time reduced to approx. 55 minutes (including drying).
• No toxic fumes in the laboratory conforming to latest anti-pollution requirements.
• 7″ Touch Screen swinging panel.
• Version incorporating a balance for an accurate measurement of asphalt sample (10kg±0.1g) also available.
• High extraction capacity: up to 300g of filler for each extraction.
• Automatic sample drying after extraction.
• Silent operation.

Technical Specifications:

• Maximum Sample Size: 3.5kg
• Centrifuge rotation speed: 6000 rpm
• External cup nominal dimensions: 120 x 200mm (diameter x height)
• Maximum filler capacity: approx. 10 liters (recycled)
• Power rating: 6 kW (excluding water cooling system)
• Overall dimensions: approx. 1400 x 750 x 1500 mm (w x d x h)
• Weight: approx. 240 kg (530 lbs)