Automatic Closed-loop System
The Asphalt Mix Analyzer (AMA) is an innovative device capable of combining all the processes associated with bitumen extraction and recovery. The unit has been designed for the purpose of determining the bitumen content in asphalt mixture and it is the solution to analyse andcharacterize the properties of the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).
Through the use of solvent selectable from perchloroethylene or trichloroethylene or methylene chloride*, the result of the process is theseparation of aggregates and filler from bitumen in order to verify the quality of the recovered granular materials and determine the mineralskeleton of the mixture. On the other hand, the bitumen can be separated from the remaining solvent solution by rotary evaporation in order tomake the binder available for further analysis such as DSR, DTT and BBR according to Performance Grade and conventional bitumen tests suchas penetration, ductility, softening point among others.
The unit consists in a stainless-steel washing chamber wherethe user introduces the asphalt sample up to 3.5 kg. Subsequently,thanks to an accurate centrifugation process, the filler is separatedand collected into the centrifuge cup while the bitumen solution isdrained off to the solvent recovery chamber. Most of the solvent isrecovered by condensation and it can be used for other extractions.The remaining part of the bitumen solution can be collected in anextraction flask after distillation, available for further analysis.
In order to perform this cycle, the unit is equipped with a multi-layermash washing drum available with different openings (0.063,0.075, and 0.090) to contain the aggregates, a centrifuge cupto collect the recovered filler and an extraction flask to collect theremaining bitumen solution.
Before starting washing, the unit allows to add a pre-wash phase inorder to improve the process of separation and extraction of bitumen.
The unit presents a 7”colour touch-screen controller with frontpanel user interface with easy to use step-thru operation. The userfriendly software allows the operator to set up：
• number and duration of the prewash cycles;
• number and duration of the washing cycles;
• number and duration of the drying cycles.
The asphalt mix analyzer can incorporate an optional balance into theworktop, for an easier weighting process at each phase.The machine automatically determines the bitumen contentthrough a guided procedure in accordance with the standards.
The door is locked during all test phases to provide a safe environment. Furthermore, the test stops automatically in case of anomaliesor malfunctions, showing the type of alarm on the display in real time.The solvent mode extraction selected before supplying theunit, and the machine will be calibrated accordingly
Note：The unit is supplied without the solvent that has to be purchased independently.
