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 and characterize 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 the separation of aggregates and filler from bitumen in order to verify the quality of the recovered granular materials and determine the mineral skeleton of the mixture. On the other hand, the bitumen can be separated from the remaining solvent solution by rotary evaporation in order to make the binder available for further analysis such as DSR, DTT and BBR according to Performance Grade and conventional bitumen tests such as penetration, ductility, softening point among others.
The unit consists in a stainless-steel washing chamber where the user introduces the asphalt sample up to 3.5 kg. Subsequently, thanks to an accurate centrifugation process, the filler is separated and collected into the centrifuge cup while the bitumen solution is drained off to the solvent recovery chamber. Most of the solvent is recovered by condensation and it can be used for other extractions. The remaining part of the bitumen solution can be collected in an extraction flask after distillation, available for further analysis.
In order to perform this cycle, the unit is equipped with a multi-layer mash washing drum available with different openings (0.063,0.075, and 0.090) to contain the aggregates, a centrifuge cup to collect the recovered filler and an extraction flask to collect the remaining bitumen solution.
Before starting washing, the unit allows to add a pre-wash phase in order to improve the process of separation and extraction of bitumen.
The unit presents a 7”colour touch-screen controller with front panel user interface with easy to use step-thru operation. The user friendly 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 the worktop, for an easier weighting process at each phase. The machine automatically determines the bitumen content through 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 anomalies or malfunctions, showing the type of alarm on the display in real time. The solvent mode extraction selected before supplying the unit, and the machine will be calibrated accordingly
Note：The unit is supplied without the solvent that has to be purchased independently.
