Pressure Ageing Vessel & Vacuum Degassing Oven

The Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) has been developed to simulate in-service ageing of asphalt binder after 5 to 10 years. The binder is exposed to high pressure and temperature for 20 or 65 hours (selectable up to 99) to simulate the effect of long-term oxidative ageing.

81-PV2600: Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) conforming to ASTM D6521, AASHTO R28 and EN 14769. 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph

Main features:
  • Platinum RTD temperature internal measurement to +/- 0.1° C
  • Freely selectable test temperatures from 80° to 120°C, PID controlled to +/- 0.5°C  
  • Efficient heating system allowing the test temperature to be achieved in one hour, exceeding the Standards' specification
  • Programmable pre-heating functions (limited to 60° C to avoid accidental burns during sample rack positioning) for time optimization
  • Pressure monitored by transducer and controlled to 2.1 +/- 0.1 MPa
  • User friendly software allows real time readout of vessel temperature and pressure
  • 6" colour touch screen reclinable display
  • Temperature and pressure calibrations performable by the user
  • Network ready for remote monitoring of the test status from PC, tablet or smartphone
  • CE and ASME certified pressure vessel
  • Electrically locked top cover, to avoid direct exposure of the pressure vessel during the test
  • Forced ventilation cooling system allowing quick cooling of sample rack to avoid accidental burn
  • Over temperature limit switch
  • Over pressure relief valve

The ageing of asphalt binders during service is affected by ambient temperature and by mixture-associated variables, such of component proportions in thhe mix, aggregate properties and many more. This conditioning process is intended to provide an evaluation of the relative resistance of asphalt binders to oxidative ageing at selected elevate temperatures and pressures. It is normally performed after an initial conditioning using a Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFOT).

Residue from this conditioning practice may be used to estimate the physical and chemical properties of asphalt binders after several years of i-service ageing in the field and to compare these properties to pre-conditioning test results of the same binder.

The Pressure Ageing Vessel PAV can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.
Most Standards make degassing oven of the PAV-aged asphalt samples mandatory.
The Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) is designed to remove air bubbles created during accelerated oxidative ageing of asphalt binder by the PAV.

This final conditioning makes the aged binder suitable for further tests such as BBR, DSR, penetration, ductility, softening point and many more.

81-PV2610: Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) conforming to ASTM D6521, AASHTO R28 and EN 14769. 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph

Main features:
  • Platinum RTD temperature internal measurement to +/- 0.1° C
  • Selectable test temperature (from ambient to 200° C) controlled to +/- 4.0°C
  • Integrated vacuum pump
  • Vacuum monitored by transducer and controlled to 15 +/-0.1 kPa absolute pressure
  • Digital touch screen 6" display for temperature, vacuum, set points and actual values
  • Reclining display allowing view from any angle
  • Over temperature limit switch
  • Network ready for remote monitoring of the test status from PC, tablet or smartphone

The apparatus consists of a stainless vacuum vessel with encased band heaters and integral vacuum and temperature controls.
A platinum RTD measures internal test temperature to +/- 0.1° C. Selectable test temperatures (from ambient to 200° C) are controlled to +/- 4.0° C.

The Vacuum Degassing Oven VDO can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.