Standard Test Procedures Manual

Section: ASPHALT MIXES

Subject: ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION

1. SCOPE

1.1. Description of Test

The method described is a procedure used to determine the Bitumen content of asphalt-
aggregate mixtures.

1.2. Application of Test

The Bitumen content of asphalt-aggregate mixtures as determined by the described test

method is used for product acceptance, quality assurance, process quality control and
research activities.

1.3. Units of Measure

The Bitumen content is expressed as a percent by dry weight of extracted aggregate

corrected for asphalt mix moisture content and extractor error.

2. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

2.1. Equipment

Centrifuge extractor with a bowl approximating that shown in Figure 1 of ASTM D 2172 -
Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen Paving Mixtures. The
extractor will be capable of accepting between 2500 g and 3000 g of asphalt mix. The
extractor must be capable of rotating the bowl at controlled variable speeds up to 3600
rpm.

The apparatus should be equipped with explosion proof features and installed in a fume
hood or an effective surface exhaust system to provide ventilation.

Paper or felt filter rings to be placed on the rim of the bowl and beneath the bowl lid.

Scale a 0.1 g accuracy.

Heating equipment such as electric stove.

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ASPHALT MIXES ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION

Thermometer capable of measuring temperature between 50o C and 200o C.

250 ml cup or beaker.

Hand Tools - spatula, small brush, scoop, large pan for collection of a representative
asphalt mix sample, pan for test sample.

Container for collection of asphalt laden solvent thrown from the bowl during extraction.

2.2. Materials

Solvents - suggested materials are chlorothene or trichloroethylene.

2.3. Sample To Be Tested

Obtain representative samples of the asphalt-aggregate mixture. Asphalt mix samples will
be collected in accordance with SAMPLING ASPHALT MIXES. Asphalt
concrete samples will be collected in accordance with ASPHALT
CONCRETE SAMPLES OBTAINED BY CORING.

2.4. Data Required

Sample information including date, time, sample number, sampling location, sampled by,
tested by, contract number, control section, contractor, asphalt type, aggregate type,

3. PROCEDURE

3.1. Equipment Preparation

Ensure extractor bowl, hand tools and sample containers are cleaned of all residual asphalt
and aggregate materials and dry before commencing the test.

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ASPHALT MIXES ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION

3.2. Sample Preparation

Collect representative samples as described in section 2.3 above. Sample size will depend
on the extractor bowl size. Larger samples will give more accurate results. Weigh the
asphalt mix and record as "weight of asphalt mix".

3.3. Test Procedure

Turn ventilation equipment on and adjust for maximum suction from the extractor and
enclosure.

Spread the asphalt mix sample evenly in the bowl. Cover the sample with the specified
solvent. Rotate the bowl back and forth gently by hand to distribute solvent and asphalt
mix evenly in the bowl.

Place two filter rings on the bowl rim and secure the bowl cover plate on
top of the filter papers. Ensure that the bowl cover plate is tightened .

Allow the material to soak for 5 minutes before the first centrifuge is begun.

Begin centrifuging slowly, increasing bowl speed slowly to a maximum of 3600 rpm.
When the asphalt-solvent effluent stops flowing from the extractor, turn off the motor,
slow and stop the bowl using the braking mechanism.

Add approximately 250 ml of solvent to the bowl and repeat the above described
procedure. The procedure should be repeated until the extracted effluent has a light
yellow straw colour. This is usually accomplished in 4 to 6 washings.

After the final wash, remove the filler screw and cover plate. Remove the filters carefully,
clean the extracted aggregate from the filter papers and bowl and place in a clean pan.

The recommended drying procedure is to place the extracted aggregate in an oven at a

controlled temperature of 110o C and dry to a constant weight. Establish the required
drying time by weighing after repeated heating and cooling until the weight is constant.
To prevent burning of the mineral particles, do not heat the aggregate above 110o C.

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 Standard Test Procedures Manual
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ASPHALT MIXES ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION
In a field quality control setting, the extracted aggregate may be dried on a hot plate or
stove burner element. The method is more subject to burning of the mineral particles and
is a less desirable method.

After cooling, weigh the dried aggregate to the nearest 0.1 g. Dry aggregate may absorb
moisture from the air. Determine the mass of the extracted aggregate immediately upon
cooling to ambient temperature. Record the weight of the dry extracted aggregate to the
nearest 0.1 g.

4. RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

4.1. Collection of Test Results

The following data is required:

- Weight of asphalt mix before extraction to the nearest 0.1 g

- Weight of dried aggregate after extraction to the nearest 0.1 g

- Moisture content of the asphalt mix as determined by :

MOISTURE CONTENT BY OVEN DRYING

4.2. Calculations

Uncorrected Asphalt Content = (wt. of asphalt mix - wt. of dry agg.) x 100
(Calculated to the nearest .01%) wt. of dry aggregate

NOTE: 1) The Bitumen content should be rounded to the nearest 0.1%.

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ASPHALT MIXES ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION

5. CALIBRATIONS AND REPEATABILITY

5.1. Equipment Calibration

Checking of extractor rpm should be conducted every year (one time).

5.2. Sources of Error

Incomplete washing of the asphalt from the mix.

Non-consistent torques applied to the bowl cover plate.

Loss of mineral aggregate particles when transferring from extractor bowl and filter papers
to pan.
Not meeting the specified rpm requirements on the extractor.
Overheating the aggregate during drying.

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ASPHALT MIXES ASPHALT CONTENT BY CENTRIFUGE
EXTRACTION

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1. Sample Retention

The extracted aggregate may be retained for gradation analysis using SIEVE
ANALYSIS.

6.2. Safety

Provide good ventilation as solvent fumes may be injurious to your health.

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