UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.

3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

UTAS-0039
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

USER MANUAL
 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

NO INDEX PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 WARNINGS - Safety Devices 2

3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3

4 OPERATION 4

4.1 OPERATION 4

4.2 TEST PROCEDURE 7

4.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 10

4.4 TFT CONTROL UNIT 10

5 MAINTENANCE 16

6 WIRING DIAGRAM 17

7 CERTIFICATE 18

8 CUSTOMER SUPPORT - Warranty 19

9 NOTES 20

NOTE: In order to increase product quality, machine technical specifications may be changed without telling beforehand.
The photos in the user manual are representative photos. So, they may not be as completely same as with your machine.
 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

1. INTRODUCTION

The following symbols are used in this manual:

This symbol recalls attention warning or procedure which assures operator safety or good functioning of
apparatus.

This symbol recalls attention useful information about test procedure and about easy use of the machine and
suggestions.

It is important to install device correctly, to maintain it regularly and to use as described manner.

The guarantee period of the machine you have bought is 1 year and the product end-of-life is 10 years. Product end-of-life
is the time in which all parts of the machine has to be kept in the stock of the company.

Do not use the machine without reading this instruction manual. This manual will help you to use the machine easily and
safely. Specific test procedures are not mentioned in this instruction manual. It is recommended to read related standards
for further information.

This machine is manufactured without damaging the environment.

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

2. WARNINGS – Safety Devices

Please read and follow the procedure below. There may be injuries, performance decrease of the machine or physical
damage. In such a case, every guarantee and reliability undertakings will be invalid.

WARNINGS

 The machine is designed such that it must be used in the laboratory conditions. Do not set it in a dusty, humid or
hot medium.
 Set the machine correctly, use it as described manner and do maintenance regularly.
 The motor of the after burner fan is fitted with a protection switch to prevent over loading. If this occurs the mains
feed to the heating elements of the furnace and the after burner will be interrupted.
 Some problems may cause due to electrical equipment of the building. So the machine must be set into an
electrically suitable medium. It is very important to ground the machine and that the earth of the electrical supply is
in good condition. In the case of inefficient and non-existent earth, there is a potential danger to operator, machine
and the working performance of the Control Unit.
 Do not change electric circuit of the machine.
 While the power cable is plugged into the mains or while the machine is running, do not remove any parts of the
machine.
 Only qualified person should perform the related repairs.
 Do not change the calibration settings of the machine.
 If the instructions given in troubleshooting cannot help to solve your problem, plug out the power cable and call
UTEST technical service.
 The machine must only be used with samples and apparatus given in the instruction manual.
 When the furnace door is open and/or the safety lock is off, the heating elements cannot operate
 When using the unit for the first time/s there can be vapor emissions from the refractory material of the furnace;
this is to be considered normal and will eventually disappear.
 Keep this manual for future reference
 Do not forget other general safety rules which are not given in this manual.

PS: The warnings are dedicated for all related UTEST Machine Park. Therefore, some of them may not be applicable to
this particular device.

Safety Devices:

i. Electronic Door Lock System

ii. Thermostat for Over Temperature Protection
iii. Afterburner Fan Motor Protection Switch

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The UTEST ABA Asphalt Binder Analyzer is used to determine the asphalt binder content of hot mix
asphalt/bituminous mixtures by the method of loss on ignition. The system combines a sophisticated furnace and
weighing system to continuously measure the weight loss of a bituminous mixture during combustion and automatically
calculates its binder content at the end of the test.
One of the important properties of the device is that it has a second chamber (after-burner) with independent
temperature control from the main furnace dramatically reduces the emissions.
The unit is fitted with safety devices which guarantee its correct working conditions at high temperatures.
The machine has been designed to be conforming to EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630.

FIGURE 1: Control Unit and Printer Location

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

4. OPERATION

4.1. OPERATION

Before making a test it is necessary for the unit reaches its working temperature. This is normally reached within 20
minutes. Prepare the physical parameters of the sample, then heat the sample in an external oven to approx. 110°C for 4
hours so as to eliminate any water and then spread the sample in the sample baskets using a spatula (in any case refer to
the test standards EN 12697-39 and ASTM D6307 for correct sample preparation), fig. 2. We recommend that two baskets
are used even if the material to be tested is small; it gives better efficiency and a faster test.

The introduction of the sample baskets in the chamber is via the front door which has an electronic safety switch which
prevents its opening until the test is finished and prevents the unit working with the door open, fig. 5. The device is
provided with a special fork for performing safely and conveniently loading/unloading of the sample basket.

The furnace door is electronically locked to prevent its opening during the test; it also cuts off the operation of the power
supply for the heating elements when the door is open. It is recommended that the door is correctly closed. In case of
power supply shortage, the door will remain locked until the supply is reconnected. The control of the safety switch is
made via a control unit.

As mentioned before, the furnace door is fitted with a safety lock so that the door is normally locked when the unit does not
receive any power. This safety device can however be deactivated at the factory before shipment so that some preliminary
operations are allowed before putting into use (removal of transport material, initial checks etc.) the device, fig. 4.

PS: Please do not forget to put the electronic lock mechanism in active position before running the device by using the
provided key, fig. 4.

Use suitable protective clothing to avoid burns (e.g. gloves, face shield, etc.) while loading/unloading the
device. The temperature in the furnace is reduced to a safety level before the door is opened at the end of the
test or during the test. Please do check the related labels on the device, fig. 5.

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

FIGURE 2: Unburnt Sample

FIGURE 3: Remaining Burnt-Sample after Test

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UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

FIGURE 4: Front Door Security Unit and Key

FIGURE 5: Labels on the Device

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

4.2. TEST PROCEDURE

i. Weight the preconditioned bitumen sample by taking into account the weight of the sample basket, i.e. TARE the
basket.
ii. Open the furnace door and introduce the sample baskets using utmost care and attention.
iii. Shut the door.
iv. Press PLAY to start the test; when the test is started the display is updated in real time: The safety lock will
remain inserted, and the release function will remain unavailable until the end of the test itself.
v. Before making a test it is necessary that the unit reaches its working temperature. This is normally reached within
20 minutes.
vi. Heat the sample in an external oven to approx. 110°C for 4 hours so as to eliminate any water and then spread
the sample in the sample baskets using a spatula (in any case refer to the test standards EN 12697-39 and
ASTM D6307 for correct sample preparation). We recommend that two baskets are used even if the material to
be tested is small, it grants better efficiency and a faster test.
vii. The test is ended when the set end test parameters are met i.e., the weight loss gradient falls below the set
minimum value; it is also possible to stop the test while the test in progress.
viii. Carefully take out the remaining sample by using the special provided fork. Wait around 10 minutes before
removing the basket cover, fig. 6.

FIGURE 6: Specimen Basket

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

FIGURE 7: Furnace Left Hand Side

FIGURE 8: Adjustable Air Support Inlets

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

Afterburner section sucks its operation air from the bottom of the burning chamber but sometimes it is necessary to feed
extra air to the system in order for an effective burning. Such cases, air support slots can be partially or wide opened, fig. 7
and 8.

FIGURE 9: Afterburner Motor Rotor Direction

Afterburner motor rotation direction should be set correctly. The feeding supply is 3-phase system so the phase
connections should be made with respect with the motor rotation direction, which it should be set as CCW, fig. 9.
Otherwise, the motor would blow the needed air rather than vacuuming.

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

4.3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.3.1. FURNACE

1) Main furnace with high efficiency heating system, max power 3600 W
2) After-burner, for a total combustion of exhaust fumes to minimize emissions, max power 3300W
3) Forced ventilation, no need for filters and hood
4) Maximum weight of the test sample is10 kg.

4.3.2. PROPERTIES

The device is designed to measure asphalt binder content difference whilst defined ignition process happens. The
analyzer fully compliant with the latest standards, including: AASHTO T 308-10, ASTM 06307-10, & BS/EN 12697-
39:2004, with reduced emissions due to high temperature afterburner. The max capacity of the balance is 10 kg with 0.1 g
resolution.

Calibration factor should be calculated, using either pre-determined asphalt mixes as a benchmark or aggregate only
samples in order to correct for volatile components within the aggregate. Also the effect of reduced air density over the hot
sample is tested and corrected by a calibration factor. Sample masses based on the aggregate particle size are collected
using standard sampling methods and the weight before ignition is measured on a balance (or scale) outside the UTAS-
0039 furnace. The sample is then introduced into the preheated UTAS-0039 and run. For the sake of operator safety,
UTAS-0039 door is locked and the test runs to completion. The end point is automatically detected by the UTAS-0039
using absolute or percentage weight changes whichever is required for the standard regime that is in use.

4.4. BC 100 TFT CONTROL UNIT

When the device is turned on via its main switch, the control unit does not receive power. There is another switch on the
front fascia of the device, fig. 1. When this switch is turned on, the control unit receives power and after booting up, TEST
SCREEN is seen on the screen, fig. 10. The USB port on the device is not active/used and Ethernet port is used only for
loading programs to the unit via the computer.

Now, all the sub-menus can be explained orderly;

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

4.5.1. TEST SCREEN SUB-MENU

FIGURE 10: Test Screen

INITIAL WEIGHT: Initial specimen weight comes on the window after the adjusted delay time (fig. 11) passes.

ELAPSED TIME: This window shows the test duration.

WEIGHT DIFFERENCE: This window shows the weight difference during the test.

DOOR OPEN/CLOSED: It shows if the door is closed or open.

FURNACE TEMP. : This window shows the furnace temperature during the test.

AFTERBURNER TEMP. : This window shows the afterburner temperature during the test.

WEIGHT: This window shows the specimen weight during the test. As seen from fig. 11, at the beginning it shows minus
value (-3.283 kg). This is the value of the empty sample basket, fig. 5. When the test starts, it shows the initial sample
weight and by the time, the weight difference can be monitored via this info window.

TARE: This button is used for offsetting the sample basket weight, fig.10.

PS: When the device does not run, STOP icon is seen on the screen. Depends on the function, there are also other info
words such as; WEIGHT CONTROL, PREPARING (the device temperature will be stepping up from initial value to its set
value) and FINISHED.

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

The temperatures will depend upon the characteristics of the samples. In any case ensure that the
difference between after-burner and furnace temperatures are not more than 300°C. Higher
differences can cause anomalies and result errors. After a power failure, when the power is on again, the
user will note that the display returns to the main menu rather than the test page. The test should be
considered as failed and the results discarded.

4.5.2. COEFFICIENT SUB-MENU

FIGURE 11: COEFF. Screen

As seen, there are 2 columns on coefficient screen. Prop. – Int. – Der. aka PID sections are factory adjusted. If the user
takes out the ticks, the furnace and afterburner temperatures settle down in accordance with the ambient temperature of
the laboratory by the time.

SEND PARAMETERS: This tab is used for introducing the entered values to the memory of the control unit.

READ PARAMETERS: This tab is used for recalling the current setting values from memory.

FAN STARTING TEMP.: Afterburner fan starts running at this temperature. It is valued by experiment in order to
obey the related standard.

INITIAL WEIGHT MEASURE DELAY: The screen starts to show the initial weight value after this time is reached. This
initial delay is necessary in order to avoid possible false evaluations of end of test, considering the time interval necessary

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

to start the combustion of the sample once placed in the furnace. Normally a delay of up to 10 minutes can be used. It can
be set longer, but it is not necessary in most circumstances.

RESIST. START DIFF.: When the temperature difference between furnace and afterburner becomes this value, furnace
section heaters start to run. The system will not try to keep this gap all the time. This is only a kind of datum for furnace
heater activation.

IDLE TEMPERATURE: Furnace and after-burner idle temperature values can be separately altered and/or deactivated
via their individual ticking tabs, fig.11.

4.5.3. COEFFICIENT SUB-MENU

FIGURE 12: Calibration Screen

CORRECTION FACTOR: This parameter is used for adjusting the device test weight difference result by means of a
known test sample which is calculated before via reflux or centrifuge methods. For more information, please refer to the
standards EN 12697-39 and ASTM D6307.
TAKE ZERO and CAL POINT: Two points are used for weight calibration. The first value is ZERO for TAKE ZERO
POINT. The second value can be any calibrated weight value. Normally, 1 kg is used for the second TAKE CAL POINT
step, fig.12.

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 UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

4.5.4. SETTINGS SUB-MENU

FIGURE 13: Settings Screen

WEIGHT CONTROL DIFFERENCE: The device monitors the weight difference of the sample continuously every 3
minutes and when it senses under 0.002 difference 3 times in 3 minutes (predefined time and step by the related standard),
the control unit ends the test and considers that practically there is no bitumen left in aggregate sample.

MAX EXP TIME: The control unit stops the test when the defined time value is reached. So the test will be being stopped
either WEIGHT CONTROL DIFFERENCE or MAX EXP TIME parameters, by whichever one occurs first.

DOOR OPEN TEMPERATURE: The control unit does not allow the user to open the door above the set value.

FURNACE and AFTERBURNER SET: The set temperature values for furnace and after-burner sections.

TIME SETTINGS: Time and date adjustment can be made via this tab, fig.13.

4.5.4. RECORDS SUB-MENU

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UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

FIGURE 14: Records Screen

FIGURE 15: Print Slip

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

All test results can be observed and printed via this screen, fig.14. The past tests can be recalled by entering record /test
number. The readout unit has a flash memory and it can keep 100 tests in its flash memory.

WEIGHT LOSS versus PERCENTAGE: Weight Loss is calculated by means of Initial Weight and Weight Difference.
Percentage is calculated by means of Final/Last Weight and Weight Difference parameters, fig.15.

CORRECTION FACTOR: If this parameter is put as 1, CORRECTED WEIGHT LOSS value becomes 1% more than
WEIGHT LOSS, fig. 15.

5. MAINTENANCE

As with all electrical equipment, this unit must be used correctly and maintenance and inspections must be performed at
regular intervals. Such precautions will guarantee the safe and efficient functioning of the equipment. Periodic maintenance
consists of inspections made directly by the test operator and/or by the authorized service personnel. Maintenance to the
equipment is responsibility of the purchaser and must be performed as stated by this chapter. Failing to perform the
recommended maintenance actions or maintenance performed by unauthorized people can void the warranty.

 The Furnace and After-burner sections should be cleaned every 50-test period. A normal vacuum cleaner should
be used and all the debris should be removed within the furnace taking care the heating elements. The holes from
oven base platform to furnace (fig. 16) and from furnace to after-burner room should be thoroughly checked. The
exhaust section is also checked for debris.

 Every week, do a general inspection of the whole device.

 Every month, do check all the warning and instruction labels if they are intact.

 CALIBRATION and SETTINGS sub-menus are locked. The password is 11057

FIGURE 16: Vacuum Air Inlet Ports

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

6. WIRING DIAGRAM

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UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

7. CERTIFICATE

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ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

8. CUSTOMER SUPPORT - WARRANTY

UTEST technical services group is available for your technical questions. The technical service engineers
are well-trained and experienced on UTEST material testing equipment and should be able to answer your
questions.
It is recommended to reread the related test standard such as EN, ASTM etc. if your questions are related
with test procedures.
The guarantee period of the machine is 1 year and the product end-of-life is 10 years. Product end-of-life is
the time in which all parts of the machine has to be kept in the stock of the company. Also the pictures used in
this user manual are just for showing purpose. So that they may not be completely the identical to your
apparatus.

ASO 1. Organize Sanayi Bölgesi Ural Cad. No: 18 Sincan /Ankara /

TURKEY
T. +90 312 394 3875
F. +90 312 394 3877

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UTAS-0039 EN 12697-39; AASHTO TP53; ASTM D630 Rev.3 / 18 03 2015
ASPHALT BINDER ANALYSER

9. NOTES

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