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DISTILLATION FOR CUT BACK BITUMEN AZA0937
The AZA0937 Distillation for Cut-Back Bitumen from Azalab is a precision laboratory apparatus designed for the quantitative determination of volatile diluents (fluxing agents or solvents) present in cut-back asphaltic materials. This test is essential for evaluating the curing behavior, workability, and final performance of cut-back bitumen used in road construction and pavement maintenance applications.
Cut-back bitumen relies on volatile solvents to temporarily reduce viscosity for ease of handling and application. The controlled distillation performed using the AZA0937 accurately measures these volatile components, enabling engineers and laboratory technicians to classify cut-back bitumen grades and verify compliance with project and regulatory specifications.
Description
Importance of Distillation Testing for Cut-Back Bitumen
The volatile content of cut-back bitumen directly influences:
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Curing rate after application
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Penetration and viscosity recovery of the binder
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Adhesion to aggregates
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Overall pavement durability and service life
Excessive or insufficient volatile content can result in premature failures, delayed curing, or inadequate binder performance. The AZA0937 ensures accurate quality control, reducing field risks and ensuring material consistency.
Principle of Operation
The AZA0937 operates on a controlled distillation principle, as specified in international standards for cut-back asphalt testing.
Test Procedure Overview
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Sample Charging
A measured quantity (typically 200 ml) of cut-back bitumen is placed into a standard distillation flask. -
Controlled Heating
The sample is heated at a regulated rate using an electric hot plate or heating mantle, with temperature monitoring via standard thermometers. -
Vaporization of Volatile Components
As temperature increases (up to approximately 360°C), volatile diluents vaporize. -
Condensation
Vapors pass through a water-cooled condenser where they condense into liquid form. -
Collection and Measurement
The condensed distillate is collected in a calibrated receiving cylinder (crow receiver), allowing precise measurement of the volume recovered at specified temperature intervals. -
Result Interpretation
The collected data is used to determine the percentage of volatile content and to classify the cut-back bitumen as rapid curing (RC), medium curing (MC), or slow curing (SC), as applicable.
Key Features
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Accurate Determination of Volatile Content
Ensures reliable classification and performance prediction of cut-back bitumen. -
Heat-Resistant Borosilicate Glassware
Designed to withstand high temperatures and thermal shock. -
Efficient Condenser Assembly
Provides complete condensation with minimal vapor loss. -
Precision Graduated Receiver
Allows accurate volume measurement of recovered distillate. -
Uniform and Controlled Heating
Electric heating device with energy regulator or digital controller. -
Distillation Shield with Chimney
Minimizes heat loss and protects against air currents, ensuring stable test conditions. -
Robust and Stable Laboratory Setup
Supplied with appropriate stands and clamps for safe operation.
Standards Compliance
The AZA0937 is designed and manufactured to comply with major international standards, including:
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ASTM D402 – Distillation of Cutback Asphalt
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AASHTO T78 – Distillation of Cutback Asphaltic Products
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EN 13303 – Determination of volatile components in cut-back and fluxed bituminous binders
Compliance ensures globally accepted, reproducible, and specification-compliant results.
Applications
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Road construction and pavement QA/QC laboratories
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Bitumen and asphalt production plants
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Civil engineering and materials testing laboratories
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Research and academic institutions
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Government and regulatory testing facilities
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0937 |
| Test Method | Distillation of volatile diluents |
| Typical Sample Volume | 200 ml |
| Distillation Flask | 500 ml, borosilicate glass, side-arm type |
| Condenser | Water-cooled glass condenser |
| Receiving Cylinder | 100 ml capacity, graduated (Crow Receiver) |
| Heating Device | Electric hot plate or heating mantle with regulator / digital controller |
| Distillation Shield | Heavy-gauge metal, insulated, with cover and chimney |
| Thermometers | ASTM 7C (-2 to 300°C), ASTM 8C (-2 to 400°C) |
| Support Hardware | Stand, clamps, corks/adapters |
| Power Supply | 230V, 50/60 Hz, single phase |
| Standards | ASTM D402, AASHTO T78, EN 13303 |
| Approx. Dimensions | 300 × 300 × 600 mm (assembled) |
| Approx. Weight | 5–8 kg |
| Country of Origin | India |
Standard Accessories Supplied
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500 ml borosilicate distillation flask
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Water-cooled condenser assembly
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100 ml graduated receiving cylinder
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Electric heating device
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Distillation shield with chimney
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Laboratory stand and clamps
Why Choose AZA0937?
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Precise evaluation of cut-back bitumen curing characteristics
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Full compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and EN standards
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Essential for preventing application and performance failures
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Durable construction for long-term laboratory use
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Trusted Azalab quality with reliable technical support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main purpose of AZA0937?
It determines the percentage of volatile diluents in cut-back bitumen through controlled distillation.
Q2: Why is this test important?
It helps predict curing behavior and ensures suitability for specific pavement applications.
Q3: What standards does AZA0937 comply with?
ASTM D402, AASHTO T78, and EN 13303.
Q4: What is the typical sample volume?
Approximately 200 ml, as specified in standard test methods.
Q5: Is the apparatus manual or automatic?
The AZA0937 is a precision manual distillation system with controlled heating.
AZA0937 – Accurate Determination of Volatile Content for Reliable Cut-Back Bitumen Performance
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0937 |
|---|---|
| Test Method |
Distillation of volatile diluents |
| Sample Volume (Typical) |
200 ml |
| Support Hardware |
Stand, clamps, corks/adapters. |
| Power Supply |
Typically 230V, 50/60 Hz, Single Phase |
| Weight (Approx.) |
[Insert Weight, e.g., 5-8] kg. |
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- Powerful high-speed motor for rapid centrifugal separation
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- Lid-interlock safety system prevents operation when open
- Low-vibration, balanced design for stable operation
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