Rock
Aggregate
Cement
Concrete
Soil
Steel
Bitumen/Asphalt
Security Survey Equipment
General Items
WATER IN BITUMINOUS MATERIAL (DEAN-STARK) AZA0936
The AZA0936 Water in Bituminous Material (Dean–Stark) Apparatus from Azalab is a precision laboratory system designed for the accurate determination of water content in bituminous materials, including asphalt, road oils, cut-back asphalts, and related petroleum-based binders.
Water contamination in bitumen can significantly degrade material performance by causing poor adhesion to aggregates, stripping, foaming during mixing, and reduced pavement durability. Using the internationally accepted Dean–Stark azeotropic distillation method, the AZA0936 provides reliable, repeatable, and standard-compliant moisture determination, making it essential for quality control in road construction, civil engineering laboratories, and bitumen production facilities.
Description
Importance of Water Content Determination in Bitumen
Even small amounts of water in bituminous materials can lead to serious performance issues, including:
-
Reduced bonding between binder and aggregate
-
Increased susceptibility to stripping and moisture damage
-
Inconsistent mixing and compaction during asphalt production
-
Lower durability and premature pavement failure
The AZA0936 enables laboratories to accurately quantify water content, ensuring materials meet specification limits and performance requirements before use.
Principle of Operation – Dean–Stark Method
The Dean–Stark method is an azeotropic distillation technique that ensures complete separation and measurement of water present in bituminous samples.
Test Procedure Overview:
-
Sample Preparation
A known mass of bituminous material is placed in a borosilicate distillation flask with a water-immiscible solvent such as xylene, toluene, or petroleum naphtha. -
Heating and Distillation
The mixture is heated, causing both solvent and water to vaporize. -
Condensation
Vapors pass through a water-cooled reflux condenser and condense into liquid form. -
Separation in Dean–Stark Trap
The condensate flows into a calibrated Dean–Stark trap where water (heavier) separates and settles at the bottom, while solvent (lighter) overflows and returns to the flask. -
Measurement
When distillation is complete, the collected water volume is read directly from the graduated trap and calculated as a percentage of the original sample.
This method ensures complete water recovery, delivering high accuracy and repeatability.
Key Features
-
Standard Dean–Stark Distillation Method
Proven and globally accepted technique for moisture determination in bituminous materials. -
High-Quality Borosilicate Glassware
Resistant to thermal shock and chemical attack for long service life. -
Precision Graduated Trap
Allows direct and accurate reading of water volume with fine graduation resolution. -
Efficient Reflux Condenser
Ensures complete condensation and minimal solvent loss. -
Uniform Heating System
Electric heating mantle or hot plate provides controlled and stable distillation. -
Modular and Stable Assembly
Supplied with stands and clamps for safe and secure laboratory operation.
Standards Compliance
The AZA0936 is manufactured to comply with major international and national standards, including:
-
ASTM D95 – Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
-
EN 1428 – Determination of water content in bituminous binders
-
AASHTO T55 – Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials
-
IP 74
-
IS 1448 (Part 53)
Compliance ensures results are globally recognized and specification-acceptable.
Applications
-
Asphalt and bitumen testing laboratories
-
Road construction and pavement QA/QC
-
Bitumen manufacturing and processing plants
-
Research and academic institutions
-
Petroleum and materials testing labs
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0936 |
| Test Method | Dean–Stark (Azeotropic Distillation) |
| Primary Application | Water content in bituminous materials |
| Distillation Flask | Borosilicate glass, 500 ml or 1000 ml |
| Dean–Stark Trap | Graduated, typically 5 / 10 / 25 ml |
| Graduation Resolution | Typically 0.1 ml |
| Condenser | Water-cooled Liebig or West type |
| Heating System | Electric mantle or hot plate with regulator |
| Glassware Material | Borosilicate glass |
| Standards | ASTM D95, EN 1428, AASHTO T55 |
| Power Supply | 230V, 50/60 Hz (heater) |
| Design | Bench-mounted modular assembly |
| Country of Origin | India |
Standard Accessories Supplied
-
Borosilicate round-bottom distillation flask
-
Dean–Stark graduated receiver trap
-
Water-cooled reflux condenser
-
Electric heating mantle or hot plate
-
Laboratory stand, clamps, and connectors
Why Choose AZA0936?
-
Accurate and repeatable moisture determination
-
Fully compliant with ASTM, EN, AASHTO, and IS standards
-
Essential for preventing moisture-related asphalt failures
-
Durable borosilicate construction for long-term use
-
Trusted solution for bitumen quality control
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does AZA0936 measure?
It measures the water content present in bituminous materials using the Dean–Stark distillation method.
Q2: Why is water content testing important in bitumen?
Water negatively affects adhesion, durability, and performance of asphalt pavements.
Q3: Which standards does AZA0936 comply with?
ASTM D95, EN 1428, AASHTO T55, IP 74, and IS 1448 (Part 53).
Q4: What solvents are commonly used?
Xylene, toluene, or petroleum naphtha, as specified in the relevant standard.
Q5: Is the system manual or automatic?
The AZA0936 is a precision manual distillation system with controlled heating.
AZA0936 – Reliable Water Content Determination for High-Quality Bituminous Materials
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0936 |
|---|---|
| Test Method |
Dean-Stark (Azeotropic Distillation) |
| Primary ApplicationDetermiMaterial (Glassware) |
High-quality Borosilicate Glass. |
| Power Supply (for heater) |
Typically 230V, 50/60 Hz, Single Phase (confirm specific model).nation of water content in bituminous materials. |
| Material (Glassware) |
High-quality Borosilicate Glass. |
Related products
CENTRIFUGE EXTRACTOR (HAND OPERATED) AZA0944
Key Features
- Manual hand-crank operation (no external power required)
- Heavy-duty cast aluminum body for long life
- Removable aluminum extraction bowl for easy cleaning
- Smooth, vibration-free rotation mechanism
- Tight safety lid to prevent solvent loss
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.
FRAASS BREAKING POINT APPARATUS AZA0935
The AZA0935 Fraass Breaking Point Apparatus from Azalab is a specialized laboratory instrument designed for the accurate determination of the Fraass Breaking Point of bitumen and bituminous binders. This test is essential for evaluating the low-temperature behavior and brittleness of asphalt materials, particularly for pavements exposed to cold climatic conditions.
The Fraass Breaking Point represents the temperature at which a thin film of bitumen loses flexibility and cracks when subjected to controlled cooling and repeated flexing. Determining this temperature is critical for selecting suitable binder grades and preventing thermal cracking in asphalt pavements, thereby ensuring long-term durability and serviceability.
KINEMATIC VISCOMETER BATH AZA0948
REFRIGERATED DUCTILITY TEST AZA0957
The AZA0957 Refrigerated Ductility Testing Apparatus from AZALAB is a specialized laboratory instrument designed to determine the ductility of asphalt binders and bituminous materials at low temperatures. This test is critically important for evaluating the performance of asphalt pavements in cold and variable climatic conditions, where thermal contraction can lead to cracking and premature pavement failure.
Ductility, defined as the distance a bituminous binder can be stretched under tensile stress before rupture, is a key indicator of binder flexibility. At low temperatures, asphalt binders become increasingly stiff and brittle. The AZA0957 enables engineers and material technologists to accurately assess a binder’s resistance to thermal cracking, ensuring the selection of materials suitable for cold climates and long-term pavement durability.
RING & BALL APPARATUS(SEMI AUTOMATIC) AZA0934
The AZA0934 Ring & Ball Apparatus (Semi-Automatic) from Azalab is an advanced laboratory instrument designed for the precise determination of the softening point of bitumen, asphalt binders, and related bituminous materials. This critical test evaluates the temperature susceptibility and high-temperature performance of asphalt binders, directly influencing pavement resistance to rutting and permanent deformation under hot service conditions.
By integrating the standard Ring & Ball method with semi-automatic control and detection features, the AZA0934 significantly improves accuracy, repeatability, and operational efficiency, making it ideal for modern quality control, research, and specification laboratories.
RING AND BALL APPARATUS (ELECTRICAL) AZA0933
The AZA0933 Ring & Ball Apparatus (Electrical) from Azalab is a precision laboratory instrument designed for the accurate and repeatable determination of the softening point of bitumen, asphalt binders, and other bituminous materials. This test is fundamental for evaluating the temperature susceptibility and high-temperature performance of asphalt binders, which directly influences pavement resistance to rutting and deformation.
By utilizing electrically controlled heating instead of open flame, the AZA0933 ensures consistent heating rates, improved safety, and superior test repeatability, making it an essential instrument for highway laboratories, civil engineering departments, and research institutions.
STRIPPING VALUE APPARATUS AZA0943
The AZA0943 Stripping Value Apparatus from Azalab is a precision laboratory instrument designed to evaluate the adhesion characteristics of bitumen-coated aggregates when subjected to water immersion. This test is critical in assessing the resistance of aggregates to stripping, a major cause of premature pavement failure due to moisture ingress.
The apparatus is widely used in road construction quality control laboratories, civil engineering departments, research institutions, and third-party testing facilities. It fully complies with ASTM D1664 and IS 6241, ensuring acceptance across both international and Indian testing frameworks.