The Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) measures the effect of heat and air on a moving film of semi-solid asphaltic material, simulating short-term aging of binder in hotmix asphalt during production, handling, and paving operations. A controlled flow of heated air is directed into the openings of horizontal glass bottles as they rotate on a carousel rack. Specimen characteristics are measured before and after conditioning to determine values.
This new bench-top unit by ATS features a built-in computer for precise control of operation, with a front panel touch-screen controller and intuitive user interface with step-thru operation. Guided menus enable fast and easy set up and operation with minimal training required. Remote capabilities allow complete user control and monitoring via an App on a smartphone or tablet. A built-in timer also allows time and date settings for automatic preheat.
A platinum RTD temperature sensor controls temperature to specification requirements, and total temperature range is from ambient to 200ºC (392ºF). Air pressure gauge range is from 0 to 100psi (6.9bar). A source of clean, dry compressed air is required for operation. A flow meter is include with a range of 200 to 14,000 ml per minute. The rotating carousel holds up to eight specimen bottles, and features an updated latching system for easy insertion and removal of the bottles.
Special stainless steel tongs with synthetic gripper pads are optionally available for easy handling of hot bottles. Additional RTFO serial numbered specimen bottles are available. Other optional accessories include the stainless steel Cooling Rack, designed to ASTM requirements to hold nine specimen bottles, and the Bottle Scraper, shaped to exactly fit RTFO bottles for removing the interior film.
Electrical requirements: 240v AC 50/60 Hz, single phase, 15 amps, 3500 watts.
Meets Test Methods:
AASHTO T240
ASTM D 2872
CALIFORNIA 346