Humboldt Manufacturing - Testing Equipment for Construction Materials

Pressure Aging Vessel

The Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) is used to simulate in service oxidative aging of asphalt binder according to procedures developed by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). The H-1640 is fully compliant with the most recent ASTM and AASHTO standards for these tests. (Refer to ASTM designation D6521-05 and AASHTO method R28-06). The complete PAV system consists of an ASME-code stainless steel pressure vessel in a stainless steel cabinet with encased band heaters, a precision sample holder for simultaneous testing of ten specimens, a set of ten TFOT specimen trays, a pressure controller, temperature controller, pressure and temperature measurement devices, temperature recorder, and a specimen loading and unloading tool.

The H-1640 PAV takes the hassle out of running and documenting asphalt binder aging operations. Three easy, non-complicated steps produce accurate and reliable results. Just press the “heat” button, inset specimens when prompted and press the “Age” button and let the PAV do the rest. Custom status screens guide the user step-by-step through the entire process. Each display screen (preheat start-up, preheat ready, aging heat up, aging pressurized, and aging complete) is simple and direct, with detailed process and status information. The final output screen, when the test is complete, shows the current vessel pressure, as well as minimum and maximum temperatures achieved during the test procedure. Process data (temperature and pressure) is continually stored at regular intervals in the programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls and monitors the process.

The H-1640 PAV features a compact, benchtop design with integral pressure vessel. Its rotating vessel lid with rounded support block provides easy opening and closing. A built-in timer accumulates and records out-of-range time (out-of-range time for the PAV is typically less than 10 minutes during a 20-hour test) Minimum and maximum temperature data is recorded and displayed at the end of each test.

Optional remote control operation and data access is also available, please contact Humboldt. This new control setup has many exciting prospects, including improved productivity and tighter process control, with the ability to control testing and to access data from a single remote location. With the appropriate hardware, a single user is able to initiate or cancel a test, monitor test progress, and view test results on any number of PAVs located anywhere in the world.

Data Sheet: Pressure_Aging_Vessel.pdf

UPS Battery Backup System

Prevents power failures, sags, surges, under and over voltages. Includes extended battery module EDM, and provides 4 hours of backup at full load. Provides three-stage charging, doubling battery life and optimizing recharge times. Provides 60-day advanced notification of end of useful battery life. Power Requirements: 230 VAC, 1 Ph. 60 Hz.

PAV Verification Kit

Provides temperature and pressure verification and includes a calibration block. Temperature range is -201 to 1210°C with a ± 0.03°C accuracy. Pressure range is 0 to 500 psi with an accuracy of ± 0.25% full scale (ANSI/ASME B40.1 Grade 4A)

PAV O-Ring

Single-stage air pressure regulator (for external use on air tank)

• 0-4,000 psi high pressure gauge.
• 0-600 psi low pressure gauge includes relief valve.

CGA Adapter

For use with bottles with 346 CGA connection

High Pressure Hose

6 ft. stainless steel braided sheath pressure hose. Includes fittings and quick connect coupling.

Specimen Pans Set

Set of 10 AASHTO T179 pans reduces down time between aging samples

Pressure Aging Vessel

The H-1630 pressure aging vessel (PAV), provides a test method for simulating in-service oxidative aging of asphalt binders in accordance to procedures developed by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) The H-1630 meets ASTM D6521 and AASHTO R28 requirements and consists of a stainless steel pressure vessel with encased band heaters and integral pressure and temperature controls, providing a completely automated system with push-button operation. The system's controller, which can be remotely mounted, automatically pressurizes the PAV vessel and prompts when the unit is primed and ready for use. It also stores temperature and pressure data for later evaluation. The PAV's compact benchtop design allows it to fit into even the smallest of labs; and, it comes complete with all items necessary for operation, including an air pressure regulator.

The H-1630 PAV system is furnished with: a calibrated pressure relief valve, a spare o-ring gasket, a 2-piece removable insulation cover, (10) stainless TFOT pans, a rack for the TFOT sample pans, a handle for the TFOT pan rack, a IEC 340-type, 120 volt power cord, an air supply hose with pressure regulator, in-line filter and quick-disconnect fitting, the system controller (with 1 power and 2 data cables, an air exhaust muffler, and an air exhaust pipe-away adapter. The H-1630 also comes with a back-up power supply, calibration instruments, and other instruments necessary for maintenance.

Calibration Kit

Kit contains all items required to perform these certifications. Instruments are furnished with current certification at PAV aging points, and N.I.S.T.-traceable data sheets with certification
performed by an ISO-9002 certified laboratory.