Automated Bitumen Viscosity Measurement According to ASTM D4402, AASHTO T316 and DIN EN 13302

Viscosity is a critical measure of bitumen’s resistance to flow, directly impacting its handling, mixing, and application. Anton Paar’s ViscoQC 300 rotational viscometer setup for high-temperature measurements is designed to provide a stable and precisely controlled environment for samples such as bitumen. The temperature device offers a temperature range from 25 °C to 300 °C and is fully controlled via the viscometer’s display and requires no additional temperature controller or PC.

Customized automation: Save time, increase efficiency

The ability to control the entire setup via the viscometer’s display empowers the operator to easily configure their own measurement methods. Standard methods such as ASTM D4402, AASHTO T316 or DIN EN 13302 can be simulated and the entire measurement process fully automated, freeing up operator time.

Users can define test parameters such as temperature, shear rate/speed, testing time and more. Additionally, users can create temperature-ramps, run speed scans to determine shear thinning (non-Newtonian) behaviour or create a sophisticated multi-step method with up to 40 steps. The ViscoQC 300 empowers users to optimize their testing processes without the need for separate temperature program synchronization, considerably simplifying their daily measurements.

A specific highlight is the already pre-programmed ASTM D4402 method. With just a push of a button, you can run a fully automated and compliant test without the need for any further interference.

Temperature precision: Crucial for bitumen measurements

Accurate temperature control is essential for bitumen viscosity measurements due to bitumen's high specific heat capacity and low thermal conductivity, which lead to a long temperature equilibration time. If the sample is not fully equilibrated, it can result in incorrect viscosity readings. To address this, the ViscoQC includes the T-Ready™ function, which ensures that the sample, as well as the temperature device, has reached the correct temperature before measurements begin. This feature saves time by preventing unnecessary waiting or premature measurements, ensuring accurate and reliable viscosity values.

Preventing instrument breakdowns

Viscometer failures are often caused by improper spindle attachment, which can damage the mechanics of the device. The ViscoQC 300 mitigates this risk with its magnetic spindle coupling, simplifying attachment and preventing damage from incorrect installation. The hidden champion: Automatic spindle recognition with the unique ToolmasterTM feature, ensuring valid and traceable measurements.

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