The Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) has been developed to simulate in-service ageing of asphalt binder after 5 to 10 years. The binder is exposed to high pressure and temperature for 20 or 65 hours (selectable up to 99) to simulate the effect of long-term oxidative ageing.

The ageing of asphalt binders during service is affected by ambient temperature and by mixture-associated variables, such of component proportions in thhe mix, aggregate properties and many more. This conditioning process is intended to provide an evaluation of the relative resistance of asphalt binders to oxidative ageing at selected elevate temperatures and pressures. It is normally performed after an initial conditioning using a Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFOT).

Residue from this conditioning practice may be used to estimate the physical and chemical properties of asphalt binders after several years of i-service ageing in the field and to compare these properties to pre-conditioning test results of the same binder.

The apparatus consists of a stainless steel (AISI 304 with ASME and CE certifications) pressure vessel with encased band heaters and interal pressure and temperature controls. Data logs of both temperature and pressure are saved on USB stick or transferred to PC at the end of the test.

The user friendly software allows the operator to view the vessel temperature and pressure in real time, both as set targets ad actual values, with a high rate of refresh. It is also possible to view, in real time, the temperature and pressure graphs.

The instruments features PID temperature control and highly efficient heaters that allow heating rate and temperature control exceeding the Standards' specifications.

Pre-heating of the instrument can be programmed (maximum 60° C for safety reasons) to allow the operator to find the PAV ready for the next test at any time. An acoustic alarm advises the operator qhen the test is finished.

• Platinum RTD temperature internal measurement to +/- 0.1° C
• Freely selectable test temperatures from 8° to 120°C, PID controlled to +/- 0.5°C  
• Efficient heating system allowing the test temperature to be achieved in one hour, exceeding the Standards' specification
• Programmable pre-heating functions (limited to 60° C to avoid accidental burns during sample rack positioning) for time optimization
• Pressure monitored by transducer and controlled to 2.1 +/- 0.1 MPa
• User friendly software allows real time readout of vessel temperature and pressure
• 6" colour touch screen reclinable display
• Temperature and pressure calibrations performable by the user
• Network ready for remote monitoring of the test status from PC, tablet or smartphone
• CE and ASME certified pressure vessel
• Electrically locked top cover, to avoid direct exposure of the pressure vessel during the test
• Forced ventilation cooling system allowing quick cooling of sample rack to avoid accidental burn
• Over temperature limit switch
• Over pressure relief valve