The Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) is designed to remove air bubbles created during the in-service oxidative aging of asphalt binder by the PAV.

We are excited to introduce the NEXT generation of our Vacuum Degassing Oven, the VDO Touch! We’ve kept the same great features our VDO was known for and incorporated some new ones to enable the user even more freedom. Designed to meet AASHTO R28, ASTM D6521, and EN 14769 test standards.

What’s new?

• Large touch screen controller
• Programmable Vacuum Time, Temperature, and Soak times
• Network ready
• When connected to a network, access the VDO screen with an APP and operate remotely from a Smart Phone, Tablet, IPad, IPhone, or another PC
• USB Port on the rear to perform software upgrades
• English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic language options

VDO Touch Features

• Includes touch screen controller with front panel user interface with easy to use step-thru operation.
• Bench top unit with integral vessel/oven design with top opening
• CE certified options available
• Network Ready: Remote capabilities: With APP view and control PAV with smart phone, tablet, IPad, IPhone, or other PC
• Platinum RTD temperature measurement
• Includes 4 eight ounce containers and a specimen removal tool

Electrical Requirements:  230 VAC, 1 Ph, 50/60 Hz, or 115 VAC, 1Ph, 60Hz, 10A.

The new and improved Applied Test Systems (ATS) Bending Beam Rheometer 3 (BBR3) has been designed to perform flexural tests on asphalt binder and similar specimens per AASHTO T 313, AASHTO TP 87, ASTM D6648, and BS EN 14771 specifications as part of the PG grading system according to Superpave. An ATS original, the BBR3 is the first of its kind to offer a state of the art internal computer system incorporating touchscreen technology. Programmable test parameters allow users to input and save their own unique settings, allowing the BBR3 to satisfy a diverse range of testing applications.

The BBR3 is made up of a fluid bath base with a built-in touchscreen computer, load frame, external refrigeration unit, and a calibration kit with carrying case. During operation, a known force is applied to the center of a horizontally supported specimen beam submerged in a cold liquid bath while internal software calculates the flexural creep stiffness of the beam. Used in part to determine a sample’s critical cracking temperature and low temperature PG grade, the BBR3’s -40⁰C to 25⁰C temperature range is efficiently calculated by a platinum RTD measuring device. The 500g load cell and changeable specimen supports easily transition the BBR3 for crack sealant testing. A free standing refrigeration ensures that the cooling fluid maintains a constant temperature.

The external computer and software bundle that came with the previous ATS BBR model has been replaced by the BBR3’s cutting edge, internal computer and newly designed software. An industrial strength, 12 inch touchscreen display provides immediate access and guides users through the test, set-up, verification, and standardization process. Air regulation and temperature control are now digitally monitored, and system status lights located on the front of the unit let users know which system components require verification. If verification cannot occur, the new BBR3 software gives users the option to standardize right from the verification screen.

BBR3 users now have the ability to customize their equipment more than ever before. Operators can enter unique test parameters, name a sample, add specimen notes, and upload their company logo directly into a test report. Eight programmable languages are pre-loaded and available for selection at any time using the touchscreen or a connected remote device. BBR3 users can choose between English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, or Arabic to best suit their needs. Data is collected twice per second, and the ability to save and revisit custom settings conserves valuable laboratory time.

Ethernet connection is built into every unit, allowing users to connect to a wireless network and access the BBR3 remotely via PC, tablet, or mobile device. Users may also connect a wireless printer to quickly and efficiently print their results on site. For those who prefer a direct connection to remote access, the BBR3 offers two easily accessible USB ports located on the front and back of the unit. The BBR3’s back USB port allows users to quickly attach a printer, while the front USB port can be used to upload software updates, download data, or connect a keyboard for efficient test setup. Once data is recorded, the BBR3 is capable of creating and saving a .csv file to the system’s hard drive. Utilizing the front USB port, this file can easily be downloaded and charted in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs. Data acquisition has never been less time consuming or more straightforward.

Applied Test Systems has been manufacturing custom furnaces and ovens since 1965, and entered into the bitumen / asphalt binder market in the early 1990’s with the introduction of Superpave! It only seems logical to expand our many years of industry and process heating knowledge into the creation of the Applied Test Systems Rolling Thin Film Oven, the RTFO Touch.

The NEW RTFO Touch from ATS has been designed to simulate short-term aging of asphalt binder according to ASTM D2872, AASHTO T240, EN 12607, Superpave, and California Test Method 346 test standards and now offers customizable options to accommodate a broad spectrum of users.

RTFO Touch Features

• Double walled stainless steel oven capable of maintaining temperature of up to 220⁰C (428⁰F)
• Precision NIST traceable Microprocessor -based Platinum RTD
•  NIST traceable digital flow meter
• Heat-recovery time around 5 minutes after specimens are loaded
• Programmable airflow, temperature, and duration of the aging process
• Data acquisition
• End-of-process alarm (both visual and audible)
• Capability of setting it to turn on on a select date and time
• USB Port on the front for data downloads and software updates
• USB port on the back
• Ethernet ready to control the system remotely
• Slanted screen design for improved visibility
• English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic language options