Technical Report

AP-T262-19

Performance Requirements for

Bitumen Sprayers
Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers
Prepared by
John Spathonis and Dave Caban
Project Manager
John Spathonis
Abstract
This document sets out the performance requirements expected of
bitumen sprayers operating in Australia.
For a consistent and high quality of sprayed sealing work to be
undertaken, and for sprayed sealing to remain a viable surfacing
option in the face of increasing traffic levels, the achievement of well-
defined and controlled application rates of bitumen and aggregate
are very important factors. The spraying of the bitumen at the correct
design rates of application depends on the design, manufacture and
maintenance of the bitumen sprayer, appropriate calibration methods
and operating procedures, skills and competency of the operator.
The proposed performance requirements apply to purpose-built
mechanical bitumen sprayers for the application of hot and/or cold
bituminous materials commonly used in sprayed sealing, but do not
apply to spraying equipment used exclusively for hand sprayed work or
where the pressure source is compressed air and pressurised tank.
This document was originally published in 2014. After consultation
with Austroads, NATA and ARRB representatives, AP-T262- 14 was
reviewed to ensure the document was consistent with changes to the
Austroads bitumen sprayer test methods. The main changes to the
document include:
• updated references
• consistency of terminology between this document and bitumen
sprayer test methods
• clarification of the testing requirements for imported bitumen
sprayers
• clarification of testing procedures after modifying/repairing a
bitumen sprayer
• requirement to sample bituminous products before entry into a
sprayer
• clarification on the mounting of dipsticks.
Keywords
Sprayed seal, sprayer calibration, bitumen, binder, application rate,
calibration, sprayer nozzle.
ISBN 978-1-925854-38-1
Austroads Project No. TT1820
Austroads Publication No. AP-T262-19
Publication date September 2019
Pages 13
This report has been prepared for Austroads as part of its work to promote improved Australian and New Zealand transport outcomes by
providing expert technical input on road and road transport issues.
Individual road agencies will determine their response to this report following consideration of their legislative or administrative
arrangements, available funding, as well as local circumstances and priorities.
Austroads believes this publication to be correct at the time of printing and does not accept responsibility for any consequences arising from
the use of information herein. Readers should rely on their own skill and judgement to apply information to particular issues.
Publisher
Austroads Ltd.
Level 9, 287 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 8265 3300
austroads@austroads.com.au
www.austroads.com.au
About Austroads
Austroads is the peak organisation of Australasian road
transport and traffic agencies.
Austroads’ purpose is to support our member organisations to
deliver an improved Australasian road transport network. To
succeed in this task, we undertake leading-edge road and
transport research which underpins our input to policy
development and published guidance on the design,
construction and management of the road network and its
associated infrastructure.
Austroads provides a collective approach that delivers value
for money, encourages shared knowledge and drives
consistency for road users.
Austroads is governed by a Board consisting of senior
executive representatives from each of its eleven member
organisations:
• Transport for NSW
• Roads Corporation Victoria
• Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Main Roads Western Australia
• Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
South Australia
• Department of State Growth Tasmania
• Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Northern Territory
• Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate,
Australian Capital Territory
• The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and
Regional Development
• Australian Local Government Association
• New Zealand Transport Agency.
© Austroads 2019 | This work is copyright. Apart from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be
reproduced by any process without the prior written
permission of Austroads.
Acknowledgements
The 2014 edition of this technical report was prepared by
Walter Holtrop and Steve Patrick and project managed by
John Esnouf.
Sprayer calibration project working group: Helen Atalla, NATA;
Dave Caban, RMS NSW; Robert Busutti, VicRoads; Craig
Phillips, MRWA; John Spathonis, TMR Queensland; Steve
Patrick, ARRB.
 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

Summary
Austroads works towards uniformity of practice in design, construction and user aspects of roads and bridges
and with this purpose in view, publishes guides and general procedures. A significant factor contributing to
the establishment of Australia’s large network of surfaced roads has been the successful application of
sprayed sealing technology, including the selection of treatments, design of the treatments and application
procedures. For a consistent and high quality of sprayed sealing work to be undertaken, and for sprayed
sealing to remain a viable surfacing option in the face of increasing traffic levels, particularly the increase in
the volume and size of heavy vehicles, the achievement of well-defined and controlled application rates of
bitumen and aggregate is a most important factor. Through a number of Austroads projects, the research
outcomes have been incorporated into other Austroads documents which address the selection and design
of sprayed seal treatments. This document sets out the performance requirements expected of bitumen
sprayers operating in Australia to ensure accurate control of bituminous binder application rates. The ability
to spray bitumen at the prescribed design rate of application depends on the design, manufacture and
maintenance of the bitumen sprayer, appropriate calibration methods, operating procedures, skills and
competency of the operator.

The performance requirements presented in this document apply to purpose-built mechanical bitumen
sprayers for the application of hot and/or cold bituminous materials commonly used in sprayed sealing, but
do not apply to spraying equipment used exclusively for hand sprayed work or where the pressure source is
compressed air in conjunction with a pressurised tank.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

Contents
Summary ......................................................................................................................................................... i
Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1. Sprayer Calibration Certificates ........................................................................................................... 2
2. Legal, Safety, Noise and Environmental Requirements .................................................................... 3
3. Performance Requirements .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Spraying Bituminous Materials ......................................................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Type of Bituminous Materials .............................................................................................. 4
3.1.2 Rates of Application............................................................................................................. 4
3.1.3 Maintaining Uniform Rate of Application ............................................................................. 4
3.1.4 Temperature Range ............................................................................................................ 4
3.2 Spray Distribution ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2.1 Uniform Transverse Distribution .......................................................................................... 5
3.2.2 Variable Transverse Distribution ......................................................................................... 5
3.2.3 Effective Width of Spray ...................................................................................................... 5
3.2.4 Overspray ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.2.5 Longitudinal Distribution ...................................................................................................... 6
3.2.6 Modifications and Repairs to Sprayers................................................................................ 6
3.3 Spray Cut-in and Cut-off Distances .................................................................................................. 7
4. Design and Construction Requirements ............................................................................................. 8
4.1 Sprayer Tanks .................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Loading, Mixing, Sampling and Spraying ......................................................................................... 8
4.3 Heating System ................................................................................................................................ 8
4.4 Circulating System ........................................................................................................................... 9
4.5 Bitumen Delivery System ................................................................................................................. 9
4.6 Speed Control System ................................................................................................................... 10
4.7 Instruments and Controls ............................................................................................................... 10
References ................................................................................................................................................... 12

Tables

Table 4.1: Rates of application of residual binder ............................................................................................ 4

Table 4.2: Effective width of spray .................................................................................................................... 6
Table 5.1: Mixing efficiency .............................................................................................................................. 9
Table 5.2: Bar output related to change in forward speed ............................................................................. 10

Figures

Figure 4.1: Definitions of spray distribution ......................................................................................................5

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

Scope
This document sets out the performance requirements expected of bitumen sprayers operating on public
roads in Australia. It does not include the design and manufacture of the prime mover, tank and associated
equipment or operating procedures as it is considered to be the responsibility of the manufacturer, owner
and operator.

Bitumen sprayers are required to spray bituminous materials with a range of additives such as polymers,
cutters, rubber and water. These bituminous materials are also referred to as binders because of their role in
strongly binding the stone aggregates to the pavement. For simplicity and to avoid confusion these
bituminous materials/binders will generally be referred to as bitumen throughout this document.

The requirements apply to bitumen sprayers fitted with a bitumen pump and spray bar system for the
application of hot and/or cold bituminous materials used in sprayed sealing. This includes sprayers fitted with
one of the following circulating type spray bar systems:
• single spray bar fitted with a single row of nozzles
• dual spray bars fitted with a single row of nozzles in each bar
• telescopic spray bar fitted with a single row of nozzles
• telescopic spray bars fitted with two rows of nozzles
• single bar with two (or more) rows of nozzles.

The nozzles used in spray bars shall be approved by the manufacturer for use with hot and cold bitumen
products. The nozzles shall deliver a designated fluid flow and appropriate spray pattern shape without the
need to create high working pressures. These requirements do not apply to spraying equipment used
exclusively for hand sprayed work. Sprayers will not be approved where the fluid flow is created by utilising a
pressure source such as compressed air in conjunction with a pressurised tank.

Other types of bitumen sprayers, spray bar systems and spraying nozzles may be acceptable provided they
can meet the appropriate commonwealth and state legal requirements and regulations and comply with
Australian Standard AS 2809.5 Road tank vehicles for dangerous goods – tankers for bitumen-based
products, associated standards, Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail and
pass the Austroads sprayer calibration test methods.

Note — where reference is made to a standard or other document, the current version of that document shall
apply.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

1. Sprayer Calibration Certificates

Bitumen sprayers used in sprayed sealing work shall comply with the relevant requirements and must hold a
current sprayer calibration certificate. To obtain a sprayer calibration certificate, a sprayer must pass an
annual inspection and testing by a NATA accredited facility in accordance with the appropriate Austroads
equipment test methods (AGPT/T530 to AGPT/T536) (Austroads 2019a, Austroads 2018a to 2018f).

New sprayers, those previously issued with a certificate and overseas sprayers must all comply with the
above requirements. Where sprayers are introduced into Australia from overseas, they must hold an
Australian certificate as detailed above, regardless of holding any overseas calibration certificates. Road
agencies may suspend or withdrawn at any time sprayer calibration certificates should the bitumen sprayer
prove unable to comply with the requirements of Section 4 and 5 of this document, either as a result of
defects, adjustments or alterations. Re-calibration or field audit testing may be required before a bitumen
sprayer is again accepted for use in sprayed sealing works.

A road agency may consider allowing the use of bitumen sprayers with novel designs or equipment which do
not meet the specific requirements of this document but are able to meet all appropriate legal requirements
and produce satisfactory performance when tested in accordance with AGPT/T530 to AGTP/T536. Sprayer
calibration certificates are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.

A list of accredited testing organisations for bitumen sprayer calibration are listed on the NATA web site.
Calibrated bitumen sprayers are listed on the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association website
https://www.aapa.asn.au/ showing the registered owner, sprayer identification number, issuing organisation,
certificate number and expiry date.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

2. Legal, Safety, Noise and Environmental

Requirements
It is the responsibility of the appropriate person, the owner and/or operator of the bitumen sprayer, to ensure
compliance at all times with all relevant legal, safety, noise and environmental requirements covering the
truck, spraying equipment and their operation.

Examples of various applicable legislation include but not limited to:

• Workplace Health and Safety Act (Australia).
• Vehicle axle load limits
• Environmental protection acts
• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail
• AS 2809.1 Road Tank Vehicles for Dangerous Goods – General Requirements for All Road Tank
Vehicles
• AS 2809.5 Road Tank Vehicles for Dangerous Goods – Tankers for Bitumen-based Products
• AS 2475 Threaded Hose Connection Fittings for Bituminous Materials as required by Austroads (2008).
• Austroads Bituminous Materials Safety Guide (Austroads 2015)

There is further information on the recommended safe and practical procedures to use in the handling and
transfer of hot bitumen and bitumen-based products in AAPA Guide 7: Safe Use of Bitumen Hoses (AAPA
2011).

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

3. Performance Requirements

3.1 Spraying Bituminous Materials

Bitumen sprayers shall be capable of spraying bituminous materials uniformly and accurately at the target
rate of application to the surface on which the material is to be applied, in accordance with the requirements
in the following sections.

3.1.1 Type of Bituminous Materials

• bitumen conforming to AS 2008 Bitumen for pavements
• multigrade bitumen conforming to AS 2008 Bitumen for pavements
• cutback bitumen conforming to AS 2157 Cutback bitumen
• bituminous emulsion conforming to AS 1160 Bitumen emulsions for the construction and maintenance of
pavements
• polymer modified binder conforming to AGPT/T190 (Austroads 2019b)
• crumb rubber mixtures conforming to AGPT/T190 (Austroads 2019b).

3.1.2 Rates of Application

Rates of application are given as sprayed product on the road surface in litres per square metre (L/m²) as at
the time of spraying. The finished design application rate used by pavement engineers must factor in the
later loss of volume by cooling and the evaporation of the additives such as cutter or water. Bitumen
sprayers shall be able to spray any rate of application required within the ranges shown below inclusive, up
to the maximum effective width of spray for which the sprayer has been tested and issued with a certificate.

Table 4.1: Rates of application of residual binder

Type of spray bar Minimum rate (L/m²) Maximum rate (L/m²)

Single bar single row nozzles 0.5 3.0
Single bar double row nozzles 0.5 4.0
Dual bars 0.5 4.0
Telescoping bar/s
(single row nozzles) 0.5 3.0
(double row nozzles) 0.5 4.0

3.1.3 Maintaining Uniform Rate of Application

Bitumen sprayers shall be capable of spraying on ascending grades of up to 10% whilst fully loaded and be
able to maintain the uniform rate of application of material as specified in Section 4.1.2.

3.1.4 Temperature Range

Bitumen sprayers shall be able to comply with Section 4.1.1 within the range of temperatures recommended
by the bituminous materials supplier, with a maximum temperature of 200 °C.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

3.2 Spray Distribution

The requirements of the transverse distribution and longitudinal consistency for the bituminous material
being sprayed to the surface must apply at all specified rates of application, and for any width of spray up to
the maximum effective width for which the sprayer has been issued with a certificate.

3.2.1 Uniform Transverse Distribution

Uniformity of the transverse distribution shall be tested in accordance with any one of the following three test
methods:
• AGPT/T532 Transverse Distribution by Fixed Pit Facility (Austroads 2018b), or
• AGPT/T533 Transverse Distribution by Field Mat (Austroads 2018c), or
• AGPT/T534 Transverse Distribution by Portable Trough (Austroads 2018d).

3.2.2 Variable Transverse Distribution

This type of sprayer is typically fitted with two separate spray bars, either of the same or different widths,
which can be operated individually or combined to provide a variable transverse spraying distribution. Guide
to Pavement Technology Part 4K: Selection and Design of Sprayed Seals (Austroads 2018g) recommends
that the variation of different design application rates is not more than 0.5 L/m². If the sprayer is required to
provide both uniform transverse distribution and variable transverse distribution it must also be tested as
specified in Section 4.2.1 for uniform distribution.

3.2.3 Effective Width of Spray

The effective width of spray shall be the width within which the rate of application of the material complies
with the requirements in Section 4.2.1, and is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 4.1. The range of
acceptable effective widths is shown in Table 4.2.

Figure 4.1: Definitions of spray distribution

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

Table 4.2: Effective width of spray

Nominal minimum effective Nominal maximum effective

Type of spray bar
width (m) width (m)
Single bar single row nozzles
Constant transverse application 0.6 8.0
Single bar double row nozzles
Constant transverse application 0.6 8.0
Variable transverse application 0.6 5.0
Dual bars
Constant transverse application 0.6 8.0
Variable transverse application 0.6 5.0
Telescoping bar/s
Constant transverse application 0.6 8.0
Variable transverse application 0.6 5.0

Any spray bars longer than the normal permitted legal truck width of 2.5m shall be capable of conforming to
the cross fall/shape of the surface being sprayed, aiming to provide conforming heights between the face of
the spraying nozzles and pavement surface. For example, if spraying the full width over a two-lane, two-way
road, the bar must be within the required tolerance at both the edges and over the crown of the road, and all
areas in between. These heights must be within the tolerance range as per the nozzle manufacturer’s
specification.

3.2.4 Overspray

There shall be no appreciable spray application of bituminous material beyond a 100 mm strip on each side
of the width of spray (Figure 4.1).

3.2.5 Longitudinal Distribution

The rate of application of bituminous material along the length of the sprayer run shall be within ±2.5% during
continuous discharge. Requirements for distance measurement and road speed measurement are given in
Road Speed and Distance Calibration, AGPT/T535 (Austroads 2018e).

3.2.6 Modifications and Repairs to Sprayers

It is a requirement that where a sprayer which holds a current certificate has been modified and that
modification may effect the sprayer’s performance, then that sprayer must be retested to ensure continued
compliance with the appropriate Austroads test method. When this occurs the sprayer’s calibration certificate
is withdrawn and a new certificate is issued.

Such changes may include but are not restricted to the following occurrences:
• Bitumen pump — where an existing bitumen pump is replaced like for like or where there is a change to
the make and model of the pump then the sprayer must be retested to comply with AGPT/T531.
• Pump RPM measuring system — where changes have been made to the pump speed measuring system
and these changes could affect the accuracy of measurement, then the sprayer must be retested to
comply with AGPT/T531.
• Other changes in the spraying circuit — where a new spraybar has been fitted or where a spraybar has
been straightened following damage or where valves and pipework are replaced and where these
changes could effect the accuracy of transverse distribution then the sprayer must be retested to comply
with either one of the three transverse distribution tests AGPT/T532, T533 or T534.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

• Changes to road speed instruments — where changes have been made to the road speed or distance
measuring system and these changes could effect the accuracy of measurement, then the sprayer must
be retested to comply with AGPT/T535.
• Changes to other circuits — where changes are made to other bitumen circuits (e.g. bitumen loading
circuit) and these circuits do not impact on the bitumen flow or pressure during spraying operations then
the sprayer is not required to be retested.

3.3 Spray Cut-in and Cut-off Distances

This shall apply at all specified rates of application and for any width of spray up to the maximum effective
width for which the sprayer has been tested and issued with a certificate.
• Cut-in distance — the correct target rate of application shall be reached within a length of travel not
exceeding 1.2 m after turning on the spraying system.
• Cut-off distance — the rate of application shall go from the design rate of application to zero within a
length of travel not exceeding 0.5 m.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

4. Design and Construction Requirements

The following sections set out some of the requirements that may influence the performance of the bitumen
sprayer and the quantity of the materials sprayed, and therefore the quality and standard of sprayed sealing
work.

4.1 Sprayer Tanks

Sprayer tanks shall comply with AS 2809.1 and AS2809.5. The sprayer tank shall be constructed or mounted
in such a way that it must be capable of being completely emptied when the bitumen sprayer is standing on
level ground.

4.2 Loading, Mixing, Sampling and Spraying

For the nominated bitumen products specified in Section 4.1.1, the bitumen sprayer must be able to process
the product in accordance with the material specifications and manufacturer’s recommendations. The
bitumen sprayer must be able to perform the following functions by itself without causing damage and/or
contamination of the materials:
• load
• unload
• transfer externally
• mix and circulate
• safely heat to the prescribed temperature
• spray
• provide a representative sample of the on-board bituminous product, meeting the requirements of
AS 2809.5.
• provide a representative sample of the bituminous product during any part of the loading cycle and meet
the requirements of AS 2809.5. This sample is to be taken before it enters the sprayer’s tank and before it
has been mixed with any previously loaded product.
• provision shall be made to avoid contamination of bituminous materials entering the tank by providing an
inline strainer in the loading system.

4.3 Heating System

Bitumen sprayers designed to spray hot bituminous materials shall be fitted with a heating system that can,
without causing damage to the material:
• raise the temperature of the bituminous material to the recommended temperature
• heat a bituminous product up to a maximum of 200 0C
• simultaneously heat and circulate the bituminous material to uniformly disperse the heat from the heating
tubes throughout the product

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

• raise the temperature of the bituminous material at the designated rate. The maximum heating rate shall
not exceed 20 0C per hour. The heating rates assume that the material is being circulated, and all
equipment is of adequate capacity and in good working order.
• adjust the amount of heat generated by the burner so as not to exceed the maximum heating rate
designated for the specific product being heated.

For product-specific heating rates and maximum heating temperatures, refer to Section 7 of Austroads
Bituminous Materials Safety Guide (Austroads 2015).

The safe heating level for each burner must be indicated on the dipstick (or other accepted measuring
device). In addition, the minimum safe heating level for each burner shall be clearly indicated on an engraved
aluminium, brass or stainless steel plate. This plate must be located in a conspicuous position on the outside
of the tank adjacent to the burners.

4.4 Circulating System

Bitumen sprayers shall be fitted with a circulating system that can circulate and/or thoroughly and efficiently
mix component materials to produce a homogeneous mixture in terms of physical properties and
temperature.

For all new designs, or extensively modified bitumen sprayers of hot bituminous materials the mixing
efficiency information shall be provided by the manufacturer of the bitumen sprayer. The mixing efficiency will
be determined by cutting back Class 170 bitumen from AS 2008 Bitumen for pavements with various
concentrations of cutter oil, complying with AS 3568 Oils for reducing the viscosity of residual bitumen for
pavements and testing in accordance with Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1: Mixing efficiency

C 170 bitumen Kerosene concentration Minimum mixing time Pump or mixing system
(% by volume) (% by volume) (minutes) setting
97 3
93 7
Manufacturer to provide time
90 10 required to meet the
Provided by manufacturer
85 15 requirements in the following
paragraph
80 20
75 25

Mixing efficiency shall be such that when a set concentration of kerosene is added to the C170 bitumen, with
the bitumen tank filled to 75% capacity, the resultant mixture ratio as specified in Table 5.1 must not vary by
more than ± 20% from the specified concentration. The properties, sampling requirements and referenced
testing methods for cutback bitumen is provided in AS 2157 Cutback Bitumen.

4.5 Bitumen Delivery System

The bitumen delivery system (bitumen pump) shall have a non-pulsating discharge and, at its maximum
permissible output, shall have a discharge rate at least 10% greater than that required for the maximum rate
of application and maximum effective width of spray as set out in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

4.6 Speed Control System

Bitumen sprayers may be fitted with separate systems controlling forward speed and delivery output, or an
interdependent system linking forward speed and delivery output. For an interdependent system, Table 5.2
applies for the materials, rates of application and effective width of spray as specified in Section 4.1 and
Section 4.2.

Table 5.2: Bar output related to change in forward speed

Change in sprayer forward speed Change in total output for width of bar
(%) (%)
–10 –8 to –12
–5 –4 to –6
+5 +4 to +6
+10 +8 to +12

4.7 Instruments and Controls

Instruments and controls shall be provided to control, or give an accurate measure, of the following:
• bituminous materials discharge rate (e.g. bitumen pump speed or L/minute)
• sprayer forward speed measured in m/min
• distance sprayed measured in metres
• temperature of material in the tank and in the spraying system measured in 0C
• quantity of bituminous material in the tank, volume added, volume sprayed etc. measured in litres
• sprayer alignment during spray run (guide arm or other)
• hand spraying of materials – independent of the main spray bar.

Instruments and controls shall be located such that they are clearly visible and legible to the operator, clearly
marked, provide a steady reading and are lag free.

Prior to the sprayer being presented for annual calibration, load cells and flow meters (if fitted) shall be
calibrated or the performance validated by a laboratory accredited by NATA for those specific items.
Accredited NATA laboratories or accredited testing organisations for sprayer calibration can verify the
accuracy of thermometers and temperature measuring devices by comparison against a calibrated reference
temperature measuring device.

Instruments may be analogue, digital or visual display units but need to comply with the following
requirements:
• Bituminous materials discharge — the instrument shall cover the full operating range, which includes the
10% extra as required in Section 5.5.
• Sprayer forward speed — the sprayer speed shall be controlled to ensure a uniform application rate for
the length of the sprayer run. The road speed indicator shall provide sprayer speed data in m/min, for a
range of at least 50 to 430 m/min to cover the range of rates of application required in Section 4.1.2.
• The sprayer forward speed indicator shall be accurate to ±2.5%.
• Distance sprayed — the distance sprayed shall be recorded to enable correct calculation of the actual
rate of application achieved. The distance sprayed shall be recorded in metres with a repeatability of
0.2% and shall be accurate to ±2.5%, in accordance with AGPT/T535 (Austroads 2018e). The distance
recorder may be part of the sprayer forward speed instrument or a separate instrument.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

• Temperature indicator — the temperature of the bituminous material, both when in the tank, or in the
spraying system, shall be measured accurately to provide correct information for calculations for volume
correction and ensure the materials are within the specified spraying temperature range at time of
spraying. This requires a minimum of two temperature indicators to be fitted, accurate to ±4 °C over the
full range of 10 °C to 230 °C.
• Quantity of bituminous materials — the quantity of material in the sprayer tank shall be measured to
provide correct information to calculate actual rates of application achieved. The quantity may be
measured using the volume, mass or flow rate of the material in the tank.
• Dipsticks — dipsticks when used shall be suspended from the top of the tank, in square tubing, solid
rectangular or ‘T section’. The dipstick shall be located at the mid point of the longitudinal axis of the tank.
The maximum scale intervals and maximum permissible error of dipsticks must be in accordance with the
National Instrument Test Procedure for Vehicle Tanks NITP9.
• The safe heating level for all burners shall be indicated on the dipstick as well as on the tank adjacent to
the burners as per Section 5.3. The dipstick shall be marked with the tank serial number.
• Load cells — where load cells are used, the maximum permissible error shall be in accordance with
Class A of NMI R 60 Metrological Regulation for Load Cells (National Measurement Institute 2004a).
• Flow meters — where flow meters are used, the maximum permissible error shall be in accordance with
NMI R 105 Direct Mass Flow Measuring Systems for Quantities of Liquids (National Measurement
Institute 2004b).

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

References
Australian Asphalt Pavement Association 2011, AAPA guide to the safe use of bitumen hoses, AAPA, no. 7,
AAPA, Kew, Vic.

Austroads 2011, Performance requirements for bitumen sprayers, AP-T181-11, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2015, Bituminous materials safety guide, AP-G41-15, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018a, Calibration of bitumen sprayers part 1: volumetric calibration of bitumen pumps,
AGPT/T531, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018b, Calibration of bitumen sprayers part 2: transverse distribution by fixed pit facility,
AGPT/T532, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018c, Calibration of bitumen sprayers: part 3: transverse distribution by field mat, AGPT/T533,
Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018d, Calibration of bitumen sprayers part 4: transverse distribution by portable trough,
AGPT/T534, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018e, Calibration of bitumen sprayers part 5: road speed and distance calibration, AGPT/T535,
Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018f, Calibration of bitumen sprayers part 6: viscosity of calibration fluid, AGPT/T536, Austroads,
Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2018g, Guide to pavement technology part 4k: selection and design of sprayed seals, Austroads,
Sydney, NSW

Austroads 2019a, Specification framework for polymer modified binders and multigrade bitumens,
AGPT/T190, Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

Austroads 2019b, Calibration of bitumen sprayers: general introduction and list of methods, AGPT/T530,
Austroads, Sydney, NSW.

National Measurement Institute 2004a, Metrological regulation for load cells, NMI R 60, NMI, Lindfield, NSW.

National Measurement Institute 2004b, Direct mass flow measuring systems for quantities of liquids, NMI R
105, NMI, Lindfield, NSW.

National Instrument Test Procedure for Vehicle Tanks NITP9, 2011

Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Australia).

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail.

Standards Australia

AS 1160-1996, Bituminous emulsions for the construction and maintenance of pavements.

AS 2008-1997, Residual bitumen for pavements.

AS 2157-1997, Cutback bitumen.

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 Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

AS 2475-2001, Threaded hose connection fittings for bituminous materials.

AS 2809.1-2008, Road tank vehicles for dangerous goods: general requirements for all road tank vehicles.

AS 2809.5-2001, Road tank vehicles for dangerous goods: tankers for bitumen-based products.

AS 3568-1999, Oils for reducing the viscosity of residual bitumen for pavements.

Austroads 2019 | page 13

Performance Requirements for Bitumen Sprayers

Austroads 2019 | page 14