Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen

From Bituminous Paving Mixtures

Dr. Bayar Najeeb

Dr. Shirzad
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Objective:
These test methods can be used for quantitative
determinations of bitumen in hot-mixed paving mixtures and
pavement samples for specification acceptance, service
evaluation, control, and research. Each method prescribes the
solvent or solvents and any other reagents that can be used in
the test method.

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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures

Relevant Theory:
The paving mixture is extracted with trichloroethylene,
normal Propyl Bromide, or methylene chloride using the
extraction equipment applicable to the particular method. The
bitumen content is calculated by difference from the mass of
the extracted aggregate, moisture content, and mineral matter
in the extract. The bitumen content is expressed as mass
percent of moisture-free mixtures.

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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Apparatus
 Oven, capable of maintaining the temperature at 110 ± 5°C).

 Pan, flat, 12 in. (305 mm) long, 8 in. (203 mm) wide, and 1 in. (25 mm) deep.

 Balance, or balances having an accuracy of at least 0.01 % of the sample mass.

 Hot Plate, electric, 700-W continuous or low, medium, and high settings.

 Small-Mouth Graduate, 1000 or 2000-mL capacity. Optional small-mouth

graduate, 100-mL capacity.

 Ignition Dish, 125-mL capacity.

 Desiccator.

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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Apparatus (cont.)
 Extraction Apparatus, consisting of a bowl
approximating and an apparatus in which the bowl
may be revolved at controlled variable speeds up to
3600 r/min. The speed may be controlled manually or
with a preset speed control. The apparatus should be
provided with a container for catching the solvent
thrown from the bowl and a drain for removing the
solvent.

 Filter Rings, felt or paper, to fit the rim of the bowl.

 Low-ash paper filter rings may be used in place of the

felt filter ring. Such filter rings shall consist of low
ash filter paper stock 0.05 ± 0.005 in. thick. The ash
content of the paper should not exceed 0.2 %
(approximately 0.034 g per ring).
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Materials and solvents
 Bituminous mixture

 Solvents
a. Carbon Tetrachloride (CCL4)
b. Trichloroethylene,
c. Normal Propyl Bromide,
d. Methylene chloride
e. White sprite
 Also a combination of kerosene and Gasoline (2:1) can be used
when the above solvents are not available.
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Sample preparation
 Take the sample from the site (one
sample every 500m)

 Place the sample into a large flat pan

and heat it until it can be mixed

 Split or quarter the sample into four

equal portions.

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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Procedure
 Dry and weigh the test bowel empty (W1)

 Place a 650 to 2500-g test mixture into a bowl and weight (W2)

 Cover the test portion in the bowl with solvent and allow
sufficient time for the solvent to disintegrate the test portion (not
over 1 h). Place the bowl containing the test portion and the
solvent in the extraction apparatus.

 Dry and determine the mass of the filter ring (W3) and fit it
around the edge of the bowl. Clamp the cover on the bowl tightly
and place a beaker under the drain to collect the extract
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Procedure(cont.)
 Start the centrifuge revolving slowly and gradually
increase the speed to a maximum of 3600 r/min or until
solvent ceases to flow from the drain.
 Allow the machine to stop, add 200 mL of solvent and
repeat the procedure. Use sufficient 200-mL solvent
additions (not less than three) so that the extract is not
darker than a light straw color. Collect the extract and the
washings in a suitable graduate.
 Remove the filter from the bowl brush off the aggregate
adhering to the surface of filter ring and dry it to constant
weight in an oven at 110 ± 5 o C and weight it (W4).
 Dry and weight the bowel with aggregate after test to
constant weight in an oven at 110 ± 5 o C (W6).
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Procedure(cont.)
 Collect the extracted and washings
solvent after test and measure the
volume (Vt) .
 Determine the amount of mineral
matter in the extracted by any of
the following test methods.
- Ashing method
- Centrifuge method
- Volumetric method
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Procedure(cont.)
Ashing method:
 Determine the volume of the total extract (Vt)
 Dry the ignition dish and weight to 0.001g (W8).
 Agitate the extract thoroughly and immediately measure
approximately 50 to 100 ml into the ignition dish (V1).
 Put the ignition dish with extract on hot plate or oven and
evaporate. Then put into oven at 500 – 600 oC until
become red.
 Then weigh the ignition dish with ash to the nearest 0.001
g (W9).
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
Calculations
W1= Wt. of bowel
W2= Wt. of bowel with sample
W3= Wt. of dry filter
W4= Wt. of filter after extraction
W5= Wt. of aggregate on filter (W5 = W4-W3)
W6= Wt. of bowel with dry aggregate after extraction
W7= Wt. of aggregate in bowel (W7= W6-W1)
W8= Wt. of empty ignition dish
W9= Wt. of ignition dish with aggregate after burning
W10= Wt. of aggregate in ignition dish (W10= W9-W8)
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 Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous
Paving Mixtures


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