The Pressure Aging Vessel 3 (PAV3) introduces new technology and exclusive features while maintaining all of the characteristics that made the original ATS PAV reliable and efficient. Designed specifically to prepare specimens for tests developed by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), the PAV3 simulates in-service oxidative aging that occurs in asphalt binders during service and meets ASTM D6521, AASHTO R-28, and EN 14769 test standards as part of the PG grading according to Superpave. As the first PAV system to feature digital touchscreen technology and programmable test parameters, the PAV3 is unlike anything else currently on the market today.
Each PAV3 consists of a vertical pressure vessel enclosed in a stainless steel cabinet with encased band heaters, a precision sample holder for the simultaneous testing of ten specimens, a set of ten TFOT specimen trays, pressure and temperature measurement devices, and a specimen loading and unloading tool. Test interruption or data loss due to power failure is prevented through an optional battery backup system, and the PAV3’s network-ready modem allows users to monitor and regulate their equipment remotely using a computer, tablet, or smart phone.
Key System Features
- Benchtop design with integral pressure vessel
- Seven inch full-color digital touch-screen display
- Tilted screen design for greater visibility
- Network-ready modem enables the PAV3 to be controlled with mobile devices and PCs when connected to a network
- Programmable temperatures from 50°C to 150°C
- Programmable pressure duration from 1 hour to 99 hours
- Built-in timer to accumulate out of range time. Out of range time for the ATS PAV3 is typically less than 10 minutes during a 20 hour test.
- Data acquisition features include time, temperature, and pressure
- Data can be easily downloaded as a .CSV file using the PAV3’s front USB port
- View real-time graphs from touch-screen computer
- Optional battery backup system prevents test interruption or data loss due to power failure or line voltage fluctuations
PAV Sample Holder
The new PAV3 sample holder is one solid, sturdy unit with no assembly required.
Leveling is made easy with the vessel’s interior leveling ring, and a small bubble level between the slots further assures accurate verification.
Increased Control Options
The PAV3 features programmable temperatures between 50°C and 150°C, and between 80°C to 115°C the tolerance is well within ± 0.1°C. Pressurization is programmable from 1 hour to 99 hours. This enables AASHTO R28, ASTM D5621, and EN 14769 specifications to be met without any special programming, allowing greater freedom for research and development projects.
Data Acquisition
Temperature, pressure, and time data are collected throughout the aging process. This information is available to view in real time on the touchscreen display, in the form of raw data or graphs. Once the aging process is complete, a .CSV file can be created and dowloaded onto a flash drive using the USB port on the front of the PAV3. The .CSV file can then be easily
manipulated using Microsoft Excel® or other spreadsheet programs.
Construction: Benchtop unit with integral vessel/oven design
Specimen Capacity: 10 TFOT sample trays (included)
Vertical Loading with Fixture: Parallel within 0.002 in (0.05mm)
Front Panel Display: 7-inch full-color touch-screen display
Battery Backup System Optional: 4 hours minimum backup at full load. 60-day advance notification of end of useful battery.
Operating Pressure: 2.10 ± 0.05 MPa (304psi)
Temperature Range: 80°C to 115°C ± 0.1°C Programmable from 50°C to 150°C
Temperature Control: Microprocessor-based with Platinum RTD
Temperature Control Resolution: ± 0.1°C from 80°C to 115°C
Test Temperature Uniformity: ± 0.5°C
Time to Setpoint: 3 hours from ambient
Return to Setpoint: 120 min. after preheating and loading of specimens
Over-Temperature Protection: Thermal shut-down switch (170°C/338°F)
Pressure Vessel Specifications: Per ASME code section VIII, division 1; 1992 A 93
Maximum Pressure: 325 psi (2.24 MPa) at 120°C (250°F)
Pressure Safety Release: 325 psi (2.24 MPa)
Compressed Air Requirements: A source of compressed air with a pressure of at least 325 psi (2.24 MPa) is required
Air Inlet: 1/4 in. male NPT
Power Requirements: 230 VAC 50/60 Hz
Approximate Shipping Weight: 425 lbs. (195kg)
Electrical Outlet Requirements: NEMA 6-15
For Provided Plug
