Electrophoretic Breaking Rate Meter for Asphalt Emulsions

Project ID: 2115-AP
Available for licensing

Background

Asphalt emulsions are widely used for the surface treatment of pavements. The quality of the asphalt binder and emulsion dictate the constructability, quality, and durability of the surface treatment. There are very limited test methods and specifications that are used to describe the quality of the asphalt emulsion for use in the surface treatment.

Invention Description

This breaking rate meter provides a simple tool that can be used in the field to measure the breaking rate and total breaking energy of the emulsion. Test results indicate that this tool can identify whether the emulsion is cationic or anionic, whether it is partially broken, and whether it has significantly higher or lower viscosity than desired. This technique also provides an indirect estimate of the asphalt content in the emulsion.

Benefits

Can be used in the laboratory for more in-depth analysis of asphalt emulsions
Can be used as a quality assurance and quality control tool by producers and end users
Results are direct and easy to interpret

Features

The laboratory version of the device also provides additional data that can be used for more detailed characterization of the emulsion, including evaluating the type of emulsion; breaking characteristics of the emulsion separate from its curing characteristics; and providing limited amounts of asphalt binder residue that can be used for mechanical testing.
Operation of this device requires minimal training.

Market Potential/Applications

Construction; roadway maintenance and construction

Development Stage

Lab/bench prototype

IP Status

One U.S. patent application filed

UT Researcher

Amit Bhasin, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Ambarish Banerjee, University of Texas at Austin

OTC Contact Information

Les Nichols, Licensing Specialist
lnichols@otc.utexas.edu
512-471-0275