ASTM D2171 & IP319

The ASTM D2171, IP 222, ISO 12596, and AASHTOT 202 test methods cover procedures for the determination of viscosity of asphalt binder (bitumen) by vacuum capillary viscometers at 60°C [140°F]. It is applicable to materials having viscosities in the range from 0.0036 to over 20 000 Pa · s [0.036 to over 200 000 P].

Why is the viscosity of asphalts (bitumens) important to know?

The viscosity at 60°C [140°F] characterizes flow behavior and may be used for specification requirements for cutbacks and asphalt binders.

Summary of ASTM D2171, IP 222, ISO 12596, and AASHTOT 202

The time is measured for a fixed volume of the liquid to be drawn up through a capillary tube by means of vacuum, under closely controlled conditions of vacuum and temperature inside a viscosity bath. The viscosity in Pascal-seconds is calculated by multiplying the flow time in seconds by the viscometer calibration factor.

Why should you use a Tamson Viscosity bath to measure the viscosity of asphalts (bitumens)?

The robust Tamson TV4000 viscosity bath can be operated from ambient +5°C up to +230°C (41..446°F), the widest range in the industry. With the use of the built-in cooling coil and an external Tamson cooling circulator, span lies 5°C above the temperature of the cold flow of the external cooling circulator. The TV4000 viscosity bath has a cover with seven openings and lids. These openings accommodate glass vacuum capillary viscometers in viscometer holders. A bath overflow outlet protects from expanding bath oil when the bath filling is expanding at higher temperatures. The viscosity bath has a drain to remove the bath content. The viscosity bath is fitted with a double window of which the front pane is detachable for cleaning purposes.

The Tamson Vacuum System (TVS) is a digital vacuum controller designed to offer a precise preselected negative pressure, i.e. - 300 mm Hg for ASTM D2171, IP 222, ISO 12596, and AASHTOT 202. In asphalt laboratories the TVS may be used in conjunction with Cannon-Manning, Asphalt Institute, and Modified Koppers vacuum capillary miscometers for measurement of highly viscous materials such as asphalt cement at 60°C (140°F) according to ASTM D2171, IP 222, ISO 12596, and AASHTOT 202.

Please contact our sales team (sales@tamson.nl) to get a quotation. Or visit our webshop to get price and technical information for a viscosity bath and accessories to determine the viscosity of asphalts (bitumens) using vacuum capillary viscometers conform to ASTM D2171, IP 222, ISO 12596, and AASHTOT 202.