Oversized Particles in Emulsified Asphalts (Sieve Test)

Introduction:
The retention of an excessive amount of particles on the sieve indicates that problems may occur
in handling and application of the material. Particles of asphalt retained on the sieve often are
caused by agglomeration of the dispersed phase. Storage, pumping, handling, and temperature
can all contribute to the formation of particles. Contaminations from the tank, transport, or hose
are other factors affecting particle formation.
This test method covers the degree to which emulsified asphalt may contain particles of asphalt
or other discreet solids retained on an 850 m mesh sieve.
Objectives:
Objective of this test is to determine the degree to which emulsified asphalt may contain particles
of asphalt or other discreet solids retained on an 850 m mesh sieve.
Apparatus and reagents:
The following apparatus are required (Figure 1).
1) Sieve A sieve having a nominal 76 mm frame conforming to Specification E 11,
and having an 850 m wire sieve cloth.
2) Pan A tin box cover or shallow metal pan of appropriate size to fit over the bottom
of the standard sieve.
3) Nonionic Surfactant Solution (1 %) 1 g of nonionic surfactant (ethoxylated
nonylphenol) dissolved in distilled water and diluted to 100 ml.
4) Distilled or Deionized Water.
5) Balances Capable of weighing 2000 g to within 1 g, and 500 g to within 0.1 g.
6) Oven Capable of maintaining temperature of 110 50 C.
7) Desiccators.

Figure 1 Sieve and Pan.

Procedure:
Sample conditioning for testing
1) All emulsified asphalts shall be properly stirred to achieve homogeneity before testing.

2) All emulsified asphalts with viscosity testing requirements of 50 0 C shall be heated to 50

30 C in the original sample container in a water bath or oven. The container should be
vented to relieve pressure. After the sample was reached 50 30 C, stirred the sample to
achieve homogeneity.
3) Emulsified asphalts with viscosity testing requirements of 250 C should be mixed or
stirred at 25 30 C in the original sample container to achieve homogeneity.
Test Procedure
1) The temperature at which the sieve test shall be performed was related to the emulsified
asphalts viscosity. For those materials whose viscosity in Saybolt Furol seconds as
determined by Test Method D 244 is 100 s or less at 250 C, the test was performed at
ambient temperature. For those materials whose viscosity was more than 100 s at 25 0 C
and those whose viscosity was specified at 50 0 C, a test temperature of 50 30 C was
used.
2) The mass of the sieve and pan to the nearest 0.1 g was determined and this mass was
recorded as A. The wire cloth was wetted with nonionic surfactant solution.
3) The mass of the sample container containing the emulsified asphalt to 0.1 g was
determined. This mass was recorded as C. 800 1000 g of the emulsified asphalt was
poured through the sieve (if the sample container was contained 800 1000 g of sample,
the entire contents were poured).
4) The mass of the sample container previously containing the emulsified asphalt to 0.1 g
was determined. This mass was recorded as D.
5) The residue was washed on the sieve with distilled water or de-ionized water until the
washings ran clear.
6) The pan was placed under the sieve and heated for 2 hrs in a 110 50 C drying oven. It
was cooled in a desiccator. The mass of the sieve, pan, and residue were determined to the
nearest 0.1 g. This mass was recorded as B.
Observation:
A = mass of sieve and pan

= 997.3 g.

B = mass of sieve, pan and residue

= 1004.5 g.

C = mass of full sample container

= 1070.38 g.

D = mass of empty sample container

= 87.63 g.

Calculations and result:

The percentage of sample retained on the sieve was calculated as follows:

Oversized Particles, % = (B A) x 100 %
(C D)
Where;
A = mass of sieve and pan, g.
B = mass of sieve, pan and residue, g.
C = mass of full sample container, g.

D = mass of empty sample container, g.

The percentage by mass of material retained on the sieve (residue) was reported.

Specimen Calculation:
Oversized Particles, %

= 1004.5 997.3 x 100

1070.38 87.63
= 7.2 x 100
982.75
= 0.733 %

Discussion:
1) Discuss the importance of the oversized particle percentage of emulsion asphalts.
Emulsion asphalt may contains particles of asphalt or other discrete solids retains on an 850 m
mesh sieve. The retension of an excessive amount of particle on the sieve indicates that problems
may occur in handling and application of the material.
If the oversized particles are higher than the specified values, one can avoid or take necessary
actions when usig such emulsions.
Particles of asphalt retain on the sieve often are caused by agglomeration of the dispersed phase.
Storage, handling, pumping and temperature can all contribute to the formation of particles.
Contamination from the storage tanks, transportation are other factors affecting particle
formation.
Knowing oversize particle content, one can adjust storage facility by controlling temperature,
mixing or find other reasons for the problem.
2) Name the other quality assuring tests for emulsion asphalts.

Say Furol viscosity D 244

Sieve analysis D 6933
Dialation of emulsion asphalts D 6997
Residue by evaporation of emulsified asphaults D 6934
Settlement and storage stability test D 6930
Cement mixing D 6935
Particle charge test D 244
Demulsibility test D 6936
Float test of residue D 139
Solubility of residue D 2042
Ductility of residue D 113
Elastic recovery of residue D 6084
Ash content of residue D 128