Wirtgen’s WLB 10 S Laboratory Plant for Precise Foamed Bitumen Quality
BY AsphaltPro Staff
Foamed bitumen is used to an ever-increasing extent as an economical binder in cold recycling. Preliminary testing with the mobile WLB 10 S laboratory plant from Wirtgen Group, Antioch, Tennessee, enables foamed bitumen quality to be precisely determined in the lab prior to the start of construction by offering one-to-one simulation of the cold recycling process in the lab.
Simple handling permits different parameters, such as water quantity, pressure and temperature, to be varied quickly, and different types of foamed bitumen to be produced within a short period of time. Based on the results achieved, the WLM 30 laboratory mixer can then be used to determine the mix proportion and to define the optimum bitumen foam for production of the test specimens. The integrated air compressor enables the plant to be operated even in those locations where there is no external supply of compressed air. The plant can also be used to test the suitability of mixes by adding cement or lime in combination with foamed bitumen.
Direct injection of the foamed bitumen into the mixing chamber of the WLM 30 laboratory mixer enables mixes to be processed to specification and test specimens to be produced. The WLM 30 has a capacity of approximately 30 kg, and additionally offers variable settings for speed and mixing time. The mixing chamber is simply pivoted downwards about 180° and the cover opened to allow discharge of the mix.
When used separately, the WLM 30 is suitable for most diverse mix proportions. Preliminary testing includes the procurement of source materials, determination of the mix formula, and suitability testing on the test specimens. Using the WLB 10 S and WLM 30 laboratory plants permits the final pavement design to be determined in advance. The two machines are designed to ensure an accurate analysis of mixes produced from granulated asphalt, virgin materials or a mixture of both.
For more information, contact Matt Graves at (615) 501-0600 or visit https://www.wirtgen-group.com/ocs/en-us/wirtgen/wlb-10-s-712-p/