A device for rapid evaluation of asphalt viscosity on site
By designing a rapid asphalt viscosity evaluation device suitable for dusty and high-temperature environments, and utilizing gravity and a constant-temperature chassis, the problem of existing equipment being unusable on-site was solved, enabling rapid and accurate asphalt viscosity testing and meeting the real-time monitoring needs of production sites.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 宁夏交通建设股份有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images

Figure CN224471489U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of road engineering material testing technology, specifically to a device for rapid on-site evaluation of asphalt viscosity. Background Technology
[0002] In the production of existing rubberized asphalt, high-modulus asphalt, and other special modified asphalts, components such as rubber powder continuously degrade during the high-temperature development process. This degradation leads to a gradual decrease in asphalt viscosity as the development time extends. Therefore, in the production process, the "critical viscosity" must be used as the core indicator for determining the asphalt development state and to control the development time accordingly.
[0003] In the prior art, specialized viscosity testing equipment is typically used for sampling and testing. For example, Chinese patent application CN116223306A discloses a rubber asphalt viscosity testing device, which achieves accurate measurement of rubber asphalt viscosity through an integrated system including a containment mechanism, a stirring mechanism, and a testing component. Although such patented devices or conventional rotational viscometers can provide accurate viscosity values, they generally present the following significant technical problems when applied in actual production sites: 1. The aforementioned cited patents and other precision testing equipment have complex structures, large volumes, and contain many precision mechanical and electronic components. They can usually only be used in standardized laboratories with relatively harsh environments and cannot be directly transported to asphalt production and construction sites with high dust and temperatures; 2. When using existing equipment for testing, the entire closed loop, from on-site sampling, sample transfer to the laboratory, equipment reheating and insulation, to the final completion of the test, usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This long time consumption results in a serious lag in the test results. Once the test results show that the viscosity is not up to standard, the asphalt in the tank may have already become unusable due to over-development, making it impossible to guide on-site production in real time; 3. In order to dynamically monitor the development, staff need to frequently travel between the site and the laboratory to collect samples for testing, which greatly increases the labor intensity. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention provides a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity to solve the problems of existing precision testing equipment being unusable on-site, time-consuming testing, and delayed results.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity, comprising: a telescopic base; a thermostatic chassis installed at the telescopic end of the telescopic base, the thermostatic chassis having a heating element inside and a test surface on its top; a detachable enclosure on the test surface, the enclosure forming a test space with the test surface for accommodating asphalt samples; at least one set of test holes opened on the thermostatic chassis, located in the outer area of the enclosure, and each hole in the test hole set having a different effective aperture; and a temperature control module electrically connected to the heating element.
[0006] The device, through the coordinated use of a telescopic base, a constant-temperature chassis, and a temperature control module, provides a horizontal benchmark and constant temperature conditions for testing, while the enclosure provides an initial volumetric space for the asphalt sample. Through the synergistic action of these components, viscosity testing is transformed into a physical observation process where the asphalt sample, under the influence of gravity, naturally levels on a constant-temperature, horizontal surface and diffuses towards the outer test well group. This device reduces the environmental requirements of the testing equipment, simplifies the equipment structure, and shortens the time cycle for obtaining evaluation results, thereby meeting the needs of real-time monitoring of asphalt condition at the production site.
[0007] Furthermore, to prevent asphalt from flowing out of the test surface, the constant temperature chassis provided in this application has a recessed area on top, with the test surface being the bottom surface of the recessed area. This structure positions the test surface at a low position, which can restrict the asphalt to flow only within the test surface, thereby improving the testing efficiency of asphalt.
[0008] Because single-hole outflow cannot form multiple parallel comparisons, single test data is limited and prone to misjudgment; and the uneven distribution of asphalt flow cannot stably reflect the overall viscosity state, this application provides a test hole group with through holes evenly spaced along the circumference of the constant temperature chassis. As the asphalt flows outwards in all directions, multiple circumferentially distributed test hole groups can provide flow reference points in multiple directions, enabling parallel comparison of multiple sets of data. By comprehensively observing the outflow from multiple holes, the randomness of unidirectional flow tests is reduced, and the reliability of the evaluation results is improved.
[0009] When dealing with modified asphalt at different developmental stages or with different target grades, a single-size test well group is insufficient to differentiate flow rates and determine specific viscosity ranges. Therefore, the test well group provided in this application consists of multiple through holes directly opened on a constant-temperature chassis, and the diameters of the through holes within the test well group are inconsistent, forming a physical gradient sieve. In the same amount of time, asphalt with lower viscosity can flow through the smaller diameter holes, while asphalt with higher viscosity can only flow through the larger diameter holes.
[0010] If a constant-diameter chassis with a fixed aperture is used, the entire chassis needs to be replaced when facing new testing standards or different types of asphalt, resulting in poor equipment versatility and high modification costs. The test aperture assembly provided in this application includes multiple base holes of the same diameter drilled on a constant-diameter chassis, and orifice plates with different diameters detachably installed within the base holes. The orifice plates have corresponding inner holes of different diameters. By installing the orifice plates, modular adjustment of the test aperture is achieved. The main structure of the constant-diameter chassis remains unchanged. Operators can select the combination of orifice plates with corresponding inner diameters based on the estimated viscosity range of the asphalt to be tested, ensuring that the observed phenomena fall within the most easily distinguishable range, thus improving evaluation sensitivity and accuracy.
[0011] Because polygonal or irregularly shaped barriers, when lifted, cause asphalt to flow unevenly in all directions, reaching the edge of the test surface at varying distances. Preferably, the barrier is a ring structure. The ring structure ensures that the initial conditions for the internal asphalt to diffuse in all radial directions after release are consistent, making the flow behavior isotropic and guaranteeing the objectivity of the test results.
[0012] Because the volume of asphalt poured in varies each time, the potential energy generated by different volumes of asphalt differs, directly affecting the leveling speed and outflow results. Therefore, the inner wall of the enclosure provided in this application is equipped with quantitative markings to indicate the amount of asphalt added. Operators can directly use the markings as a reference when pouring samples, eliminating the cumbersome step of using a separate measuring cylinder to measure high-temperature asphalt, and ensuring the consistency of the volume of samples tested in a single test.
[0013] To address the issue that when removing a barrier, a large amount of viscous asphalt adheres to the sidewalls and is carried away from the test surface, resulting in a reduced volume of asphalt actually used in the leveling test, and the negative pressure suction phenomenon that occurs when lifting a flat-bottomed barrier, this application provides a barrier with a non-stick coating on its inner wall and a blade-shaped bottom edge. The non-stick coating reduces the adhesion of asphalt to the sidewalls; simultaneously, the blade-shaped edge reduces the contact area between the bottom and the test surface, lowering the resistance and negative pressure effect during separation. The combination of these two features minimizes adhesion loss and ensures the accuracy of the test volume.
[0014] During on-site operation, the barriers are prone to being placed off-center, resulting in unequal distances between the asphalt and each test hole; simultaneously, asphalt leakage is likely to occur at the bottom of the barriers placed flat on the chassis. Therefore, the test surface provided in this application has a shallow positioning groove in the center adapted to the barriers. The shallow groove enables rapid concentric positioning of the barriers, ensuring consistent flow distance, while the inner wall of the shallow groove forms a slight sealing effect with the outer wall of the barriers, preventing premature seepage of the bottom asphalt during preheating.
[0015] Asphalt flowing through the chassis can drip onto the structure below or the ground, causing equipment contamination and making cleaning difficult. Therefore, this device also includes a detachable receiving tray, which is located directly below the temperature-controlled chassis. Waste asphalt is collected centrally after testing to maintain a clean testing environment and facilitate subsequent unified disposal or recycling.
[0016] The technical advantages of this application are as follows:
[0017] This application provides a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity. Through the cooperation of a telescopic base, a constant-temperature chassis, and a temperature control module, it provides a horizontal benchmark and constant temperature conditions for testing, while a surrounding enclosure provides an initial volumetric space for the asphalt sample. Through the synergistic action of these components, viscosity testing is transformed into a physical observation process where the asphalt sample, under the influence of gravity, naturally levels on a constant-temperature horizontal surface and diffuses towards the surrounding test wells. This device reduces the environmental requirements of the testing equipment, simplifies the equipment structure, and shortens the time cycle for obtaining evaluation results, thereby meeting the need for real-time monitoring of asphalt condition on-site. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity provided by this utility model.
[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of an on-site rapid evaluation device for asphalt viscosity provided by this utility model.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a frontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of an on-site rapid evaluation device for asphalt viscosity provided by this utility model.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the orifice plate structure of a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity provided by this utility model.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0023] 1. Temperature-controlled chassis; 11. Test surface; 12. Positioning shallow groove;
[0024] 2. Fence; 21. Quantitative markings;
[0025] 3. Test well assembly; 31. Well plate;
[0026] 4. Temperature control module;
[0027] 5. Telescopic base;
[0028] 6. Receiving tray; 61. Partition; 62. Circular positioning component;
[0029] 7. Thermal insulation and protection structure;
[0030] 8. Anti-slip support structure;
[0031] 9. Power supply module. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The following will be combined with the appendix Figures 1-4The embodiments of the technical solution of this application are described in detail below. The following embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this application more clearly, and are therefore only examples and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.
[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model discloses a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity, which is mainly used for rapid viscosity screening in the production site of special modified asphalts such as rubber asphalt, SBS composite modified asphalt, and high modulus modified asphalt, solving the technical problems of existing detection lag and cumbersome operation.
[0034] Specifically, a rapid on-site evaluation device for asphalt viscosity mainly includes a telescopic base 5, a constant-temperature chassis 1, a enclosure 2, a test hole group 3, and a temperature control module 4. The constant-temperature chassis 1 is fixedly installed at the telescopic end of the telescopic base 5. The interior of the constant-temperature chassis 1 is equipped with a heating element for providing a heat source, and the top of the constant-temperature chassis 1 has a smooth, horizontal test surface 11. The enclosure 2 is detachably installed in the central area of the test surface 11, forming an independent test space to accommodate the asphalt sample to be tested. The test hole group 3 is formed through the constant-temperature chassis 1, and all test hole groups 3 are distributed within an annular area outside the enclosure 2. The temperature control module 4 is fixedly mounted on the constant-temperature chassis 1 and electrically connected to the heating element, used to adjust the working temperature of the test surface 11 and display the current temperature in real time. In a preferred embodiment, a receiving tray 6 can also be detachably installed directly below the constant-temperature chassis 1. The receiving tray 6 is used to collect asphalt samples dripping from the test hole group 3, preventing contamination of the working environment.
[0035] Working principle:
[0036] This device is based on the spreading and orifice outflow behavior of viscous fluids under gravity. Under preset constant test temperature, standardized asphalt addition amount, and fixed observation time, the outflow state of asphalt corresponds to its viscosity. By observing the outflow of asphalt at orifice diameters of different effective diameters, the viscosity range of the asphalt can be quickly determined, and it can be judged whether it meets the production standard requirements. This can guide the asphalt development time or the timing of precise laboratory testing.
[0037] How to use:
[0038] Equipment preheating: Adjust the telescopic base 5 to a suitable height and lock it, install the enclosure 2 into the positioning shallow groove 12, turn on the power, set the preset test temperature through the temperature control module 4, and preheat the device until the temperature of the test surface 11 stabilizes.
[0039] Quantitative sampling: Take a certain amount of asphalt sample to be tested and slowly inject it into the test space inside the enclosure 2;
[0040] Temperature equilibration: Allow the asphalt sample to stand still so that the sample temperature is completely equal to the temperature of the test surface 11, ensuring uniform test temperature conditions.
[0041] Leveling test: Wearing protective gear, lift the barrier 2 vertically and at a constant speed, and hold it above the barrier to allow as much as possible of the asphalt to drip back onto the chassis, minimizing the loss of added asphalt. After it has completely drained, allow it to stand until the asphalt naturally levels out on the test surface 11 to form a uniform thin layer;
[0042] Viscosity determination: Start timing from 7s to 20s and observe the asphalt flow status in each test well group 3 within the preset time. Quickly determine whether the asphalt viscosity meets the standard based on the flow status.
[0043] Cleaning and storage: After the test is completed, disconnect the power supply. After the temperature drops, clean the test surface 11 and the receiving tray 6 to complete the equipment storage.
[0044] The specific evaluation method is as follows: Through pre-calibration experiments, a database or comparison chart is established for the minimum pore size (or the correspondence between dripping time and pore size) at which standard asphalt samples of different viscosities can begin to drip on the device within a fixed observation time. During testing, the observation results are compared with the database or comparison chart to quickly determine the viscosity range of the asphalt sample to be tested. Furthermore, the telescopic base 5 adopts a multi-level height-adjustable telescopic support structure with a height locking function, allowing for flexible adjustment of the overall operating height of the device according to on-site operational needs. A sleeve structure combined with spring pins can be used to achieve multi-level snap-fit height adjustment. The telescopic end of the telescopic base 5 is fixedly connected to the constant temperature chassis 1, and the bottom of the base is equipped with an anti-slip support structure 8, ensuring stable placement of the device on various working surfaces without the risk of shaking or tipping. This structure has no electrical connection, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and only serves as a stable support and height adaptation function.
[0045] Furthermore, the constant temperature chassis 1 adopts a high thermal conductivity integrated metal structure with an overall circular construction. Its test surface 11 is a high-precision flat surface, which can ensure that the asphalt sample is evenly spread and naturally leveled. The constant temperature chassis 1 has embedded integrated heating elements, which are evenly distributed along the inside of the chassis and completely avoid the placement of all test hole groups 3, ensuring that the temperature of the entire test surface 11 is uniform. The bottom of the constant temperature chassis 1 is equipped with a heat insulation and protection structure 7, such as a ceramic fiber heat insulation layer, which can effectively isolate high temperatures and prevent the operator from being burned by excessively high temperatures on the outer surface of the device. The top of the constant temperature chassis 1 has a recessed area, and the test surface is the bottom surface of the recessed area. The center of the test surface 11 is machined with an annular positioning shallow groove 12, which is adapted to the bottom of the enclosure 2 for quick coaxial positioning and installation of the enclosure 2, ensuring that the asphalt sample is centered and that the initial conditions for each test are consistent.
[0046] Furthermore, the enclosure 2 is a closed-loop annular structure made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant metal sheet. The bottom of the enclosure 2 is fitted with the positioning shallow groove 12 with a clearance, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without fasteners. Since the volume of asphalt poured in varies each time, and different volumes of asphalt generate different liquid potential energies, to avoid directly affecting the leveling speed and outflow results, the inner wall of the enclosure 2 provided in this embodiment is provided with quantitative markings 21. These quantitative markings 21 are used to standardize and control the amount of asphalt sample added. The quantitative markings 21 include one reference marking and two tolerance markings. The height of the center solid line from the bottom of the enclosure 2 is a preset value. The distance between the two tolerance dashed lines and the center solid line ranges from 0.5mm to 1.5mm. The two tolerance markings are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the reference marking, forming an allowable sample addition error range, balancing operational convenience and test repeatability. The inner wall surface of the enclosure 2 is coated with a non-stick coating, which can effectively prevent asphalt from sticking and remaining; the bottom edge of the enclosure 2 is processed into a cutting edge structure, which can quickly separate the asphalt when the enclosure 2 is lifted, reducing the sample loss caused by asphalt adhesion and ensuring the accuracy of the test.
[0047] See attached document Figure 3 , 4 Furthermore, the test hole group 3 is a through hole that directly penetrates the constant temperature chassis 1. There is a group of five holes with a diameter range of 1mm to 4mm. The holes in the test hole group 3 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the constant temperature chassis 1. The diameter of each through hole in the test hole group 3 is different from the others. The diameter of the through hole is the effective diameter of the test hole group 3, forming a multi-specification hole diameter array. The inner wall of the hole is smoothed to reduce the flow resistance of asphalt.
[0048] Optionally, the test hole group 3 includes five basic holes on a constant temperature chassis. All basic holes have the same diameter and are evenly distributed around the circumference. The inner wall of the basic holes is provided with steps to support the orifice plate 31. Each basic hole can be detachably fitted with an independent orifice plate 31. Each orifice plate 31 has an inner hole with a different diameter, meaning that the inner diameter of each orifice plate 31 is different from the others. The inner diameter of the orifice plate 31 is the effective diameter of the test hole group 3. A high-temperature resistant sealing structure is provided between the orifice plate 31 and the test hole group 3 to prevent asphalt leakage. The orifice plate 31 can be quickly replaced to adapt to the testing requirements of asphalt with different viscosities.
[0049] Optionally, the detachable connection between the orifice plate 31 and the foundation hole can be either a threaded connection or a step and snap ring limiting method. Specifically, this embodiment preferably uses the step and snap ring limiting method, where a supporting step protrudes from the upper part of the inner wall of the foundation hole, and an annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the foundation hole above the supporting step. During installation, the orifice plate 31 is placed directly on the supporting step, and then the orifice plate 31 is clamped into the annular groove using an elastic retaining ring (snap ring), thereby pressing the orifice plate 31 downward and locking it. After assembly, the upper surface of the orifice plate 31 is flush with the test surface. This method effectively prevents the threads from jamming due to high-temperature viscous asphalt, and disassembly and assembly are extremely quick.
[0050] Furthermore, the temperature control module 4 integrates a temperature control unit and a temperature display unit, with a temperature control range from ambient temperature to 220℃ and a temperature control accuracy of ±1℃, suitable for outdoor field operation environments. The temperature control unit can continuously adjust the test temperature within a wide temperature range, with high temperature control accuracy, and can stabilize the temperature of the test surface 11 at the preset test temperature. The temperature display unit displays the actual temperature of the test surface 11 in real time and intuitively. The temperature control module 4 has a built-in over-temperature protection unit, which automatically cuts off the power when the device temperature exceeds the preset safety threshold to prevent dry burning and damage to the equipment. The module and the heating element are connected through high-temperature resistant wires, suitable for high-temperature operating conditions.
[0051] Preferably, this device is also equipped with a power supply module 9, which is electrically connected to the temperature control module 4 and the heating element, providing operating power for the entire device. The power supply module 9 includes a built-in power supply, an external power interface, and a charging management unit. The built-in power supply is an independently energized power supply structure. In outdoor scenarios without external mains power, it can independently power the heating element and temperature control module without being plugged in, achieving constant temperature heating and viscosity detection, meeting the needs of field use. The external power interface is used to connect an external power source when mains power is available, and can also replenish the built-in power supply through the external power source. The charging management unit is used to manage the charging and discharging of the built-in power supply, and to provide overcharge and over-discharge protection, ensuring stable power supply and safe use for extended outdoor periods. This allows for outdoor use with or without a power source; when heating is required, the built-in power supply independently provides power to achieve constant temperature heating.
[0052] Furthermore, the receiving tray 6 is an open tray structure that can be detachably assembled directly below the constant temperature chassis 1 to receive asphalt samples dripping from the test hole group 3.
[0053] Preferably, the receiving tray 6 is provided with several partitions 61 inside. The partitions 61 divide the inner cavity of the receiving tray 6 into five independent collection areas, which are the same number of holes as the test hole group 3. This enables the separate collection of asphalt samples from through holes of different diameters, allowing the asphalt flowing out of through holes of different diameters to fall into the corresponding areas. This makes it easier for operators to intuitively and clearly determine which through hole the asphalt is flowing out from, thereby improving the accuracy and convenience of viscosity determination.
[0054] Furthermore, an annular positioning element 62 is provided at the center of the receiving tray 6. The annular positioning element 62 is used for the coaxial alignment and installation of the receiving tray 6 and the constant temperature chassis 1, ensuring that the storage area corresponds to the test hole group 3. The outer wall of the receiving tray 6 is provided with a receiving tray 6 ear plate, and the bottom of the constant temperature chassis 1 is correspondingly provided with a chassis ear plate; the receiving tray 6 ear plate and the chassis ear plate can be fixedly connected to each other. When the receiving tray 6 ear plate and the chassis ear plate are fixedly connected, the receiving tray 6 and the constant temperature chassis 1 form an integrated structure, which can realize the convenient carrying of the whole device; when the receiving tray 6 ear plate is disconnected from the chassis ear plate, the receiving tray 6 is in an independent receiving state, and the asphalt viscosity test can be carried out normally. The receiving tray 6 has a no-dead-angle structure, which facilitates the quick cleaning of residual asphalt after the test, and the disassembly and assembly operations do not require auxiliary tools.
[0055] This invention features a simple structure and convenient operation, enabling rapid on-site testing of asphalt viscosity without the need for specialized laboratory equipment, thus solving the problem of testing lag. Its detachable components eliminate tool dependence, simplifying cleaning and maintenance. Standardized testing conditions ensure stable and reliable test results, significantly reducing the labor intensity of operators. It is suitable for rapid viscosity evaluation in various modified asphalt production sites.
[0056] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A device for rapid on-site evaluation of bitumen viscosity, characterized in that, include: Telescopic base (5); The thermostatic chassis (1) is installed at the telescopic end of the telescopic base (5). The thermostatic chassis (1) is equipped with a heating element and has a test surface (11) on the top. A detachable enclosure (2) is provided on the test surface (11), the interior of which forms a test space with the test surface (11) for accommodating asphalt samples; At least one set of test holes (3) is opened on the constant temperature chassis (1), located in the outer area of the enclosure (2), and each hole in the test hole set (3) has a different effective aperture. Temperature control module (4) electrically connected to the heating element.
2. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 1, wherein, The top of the constant temperature chassis (1) is provided with a recessed area, and the test surface (11) is the bottom surface of the recessed area.
3. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 1, wherein, The test hole group (3) is evenly spaced along the circumference of the constant temperature chassis (1).
4. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 1, wherein, The test hole group (3) consists of multiple through holes directly opened on the constant temperature chassis (1), and the diameters of the through holes in the test hole group (3) are not the same.
5. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 1, wherein, The test hole group (3) includes multiple base holes opened on the constant temperature chassis (1) and orifice plates (31) that are detachably installed in the base holes; wherein, the diameter of the base holes is the same, and each orifice plate (31) is provided with an inner hole of different diameter.
6. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 1, wherein, The enclosure (2) has a ring structure.
7. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 6, wherein, The inner wall of the enclosure (2) is provided with a quantitative mark (21) for indicating the amount of asphalt added.
8. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 7, wherein, The inner wall of the enclosure (2) is coated with a non-stick coating, and the bottom edge of the enclosure (2) has a blade-like structure.
9. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device of claim 8, wherein, The test surface (11) has a shallow positioning groove (12) in the center that is adapted to the enclosure (2).
10. The asphalt viscosity rapid on-site evaluation device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, It also includes a detachable receiving tray (6), which is located directly below the constant temperature chassis (1).