Cold Patch Asphalt Binder Volatile Solvent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Cold Patch asphalt concrete formulations face issues with volatile solvents evaporating quickly, making the material unworkable during storage and potentially leading to damage before complete curing, as additional solvents can prolong curing times.
Innovation Solution
A binder formulation incorporating diesel fuel as a volatile solvent additive, maltenes as a base asphalt softener, and gilsonite as a hydrocarbon absorber to control the evaporation of volatile hydrocarbon fractions, maintaining workability and allowing for controlled curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If volatile solvents are added to improve workability, then the asphalt concrete remains workable during storage, but the solvents evaporate quickly causing the material to become unworkable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a binder system comprising base asphalt modified with specific additives (including volatile solvents like diesel or gasoline, and non-volatile components like gilsonite or other absorbers) that acts as an intermediary between the aggregate and the volatile solvent. This binder system controls the evaporation rate and distribution of volatile components, maintaining workability during storage while enabling proper curing after placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the binder by adjusting the ratios of volatile to non-volatile components, controlling the viscosity and evaporation characteristics. Specifically, the binder is formulated with controlled amounts of volatile solvents (5-50% by weight) combined with absorptive materials that regulate their release, thereby extending the workable period without compromising eventual curing.
2Ease of operation
If more volatile solvent is added to maintain workability during storage, then the asphalt concrete remains workable, but the curing time is prolonged and the material can be damaged before complete curing
Solution Approach 1:
The binder formulation acts as a controlled-release system where absorptive materials (gilsonite, asphaltene, or other carbonaceous substances) serve as intermediaries that temporarily hold the volatile solvent and release it gradually. This controlled release maintains workability during storage and handling while ensuring that sufficient solvent remains available to facilitate proper curing after placement, preventing both premature hardening and excessive curing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile solvent is pre-distributed throughout the binder matrix during mixing, performing preliminary workability enhancement before placement. The binder system is designed to maintain this workability state during storage and transport, with the understanding that the solvent will gradually evaporate or be consumed during the curing process, thereby eliminating the need for additional solvent application after placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If volatile solvents are used to keep asphalt concrete workable, then the material can be stockpiled and bagged, but the solvents evaporate quickly making the asphalt concrete unworkable before use
Solution Approach 1:
The binder system with absorptive materials serves as a buffer that allows the asphalt concrete to be stockpiled and bagged while maintaining workability. The absorptive components temporarily sequester the volatile solvent, preventing rapid evaporation during storage, and then release it gradually to maintain workability when the material is eventually placed and compacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder formulation provides a cushioning effect against solvent loss during storage by incorporating excess volatile solvent that is held in reserve by the absorptive materials. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even after extended storage periods, sufficient volatile solvent remains to maintain workability during placement, compensating for the inevitable evaporation that occurs during stockpiling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulation ensures the asphalt concrete remains workable and curable for extended storage periods, such as six months to a year, while preventing premature evaporation and ensuring structural integrity upon application.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon absorber additive comprising gilsonite, the hydrocarbon absorber additive being configured to absorb at least some volatile hydrocarbon fractions of the volatile solvent additive
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are binder formulations that can be configured to reduce or limit the evaporation of volatile solvents of an asphalt concrete within which the binder is used. Some embodiments can relate to an asphalt concrete having an embodiment of the binder. Additional embodiments can involve methods of producing the binder and/or the asphalt concrete.