Ester Bottoms Asphalt Modifier Low Temperature Cracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asphalt paving compositions face challenges in achieving a suitable useable temperature range (UTR) while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as they often require excessive amounts of soft asphaltic materials or polymers to achieve desired low and high temperature properties.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of ester bottoms, a by-product of methyl ester refining, into asphalt paving compositions to enhance the useable temperature range, thereby reducing the need for excessive polymer addition and lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soft asphaltic materials or polymers are added to improve low temperature properties, then the low temperature cracking resistance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and excessive amounts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ester bottoms, a low-value by-product of biodiesel production, as a cost-effective alternative to expensive polymers and soft asphaltic materials. This disposable/low-value material achieves the desired low temperature cracking resistance without requiring excessive amounts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the asphalt by incorporating ester bottoms with specific fatty acid methyl ester content (5-50% by weight). This parameter change improves low temperature cracking resistance by altering the molecular structure and flexibility of the asphalt binder, reducing the need for additional polymers or soft materials.
2Reliability
If polymers are added to improve high temperature rutting resistance, then the high temperature deformation resistance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive polymer modifiers with ester bottoms, a cheap by-product material. The ester bottoms provide sufficient high temperature rutting resistance through their unique chemical composition, eliminating the need for costly polymers while maintaining the required performance level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts ester bottoms, traditionally considered a low-value waste by-product of biodiesel production, into a beneficial asphalt modifier. This material provides both low temperature cracking resistance and high temperature rutting resistance, transforming a discarded substance into a valuable performance-enhancing additive that reduces overall manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If aromatic oils are used in combination with polymers to improve rutting resistance, then the high temperature performance is improved, but the level of polymer required becomes undesirable due to excessive cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for large quantities of expensive polymers by using ester bottoms as the primary modifier. The ester bottoms provide effective rutting resistance on their own or with minimal polymer addition, dramatically reducing the quantity of polymer required while maintaining desired performance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by incorporating ester bottoms with specific chemical properties (fatty acid methyl ester content, viscosity range) that provide effective rutting resistance. This parameter change reduces the polymer quantity needed from excessive levels to desirable, cost-effective amounts.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention involves the addition of ester bottoms to an asphalt paving composition to improve the usable temperature range (UTR). The ester bottoms are a byproduct of refining a feedstock containing all or a portion of vegetable oil or animal fat.