Asphalt & Bitumen

PBI-220

Vacuum Degassing Oven for Bitumen (VDO)

The Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) is designed for the controlled removal of entrapped air and microbubbles from pressure-aged bitumen samples prior to rheological testing.

The apparatus is primarily used for conditioning bitumen samples following aging in a Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV), in accordance with the degassing procedure described in ASTM D6521.

The system combines precise temperature control, vacuum application, and programmable processing times to ensure consistent and reliable sample preparation.

Equipped with an intuitive touchscreen controller, the Vacuum Degassing Oven automatically manages the heating, temperature stabilization, vacuum degassing, and pressure equalization stages, minimizing operator intervention.

Key Features

• Designed for degassing PAV-aged bitumen samples.
• Digital touchscreen control system for easy operation.
• Automatic heating, temperature stabilization, and vacuum degassing cycles.
• Adjustable temperature and processing times.
• Standard operating temperature of 170°C.
• Vacuum pressure below 15 kPa absolute.
• Automatic pressure equalization upon completion of the degassing cycle.
• Integrated vacuum pressure gauge for monitoring chamber conditions.
• Audible notification when the chamber reaches the preset temperature.
• Sealed chamber with secure lid arrangement.
• User-friendly interface with real-time temperature and process monitoring.
• Suitable for preparing bitumen samples for subsequent DSR and BBR testing.