Asphalt & Bitumen

PBI-221

Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV)

The Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) is designed to simulate the long-term oxidative aging of bituminous binders under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, representing the aging effects typically experienced during 5–10 years of asphalt pavement service.

The apparatus is used for accelerated aging of bitumen samples in accordance with ASTM D6521. Following the aging process, samples can be conditioned using a Vacuum Degassing Oven (VDO) before further rheological evaluation using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) testing.

Equipped with an advanced digital touchscreen controller, the system automatically manages heating, temperature stabilization, pressurization, aging duration, and controlled depressurization. Real-time monitoring and data recording capabilities ensure reliable and repeatable testing conditions.

Key Features

• Designed for accelerated long-term aging of bituminous binders.
• Digital touchscreen control system for easy operation.
• Automatic heating, temperature stabilization, pressurization, and depressurization cycles.
• Standard operating pressure of 2.1 MPa (21 bar).
• Standard aging temperature of 100°C.
• Programmable temperature and aging duration.
• Standard aging cycle of 20 hours.
• Capacity for up to 10 bitumen sample containers.
• Integrated pressure monitoring and control system.
• Automatic monitoring of deviations from specified testing conditions.
• Audible notifications and automatic pressure release upon completion.
• Integrated safety pressure relief valve.
• Computer connectivity and CSV data export for test reporting.
• Suitable for preparing samples for subsequent VDO, DSR, and BBR procedures.