BICO Hand Driven Rotarex User Manual

BICO DULIN HAND DRIVEN ROTAREX SEPARATORS

For the determination of bitumen content character and gradation of aggregates in bituminous paving
material. Operation requires only ten minutes. The sample is first weighed then heated slightly to start crumbling,
cooled and placed in the Rotarex bowl. Solvent is then added. When set in motion, centrifugal action forces all
liquid through a filter paper gasket at the periphery of the bowl, effectively cleaning and drying the sample. Solvent
should be periodically added to the sample while the bowl is in motion to clean the sample until it runs perfectly
clear from the drain spout. Aggregates are then weighed and graded. Weight before and after extraction of bitumen
determines constituent proportions.

Solvent is recovered via an aluminum catch basin draining to a spout. The bowl cover is held in place by a center
filler screw, consisting of a funnel shaped piece which screws into the power shaft head (and also serves as an inlet
for additional solvent while the Rotarex is running.

***OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS***

Remove plug at end of housing and fill housing with oil, which is supplied with the machine; replace plug.

To remove bowl, press on lock pin and turn bowl SLOWLY until pin engages in the hole in the shaft and locks the
shaft. Then unscrew bowl by turning to the

right.

DO NOT PRESS ON THE PIN WHILE THE MACHINE IS IN MOTION

To stop the machine, it is necessary to remove the receptacle cover and press on the cover of the aluminum bowl.

BOWL STEM IS LEFT HAND THREAD

TEST PROCEDURE

1. Weigh out desired quantity of sample and distribute evenly and uniformly around the bowl to avoid off
balance loading. This even distribution and a slow start will allow the material to disperse properly and minimize
excessive vibration from an unbalanced load.

2. The filter ring should be placed between the bowl cover and bowl. The cover is clamped tightly to the
bowl by tightening the filler screw. A measured quantity of solvent is added through the filler screw. Small
holes in the cover prevent the receptacle from becoming air bound.

3. START SLOWLY: In addition to reasons previously stated , this allows the solvent time to dissolve the
sample before maximum speed is attained and extraction occurs.

4. MAINTAIN SPEED: For 15 seconds. This forces the solvent through the filter paper ring between the
bowl and cover.

5. EXTRACTED SOLVENT: Is drained from the receptacle by gravity through the drain spout and into a
beaker or other container.

6. REPEAT: For the prescribed number of solvent additions specified in the following referenced
methods.

7. CAUTION ON SOLVENTS: Although benzene is approved in the manual of test methods, the use
of Triclor-ethylene is recommended.

REFERENCES

ASTM Test Method for Quantitative Extractions of Bitumen from Bituminous Paving Mixtures - Designation
D2171-72.

A.A.S.H.O. Part 2 - Tests for Highway Materials Designation
T164-70.

These official test methods should be consulted for detailed methods of procedure. Instructions pertain only to
specific operation of Rotarex.