| THE FACTS ABOUT
REJUVENATORS AND THE INFRARED RESTORATION PROCESS |
| Infrared restoration has
proven to be the finest method available for repairing the
majority of asphalt defects. It, however, is not the
solution for all defects. Asphalt defects caused by
base failures must be repaired by removing and replacing the
existing material from the sub base up through the wear
course. |
| THE PROBLEM |
THE SOLUTION |
|
When using infrared for repairing asphalt
there are two important concerns that must be addressed
FIRST: The existing asphalt pavement
that will be recycled has aged over time. Exposure to
the sun and the elements over time oxidized the light oils
component in asphalt.
SECOND: During the infrared heating
process, as the temperature of the asphalt is increased to
above approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit, the oxidation of
light oils are accelerated. It is also important to
know that at around the 500 degree mark, asphalt will burn
(coke) rendering it useless for recycling.
|
Maltenes are the light oil component of
asphaltic cement (AC). Asphaltenes are the black
solids that provide the gluing characteristics of AC.
The maltenes are the medium through which the asphaltenes
are dispersed.
The engineers from the Asphalt Institute recommend using a
maltenes rejuvenator. The rejuvenator that we
recommend using in conjunction with the Infrared Restoration
Process is a product called Cyclogen LE. Cyclogen is a
maltenes rejuvenator. Therefore, by adding Cyclogen to
the asphalt after it has been heated you are overcoming the
two possible causes of problems. You are replacing the
portion of the asphalt that has been compromised by either
natural aging or the heating process.
|
| INFRARED RESTORATION
OF UTILITY OPENINGS |
| BENEFITS |
DECISION
MAKER |
|
● |
Seamless Repair
- Prevents water from infiltrating. |
|
● |
Settlement -
Because the infrared restoration is made 90 days
after the repair is made future settlement is
unlikely. |
|
● |
Cost - Infrared
restorations are much less expensive then mill and
replace repairs. |
|
● |
Convenience -
Infrared restorations are quicker to install and
much less disruptive to traffic. |
|
● |
Customer Satisfaction
- Only infrared restoration returns the street to
"like new" condition. It is ideal for
moratorium roads. |
|
|
● |
Typically each Municipality
dictates how they want their streets restored after
being opened by a utility company. By putting
a requirement to use infrared restoration into their
ordinance, the Municipality benefits from a superior
repair to their streets at no cost to them. |
|
● |
Utility companies benefit by
being allowed to open streets that are on a
moratorium list. |
|
● |
Utility companies enjoy a much
improved level of customer satisfaction. (Less
complaints and call backs) |
|
| BENEFITS
OF INFRARED RESTORATION vs. CONVENTIONAL R&R |
|
FASTER |
25 minute repair
means minimal disruption to traffic. |
|
NO COLD JOINTS |
Prevents future
entryway for water (future pothole) |
|
LESS MANPOWER |
2 or 3 man crew. |
|
LESS EQUIPMENT |
One unit - One truck |
|
LESS MATERIALS |
1 to 2 tons lasts
all day. |
|
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY |
Recycles existing
asphalt/minimizes |
| ASPHALT
STORING & RECLAIMING |
|
Maximum storage time at ambient temperature |
UNLIMITED |
|
Maximum storage time under heat |
48 HOURS |
|
Optimum storage temperature |
280 DEGREES F (138
C) |
|
Maximum storage temperature |
325 DEGREES F (162
C) |
| WHAT'S
IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT HEATING ASPHALT |
| There are 4
very important variables to keep in mind when heating
asphalt pavement. They are: |
|
1. |
TIME - HOW LONG DOES IT
TAKE TO PROPERLY SOFTEN THE ASPHALT?
As a general rule it should take approximately 8
minutes to properly heat the asphalt. Three
variables effect the heating time: Mother Nature
(wind & temperature), Material (liquid
content, aggregate, size, color, & age),
Moisture (has it rained recently?) |
|
2. |
DEPTH - HOW DEEP HAS THE
ASPHALT BEEN SOFTENED?
It is critical that the asphalt is softened to such
a depth so that the repair will be an integral part
of the existing pavement. A minimum of 1 1/2
to 2 inches of softening must be achieved. |
|
3. |
SURFACE TEMPERATURE -
HOW HOT IS THE SURFACE OF THE ASPHALT ONCE THE
PROPER SOFTENING DEPTH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Once the temperature of the
asphalt has exceeded 425 degrees, the rate of
oxidation (evaporation of oils) is accelerated.
The application of an asphalt rejuvenator helps to
offset this oxidation. At approximately 500
degrees the asphalt actually starts to burn
rendering it useless and guaranteeing the failure of
the repair. Simply raking off the burnt
asphalt will not remedy the situation because a
portion of the existing heated asphalt must be left
untouched so that the restoration can be rolled into
a heated existing surface. |
|
