AUSTROADS Seal Design Test SDT 10.

2:2001

Calibration of Bitumen Sprayers

Part 2: Transverse Distribution by Fixed Pit Facility

PREFACE
This Seal Design Test Method was prepared by an APRG Working Group on behalf of
AUSTROADS. Representatives of AUSTROADS, ARRB Transport Research and Industry through
the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA), and the National Association of Testing
Authorities (NATA) have been involved in the development and review of this test method.
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METHOD

1 SCOPE
This test method sets out the procedures for determining pump volumetric output plus the transverse
distribution of bitumen sprayers and is based on the fixed facility approach using a trough capture
system with a low temperature calibrating oil.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this test method:

AUSTROADS SDT 10.0 Calibration of Bitumen Sprayers – Part 0: General Introduction,

List of Methods and Certificate of Calibration.
AUSTROADS SDT 10.6 Calibration of Bitumen Sprayers – Part 6: Viscosity of Test Oil.

3 EQUIPMENT
3.1 Pump (sprayer)
The type or condition of the sprayer pump is not prescribed in this test method. To obtain maximum
value from the calibration procedure and its outputs, it is strongly recommended that the pump be in
good condition and capable of maintaining a predictable output for the life of the calibration certificate.

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 AUSTROADS SDT 10.2:2001

3.2 Trough (transverse distribution)

An array of metric (50 mm) or imperial (2 inch) troughs shall be provided capable of capturing the oil
discharged across the required width of distributor bar. The volume of oil captured in each trough shall
be determined to better than 1 percent and the effective working width of each trough known to better
than 0.1 mm. The capacity of each trough shall be sufficient to handle the quantity of test oil
discharged according to the requirements of the testing procedure.

4 PROCEDURES

4.1 General
Sprayers presented for calibration shall carry an approved volumetric calibration certificate relating
tank volume to dip stick measurements. Instruments which control the spraying operation shall have
appropriate, traceable calibration certificates. The certificates shall be traceable to a recognised
NATA accredited testing facility. Appendix A (SDT 10.0) provides a checklist for calibration
assessment and routine field set-up of the sprayer. This preliminary checklist will establish the
condition of the sprayer prior to calibration. The sprayer must conform to the items specified in the
checklist before the sprayer is accepted for calibration.

4.1 Transverse Distribution

The object of this test is to determine the ability of the sprayer to maintain a consistent transverse
distribution for the range of distributor bar widths required in service. The minimum bar widths to be
tested shall include the maximum width for which certification is required and the bar width
corresponding to a single traffic lane (generally 3.7m). The test shall conform to the following
requirements:

1. The sprayer shall be presented with a working set of Copley nozzles including an appropriate
end (Copley) jet. Where additional jets other than the EA18/EAN18 series are used, these will
also be included in the calibration. All jets must be provided by Copley P/L or conform to the
agreed specification for output and distribution across the fan. A method for checking the
performance of each jet in service is under development.

2. A trough, about 8.5 m long and 0.6 m wide, divided into segments 50 mm wide (for a metric
system) by a series of transverse vanes and so arranged that testing oil sprayed into each
segment will drain into its own measuring container is suggested for the test. Each cylinder shall
have sufficient capacity to allow volume determinations to better than 1 percent. The tolerance
on the trough divisions shall be 50 mm ± 1 mm except where the trough conforms to an imperial
design where an appropriate tolerance would be 51.8 mm ± 1.5 mm (2 inches). The actual
mean dimension for each trough must be determined to ± 0.1 mm and used in the data reduction
and presentation.

Each trough must be calibrated for volume (expressed in Litres) to better than 1 percent and
that calibration along with the measured trough width shall be used in the test data presentation.
The volume of the trough/oil collection vessel is selected to achieve a 60 to 75 percent fill during
the test.

3. The sprayer is loaded with testing oil (see SDT 10.6 for oil specification) and placed on a level
platform, and with the spray bar extended to its maximum operating width. The following steps
should be followed to ensure a uniform approach:

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 AUSTROADS SDT 10.2:2001

• The calibration oil (specified in SDT 10.6) shall be initially sprayed into the trough
collection assembly to ensue a stable “wet” system is available for subsequent
measurements.
• Align the sprayer distributor bar and troughs such that:
(a) The face of the jets remain in the range 250 mm to 300 mm above the top of the
trough for the duration of the test.
(b) LH or RH outer end jet (EAN18) is aligned above a trough division with a
minimum of 4 troughs outside each of the LH and RH end jets.
• Timing of each test shall be accurate and readable to 0.1 s.
• Oil temperature shall be in the range 20°C to 30°C and recorded to an accuracy of 1°C.

4. Oil is sprayed at a constant rate into the trough using the appropriate pump speed for a suitable
period, or such other period as is necessary to fill the measuring containers to about 75% of their
capacity. The quantity of oil in each container is measured, and the results plotted using the
trough calibrations to show the variations in transverse distribution. If local variations in
distribution occur outside the limits given in the Specification, the spray nozzles and control
cocks shall be examined for partial blockage or mechanical fault. Where a fault has been
identified and an appropriate corrective action applied, the test is repeated. Any marked
reduction in output towards the end of the spray bar may indicate a design fault. Where no
corrective action can be implemented to provide an in specification result, the sprayer is deemed
to fail the calibration for the selected test conditions.

5. The test is repeated for a minimum of 2 spray bar widths, including the maximum operational
width of the sprayer and a width corresponding to a single lane.

5 REPORT
The following shall be reported:
(a) minimum and maximum pump output in litres/minute;
(b) pump revolutions and number of jets required for specified width(s) of spraying including
maximum possible width.
Where the measure of transverse distribution does not provide quantitative data, the report shall
indicate pass or fail. Tolerance levels are:
• The level in any one container shall not exceed 20% of the average output of all troughs.
• The level for two in any consecutive ten containers shall not exceed 15% of the average
• The level for four in any consecutive seven containers shall not exceed 10% of the
average.

6 PRECISION
No estimate of precision is currently available.

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