AUSTROADS TEST METHOD ATM 101 [AG:PT/T101]

Method of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders,

Polymers and Crumb Rubber

Commentary
Contents
Preface
Specification limits for polymer modified binders (PMBs) have been
set on the basis of a representative sample taken at the point of
delivery for use and reheated to enable testing in accordance with
the test methods set out by Austroads. The adoption of a uniform
and practical sampling method will ensure consistent and reliably
representative samples are obtained.

Scope
This test method applies to polymer modified binders, polymers and
crumb rubber. Materials are sampled according to this protocol to
ensure that correct sampling procedures are followed and that test
results provide the required information on consignment quality. The
purpose of sampling is to enable subsequent testing to:
(a) Represent, as nearly as practicable, an average of a
consignment or batch, or
(b) Detect any variation within a consignment or batch.

Further Development
There are no further plans for the development of this test method.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

References
The following documents are referred to in this method:

Austroads Test Methods

ATM 102 Protocol for Handling Modified Binders in Preparation for Laboratory Testing

Safety Precautions
Strict precautions shall be taken to avoid injury or fire at all times when handling hot bituminous materials,
such as bitumen and polymer modified binders.

General

Such precautions include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:

(a) Eye protection, such as safety glasses and/or face shields, shall be worn while sampling.
(b) Heat-resistant gloves, with close-fitting cuffs, and other suitable protective clothing, shall be worn while
sampling and sealing containers.
(c) There shall be no smoking while sampling.
(d) Containers shall not be held in the hand while sampling and sealing. Tongs, or some other device,
shall be used to hold the containers while the sample is being taken.
(e) The sampler shall, as far as practical, stand above and away from the sampling valve or outlet and on
the windward side.
(f) The sample shall be taken slowly and carefully to prevent splashing of the material.
(g) The container shall be placed on a firm, level surface to prevent splashing, dropping or spilling.

Sampling Precautions

The following sampling precautions shall be observed:

(a) Care shall be taken to prevent contamination of the samples with solvents, cleaning fluids, or different
types of bituminous materials.
(b) Between sampling and testing, the sample shall not be transferred from one container to another if this
involves reheating of the sample after cooling, except as specified in ATM 102.
(c) Where a tin is used, the sample container shall be tightly and positively sealed immediately after the
sample is taken.
(d) The sample container shall not be submerged in solvent, nor shall it be wiped with a solvent-saturated
cloth. Any spilled materials on the outside of the container shall be wiped with a clean dry cloth
immediately after the container is sealed.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

Sample Containers
Containers for PMB samples shall be clean, dry, nominal 1 L or 2 L capacity, friction-top cans, unless
otherwise specified. Dry polymers and crumb rubber samples may be placed in a closed plastic bag. Where
the moisture content of a crumb rubber sample is to be determined, the sample shall be placed in a
hermetically sealed container.

Procedures

General

Sampling may be carried out at the point of loading, or at the point of delivery, as appropriate.

Sample Size

The size of the sample shall be at least 1 L or 1 kg, unless otherwise specified.

Sampling of PMBs
(a) Sampling from bulk storage
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. The material shall be thoroughly mixed and the sample drawn from a sampling cock in the side of
the tank.
2. The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the sample. It is
recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be discarded be returned to
the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.
(b) Sampling during loading
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. When rail tankers, road tankers, sprayers or drums are being filled, the material shall be
thoroughly mixed prior to loading. Sampling shall be carried out as the material flows through the
pipeline.
2. When the material is being discharged under pressure, the sample shall be taken from the
discharge line by a suitable sampling cock capable of providing a sufficient flow rate, or from the
discharge end of a small filling line.
3. When the material is being discharged by flowing under gravity, either the procedure described in
(2) above shall be followed, if the pipeline has a rising section completely filled by the outflowing
material and provided the pressure is sufficient, or sampling shall be carried out by taking
containers-full of material from the outlet, if the pipeline is not completely filled, or the pressure is
not great enough.
4. The sample shall be taken from near the middle of discharge.
5. About 4 L of the initial material withdrawn in each increment shall be discarded. It is
recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be discarded be returned to
the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.
6. The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5 percent
ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

(c) Sampling from rail and road tankers

The procedure shall be as follows:
1. The material shall be thoroughly mixed and the sample drawn from a sampling cock in the
delivery line. The sample shall be taken near the middle of the discharge.
2. The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the sample. It is
recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be discarded be returned to
the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.
3. Where there is no suitable sampling cock available, a sample shall be taken from near the top of
the tanker by lowering a weighted sampling can or thief sampling can, as appropriate, into the
material.
4. The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5 percent
ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.
(d) Sampling from sprayers
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. The contents of the sprayer shall be thoroughly circulated for at least 15 minutes prior to
sampling.
2. The sample shall be taken either from the spray bar, or by sampling cock, or by using a weighted
can or thief sampling can, as appropriate.
3. The initial material withdrawn (about 4 L) shall be discarded prior to collection of the sample. It is
recommended that the product run-off and any product intended to be discarded be returned to
the bulk product to avoid contamination of the environment.
4. The sample shall be transferred without delay to the sample container, allowing at least 5 percent
ullage, and the container shall be immediately sealed after filling.
(e) Sampling from drums
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. A number of drums shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.
2. The contents of each drum selected shall be mixed thoroughly by turning end over end, rolling
and stirring with a rod.
3. As the stirring rod is withdrawn, it shall be closely examined for the presence of extraneous
matter.
4. The sample shall be collected by pouring, or by the use of a pump, or by thief sampling can.
5. Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples may be
combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of about 1 L shall be
drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of samples shall be increased as
necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.
6. The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material delivered.

Sampling of Polymers and Crumb Rubber

(a) Sampling of liquids from drums
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. A number of drums shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.
2. The contents of each drum selected shall be mixed thoroughly by turning end over end, rolling
and stirring with a rod.
3. As the stirring rod is withdrawn, it shall be closely examined for the presence of extraneous
matter.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

4. The sample shall be collected by pouring, or by the use of a pump, or by thief sampling can.
5. Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples may be
combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of about 1 L shall be
drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of samples shall be increased as
necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.
6. The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material delivered.
(b) Sampling of solids from packs (drums, bags, or other containers)
The procedure shall be as follows:
1. A number of packs shall be selected at random, with the number being not less than the
appropriate number shown in Table 1.
2. From each pack, a sample not less than 100 g in mass shall be taken from at least 100 mm
below the surface and at least 100 mm from the side of the pack.
3. Where the material is known to be from a single production run or batch, the samples may be
combined and thoroughly mixed to form a bulk sample, from which a sample of about 1 L shall be
drawn for testing. In the case of a small consignment, the sizes of samples shall be increased as
necessary to yield a combined sample of at least 1 L.
4. The consistency of each sample may be determined to detect variations in the material delivered.

Table 1: Number of samples

Number of drums or packs in Number of drums or packs to be

consignment sampled

1 to 10 1
11 to 50 2
51 to 100 4
101 to 200 5
201 to 400 6
401 to 700 7
701 to 1000 8
8 plus 1 for each 500 drums
Over 1000
or packs above 1000

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

Labelling
Samples shall be securely packed for transport to the testing laboratory and shall be clearly identified by
markings on the body and lid of the container. The following information shall be shown on the container, or
label:

(a) Designation or classification of the material.

(b) Identification mark.
(c) Date and time of sampling.
(d) Sampling temperature.
(e) Further information required for identification of the samples shall be supplied on a separate sampling
form. The additional information shall include the following:
1. Name of supplier.
2. Place and date of sampling.
3. Quantity of material represented by the sample.
4. Type, batch number and identifying number of container, or vehicle, from which the sample was
taken.
5. Name of the sampler.
6. If the sampling procedure (especially temperature) was contrary to the manufacturer's
recommended procedure and/or industry guidelines.

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 Austroads Test Method ATM 101
Methods of Sampling Polymer Modified Binders, Polymers and Crumb Rubber

Amendment Record

Amendment
Clauses amended Action Date
no.

1 Commentary Page New June 2005

Footer and header Format
Applied revised test method number Format
Applied new styles Format
2 Appliew new test method numbers Substitution March 2006
3 Whole document Format July 2022
Whole document References updated
Title page Test Method Number amended

Key

Format Change in format

Substitution Old clause removed and replaced with new clause

New Insertion of new clause

Removed Old clauses removed

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