ASTM D3791-04

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for evaluating some of the effects on asphalts of heating in the presence of little or no air.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

When asphalts are maintained at elevated temperatures in the presence of air, their characteristics may change. Certain blown asphalts also soften when maintained near, and particularly above, their final blowing temperatures under virtually air-free conditions. This may happen if the asphalt is overheated for application purposes. This practice provides a uniform heat-treatment procedure and methods for evaluating the effect of this treatment on some of the characteristics of asphalts. Changes observed when asphalts are overheated are not indicative of changes to be expected when asphalts are heated to normal application temperatures.