Troxler NTO series User manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction
Troxler NTO
Asphalt Content
Ignition Oven
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
3008 Cornwallis Road •P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
www.troxlerlabs.com

ii
Troxler products are protected by U.S. and foreign patents.
The Troxler NTO (New Technology Oven) Asphalt Content
Ignition Oven is protected by U.S. Patents US 6.054,323 and
US 6,436,718 and Canadian Patent CA 2,274,453.
Copyright ©2000 – 2009
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
Superpave is a trademark of the Strategic Highway Research
Program.
PN 109227
March 2009
Edition 5.0

Troxler NTO iii
TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS
Troxler Corporate Headquarters
3008 Cornwallis Road
P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
E-mail: [email protected]
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]
Texas Service Center
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]
Illinois Service Center
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]
Northern California Service Center
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Fax: [phone]
Troxler European Subsidiary
Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33
D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
E-mail: [email protected]
NOTE
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service
partner near you, call 1.877.TROXLER
(1.877.876.9537).

iv
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, 93/42/EEC,
and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC – as amended by
93/68/EEC.
Standards to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010–1+A2
EN 61326–1:1998
Manufacturer: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
P.O. Box 12057
3008 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27709
U.S.A.
Apparatus: Model 4730 and 4731
Asphalt Ignition Oven
Year of Declaration: 2000

Troxler NTO v
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Before using the Troxler NTO (New Technology Oven) Asphalt
Content Ignition Oven or “oven,” read this manual carefully. Of
particular importance is the safety information in Chapter 2. Do not
attempt to operate the oven before reading this manual and the
safety warnings posted on the unit. Troxler stresses that the user is
solely responsible for ensuring the safe use of the oven. Neither the
manufacturer, its subsidiary, distributors, or representatives can
assume responsibility for any mishaps, damage, or personal injury
that may occur from failure to observe the safety warnings in this
manual and posted on the unit.
The oven allows measurement of the asphalt content of asphalt
mixes. After ignition testing, the remaining aggregates may be used
as sample for gradation measurements. The Troxler NTO Manual of
Operation and Instruction describes the installation, setup, and
operation of the system.

vi
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
WARNING
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause equipment damage.
NOTE
Indicates important information that must be read to
ensure proper operation.
〈KEY〉Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a
key or character (number or letter) to press on the
oven keypad. For example, “Press 〈START〉”
means to press the key labeled START.
DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate
information or messages displayed on the oven.
DISPLAY - Typestyle
and shading used to
simulate the oven
display
♦Diamonds indicate a list of things needed (such as
equipment) or things to know.
Check marks indicate the performance of an action.
With lists of check marks, follow the instructions in
the order of the check marks.
fTriangles indicate that more than one option is
available. Carefully select the option that applies.

Troxler NTO vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE TROXLER NTO
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
About This Manual....................................................................... 1–4
Features of the Troxler NTO ........................................................ 1–5
Parts and Accessories.................................................................... 1–7
Unpacking and Inspecting ............................................................ 1–9
CHAPTER 2. PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION
Introduction................................................................................... 2–2
Cautions and Warnings................................................................. 2–4
Safety Warnings............................................................................ 2–6
CHAPTER 3. INSTALLATION
Site Selection ................................................................................ 3–2
Oven Installation........................................................................... 3–3
Exhaust System Installation.......................................................... 3–5
CHAPTER 4. SETUP AND OPERATION
Keypad.......................................................................................... 4–2
Printer ........................................................................................... 4–4
First-Time Startup and Setup........................................................ 4–5
Daily Startup and Operation......................................................... 4–8
Daily Shutdown .......................................................................... 4–14
CHAPTER 5. MAIN MENU
Oven Main Menu.......................................................................... 5–3
Burn Setup Menu.......................................................................... 5–4
Auto-Timer................................................................................. 5–15
Project Menu............................................................................... 5–20
Correction Menu......................................................................... 5–20
Scale Menu ................................................................................. 5–20
Status Menu................................................................................ 5–21
Store Function............................................................................. 5–24
Miscellaneous Menu................................................................... 5–27
CHAPTER 6. CALIBRATION
Correcting %AC Measurements................................................... 6–2
Correction Menu........................................................................... 6–8
Scale Menu ................................................................................. 6–13

viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
CHAPTER 7. HANDLING DATA
Projects..........................................................................................7–2
Project Menu .................................................................................7–3
APPENDIX A. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
Troubleshooting............................................................................A–2
Cleaning .......................................................................................A–4
Replacing Parts.............................................................................A–8
Replacement Parts......................................................................A–14
Returning Parts for Service ........................................................A–15
APPENDIX B. MENU MAP
Menu Map Description.................................................................B–2
APPENDIX C. SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental Conditions............................................................C–2
Performance Specifications..........................................................C–3
Electrical Specifications...............................................................C–4
Mechanical Specifications............................................................C–5
INDEX
WARRANTY

Troxler NTO ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1–1 Parts and Accessories................................................1–8
2–1 Basket
Carrier............................................................2–8
3–1 Overall Schematic for Exterior Wall and Roof
Penetrations...............................................................3–6
3–2 Exterior Wall Penetration Using a Metal Elbow and
Cap ............................................................................3–7
3–3 Exterior Wall Penetration Using a Metal Wall Cap with
Screen........................................................................3–8
3–4 Roof Penetration........................................................3–9
3–5 Exhausting to a Fume Hood....................................3–10
4–1 Oven
Keypad............................................................. 4–2
4–2 Printer Front Panel ....................................................4–4
4–3 Sample Basket Assembly........................................4–10
5–1 Sample Reduced Printout........................................5–11
6–1 Sample Aggregate Correction Factor Form ..............6–4
A–1 Printer with Doors Open ........................................ A–10
A–2 Inserting the Paper Roll.......................................... A–10
A–3 Insert Paper into Slot.............................................. A–11
A–4 Printer Paper with Bottom Door Open................... A–11
A–5 Printer with Lower Door Open............................... A–12
A–6 Installing the Printer Cartridge............................... A–13
B–1 Troxler NTO Menu Map...........................................B–3

x
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
4-1 Oven Keys .................................................................4–3
5-1 Recommended Minimum Burn Times.......................5–6

Troxler NTO 1–1
1. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE TROXLER NTO
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler NTO (New
Technology Oven) Asphalt Content Ignition Oven. This information
includes a list of the parts and accessories, as well as instructions for
unpacking and inspecting the oven upon receipt.
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
About This Manual....................................................................... 1–4
Features of the Troxler NTO ........................................................ 1–5
Parts and Accessories.................................................................... 1–7
Unpacking and Inspecting ............................................................ 1–9

1–2
INTRODUCTION
The two major components of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) are the
asphalt binder and the aggregate. Thus, accurate measurements of
the percent asphalt content (%AC) and aggregate gradation are
required for HMA quality control and assurance. The Troxler NTO
Asphalt Content Ignition Oven allows safe, quick, and reliable
measurement of the %AC of HMA samples and creates samples for
aggregate gradation measurements.
The oven employs a method developed by the National Center for
Asphalt Technology (NCAT) called pyrolysis, or ignition. In this
method, an HMA sample of known mass is prepared. The asphalt
binder in the sample is then burned. The change in sample mass
indicates the %AC. Standard sieve analysis of the remaining clean
aggregate provides the gradation.
The ignition oven test method is covered by the provisions of the
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard
D 6307, Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Hot-Mix
Asphalt by Ignition Method.
The oven can also be used in conjunction with a nuclear asphalt
content gauge, such as Troxler Models 3241–C, 3241 USS, and
3242. The nuclear gauge provides a fast method of measuring the
%AC when the aggregate gradation is not needed. The oven can be
used when a job requires aggregate gradation.
The nuclear gauge test method is covered by the provisions of the
ASTM Standard D 4125, Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content
of Bituminous Mixtures by the Nuclear Method. For more
information on Troxler's asphalt content gauges, contact your
Troxler representative.

Troxler NTO 1–3
1. INTRODUCTION
WARNING
Do not attempt to operate the oven before reading this
manual and the safety warnings posted on the unit.
Troxler stresses that the user is solely responsible for
ensuring the safe use of the oven. Neither the
manufacturer, its subsidiary, distributors, nor
representatives can assume responsibility for any
mishaps, damage, or personal injury which may occur
from failure to observe the safety warnings in Chapter 2
of this manual and posted on the unit.

1–4
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The Troxler NTO Manual of Operation and Instruction provides
detailed information about the oven. The manual includes product
safety information, as well as instructions for selecting an
installation site, installing the oven, and using the oven to burn
HMA samples and to store sample data.
This manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, Introduction to the Troxler NTO – Provides a brief
overview of the oven and its features, as well as a list of parts
and accessories, and instructions for unpacking and inspection.
Chapter 2, Product Safety Information – Includes information on
the safe use of the oven.
Chapter 3, Installation – Contains instructions for installing the
oven, including the criteria for selecting an installation site.
Chapter 4, Setup and Operation – Describes the oven keypad, and
provides instructions for setting up, starting, operating, and
shutting down the oven.
Chapter 5, Main Menu – Provides a detailed description of the
oven software, including examples and explanations of the
control menus.
Chapter 6, Calibration – Includes instructions for determining
correction factors, and for calibrating the integrated scale.
Chapter 7, Handling Data – Contains instructions on creating and
using project files and describes how to view, erase, print, and
download data.
Appendix A, Maintenance and Service – Provides maintenance
and service information, as well as instructions on basic
troubleshooting.
Appendix B, Menu Map – Shows a map of the menus in the oven
control software.
Appendix C, Specifications – Contains the environmental,
performance, electrical, and mechanical specifications of the
oven.

Troxler NTO 1–5
1. INTRODUCTION
FEATURES OF THE TROXLER NTO
The oven incorporates a number of features that provide
unparalleled efficiency, safety, usability, and flexibility.
The oven heats the HMA sample using an infrared (IR) element.
The use of IR radiation serves two purposes: it limits the heating of
the aggregate material in the HMA sample while producing a very
efficient and clean burn process.
The oven can be powered from a 120 V ac, 50/60 Hz, 12 A source
(Model 4730) or from a 208–240 V ac, 50/60 Hz, 12/13 A source
(Model 4731). The oven is therefore convenient for use in
construction trailers, where power sources may be limited.
The oven door lock helps ensure operator safety. The oven monitors
the state of the door, and will not apply electrical power to the IR
element if the door is open. The oven door is locked automatically
at the start of a burn cycle. The door remains locked until five
minutes have elapsed since the chamber temperature has peaked or
since the 〈ABORT〉key was pressed.
The sample basket assembly is designed to provide operator safety
while handling HMA samples, and to ensure an even burn of the
asphalt binder. A basket carrier is provided for lifting the baskets in
and out of the oven. A sample safety cage shields the hot sample
basket assembly while the asphalt sample cools.
The integrated scale continuously monitors the sample mass loss
during a burn cycle.
The oven features an Auto-Tare function that automatically tares
(zeroes) the integrated scale when no mass is present. The oven
software also enables the operator to tare the scale manually, to
calibrate the scale, and to verify the scale calibration.
The oven keypad and internal logic provide control, data storage,
and output flexibility. The keypad enables the operator to set up and
operate the oven, to store sample data, to calibrate and verify the
integrated scale, and to enter correction factors.
The oven includes an Auto-Timer function that can preheat the oven
automatically based upon start and stop dates and times entered by
the operator.

1–6
The oven features two audible indicators, an internally mounted
beeper and a louder annunciator mounted on the rear panel. The
beeper emits a short beep in response to a valid keystroke on the
oven keypad. It sounds a longer beep when the operator presses an
invalid key or the oven displays an error message. The annunciator
sounds when the door is unlocked at the completion of a burn cycle.
The red BURN COMPLETE indicator on the front panel also
lights when the door is unlocked.
The internal printer enables the operator to print sample data and
system status information, either automatically or manually.
Two ports, a serial communications port and an auxiliary port, are
mounted on the rear panel of the oven. The serial communications
port, the leftmost of the two ports (as viewed from the rear of the
oven), is used to output data to a serial device, such as a computer
or printer. The auxiliary (right) port is intended for factory use only.
The oven stores up to twenty user-defined aggregate correction
factors (ACFs), which are percentage values used to adjust the
measured asphalt content for specific aggregates.
During a burn cycle, the oven displays measurement units of
percent loss (%Loss). The %Loss measurement is the difference
between the sample weights before and after the burn cycle,
expressed as a percentage of the starting mass.
The oven offers two burn modes. The burn time can be set manually
by the operator (Program Time mode), or it can be adjusted
automatically by the oven (Auto-Control mode). In Auto-Control
mode, the oven limits the burn time according to the cutoff limit
specified by the operator. The cutoff limit can be defined in grams
or as a percentage.
The oven features three burn profiles, which define the operation of
the oven during a burn cycle. The Default profile should be used for
most materials; the two optional profiles can be used to optimize the
burn cycle for less standard mixtures.
The oven can store data for up to 200 HMA samples. Sample data is
stored in project files created by the operator. Up to twenty project
files can be defined. Sample data is stored in the active project file,
either manually using identification numbers entered by the
operator, or automatically using the Auto-Store function.

Troxler NTO 1–7
1. INTRODUCTION
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Figure 1–1 shows the Troxler NTO and its accessories. Use this
figure to locate and identify the following parts:
1. The oven contains the electronics and IR heating element to
burn the asphalt binder from the aggregate. The oven includes
an internal printer used to print sample data and system status
information. An integrated scale (not shown) monitors mass
loss throughout the burn cycle. The oven’s exhaust duct vents
fumes produced during the ignition to a suitable ventilation
system.
2. The hearth plate (not shown) provides even distribution of heat
beneath the sample baskets.
3. The basket cover fits over the sample baskets.
4. The stackable sample baskets (2) hold the HMA sample for
burning.
5. The catch pan catches aggregate particles that may fall through
the bottom of the sample basket(s).
6. The basket carrier provides added safety when moving the
sample basket assembly in and out of the oven.
7. The sample safety cage (not shown) shields the hot sample
basket assembly while the asphalt sample cools.
8. The soft-bristled brush (not shown) is used to brush soot from
the turbine blades of the oven’s exhaust fan when cleaning the
exhaust plenum box.
9. Insulated gloves* (not shown) protect hands and forearms
when moving the heated sample basket(s).
10. The Troxler NTO Manual of Operation and Instruction (not
shown) details how to operate and maintain the oven.
*Operators should verify that the insulated gloves meet local
safety laws and specifications.

1–8
BASKET CARRIER
LOCK ARMS
BASKET
COVER
SAMPLE
BASKETS
CATCH
PAN
INTERNAL
PRINTER
CIRCUIT BREAKER/
POWER SWITCH
DISPLAY
KEYPAD
EXHAUST
DUCT
OVEN
ACCES
S
PANEL
Figure 1–1. Parts and Accessories

Troxler NTO 1–9
1. INTRODUCTION
UNPACKING AND INSPECTING
NOTE
To ensure the safe return of the oven to Troxler for
repair or maintenance, please keep the original shipping
box, pallet, and all packing materials. The box folds for
easy storage.
Upon receiving the oven from the factory:
1. Perform a complete inspection and inventory. If the shipping
case and/or any other part or accessory appears damaged, notify
the carrier and your Troxler representative immediately.
2. Cut the nylon bands from around the carton, then lift off the top
half of the box, and remove all accessory items.
3. Remove any packing material packed around the oven or inside
the oven chamber. Save all packing material, including the
plastic sheet used to cushion the inside of the chamber door
during shipping, for reuse if the oven needs to be returned for
service or repair. The box folds for easy storage.
4. Remove the bottom half of the box.

1–10
5. Check the shipping case for the following items:
♦Oven
♦Hearth plate
♦Sample basket assembly, including sample baskets (2),
catch pan, and basket cover
♦Basket carrier
♦Insulated gloves*
♦Sample safety cage
♦Exhaust duct
♦Duct adapter, 3- to 4-inch
♦Clamp, 4-inch hose
♦Brush, soft-bristle
♦Troxler NTO Manual of Operation and Instruction
♦Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Information Kit
6. Inspect the outside surfaces of the oven and accessories for
damage.
*Operators should verify that the insulated gloves meet local
safety laws and specifications.