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.

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 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of 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.