ASTM D8125-18(2023)

Standard Specification for Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottoms (REOB)/Vacuum Tower Asphalt Extender (VTAE)

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the material, manufacturing, and physical requirements for re-refined engine oil bottoms, also known as vacuum tower asphalt extender, that may be used in formulating asphalt for pavement construction and roofing. "Re-refined engine oil bottoms" (REOB) is the commonly used term used by many state highway agencies and FHWA, while "vacuum tower asphalt extender" (VTAE) is preferred by manufacturers. REOB/VTAE may be obtained by processing used engine oil using atmospheric distillation followed by vacuum distillation to produce a vacuum residuum meeting the requirements outlined in this specification. The REOB/VTAE shall be homogenous, free from water, and not foam when heated to 232°C (450°F).
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers re-refined engine oil bottoms, also known as vacuum tower asphalt extender, that may be used in formulating asphalt for pavement construction and roofing. This specification has been developed specifically for these two categories of product and is not intended for other uses. Table 1 is to be used for pavement construction and Table 2 for roofing. “Re-refined engine oil bottoms” (REOB) is the prevailing name used by many state highway agencies and FHWA, while “vacuum tower asphalt extender” (VTAE) is the preferred name used by the manufacturers of the product. Since each name provides an important descriptor of production elements (“re-refined” and “vacuum tower”) for the specific product this specification addresses, this specification uses the term “REOB/VTAE.”  
1.2 Units—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 nonconformance 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.40 - Asphalt Specifications

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16(2023) - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D95-23 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D93-20 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1131-20 - Standard Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D8078-18e1 - Standard Test Method for Ash Content of Asphalt and Emulsified Asphalt Residues
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8078-18 - Standard Test Method for Ash Content of Asphalt and Emulsified Asphalt Residues
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8078-16 - Standard Test Method for Ash Content of Asphalt and Emulsified Asphalt Residues
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-16 - Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-15 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D140/D140M-14 - Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D93-13 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D93-13e1 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4402/D4402M-13 - Standard Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D93-12 - Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D92-12a - Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM D8125-18(2023) is the authoritative international standard specification for Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottoms (REOB), also known as Vacuum Tower Asphalt Extender (VTAE). Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines the material, manufacturing, and physical requirements for REOB/VTAE used in formulating asphalt for both pavement construction and roofing applications. The standard ensures that REOB/VTAE products are consistent, reliable, and meet the industry’s stringent quality and safety demands.

Key Topics

• Terminology: The specification covers both commonly used terms-REOB, favored by highway and regulatory agencies, and VTAE, the term preferred by manufacturers.
• Manufacturing Process: REOB/VTAE is produced by processing used engine oil sequentially through atmospheric and vacuum distillation, resulting in a vacuum residuum suitable for use in asphalt products.
• Physical Properties: The standard mandates that REOB/VTAE must be homogenous, free from water, and must not foam when heated to 232°C (450°F).
• Performance Criteria: Requirements are detailed for specific parameters such as flash point, solubility, viscosity, and ash content. Different requirement tables are provided for pavement and roofing uses.
• Testing Methods: Sampling and testing must conform to referenced ASTM methods (such as D92, D93, D95, D2042, D4402, D8078, and E1131), ensuring reliable and repeatable results across laboratories and production sites.
• Unit Systems: Both SI and inch-pound units are used, but values from these systems should not be combined to avoid noncompliance with the standard.

Applications

1. Pavement Construction

• REOB/VTAE is widely utilized as an asphalt modifier in road and highway construction.
• Designed to blend with paving binders, it enhances workability and can contribute to achieving required specifications for durable, long-lasting road surfaces.

2. Roofing

• In roofing applications, REOB/VTAE is used to formulate roofing asphalts that meet specific temperature and solubility requirements.
• It helps roofing manufacturers produce materials that offer consistent performance under diverse climate conditions.

Note: This specification is intended solely for the formulation of asphalt in pavement and roofing. It is not authorized for other uses.

Related Standards

Compliance with ASTM D8125-18(2023) may require reference to related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D92: Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
• ASTM D93: Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
• ASTM D95: Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• ASTM D140/D140M: Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
• ASTM D2042: Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in Trichloroethylene or Toluene
• ASTM D2872: Test Method for Effect of Heat and Air on a Moving Film of Asphalt Binder (RTFOT)
• ASTM D4402/D4402M: Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures
• ASTM D8078 or E1131: Test Methods for Ash Content and Compositional Analysis

For full compliance, users should ensure that all testing and reporting is performed in line with these referenced standards.

Practical Value

• Ensures product quality: Mandates essential properties for safe, effective use in asphalt applications.
• Supports regulatory compliance: Recognized by transportation agencies, regulators, and manufacturers.
• Enhances consistency and performance: Provides clear criteria for manufacturing and acceptance.
• Promotes safe handling: Addresses safety, health, and environmental considerations, placing responsibility on the user to follow appropriate practices.

For organizations involved in paving or roofing industries, adherence to ASTM D8125-18(2023) ensures high-quality asphalt products that meet both industry and regulatory expectations.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8125 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottoms (REOB)/Vacuum Tower
Asphalt Extender (VTAE)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8125; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers re-refined engine oil bottoms, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
also known as vacuum tower asphalt extender, that may be D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
used in formulating asphalt for pavement construction and Open Cup Tester
roofing. This specification has been developed specifically for D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
these two categories of product and is not intended for other Closed Cup Tester
uses. Table 1 is to be used for pavement construction and Table D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
2 for roofing. “Re-refined engine oil bottoms” (REOB) is the Bituminous Materials by Distillation
prevailing name used by many state highway agencies and D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
FHWA, while “vacuum tower asphalt extender” (VTAE) is the D2042 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
preferred name used by the manufacturers of the product. Since Trichloroethylene or Toluene
each name provides an important descriptor of production D2872 Test Method for Effect of Heat and Air on a Moving
elements (“re-refined” and “vacuum tower”) for the specific Film of Asphalt Binder (Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test)
product this specification addresses, this specification uses the D4402/D4402M Test Method for Viscosity Determination of
term “REOB/VTAE.” Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational
Viscometer
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
D7553 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
N-Propyl Bromide
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
D8078 Test Method for Ash Content of Asphalt and Emul-
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
sified Asphalt Residues
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
E1131 Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermo-
formance with the standard.
gravimetry
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Materials and Manufacture
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 REOB/VTAE shall be the product of processing used
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
engine oil using atmospheric distillation followed by vacuum
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
distillation to produce a vacuum residuum meeting the speci-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
fications outlined in Table 1 or Table 2.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Physical Requirements
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 The REOB/VTAE shall be homogenous, free from
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
water, and not foam when heated to 232 °C (450 °F).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2 The REOB/VTAE shall conform to the requirements
given in Table 1 or Table 2 based on the intended end use.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.40 on
Asphalt Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D8125 – 18. DOI:
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