ASTM D7553-15(2021)

Standard Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in N-Propyl Bromide

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is a measure of the solubility of asphalt in n-propyl bromide. The portion that is soluble in n-propyl bromide represents the active cementing constituents.
Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of these factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree of solubility in n-propyl bromide of asphalt materials. It is intended to be a replacement for Test Method D2042 specifying a solvent that, like trichloroethylene, is safe in that it has no flash point, and has similar solubilizing characteristics to trichloroethylene, but it is not considered to be an ozone depleter banned by the Kyoto Protocol.
Note 1: This method is not applicable to tars and their distillation residues or highly cracked petroleum products. For methods covering tars, pitches, and other highly cracked petroleum products, and the use of other solvents, see Test Methods D4, D2318, and D2764.  
1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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. Specific precaution statements are given in Section 7.  
1.5 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: 14-Jun-2021
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.47 - Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2318-20 - Standard Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2764-20 - Standard Test Method for Dimethylformamide-Insoluble (DMF-I) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4-86(2018) - Standard Test Method for Bitumen Content
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2318-15 - Standard Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2764-99(2015)e1 - Standard Test Method for Dimethylformamide-Insoluble (DMF-I) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2318-14e1 - Standard Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D2318-14 - Standard Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3666-13 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2318-98(2013) - Standard Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of Tar and Pitch
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D6368-06(2012) - Standard Specification for Vapor-Degreasing Solvents Based on <emph type="bdit">normal</emph>-Propyl Bromide and Technical Grade <emph type="bdit">normal</emph>-Propyl Bromide
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3666-11 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011

Overview

ASTM D7553-15(2021), Standard Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in N-Propyl Bromide, establishes a procedure to determine the solubility of asphalt materials in n-propyl bromide. The solubility value measures the proportion of asphalt that is actively involved in cementing applications. This test method is designed as a safer and environmentally preferable alternative to previous procedures that used trichloroethylene, offering similar solvent properties while minimizing health and environmental risks.

This ASTM standard supports quality assurance and consistency across laboratories and facilities that produce or use asphalt, making it a critical tool in road construction, roofing, and paving material testing.

Key Topics

• Scope: The method determines the solubility of a wide range of asphalt materials in n-propyl bromide, representing the active cementing components critical for performance in paving and roofing applications.
• Safety: N-propyl bromide is used as a solvent for its similar solubilizing characteristics to trichloroethylene, but without the ozone depletion and fire risk, supporting safer environmental practices. Proper ventilation and adherence to safety precautions are essential when handling this chemical.
• Applicability: This standard is not intended for tars, their distillation residues, or highly cracked petroleum products. Other ASTM test methods, such as D4, D2318, and D2764, are referenced for those materials.
• Quality Assurance: The quality of results depends on operator skill, equipment calibration, and adherence to proper laboratory practices, with reference to ASTM Specification D3666 for evaluating and controlling laboratory performance.
• Precision and Repeatability: The method includes procedures for calculating and reporting solubility results, with data on repeatability and reproducibility available, ensuring confidence in interlaboratory comparisons.

Applications

Proper determination of asphalt solubility in n-propyl bromide is fundamental for:

• Quality Control in Asphalt Production: Ensuring that only the soluble, active cementing constituents are present in the product enhances pavement durability and longevity.
• Material Performance Evaluation: Agencies and contractors can quickly assess the suitability of asphalt materials for use in road construction, roofing, and related applications.
• Specification Compliance: Many road and construction contracts specify solubility values. This method offers a recognized approach for meeting national and international requirements.
• Environmental Considerations: By replacing trichloroethylene with n-propyl bromide, this test supports compliance with international environmental standards, including those informed by the Kyoto Protocol.

Related Standards

Several related ASTM standards and practices give further context and support to ASTM D7553-15(2021):

• ASTM D2042 - Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in Trichloroethylene (predecessor method)
• ASTM D4, D2318, D2764 - Test Methods for the analysis of tars, pitches, and highly cracked petroleum products
• ASTM D3666 - Specification covering laboratory criteria for testing, sampling, and inspection of road and paving materials
• ASTM D6368 - Specification for vapor-degreasing solvents based on n-propyl bromide
• ASTM E177 & E691 - Practices for use of statistical terms and conducting interlaboratory studies
• Kyoto Protocol - International agreement influencing the elimination of ozone-depleting solvents

Summary

ASTM D7553-15(2021) is a vital standard for measuring asphalt material solubility in n-propyl bromide, promoting accuracy, safety, and environmental responsibility within the asphalt and pavement industries. Consistent application of this test method ensures high-performance asphalt products and regulatory compliance on both national and international scales. For organizations seeking reliable road and paving material evaluation, this standard is an essential reference.

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: D7553 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Solubility of Asphalt Materials in N-Propyl Bromide
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7553; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree
of solubility in n-propyl bromide of asphalt materials. It is D4 Test Method for Bitumen Content
D2042 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
intended to be a replacement for Test Method D2042 specify-
ingasolventthat,liketrichloroethylene,issafeinthatithasno Trichloroethylene
flash point, and has similar solubilizing characteristics to D2318 Test Method for Quinoline-Insoluble (QI) Content of
trichloroethylene, but it is not considered to be an ozone Tar and Pitch
depleter banned by the Kyoto Protocol. D2764 Test Method for Dimethylformamide-Insoluble
(DMF-I) Content of Tar and Pitch
NOTE 1—This method is not applicable to tars and their distillation
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
residuesorhighlycrackedpetroleumproducts.Formethodscoveringtars,
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
pitches, and other highly cracked petroleum products, and the use of other
solvents, see Test Methods D4, D2318, and D2764.
D6368 Specification for Vapor-Degreasing Solvents Based
on normal-Propyl Bromide and Technical Grade normal-
1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
Propyl Bromide
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
ASTM Test Methods
as requirements of the standard.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. Summary of Test Method
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Thesampleisdissolvedinn-propylbromideandfiltered
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
through a glass fiber pad. The insoluble material is washed,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dried, and weighed.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Specific precaution statements are given in Section 7.
4.1 Thistestmethodisameasureofthesolubilityofasphalt
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
in n-propyl bromide. The portion that is soluble in n-propyl
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
bromide represents the active cementing constituents.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling,
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.47 on
Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 15, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7553 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7553-15R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7553 − 15 (2021)
for 30 6 5 min, and then determine the mass to the nearest
0.1 mg. Designate this mass as A. Store in the desiccator until
ready for use.
9. Sample Preparation
9.1 If the sample is not fluid, heat to any convenient
temperature, but in any case not more than 100 °C above the
softening point. Normally the temperature at which this test is
run is not critical, and it may be performed at the laboratory air
temperature. For referee tests, however, the flask and sample in
solution shall be placed in a water bath maintained at 38.0 6
0.3 °C for 1 h before filtering.
10. Procedure
10.1 Note safety precautions in Section 7. Transfer approxi-
mately2gofthe sample into a tared 125-mLErlenmeyer flask
or other suitable container. Smaller sample sizes may be
necessary if more than 0.5 % insoluble material is expected.
FIG. 1 Filtering Apparatus Assembly Allow the sample to cool to ambient temperature and then
determine the mass to the nearest 1 mg. Designate this mass as
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
B. Add 100 mL of the n-propyl bromide to the container in
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a
small portions with continuous agitation until all lumps disap-
means of evaluating and controlling some of these factors.
pear and no undissolved sample adheres to the container.
5. Apparatus and Materials Stopper the flask or otherwise cover the container and set aside
for at least 15 min (see Section 9).
5.1 The assembly of a typical filtering apparatus is illus-
trated in Fig. 1. Details of the component parts are as follows:
10.2 Place the previously prepared and weighed crucible in
5.1.1 Bitumen Crucible or Gooch Crucible, glazed inside
the filtering tube. Wet the filter pad with a small portion of
and outside with the exception of outside bottom surface. The
n-propyl bromide and decant the solution through the filter pad
approximate dimensions shall be a diameter of 44 mm at the
of the crucible with or without light suction as may be
top tapering to 36 mm at the bottom and a depth of 20 to
necessary. When the insoluble matter is appreciable, retain as
30 mm.
much of it as possible in the container until the solution has
5.1.2 Glass Microfiber Filter Pad, 32 to 34 mm diameter,
drained through the mat. Wash the container with a small
fine porosity, fast flow rate, 1.5 µm particle retention.
amount of solvent and, using a stream of solvent from a wash
5.1.3 Fi
...