APE September 2021 | Page 18

EXPERT ADVICE
that prefer not to use it . Although , the naysayers are often acting on a lack of knowledge .
“ The biggest objection to infrared technology is the mistaken opinion that it damages the asphalt ,” stated Kieswetter . “ This opinion stems from much earlier attempts at recycling asphalt inplace by using indirect hot flame that scorches the surface before it achieves penetration and / or existing infrared users that do not use sufficient care in monitoring the temperatures .

“ When re-heating , it is important to ensure the surface temperature stays at a reasonable temperature while the full depth of the wear course being repaired is heated sufficiently to rework . Theoretically , the light oils in the bitumen start to burn off at 270F ( 170C ). In original production at an asphalt plant , temperatures will generally be much more than that , but they can compensate for light oils in the bitumen start to burn off at 270F ( 170C )

that in the mix design to ensure that the final mix meets specification . When exceeding these temperatures during infrared work we have the advantage that the duration of the high temperature is much less than new mix , and we always add a rejuvenator to partially compensate for temperature exceedance , as well as oxidation ( hardening ) of the upper surface that has happened over time . Still , the rule when doing infrared is : White smoke is just water vapor from moisture trapped in the cracks , black smoke means you are burning off the light oils .”
Blake offered this on the biggest objections to infrared technology and how best they can be countered : “ The biggest objection is often customers ’ lack of knowledge on the infrared process . When you mention infrared to a potential customer they may be completely unfamiliar with the process and technology , so it falls on you as the contractor to educate them and sell them on why infrared is an effective and efficient repair .”
If Sir William Herschel were around today , he ’ d be pleased to see the practical applications and beneficial uses of his discovery . Infrared asphalt repair is certainly a beneficial application .
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