Patent ID: 6733168
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A particulate processing apparatus for use in the field, comprising:an elongated, rotatably driven container having a first openable face disposed substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of said container for receiving a batch of asphalt to be tested, and a second openable face also disposed parallel said axis of rotation for discharging a processed batch of asphalt comprising a separated particulate mix, said container having an inlet and an outlet through which air and hot gases can flow, said particulate mix tumbling within said rotatable container, as said rotatable container is caused to rotate; cooling means disposed adjacent said rotatable container for cooling air introduced into the inlet of said container, said introduced air processing said particulate mix, and separating the tumbling particulate mix into its component particles by driving off heat within said particulate mix, said cooling air flowing out of said outlet; collecting means disposed beneath said container adjacent said second openable face for receiving the processed particulate mix from a lower region of said rotatable container; and drive means operatively connected to said container for rotating said container, and for causing the particulate mix to tumble therein.