In the previous chapter, we delved into the origins of the NCAT ignition furnace and the technology and theory that underpin its function. We also discussed the challenges faced during its design and the journey from concept to implementation. In this chapter, we will attempt to build an ignition furnace together from scratch. We’ll be …
Almost every lab in the country has an ignition oven. Sure, there are some standouts; some states require extractions with solvents, but for the most part, ignition is king. But how did this become the standard? Why did everyone switch from extractions to ignition seemingly overnight? What even is an ignition oven anyway? In today’s …
Have you ever taken a look around your lab and wondered how any of the equipment works? Have you been in the industry for more than ten years and at this point are too scared to ask? Well, believe it or not, you’re not alone. Welcome to our mastery series – a collection of blog …
Our industry has had more changes in the last 10 years than it has seen in the prior 50. Each change seems to come with more complicated equipment and an even higher price tag. And of course we, the quality control focused professionals, are left to figure out how to get what we need with …
When it comes to choosing a service company for your lab, knowing that they are capable of providing good results during calibrations can be the difference between full and limited production. With so many options available, it’s important to understand what to look for when making your choice. This article will highlight the 5 key …
The lift test is a powerful tool that you can use to keep your NCAT’s burn time short. It can tell you if you have faulty components, and can even impact your results. Our technicians use this test to determine what they need to do when they start service, and often it’s the first thing …
Many of you might remember when the square-designed NCAT baskets were the only baskets available. This was before the angled cornered baskets became the standard thanks to some clever marketing and adoption of the asphalt industry. Well, in true Gordon Technical fashion, we have revisited the original design, and are surprised by the results. Warping …
You don’t need to know the inner workings of an NCAT ignition furnace to understand how it works. You fill a basket with material, you put that basket into the NCAT, you press start and 20-40 minutes later (hopefully) you pull out the aggregate with all the liquid burnt off. But what do you do …
An interesting but unique challenge in our industry lies in how we hold and move our asphalt samples from place to place. It would be one thing if our samples were small and light but as it just so happens, asphalt is pretty heavy. On top of that, our samples need to stay mixed up …
There are two camps on how the Rice (or Maximum Specific Gravity) test needs to be done in order to be correct. One is team Autorice, who love that the unit performs the entire test automatically, and the Other is team “This is the way we’ve always done it”. “The way we’ve always done it” …