NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace

The State of Maine's Division of Purchases is soliciting bids for a Thermo Scientific NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace, a single-source laboratory testing system, with bids due June 12, 2008.

The furnace is designed to determine asphalt content in bituminous paving mixtures using the ignition method in compliance with ASTM D6307 and AASHTO T308 standards. The system accommodates samples up to 5,000 grams and delivers asphalt content accuracy within 0.11%, validated through a 12-laboratory round-robin field test conducted by NCAT. It operates in automatic or manual test mode with automatic endpoint detection, software-controlled operations, and adjustable endpoint sensitivity ranging from 0.01% to 0.5%. The furnace includes advanced safety features: an automatic door lock during critical testing phases, a high-temperature afterburner with patented ceramic filtration that reduces emissions by up to 95% and has been verified to meet EPA parameters through independent testing with the California Transportation Department, and eliminates exposure to harmful solvents associated with traditional asphalt content testing. The system incorporates a 24-hour, 7-day programmable timer for furnace preheating, RS-232 port for data interface with personal computers for graphical analysis, and software compensation that automatically adjusts for sample and basket assembly temperature changes and accepts correction factors for mixes containing hydrated lime. Independent OSHA-compliant laboratory hygiene studies confirmed the system poses no health threats during proper operation.

Bids must be submitted electronically to the Division of Purchases, Room 119, State Office Building, Augusta, Maine. The State reserves the right to award to in-state bidders when price, quality, and availability are equal. Transportation charges must be prepaid and borne by the contractor unless otherwise specified. Bidders must exclude Maine state sales and use taxes from quotes.