Towards more sustainable practice in bituminous products laboratories
A challenge facing Southern Africa is the development of an improved environment in laboratories carrying out tests on bituminous products, whereby the use of toxic solvents is eliminated. This entails the replacement of harmful substances currently in general use as solvents in standard test methods as well as cleaning procedures. In pursuance of this goal, the accuracy of adapted test methods should not be compromised and test results should continue to meet international standards. Improved practices should also be associated with improved solvent recycling procedures with zero emission requirements. This paper details the current practices in South Africa with regard to the types of solvents in use. Current waste management practices are listed. A brief review of current international developments in solvent replacement/elimination is presented. The review findings and statistics on current South African practices are used as a basis for the formulation of recommendations for achieving enhanced safety of test procedures that are also less harmful to the environment. The review of current practices is based on a recent investigation carried out for Sabita (South African Bituminous Association) to formulate a guide to practice in bituminous product laboratories, namely Sabita Manual 29.
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Authors:
- O'CONNELL, J
- Mturi, G A
- Myburgh, P
- Conference:
- Publication Date: 2011-9
Language
- English
Media Info
- Pagination: 12p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bitumen; Environment; Environmental impacts; Laboratory tests; Manufacturing; Solvents
- Uncontrolled Terms: Materials technology (asphalt/bitumen/concrete)
- Geographic Terms: South Africa
- ATRI Terms: Bitumen; Environment; Environmental effects; Laboratory test; Manufacture; Solvent; Sustainability
- Subject Areas: Environment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01381323
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: ARRB
- Files: ATRI
- Created Date: Aug 22 2012 12:03PM