There are two main types of asphalt mixing plants – batch and continuous. Batch mixing plants produce final products in batches and are often more expensive to purchase and operate. However, they are more precise and can prepare various mix formulations for different applications. They are also easier to maintain and can be retrofitted as needed. On the other hand, continuous plants produce in a continuous process and require less space. Newer continuous equipment models feature an upgraded control panel and facility to store mixed material recipes.
Disadvantages of drum mixing equipment
Drum mixing plant is one of the basic types of asphalt plants. This type of mixing plant uses a continuous process to produce hot mix asphalt. The material is first fed into the cold silo and then brought to the drum for the mixing process. Aggregate is weighed proportionally before entering the drum. Compared to batch equipment, drum mixing equipment is smaller and more cost-effective.
Drum mixing equipment is also divided into counter-flow and parallel-flow. In counterflow equipment, the material flow is opposite to the direction of the burner flame. This is more efficient, but the mixing process may take longer. The process can also be adjusted to facilitate more mixing.
Aggregate is fed into two or three feed bins. Then, the aggregate is conveyed to the drying drum through the inclined belt conveyor. The dryer drum heats the aggregate at the same time as the asphalt mixture, bringing it to a higher temperature than in the batching plant. This method is much more efficient than the co-current process and can save up to 10% of fuel.
The batching plant needs to weigh the bitumen before adding it to the mixing drum. In contrast, drum plants do not have asphalt weighing devices. This means that the drum does not have the same precision and control over the amount of bitumen added to the mix during the mixing process.
mobile asphalt plant
In terms of asphalt production, mobile asphalt mixing plants are a good choice. They are easily moved from one job site to the next and provide a steady stream of hot asphalt to construction sites. This also reduces operating costs. While the mobile asphalt mixing plant does have some limitations, it is an ideal solution for small to medium construction projects.
The modular design of the mobile asphalt plant is one of its greatest advantages. This allows for easier repairs and less downtime, which means higher productivity. Furthermore, this type of equipment does not require heavy lifting equipment and can be installed quickly. Once installed, the mobile plant can start producing hot mix asphalt within a week or two. However, before investing in a mobile asphalt mixing plant, you must take your time and make sure it fits your needs.
There are two basic types of mobile asphalt mixing plants: batch and continuous. Bulk mixing plants produce final products in bulk and are more expensive to purchase and operate. On the other hand, continuous plants are more efficient and can produce high quality in a continuous process. They also consume less space and are more affordable.
Mobile asphalt mixing plants are easy to transport and install and have a wide range of uses. Some of them are even designed for recycling bitumen. You can choose to add up to 25% recycled asphalt to the mix, which will reduce fuel usage.
Drum mix recycling
The asphalt drum mixing process begins with the cold aggregate being fed into the silo. Modern asphalt drum mixing plants are usually equipped with three or four silo feeders. Aggregates are loaded into different silos according to size and are separated by independently adjustable doors. A long conveyor belt then brings the mixture to the peeling screen. In addition, modern drum mix asphalt plants use triple heat transfer systems. This allows the maximum amount of heat to be transferred to the aggregate. The heat transfer system uses conduction, bonding and radiation heat transfer techniques.
When asphalt is injected into the drum, it is mixed with asphalt binder and filler material. This helps to minimize the amount of light oil discharged from the asphalt mixture. In addition to this, the high temperature at which the aggregate is heated helps to melt the RAP bonding material. The raw aggregate and binder materials are weighed before entering the drum. The flow of the two materials is controlled by a control chamber.
The mixing process is similar to baking a cake. It requires precise measurements and proportions to obtain a uniform end product. This will help the asphalt mix perform as required on the road. Alternatively, batch factories are more flexible and produce smaller batches at a time. This is an excellent choice for small to medium projects.