Making asphalt is like baking a cake. You measure all the right ingredients, mix them up and heat them for the final product. Asphalt starts with a mixture of sand and small and large rocks (called aggregate). Next, asphalt cement is heated and combined with the rocks — thus the name hot mix asphalt (HMA). The HMA must be kept pliable for proper installation, so asphalt facilities must be located near paving sites.
There are two basic types of plants used to manufacture hot mix asphalt:
Batch plants, which make asphalt in batches as needed to go straight to work sites
Drum plants, which make asphalt continuously and can store the asphalt for several days in heated storage silos.
You'll find common components in both batch and drum plants including:
•Cold feed bins — Accurately meter the different aggregates used in the mix to the drying drum. Aggregates are usually stored in stockpiles or they may be stored in large silos or bunkers.
•Asphalt cement storage — Asphalt cement is stored in tanks that meet stringent regulatory guidelines for spill prevention.
•Dryer drum — Dries and heats aggregates by tumbling them through hot air. In a parallel-flow drum, aggregates move in the same direction as the hot air. In a counter-flow drum, aggregates move in the opposite direction.
•Emission control system — Sometimes called a baghouse, this system traps and removes fine sand and dust particles and returns them to the mix.
•Storage silos — Drum mix plants must have silos since they produce asphalt continuously. Batch plants do not require a silo, but often have them to increase plant production. Storage silos are insulated and may be heated to prevent heat loss. A mix may be stored in a silo for days.
Source: beyondroads.com
Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074
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