The two types of asphalt mixing plants functions or operations in common. The basic principle of any type of asphalt plant is the same i.e. to produce hot mix asphalt. The different lies in the method by which the end product is prepared. Some of the common functions of both the types of asphalt plants are:
- Different sizes of aggregates stockpiling and feeding into bins.
- Screening of aggregates. In continuous type the aggregates are screened to remove over size. While in batch type the aggregates are screened to separate them into different compartments.
- Drying and heating of aggregates.
- Melting storage and transfer of bitumen
- Storage and transfer of filler material.
- Bitumen, aggregates and filler material are weighed in batch type plants. Where in continuous type plants they are added and controlled by a variable frequency drive.
- Discharge of hot mix asphalt into truck or a storage silo.
- Control panel is common for both the types. It controls the activities of the plant and gives us report of the important parameters.
Four Basics Factor of Asphalt Mixing Plant Working :
There are some basics that are common to all the asphalt mixing plants. They are as below:
- Drying and heating of aggregates.
- Weighing of aggregates, bitumen and filler material.
- Mixing aggregates with bitumen and filler material.
- Release of hot mix asphalt.
In any type of asphalt plant the accuracy of the weighing is the key factor. There should be consistent and accurate weighing of the aggregates, bitumen as well as minerals. When the weighing is consistent, we get the desired end product which is as per the expectations and norms. Its helps in building better roads as per the set norms. The asphalt plant has ability to store different recipes. We can change use different recipes for different applications as when required. Even it is important to note that the storage and usage of multiple recipes is important when you are dealing with multiple customers. When you have recipes of different customers stored with you it becomes easy to select any specific required recipe. Once the desired recipe is selected with few clicks it is possible to make the AMP produce the required quality of hot mix asphalt.
The success of any asphalt mixing plant requires adequate balance and co-ordination of all the components. Since the asphalt plant is a combination of mechanical and electrical components. It is important that all the components work in tandem to give desired results. It is possible to get consistency and balance by observing caution and management. It is important to check all the plant components before starting. It is important to do daily, weekly, monthly maintenance as described by the manufacturer from time to time. All the material like aggregates, fuel, bitumen should be inspected for quality before being used. When caution is observed it is easy to make quality mix material from hot mix plant of any good company.
Atlas is India based manufacturer and exporter of asphalt mixing plant.
What are the components of hot mix asphalt?
Hot mix asphalt consists of stones of different sizes, gravel, bitumen and a binder material. Hot mix asphalt is prepared by heating bitumen, aggregates and mixing them at elevated temperature.
What are 2 types of asphalt?
The 2 main types of asphalt are hot mix and cold mix type. Hot mix asphalt is prepared hot and laid before it cools down. The cold mix asphalt is not heated – it is produced by mixing emulsion, water and or cement. Aggregates used in cold mix asphalt are unheated.
What is the difference between asphalt and bitumen?
Bitumen is raw liquid substance that is used to produce hot mix asphalt. Asphalt is a mix of aggregates, sand and bitumen at high temperature. Bitumen acts as a binder material in production of asphalt cement.
