In road construction we cannot ignore the presence of a drum mix asphalt plant. They are as important machines as the batch asphalt mixing plants. The working principle is such that drum mix plants produce hot mix asphalt in a continuous manner. They are known to be relatively inexpensive and easy method to produce quality hot mix asphalt (HMA). The method of production is different compared to a batch asphalt plant.
Since drum mixers operate in a continuous process they are relatively effective and also efficient. They may not be as accurate as a batch mixer but they are preferred and allowed in many parts of the world. Many highway, airport projects around the world make use of continuous drum mix plants as they are capable of producing quality hot mix asphalt.
Working principle of asphalt drum mix plants
With modern technology, drum mix asphalt plants are much advanced and come with features loaded. It allows to improve on efficiency and precision. It is easy to understand the working efficiency of drum mix asphalt plants. This will allow optimise the asphalt production and ensure productivity and durability of the equipment. Understanding the components of asphalt drum mix plants play an important role in understanding its working.
The first step is feeding the aggregates into the aggregate feeder bins. From this the aggregate will be transferred to the drying and mixing drum. Drying and mixing drum is fitted with a burner for drying the aggregates in the first part. In the second part of the drying drum aggregate will be mixed with bitumen.
The mixing process is so precise that it helps to produce homogeneous hot mix asphalt. All the dust and particulate matter generated during the production is captured by the pollution control unit. The hot mix asphalt is discharged through conveyor belt into the waiting trucks or it can be temporarily stored into hot mix silo. All this process is comprised and controlled by a central unit. The control panel of the asphalt plant also has capacity to store and use different kinds of recipes for different jobs.
The key components of drum mix plant are listed as below:
Cold feeder bins: Different bins will store aggregates in different comportments. They will have precise controlling of the flow into the primary screening unit.
Primary vibrating screen: A single deck vibrating screen is equipped between the feeder and transfer conveyor. It allows removal of over-sized materials.
Charging conveyor: This is responsible for gathering all the screened aggregates and then transferring them to the drying and mixing drum of the drum mixer.
Drum unit: The single drum is the all-rounder here. It is placed at an angle to facilitate easy movement of the aggregates from one end of the drum to the other. The drum unit is also equipped with a burner system. In the drum, aggregates will be first heated and dried, and then they will be mixed with bitumen. The unit is equipped with internal flight mechanisms that will lift and shower the aggregate to allow uniform heating of the aggregates.
Burner: Burner can be suitable for use of multiple fuels like diesel, heavy oil, gas, etc. A fuel efficient burner with a drum will ensure efficient and controlled heating of the aggregate. It will also allow minimum fuel consumption with maximum efficiency, modern burners come with automatic temperature control systems, which will allow maintaining optimum temperature inside the drum.
Mineral filler unit: A mineral filler is a small unit like a silo hopper that will store and supply mineral filler like lime or stone dust into the mixing part of the drum. Presence of mineral increases, the durability of the hot mix asphalt.
Bitumen tanks: Bitumen tanks can be of different capacities and sizes. They allow storage and heating of bitumen. As per hot mix design mix recipe requirement bitumen is pumped inside the drying drum.
Pollution control unit: Usually a drum mix plant is equipped with a wet dust collector. But counterflow type drum mix plant can also be supplied with bag filter type pollution control unit.
Control system: Modern plants require modern control systems. Currently the drum mix plans that are supplied come with micro-processor or PLC based control systems. These control systems are very easy to use and operate. PLC control systems allow for better customizations.
Storage silos: Many hot mix asphalt plants are supplied with storage silos. They will hold the hot mix as before it is loaded into the trucks.
Send Quick Enquiry for Asphalt Drum Mix Plant
Asphalt drum mixers plan an important role in the modern construction industry. They are relatively easy to maintain and own. The transportation cost are less. The plant can be better tuned and accessorized for production of hot mix asphalt. We manufacture different capacities and types of drum mix asphalt plants, contact us to know more in details. Atlas offers customized solutions to align with your requirement.
