The essential capacity or motivation behind asphalt batch mix plant is to create HMA otherwise called hot mix asphalt. It mixes together aggregates and bitumen to create the hot mix paving material. The aggregates here can be a single sized material or it can be a blend of various grades/sizes of materials. Alongside mineral filler material better aggregates are likewise included. The coupling material otherwise called asphalt cement can be cutback asphalt, manufactured folios or emulsion.
Types of Plants:
- Batch mix plants
- Continuous mix plant
Even though there are two types of plants the purpose served by both Batch mix plants and Continuous mix plant is the same. The distinction lies in the technique by which they create asphalt.
Operations:
Feeding the aggregates into the feeder containers is how the operation of asphalt batch mix plant begins. When hot mix asphalt is released into the truck the asphalt batch mix plant operation ends.
- Bolstering unheated-crude aggregates into various receptacles of the cold aggregate feeder is the initial step. This bolstering must be according to their sizes. There are cool feeder gates on individual receptacles which will control the aggregates flow.
- Once the initial step is done with, the aggregates are moved to drying drum. A charging conveyor will move the aggregates to the drum.
- The drying drum heats-dries the aggregates viably as drying drum comes fitted with a burner.
- Most of the hot mix plants are outfitted with a secondary dust collector. It is for settling substantial dust particles.
- There is a primary dust collector that works hand in hand with an auxiliary dust collector. This auxiliary dust collector acts as a bag filter.
- Aggregates are transferred to the tower unite after they are heated in the drum and this transfer of aggregates is done using a bucket lift.
- On top of the tower unit, we have the screening unit. It is multi-layered. Hot aggregates get treated to screening impact as they go through the screens. They will get separated and put away into various receptacles in view of their sizes.
- With separate hot receptacles, it becomes easy to separately store each sort of aggregates.
- Once the aggregates are sorted in different receptacles, aggregates are then weighed. Subsequent to weighing these aggregates will be released into the mixing unit, and then the aggregates will be mixed with bitumen and filler material.
- The purpose of bitumen tanks is to heat and store bitumen, and additionally, bitumen tank is equipped with a pumping station. The pumped bitumen in the weighing hopper measures it before addition into the mixer.
- Hot mix asphalt will be ready to be moved into waiting trucks after all the above stages are done.
- For operating/controlling the asphalt batch plant, a control panel is used.
Asphalt Batching Plant Components
The working of black-top clumping plant is reliant on numerous parts. It is essential for every one of the parts to work in idealize synchronization.
- Components:
- Cold feed bins
- Primary vibrating screen
- Charging conveyor
- Drying drum with burner
- Hot aggregate bucket elevator
- Pre-separator with bag filter
- Multi-deck vibrating screens
- Hot receptacles
- Mixing unit
- Bitumen storage tanks
- Weighing hoppers
- Filler storage silo/hopper
- Control cabin and panel
Asphalt Batch Mix Plant Process In Detail
Asphalt batch mix plants are intricate and highly specialised facilities used in the construction industry for producing hot mix asphalt, a fundamental material in road and pavement construction. Here is a detailed exploration of each stage and element that contributes to the production of top-quality asphalt.
1. Feeding Cold Aggregates
The asphalt production journey begins with the introduction of cold aggregates into the plant. Cold aggregates typically comprise various sizes of stones, sand, and filler materials, all of which are essential for achieving the desired asphalt mix composition. These materials are stored in cold feed bins, and from there, they are conveyed to the subsequent stages of the production process.
2. Aggregate Heating by Drying Drum
As the cold aggregates progress through the asphalt batching plant, they enter the drying drum, a critical component for the end product. The primary function of the drying drum is to heat the aggregates and remove any residual moisture. Positioned at the rear end of the drum is a burner that generates the necessary heat. As the aggregates fall through the drum, they are exposed to this heat, causing the moisture within them to evaporate. This crucial step ensures that the aggregates are optimally prepared for the subsequent phases of mixing and compaction.
3. Bucket Elevator Transferring the Aggregates
Following the drying process, the dried aggregates are elevated to the hot bins via a bucket elevator. Hot bins serve as storage units that help maintain the temperature of the aggregates, ensuring a consistent supply to the mixing unit. This consistency in aggregate temperature is paramount for the production of high-quality hot mix asphalt, as temperature variations can significantly impact the final product’s characteristics.
4. Hot Aggregates Screening
Before entering the mixing unit, the hot aggregates undergo a screening process to eliminate oversized particles and foreign materials. This meticulous screening procedure guarantees that only properly sized and clean aggregates are utilised in the asphalt mix. The elimination of any irregularities in the aggregates further enhances the overall quality of the finished product.
5. Mixing Unit
At the core of every asphalt batch mix plant is the mixing unit, where various components, including hot aggregates, bitumen, and filler materials, are expertly blended to create the hot mix asphalt. The mixing unit typically houses a pug mill or twin-shaft mixer, which plays a vital role in ensuring the thorough homogenisation of the materials. The meticulous mixing process guarantees uniformity in the asphalt mixture, promoting durability and consistency in the final pavement.
6. Bitumen and Filler Weighing Mechanism
The precision of measurement in the plant is paramount to achieving the desired asphalt mix consistency. Therefore, these plants are equipped with advanced weighing mechanisms that accurately gauge the quantities of bitumen and filler materials required for each batch. Filler materials and bitumen are stored separately in tanks and silos and are subsequently released in precise proportions. This careful control of ingredient quantities is vital in attaining the specified asphalt mix properties.
7. Bitumen Storage and Transfer Tanks
Bitumen, a fundamental component of hot mix asphalt, requires specialised storage and handling. Asphalt batch mix plants are equipped with bitumen storage tanks that serve the dual purpose of storing and heating the bitumen to the appropriate temperature for mixing. These tanks are often insulated to minimise heat loss and to maintain the bitumen’s viscosity within the desired range. Proper bitumen management ensures the consistency and workability of the asphalt mix.
8. Filler Storage
Filler materials, usually mineral powder, play a crucial role in enhancing the cohesion and stability of the asphalt mix. Filler materials are stored in designated storage silos to facilitate their incorporation into the mix. These silos are equipped with mechanisms for accurately dispensing the required filler material into the mixing unit. The precise addition of fillers is essential in achieving the desired asphalt mixture properties.
9. Bag Filter Unit for Pollution Control
In adherence to stringent environmental regulations, asphalt batch mix plants are equipped with bag filter units that effectively control pollution. These units capture and filter out dust and pollutants generated during production. Doing so ensures compliance with environmental standards and contributes to a cleaner and safer working environment.
10. Control Panel
The seamless operation of an asphalt plant is orchestrated and monitored from a centralised control panel. This panel provides operators with real-time plant performance data, including temperature monitoring, production rate control, and ingredient proportion adjustments. It serves as the nerve centre of the plant, allowing operators to make precise modifications and ensure that the asphalt mix meets the exacting requirements of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the common operations of an asphalt mixing plant?
Common operations in an asphalt batching plant encompass the feeding of cold aggregates into the drying drum, aggregate heating and drying, transferring aggregates to hot bins, screening hot aggregates, thorough mixing of aggregates with bitumen and filler materials, storage and heating of bitumen, storage of filler materials, efficient pollution control through a bag filter unit, and continuous monitoring and control of the entire process from a central control panel.
Q2: What is an asphalt batching plant?
An asphalt batching plant, often referred to as an asphalt batch mix plant, is an industrial facility designed for the production of hot mix asphalt. This plant amalgamates diverse raw materials—such as cold aggregates, bitumen, and filler materials in precise proportions to yield the asphalt mixtures required for road construction and other infrastructure projects.
Q3: What are the common types of asphalt mixers?
Commonly employed asphalt mixers within asphalt batch mix plants include pug mills and twin-shaft mixers. These mixers are instrumental in the thorough blending of various components, including aggregates, bitumen, and fillers, culminating in a homogeneous hot mix asphalt that conforms to specified project requirements. The selection of a mixer type depends on the plant’s capacity and the project’s specific needs.
Contact Us for Asphalt Batch Mix Plant Components
For any queries or assistance regarding asphalt batch mix plant operation and components, feel free to contact us at +91 – 98251 64764 or drop us an email at info@kaushikengineeringworks.com. Our experts are always ready to help you with the best solutions.
