An asphalt drum mix plant is a type of asphalt production equipment used to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) continuously. This type of plant is called a "drum mix" plant because the asphalt is produced in a drum-shaped container that rotates continuously to mix and heat the aggregates and binder.
The asphalt drum mix plant consists of several components, including a cold feed system that delivers aggregates to the drum mixer, a burner that heats the aggregates and binder, a drum mixer that mixes the aggregates and binder to produce HMA, and a baghouse or filter system that removes any dust or emissions generated during the production process.
As the aggregates and binder move through the drum mixer, they are heated to the desired temperature, typically between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The HMA is then discharged from the drum mixer and transported to the paving site for application.
Asphalt drum mix plants are widely used in the construction industry for a variety of paving projects, including highways, airports, and parking lots. They are preferred over other types of asphalt drum mix plant because they can produce HMA continuously, which means there is no need to stop the production process to load and unload materials. This results in higher production rates and greater efficiency.
There are many manufacturers and suppliers of asphalt drummix plants around the world, offering a wide range of models and configurations to meet the specific needs of different projects and applications. Some popular brands and suppliers of asphalt drum mix plants include ASTEC Industries, Gencor Industries, and Benninghoven, among others.
Types of Drum Mix Plants: There are two main types of asphalt drum mix plants - parallel flow and counter flow. In a parallel flow drum mix plant, the aggregates and binder flow in the same direction through the drum mixer, while in a counter flow drum mix plant, the aggregates and binder flow in opposite directions. Counter flow drum mix plants are generally considered to be more efficient and produce higher-quality HMA.
Components of Drum Mix Plants: In addition to the cold feed system, burner, drum mixer, and baghouse or filter system, asphalt drum mix plants may also include other components such as storage silos, conveyors, and control systems. Storage silos are used to store HMA before it is transported to the paving site, while conveyors are used to transport the materials between different parts of the plant.
Overall, asphalt drum mix plants are a reliable and efficient option for producing high-quality HMA for a variety of paving projects. They offer several advantages over other types of asphalt production equipment, including continuous production, higher efficiency, and greater energy savings.