Bergkamp’s EMCAD System Technology
BY AsphaltPro Staff
To create the most efficient environment for quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer automation technologies to contractors. The use of such systems often takes the guesswork out of calculations for equipment operators and/or reduces the number of steps operators must take to complete a task. To that end, the team at Bergkamp Inc., Salina, Kan., developed the Electronic Mix Control and Diagnostic (EMCAD) system, which is standard on its M1E and M310 slurry seal and micro surfacing pavers. Here’s how it works.
A designated operator inputs the set points of the ingredients—aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, additive and fines—for the mix design at the operator terminal of the EMCAD system. Using a fixed gate, the system calibrates at a single-gate setting.
A mobile support unit backs up to the front of the M1E to ensure the paver receives a constant supply of aggregate, asphalt emulsion and water. This arrangement makes it possible for continuous paving and fewer transverse joints.
Next, the self-propelled, continuous slurry seal paver moves forward with the support truck. Sensors keep track of the engine speed, pumps, drive motors and temperature to calculate the rate at which ingredients are fed into the pugmill. A single-pump delivery method compensates when speed changes are detected. From the pugmill, material is sent to the spreader box.
The system ties material ratios of aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, additive and fines together with an electronic signal to automatically maintain the ratios. The onboard display shows current and average material ratios, total material used and material application rates. The production, additive and water controls located at the rear console allow the operator to fine tune water and additive ratios when adjusting for changes in ambient temperature and humidity. EMCAD provides the set point configuration for aggregate, asphalt emulsion and fines to ensure overall mix design integrity.
Finally, the system can print out reports to track production as needed.
For more information, contact Rex Eberly at (785) 825-1375 or visit www.bergkampinc.com.