International Climate Protection in Slovakia
BY Simone Franz
For nearly 1,000 years, Zvolen has been one of the most important transport hubs in Slovakia. Numerous trade and logistics companies have been located there, where the routes connect the north, south, east and west. With the new construction of the R2 motorway, STRABAG s.r.o. is pursuing a demanding infrastructure project in this location.
An uncomplicated, reliable supply of asphalt must be ensured with a project of this magnitude. To assist, STRABAG opted for a new ABA 160 UniBatch asphalt mixing plant from Ammann Group, Langenthal, Switzerland, at its Kalinovo location. The plant combines productivity with energy savings, keeping emissions to an absolute minimum.
This important environmental angle took priority for the decision-makers due to the proximity to the Low Tatras National Park—and because it is an ideal fit for STRABAG’s sustainability strategy.
During installation, special attention was paid to routine maintenance. Large pedestals offer convenient access to all standard control and operating points. Much of the routine is already handled by the Ammlub lubrication system. Installed at the maintenance point, the intelligent system triggers automatic bearing lubrication—at short intervals and without interrupting operations. The benefit is the reduced maintenance effort. Continuous component lubrication prevents downtime, in turn increasing the plant’s operational reliability.
The Ammann ABA 160 UniBatch is a fully equipped climate protector: Additions for agents, fibre and cold recycling are designed to prepare the right mix for every application, controlling volumes and additions via the latest version of the as1 Control System.
Covered metering devices protect the aggregates from moisture, saving fuel for drying. By housing the bucket conveyor, the resulting bitumen vapor is exhausted completely and supplied to the afterburning system. This prevents odor pollution for residents and results in low exhaust values.
Ammann Project Manager Thomas Barth supervised the installation of the ABA 160 UniBatch, which represents the sixth Ammann asphalt mixing plant in Slovakia. He explained that the Kalinovo location was previously running older technology that was “no longer in line with the times. With the Ammann ABA 160 UniBatch, the company now has an ultra-modern plant with a leading recycling addition. Up to 40% reclaimed asphalt can be added to production, saving resources and reducing emissions.”
Over 66,000 tons (60,000 tonnes) of asphalt were produced at the plant between the time it was commissioned in April 2021 and the end of the year. Similar use is planned for 2022 as there are still many kilometres of motorway paving ahead.
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Despite these high volumes for the area, the plant’s new filter technology is designed to ensure energy savings and low emissions. This is not only great for locals, but also for the surrounding nature reserves.
STRABAG Directing Manager Petr Zach is enthusiastic about the plant: “In September, I was able to check out the asphalt mixing plant right in Kalinovo. At STRABAG, we are very proud of this modern plant.”
For more information, contact Simone Franz at simone.franz@ammann.com.