While some producers in the north already gear up for season shut-down, many asphalt professionals continue to race the calendar for production of tons at this time of year. This month’s product gallery focuses on the most recent plant, lab, and quarry bits and pieces available to help you get those tons efficiently.

ADM

Asphalt Drum Mixers Inc., Huntertown, Indiana, provides asphalt cement (AC) tanks as an economical way to store and monitor liquid AC. ADM designs the tanks with a serpentine coil arrangement to provide a heat exchange area of more than 1,200 square feet for consistent AC temperatures throughout the tank. The tanks are available in vertical or horizontal/portable configurations and are compatible with ADM asphalt plants and similar competitive models, according to the manufacturer.

ADM constructs its AC tanks with heavy-duty steel and offers storage capacities ranging from 10,000 to 35,000 gallons. Fiberglass blanket insulation and a stucco-embossed 0.016-gauge banded aluminum jacket are designed to protect the tanks and prevent heat loss. The high-efficiency, hot-oil heater includes a fully jacketed firebox, multi-pass fire-tube heat exchanger and an 84-gallon thermal expansion tank. The system also incorporates a 1 million to 3 million BTU/hour pre-packaged burner assembly. Other standard features include a combustion air fan, fuel oil pump and No. 2 fuel oil manifold with safety shutoff valves. ADM includes a tank-mounted, weatherproof control panel standard on both the vertical and horizontal/portable tanks. Panel features include a main power disconnect, motor start relays, circuit breaker protection, burner controls, automatic temperature controller, high temperature limit, flame signal relay, status indication lights and alarm circuitry. The horizontal/portable tanks have a heavy-duty I-beam structural frame and landing gear with a manual hand crank.

Accessories for the portable tanks include leaf spring suspension, air brakes, four radial tires and a gooseneck trailer with a fifth-wheel kingpin hitch. An interconnecting equipment wiring package features quick disconnects on the control cables. ADM also offers the horizontal/portable tanks as a direct-fired system with a submersible fire-tube heating system. The system includes a pre-packaged burner assembly, combustion air fan, No. 2 fuel oil train, fuel safety manifold and fuel oil pump. The 18-inch manhole on both the vertical and horizontal/portable tanks features a bolt-on cover plate for added safety.

For more information, contact (260) 637-5729 or sales@admasphaltplants.com.

Ammann

Ammann has released the RSS 120-M shredder, iron separator and screener. It is a mobile machine that prepares recycled asphalt for use in an asphalt plant. It is essentially a 3-in-1 machine with its ability to function as a shredder, iron separator and screener, recycling asphalt that ranges in size from millings to larger pieces/slaps. Protective processing also maintains desired grain sizes.The Ammann RSS 120-M can go from installation to production in as quickly as 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. The machine is track-mounted for maximum mobility on all types of terrain.A single operator can run the machine, which is comprised of a shredder that uses two low-speed, electrically driven shredder-rotating shafts. The RSS 120-M features milling cutters with interchangeable teeth that crush the material. This patented technology reduces the power requirement, which leads to substantial fuel savings. The technology also enables crushing of hard and soft materials, and can perform in all types of weather, according to the manufacturer.

The electric motors ensure consistent crushing and screening. The machine is designed to process up to 180 tonnes of recycling materials per hour.A variety of green efforts are built into the machine, including a dust reduction system and minimized sound and emission levels.The Ammann RSS 120-M has been designed for easy maintenance and improved safety. It also uses components that make it possible for all shredding and screening parameters to be managed and adjusted remotely.

Ammann also offers the ABP 320 HRT (High Recycling Technology) asphalt plant for professionals who need to incorporate large proportions of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), as discussed in the August product gallery. The “2-in-1” HRT plant features both a warm and cold recycling system that can be used simultaneously, and was introduced to the North American market in January 2017.For more information, contact Jenelle Strawbridge at (704) 840-8689.

Astec

Astec Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, introduced its Silobot™ Inspection Service in March 2017. At the heart of the service is the Silobot, a hi-tech tool that the Astec Inc. Parts Department will use to do thorough visual inspection and metal thickness testing inside hot mix storage silos. The remote control capabilities of the Silobot inspection device keep workers out of the confined space of the silos and out of harm’s way. The inspection record provided to the customer will include a metal thickness map, a video and photos of the inside of each silo. Engineering evaluations and recommendations, based on the inspection findings, will be provided by Astec engineers. Asphalt mixing plant operators schedule the inspection service through an Astec sales manager or Astec Parts.For more information, contact Astec Parts at (800) 251-6042.

Astec Mobile Screens

Astec Mobile Screens of Sterling, Illinois, released the latest patent-pending hybrid technology in its GT205 Hybrid Multi-Frequency Screen in March. The GT205 hybrid multi-frequency screen has the ability to run on either line power or diesel power when necessary. The GT205 features a high performance 5×20 screen designed for aggregate, recycling, construction and industrial markets. With its multi-frequency technology, end users can expect up to 50 percent higher screening capacity on the bottom deck, according to the manufacturer. The GT205 is designed for on-site flexibility and its simple controls create an easy-to-operate machine, resulting in increased uptime. “With the addition of the hybrid technology to the GT205, we are able to offer end users and dealers the latest solutions for their operations in aggregate, recycling, construction and industrial markets,” said Stephen Whyte, product manager for KPI-JCI and Astec Mobile Screens.For more information, contact Stephen Whyte at (605) 668-2631.

Cargill

Cargill, North Olmset, Ohio, has announced the national release of WinterPave® asphalt anti-freeze. The product is specifically designed for helping make winter roads an easier maintenance item for public works officials and commercial contractors while providing an environmentally friendly option. Cargill is rolling out WinterPave asphalt anti-freeze technology in the United States after several years of adaptation, testing and development in Europe. The product is a proprietary additive that gives traditional asphalt anti-icing properties when mixed directly during production. “WinterPave asphalt anti-freeze will benefit the public by effectively helping reduce the bond of ice and snow to the pavement, creating safer driving conditions,” said Debby Capela, Cargill Deicing Technology business development manager. “Municipalities, commercial contractors and others who work to keep roads, bridges and parking areas safe for motorists and pedestrians will experience easier plowing conditions.”WinterPave offers these features and benefits, according to the manufacturer:

• Mix directly with asphalt during production
• Delays formation of slippery conditions caused by snow and ice
• Longer margin of time for snowplow drivers to intervene during heavy snowfall
• Releases fewer chlorides into the environment
• Helps extend pavement life; may help the reduction of potholes

WinterPave asphalt anti-freeze helps prevent snowpack and ice from bonding to the pavement at surface temperatures greater than 17 degrees F, according to the manufacturer. “When we push snow and ice from the area over which the WinterPave asphalt was installed, we’re not seeing the ice and snow pack bonding that we see in other locations…” said Mark Jamison, transportation division manager for the City of Roanoke, Virginia. “The hard-pack doesn’t seem to be stuck to the road quite as hard. Once the road starts drying, it seems to dry a little bit quicker, which helps to minimize the extent of refreezing at night.” Environmental benefits of the product result in a reduced number of sodium chloride applications needed to melt away hard-pack. Once introduced to the asphalt mixture, the WinterPave asphalt anti-freeze product allows for slow and continual release of the anti-icing mixture onto the road surface. The anti-icing product is incorporated with asphalt during asphalt production, which creates a simple installation process that is the same as installing non-treated asphalt.For more information, contact Cargill at (800) 600-7258 or visit www.cargilldeicing.com.

Conveyor Components Company

Conveyor Components Company, a division of Material Control Inc., Croswell, Michigan, has released the Model BR brush style conveyor belt cleaner designed for a variety of carry-back materials. It uses an electric motor to drive a helical shaped, open face brush to remove build-up of fines and carry-back from conveyor belts. The hanger rail mounting and oversized width allows for mounting on most conveyors. When the Model BR is mounted under the head pulley, the excess material is thrown into the discharge stream. The brush is self-cleaning with standard nylon bristles.

For more information, contact sales at (800) 233-3233.

E Instruments

Instruments International LLC, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, has released the new E4500-3 three-gas portable industrial combustion and emissions analyzer. This flue gas analyzer is designed for emissions monitoring, maintenance and tuning of boilers, burners, engines, furnaces, turbines, kilns, incinerators and other industrial combustion processes. It includes gas sensors for O2, CO and NO/NOx, and has a dilution pump for CO auto-range measurements up to 10 percent. It is Low NOx and total NOx capable, according to the manufacturer. It features a built-in printer, automatic data saving, temperature and pressure measurements, internal data memory of up to 2,000 tests, and a software package with USB and Bluetooth.

E Instruments also offers the E1500 portable emissions analyzer. This device is designed to automatically save emissions data so the user can select an exact number of data points for a given time interval. It has an internal data memory to hold up to 2,000 tests, saving data every 15 seconds of a 30-minute test for a total of 120 test points. Its features include O2 and CO gas sensors, built-in printer, and PC software with Bluetooth.

For more information, contact bfreed@E-Inst.com or (215) 750-1212.

EvoQuip

EvoQuip, a Terex brand, has launched the Cobra 230 impact crusher. Matt Dickson, EvoQuip product line director, said, “The Cobra 230 impact crusher is a machine that provides class-leading productivity, unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. The quick set-up times, simple intuitive operation, and ease of transport make this machine an ideal solution for all applications.”The Cobra 230 has been on test with J&V Construction in Ireland. Gerd McCann, J&V Construction director, said, “The EvoQuip Cobra 230 has managed to surpass our expectations, handling a mix of difficult rock and heavy duty recycled concrete with ease, and turning it into products we have been able to reuse on our construction sites.”

The impact crusher features rapid set-up time, according to the manufacturer, and offers a number of features to allow optimal material flow through the crushing process.For more information, visit www.terex.com.

Forta Corporation

FI® is a high tensile strength synthetic fiber blend specifically formulated by FORTA Corporation of Grove City, Pennsylvania, to reinforce and enhance asphalt mixes in both new construction and repair projects. FORTA-FI is known for its ability to add strength and durability to both high and low asphalt mix temperatures without requiring additional changes to the mix design, according to the manufacturer.

For more information, contact Garrett Lovett at (724) 967-1528.

Gencor

The Gencor TRIFECTA™ is a fully integrated counterflow drum plant designed by Gencor Industries Inc., Orlando, Florida, to meet the demands of fast site setup and operations. The Trifecta drum mixer is a proven counterflow design, which provides controlled mixing behind the burner flame for efficient drying of wet aggregates and no degradation of the asphalt mix, according to the manufacturer. The Trifecta’s patent-pending design connects directly to the baghouse without any ductwork.

For more information, contact Dennis Hunt at (407) 290-6000.

Heatec

Heatec has developed a new centralized control system for hot mix asphalt plants. The system enables plant operators to control and monitor asphalt storage tanks from a control panel located in the control house. This system is designed to make the work of plant operators easier by centralizing the controls. Having centralized control and monitoring enhances the ability of operators to maintain a close watch of tank status. Operators can quickly check conditions that would otherwise require extra time to do a walking tour of the tanks. Using a touch screen, they can control supply, return, mixers, material transfer and heating without leaving the control house.

For more information, contact (423) 821-5200 or visit www.heatec.com.

Process Heating Company

The All-In-One Heater Kit from Process Heating Company, Seattle, Washington, is a complete system that can provide direct heat to the asphalt tank, while also supplying hot oil for the plant. The primary feature of the system is the drywell-style electric heating elements that provide and maintain heat to keep liquid asphalt cement (AC) at the desired temperature. At the same time, the system circulates oil through scavenger coils and thermostat-controlled electric booster heating elements to provide hot oil to heat jacketed lines, pumps and valves, drags, silo cones, and other plant components. The scavenger coils allow for quick heat, while the booster coils sustain it for pinpointed locations. Booster elements also can elevate the oil temperatures above the controlled asphalt storage temperature, if higher-temperature hot oil is required. The system is designed to provide 100 percent efficient heat over its lifetime (often 30 years or more), as it reduces emissions and the associated need for expensive stack permits at the plant.

Using PHCo’s unique Lo-Density® patented Coil-Lock-Design heating elements, which reside within a drywell, the units dissipate controlled heat as low as three watts per square inch on the heater’s sheath, eliminating coking or damage of the AC and transfer oil. Because the drywell-style elements are accessible from outside of the system, they also may be serviced without draining the tank.Each All-In-One Heater Kit is a complete system that includes a high-temperature centrifugal pump that provides flow up to 85 gallons per minute (gpm) at 140 feet total head. The pump is skid-mounted and pre-plumbed, complete with shutoff valves and strainer. It includes a properly sized, vented expansion tank with a sight glass and a low-level shut-off switch. Like all fluids, heat transfer oil expands when heated. The expansion varies with the temperature to which it is heated. For example, 100 gallons of oil at 50° F will expand to 114 gallons when heated to 450° F. The expansion tank permits expansion of oil as it is heated, without exposing hot oil to air. It functions as an oil seal to accommodate the increased volume of expanded oil in a quantity of colder oil, which comes into contact with a limited amount of air. The low temperature of the oil seal will contribute to the long service life of the oil. A secondary function of the expansion tank is to provide a means for the escape or intake of air as the oil level in the tank rises and falls.

The system includes a UL-listed industrial control panel in a weatherproof enclosure, with standards that include a programmable time clock for early morning startup, main indicating controls and over-temperature controls. Also contained in the package are additional features on these heaters, including a strainer for easy cleaning, shut-off valves for the system and the fill lines. PHCo All-In-One Heater systems are completely pre-wired, pre-plumbed and ready for installation. Standard models come in 60, 100 or 125 kW total rating; custom sizes are available.

As an added benefit, the system has interlocking capability with other equivalent or larger electric users in the plant, to minimize excessive demand charges. For example, if an exhaust fan starts up at the plant, the All-In-One Heater shuts off, reducing overall energy consumption. The circulating pump will continue to run, however, and scavenge heat from the liquid for the plant’s hot oil needs.

For more information contact (866) 682-1582 or visit www.processheating.com.

Road Science

Road Science, a Division of ArrMaz, Tulsa, Oklahoma, introduces NovaGrip™, which is a line of liquid anti-stripping additives that combines ground-breaking chemistry with powerful adhesion promoting technology. NovaGrip is designed to be compatible with all types of asphalt modifiers and aggregates for improved operational efficiency and easier paving.With today’s aging infrastructure, government agencies, asphalt producers and contractors are being challenged to build longer-lasting roads with technologies that not only perform well, but are also cost-effective, operationally efficient, and ensure worker comfort and safety. When pavements are exposed to moisture, stripping can occur, leading to distresses such as raveling, rutting and pothole formation. Road Science’s NovaGrip line of liquid anti-stripping additives is designed to safeguard workers from the hazards of traditional liquid anti-strips, and eradicate smoke, odor, and dust problems found with traditional anti-stripping additives. NovaGrip’s adhesion promoting technology is designed to create powerful chemical bonding between asphalt and aggregate.

“NovaGrip’s pioneering chemistry is truly paving the way for the future,” said Ivann Harnish, commercial director of Road Science. “NovaGrip is safer and friendlier for those who work in the business. It also improves terminal and plant efficiency, and makes roads last longer. It’s the ideal solution for smarter paving that government agencies, asphalt producers and contractors have been waiting for.”NovaGrip is the latest innovation from Road Science that’s helping the asphalt paving industry improve road quality as well as worker and motorist safety.

For more information, visit ArrMaz.com.

Honeywell

The Hauck MegaStar line of burners previously had sizes from 50 million to 150 million BTU/hr. This new size, the Hauck MegaStar 25 from Honeywell Thermal Solutions—Hauck Asphalt Products of Rockford, Illinois, is rated at 25 million BTU/hr and is suitable for smaller asphalt plants, rotary dryers, sand dryers and other aggregate drying systems. It operates with low pressure oil atomization, and employs a variable frequency drive (VFD) to modulate combustion air. When combined with the Hauck BCS 7000 control system, the MegaStar 25 has flexible air-to-fuel ratio controls allowing for low emission performance, according to the manufacturer. Hauck MegaStar burners are all equipped with industry-best flame shaping capability, which allows for precise matching of the flame shape to the dryer combustion zone. The Hauck MegaStar 25 burner is well suited for small plant upgrades from open-fired burners to 100 percent sealed-in burners. The jump from open-fired burners offers HMA producers additional combustion efficiency and lower emissions. Also, a sealed-in combustion system equipped with VFD technology provides an additional level of electrical energy savings as well as reduced noise. The burner is available in standard lengths as well as extended lengths for various counterflow-style hot mix plants.

For more information, contact Paul Lavenberg at (717) 644-5446.

Hotmix Parts and Service

Hotmix Parts and Service® of Louisville, Kentucky, introduced the Advanced Tank Farm Management System, a completely automated multiple tank changing solution for correct valve positioning and overflow avoidance when changing or filling AC tanks, May 2017. The system is comprised of two major components. The Accu-Radar monitors each tank level. This alerts the operator if there is a close-to-overfilling condition. The Multiple Actuator Valves are designed for seamless tank switching on the fly, to eliminate human error and contamination of AC tanks. The operator quickly switches grades of AC with the push of a button and the assurance that valve positioning is correct with the illuminated control panel, which can be placed in the control house along with other plant controls. The Advanced Tank Farm Management System handles up to 10 tanks, and allows the operator to make sure that the line is clear before pumping a different grade of AC.

For more information, contact Tom Snell at (800) 826-0223.

Stansteel Asphalt Plant Products

Stansteel Asphalt Plant Products, Louisville, Kentucky, launched the RAP Eater® Retrofit Drum Mixer in late 2015 with multiple successful operations in 2016. The counterflow drum mix technology has been field proven to recycle up to 40 percent RAP in a consistent and quality manner, according to the manufacturer. It combines both the RAP and the superheated virgin material for an extremely long dwell time, combining them to get full heat transfer, improved release of RAP AC, and proper heating of the liquid AC and RAP prior to the addition of liquid asphalt, liquid AC conditioners or rejuvenators. Stansteel has continued to pioneer products that help contractors retain much of their existing plant or equipment while improving technology with advances such as the RAP Eater. The unit can be retrofitted on all types of different drum frames, according to the manufacturer.

For more information, contact Rick Rees at (502) 245-1977.

 

Volvo

The largest in the Volvo Construction Equipment wheel loader range comes with new powertrain, new hydraulics, new operator environment and a tough looking design in the L350H. It is powered by a Tier 4 Final engine for high torque at low rpm. It also comes with a higher capacity 7.3 cubic meters (9.5 cubic yards) rock bucket. The new load sensing hydraulic system is designed to work in harmony with the drivetrain, increasing response times for up to 5 percent faster cycle times. The hydraulic system and drivetrain, coupled with the latest Volvo engine technology, make the L350H up to 10 percent more fuel efficient in comparison to the L350F it replaces, according to the manufacturer.

For more information, contact tiffany.cheng@volvo.com or visit www.volvogroup.com