The common asphalt plant comes in two main types: batch type and drum type. Batch type asphalt plant can produce asphalt mixtures in batches, with a short interval between batches. Drum mix asphalt plant can continuously and uninterruptedly produce asphalt mixtures, so it is also called continuous asphalt mixing plant.
Differences Between The Two Types
We will discuss the differences between the two types from several aspects:
1. Working principle
For batch type asphalt plant, the cold aggregate is poured into a suitable batching hopper according to the particle size, and then delivered to a vibrating screen where the particle size of more than 4cm is filtered out, and other cold aggregates are sent to the drying drum by an inclined belt conveyor. After drying and heating, these hot aggregates enter the bucket elevator from the burner side to be delivered to the vibrating screen. Depending on the size of the sieve holes, the hot aggregate is screened into different hot silos. After accurate weighing, the hot aggregates in different hot silos go down to the mixing tank in batches according to the preset ratio. The powder falls from the screw conveyor, and the heated liquid asphalt is also sprayed outward by the nozzle. After mixing, batches of finished materials are produced.
For drum type asphalt plant, the drying drum combines the functions of drying, heating and mixing. The cold aggregate enters the continuously rotating drum from the batching machine via a belt conveyor, and is first dried and heated. The asphalt nozzle in the drum sprays the asphalt continuously, and after the two are bonded, the stirring is completed with the rotation of the drum. This series of actions is continuously performed in the drying drum.
2. Composition
It is not necessary to add a weighing device to the batching system of the asphalt batch plant since after the cold aggregate is heated, it must be accurately screened and metered before it can enter the mixing tank.
The asphalt drum plant does not have a mixing unit.
Before the asphalt in the batch type plant is sprayed into the mixing tank, it must be accurately measured by the asphalt metering device. The asphalt supply of the drum plant has no metering device.
The batch type plant has an accurate metering system that can monitor, which can monitor the bitumen-aggregate ratio in real time and can change the ratio at any time; while the drum plant does not have an accurate metering system.
The batch asphalt plant has both primary dust removal and secondary dust removal. Volute dust collector and bag dust collector are equipped as standard.
3. Finished products
Batch type asphalt plant has large capacity, which is suitable for large and medium-sized projects. It can produce high quality asphalt mixtures that are used for paving high-grade roads, such as highways.
The capacity of asphalt drum mix plant is relatively small and can only be used for small projects. Due to the lack of accurate measurement, no powder is added, and the bitumen-aggregate ratio cannot be changed accurately, the quality of the finished product is relatively low, which is suitable for low-grade roads.
Which Type of Asphalt Plant Is Right For You?
The two types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Batch type asphalt plant is widely used because of the superior quality of the finished products and is suitable for high-grade roads. Drum mix plant is very cost-effective, with low investment costs, and is widely applied in low-grade roads in rural areas.
There are several factors that affect the selection of an asphalt plant, including project requirements, procurement budget, required capacity, model and type of plant, etc. You can discuss your project requirements and specifications with one of Aimix professionals to get the right asphalt plant.
