Skip to main content

Astec develops innovative asphalt plant with additional recycling capability

Astec’s headline RAP plant can use up to 65% RAP content As it does for the 50% double barrel system aggregate dryer/drum mixer model, Astec is guaranteeing that its customers will get the increased percentage. The unit runs at 181-360tonnes/hour production (200-400UStons/hour). Astec, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, manufactures all of their state-of-the-art Hot Mix Asphalt plants in the US. They introduced the first double barrel plant in 1989, according to executive vice president Steven Claude, during
June 23, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
The new plant from Atsec offers increased use of RAP
RSSAstec’s headline RAP plant can use up to 65% RAP content

As it does for the 50% double barrel system aggregate dryer/drum mixer model, 1250 Astec is guaranteeing that its customers will get the increased percentage. The unit runs at 181-360tonnes/hour production (200-400UStons/hour).

Astec, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, manufactures all of their state-of-the-art Hot Mix Asphalt plants in the US. They introduced the first double barrel plant in 1989, according to executive vice president Steven Claude, during an interview at last month’s 242 Intermat construction equipment exposition in Paris.

 “We are now guaranteeing 65% on our new system,” he says, “however we will still continue to offer our traditional double barrel 50% model of which we have sold over 850 plants, and of which around 20% are outside the US.

“Customers will choose which plant best fits their needs depending on the amount of RAP available in their market. Every percent of RAP they use is sustainable and it also reduces cost, a win-win for the contractor and for the government that is funding the road project.”

The latest plant was introduced in the US in the third quarter and two have been sold. “We commissioned our first one in Daytona Beach, Florida, in March and we’re hitting our guarantees,” said Claude. “The second one in New York City was a retrofit and is being commissioned in May.”

Two primary changes to the plant design allow the increased use of RAP. “One, we’ve extended by six feet [1.8m] the internal drum where the drying takes place, so you get more drying time internally. Second, we add an external pugmill where the bitumen is injected for the actual mixing."

In addition, Astec has just introduced its patented ASTEC V-Pack Stack Temperature Control System which monitors the exhaust gas temperatures at the bag house inlet as the primary reference for control. As the exhaust gas temperature rises, the control system checks it against a set point.

When the temperature exceeds the set point, the control system speeds up the drum rotation, controlling temperature to the set point. The drum speed can be varied by the system from a minimum of about 7rpm to a maximum of about 12rpm; 8rpm is the normal speed for Astec drums without this system.

The combination of the new high rap design and the patented V-Pack enables Astec to meet the needs for higher RAP production and greater efficiencies that their customers have been asking for.  “Astec will continue to maintain its focus on improving and enhancing their design to meet the needs of both their customers and the “green” standards being established worldwide targeted to protect our environment.  Given the very positive reception we have received on our two most recent introductions of higher RAP capabilities and the V-Pack, we are convinced we are on the right track.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Universal concrete plant saves time and money
    February 29, 2012
    An Astec Universal concrete plant is said to be proving a real time and money saver for APAC Tennessee, thanks to its fast set-up and reduced cement demand. In March 2011, Astec, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, shipped a new Universal concrete plant to the APAC Tennessee site on President's Island in Memphis, which is central between two APAC projects: a Memphis Airport runway project and an upcoming Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) ramp reconstruction job.
  • Astec Industries emphasises innovation at Conexpo 2014
    January 6, 2017
    Astec Industries, which is showcasing 45 pieces of equipment at this week’s Conexpo 2014, most of it new or upgraded, has outlined its plans for the future with president and CEO Ben Brock stressing that the group is going on a major export drive.
  • Astec Industries emphasises innovation at Conexpo 2014
    March 4, 2014
    Astec Industries, which is showcasing 45 pieces of equipment at this week’s Conexpo 2014, most of it new or upgraded, has outlined its plans for the future with president and CEO Ben Brock stressing that the group is going on a major export drive.
  • Bitumen technology: from potholes to PMB plants
    November 21, 2014
    This month we look at how warm mix is helping to pave dirt roads, a new way to tackle potholes, and bring news of a new distribution centre for the UK - Kristina Smith reports The creation of a new mix design, incorporating MWV’s warm mix additive Evotherm, is providing cost-effective solutions for dirt roads in the US’s Charleston County. The first stretch to be paved with the new porous paving in April this year, Joseph White Road in the town of Adams Run, resulted in the estimated US$1.1 million construc