When a business considers purchasing its own asphalt plant, one crucial decision they must make is whether to opt for continuous or batch production. To make an informed choice, companies should leverage the expertise of their suppliers and carefully analyze the factors at play. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, a thorough assessment will lead to the best solution for each unique project and site.
Batch Plants: Flexibility and Consistency
In the current landscape, batch plants are the most popular type of asphalt plant. They offer a reliable standard of production and flexibility in the finished product. A small portable asphalt batch plant operates by completing a full batch every 39-50 seconds, with individual components precisely metered and weighed before mixing. This makes batch plants ideal for producers working with multiple clients simultaneously, as they can easily accommodate specification changes while maintaining high quality.
Continuous Plants: Uninterrupted Production and Simplified Maintenance
With a continuous plant, the production cycle remains uninterrupted, as materials are mixed and dried inside an elongated dryer drum. Continuous plants boast simplified maintenance due to their lack of elevators or mixing towers. However, the absence of screens in continuous drum mixing asphalt plants requires precise controls at the beginning and end of the production cycle to ensure optimal performance.
Bitumen Metering: Weight versus Volume
In batch asphalt plants, bitumen is metered by weight using load cells located in the weigh hopper. A computer system ensures the correct amount of bitumen is fed into the mixer, calculated based on the weight and specifications of the aggregates. In contrast, continuous plants typically employ volumetric bitumen metering. Learn more details about asphalt plant here: https://aimixasphaltplant.com/asphalt-mixing-plant/
Mixing Capabilities: Paddles and Arms versus Constant Action
Batch plants are equipped with double paddles and arms, making them superior in certain scenarios involving special products like high RAP content, porous asphalt, or splittmastik. The mixing time in a batch plant can be adjusted to achieve desired results. On the other hand, continuous plants feature constant mixing action throughout the production process.
Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, the choice between batch and continuous plants rests with the plant owner. However, as a general guideline, batch plants asphalt for sale are preferred when flexibility, special formulas, or working with various clients is crucial. Continuous plants, on the other hand, offer continuous production and lower operational costs.