Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of 100% reclaimed asphaltic pavement (RAP) uses low temperatures and no direct radiation from a burner flame to the RAP. The RAP is first heated in a counter flow drum which is supplied with hot combusting gases generated by a remote low NOx burner. The temperature of the drum input gases is preferably around 1100 degrees F and the output temperature of the gases may be 100 degrees F or less greater than the input temperature of the RAP. The RAP may be heated with a microwave oven to raise the RAP to a final temperature, although this step is not absolutely necessary in the counterflow design of this invention.

Abstract: A method of incorporating used automobile tire scrap into asphalt uses a step of saturating rubber particles with an aromatic oil. The rubber particle containing oil does not absorb additional oils from the asphalt binder materials and the integrity of the asphalt mix is not compromised.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA) by the treatment of virgin material alone or adding reclaimed or recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) of up to 100% of the HMA comprised of reclaimed asphaltic pavement (RAP). The HMA is first heated in either a parallel or a counter flow rotating drum which is supplied with hot combustion gases generated by a remote low NO.sub.x burner. The temperature of hot gases entering the drum is from about 400.degree. to 2,000.degree. F., and the temperature of gases exiting from the drum is from about 130.degree. to 220.degree. F. The HMA material optionally can be subjected to microwave radiation to raise the material to a final temperature, or optionally to only reorient the dipolar molecules of the material without any measurable heating of the material. The exhaust gas is treated and made environmentally safe.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the angular velocity and slope angle of a hot mix asphalt drum as a function of the temperature gradient across the drum outlet. Uneven gas outlet temperature indicates that the veil of RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) in the drum is insufficient. The veil is increased by increasing drum speed. The complete recycled asphalt pavement hot mix asphalt plant uses uneven gas outlet temperatures to change drum operating parameters.

Abstract: A process for the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA) by the treatment of virgin material alone or adding reclaimed or recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) (up to 100% of the HMA). The HMA is first heated in either a parallel or a counter flow rotating drum which is supplied with hot combustion gases generated by a remote low NO.sub.x burner. The process is controlled by a micro-processor which controls RAP temperature, mixture gradation, emissions and production rate as a function of measured drum conditions such as temperature at the drum inlet, drum speed, drum slope, drum RPM, output hydrocarbons, drum gas outlet temperature, and amount of aggregate added.

Abstract: Apparatus which controls recycled asphalt production rate, emissions, mix and output temperature in an asphalt mixer. Computer flow charts show control decisions based upon measured parameters which include drum slope, drum RPM, gas volume into the drum, gas volume out of the drum, drum inlet gas temperature, drum outlet gas temperature, hydrocarbons in the exhaust, and recycled asphalt outlet temperature.

Abstract: A method of heating reclaimed asphalt paving is shown and described. An air sorter removes fine materials from the reclaimed asphalt paving, and an air circulating dryer which utilizes high velocity air impingement, removes the moisture from the material. A conventional combustion heating tunnel is used to raise the temperature of the material to a first desired temperature and a microwave heating tunnel is used to raise the temperature to a final desired temperature.

Abstract: A method of heating reclaimed asphalt paving is shown and described. An air sorter removes fine materials from the reclaimed asphalt paving, and an air circulating dryer which utilizes high velocity air impingement, removes the moisture from the material. A combustion heated recirculating air dryer or dryers is used to raise the temperature of the material to a first desired temperature and a microwave heating tunnel is used to raise the temperature to a final desired temperature. A recirculating air dryer which has sufficient velocity to form clear spots between wind rows on a conveyor belt is also shown and described.