Abstract: An inner drum for use in a dryer/mixer in connection with the production of an aggregate-binder mix includes a plurality of mixing paddles disposed on the outer surface of the inner drum and arranged in a plurality of rows. The mixing paddles are configured to rotate through a mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates within an outer drum of the dryer/mixer to mix aggregate and binder together. Interstitial spaces are formed between rows of mixing paddles and material leads, where aggregate material preferentially travels as the inner drum is rotated, extend along the mixing chamber. At least one interstitial mixing paddle is located on the outer surface of the inner drum and in one of the interstitial spaces at one of the material leads. The interstitial mixing paddle rotates through the mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates to also mix the aggregate and binder together.

Abstract: An inner drum for use in a dryer/mixer in connection with the production of an aggregate-binder mix includes a plurality of mixing paddles disposed on the outer surface of the inner drum and arranged in a plurality of rows. The mixing paddles are configured to rotate through a mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates within an outer drum of the dryer/mixer to mix aggregate and binder together. Interstitial spaces are formed between rows of mixing paddles and material leads, where aggregate material preferentially travels as the inner drum is rotated, extend along the mixing chamber. At least one interstitial mixing paddle is located on the outer surface of the inner drum and in one of the interstitial spaces at one of the material leads. The interstitial mixing paddle rotates through the mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates to also mix the aggregate and binder together.

Abstract: A method for producing an asphalt concrete blend that includes the steps of drying and heating aggregate in a single and only dryer, preferably via direct heating, and without use of a pre-dryer. The aggregate is then combined with asphalt cement, preferably via indirect heating, such that the blend has an asphalt cement components (ACC) percentage of at least 25% percent to form an aggregate mix. Liquid asphalt cement may also be added to the aggregate mix. Preferably, the asphalt cement content of the final asphalt concrete blend is provided by a maximum of 70% ACC. In certain cases, the asphalt cement content of the asphalt concrete blend is comprised of ACC and liquid asphalt cement.

Abstract: A method for producing an asphalt concrete blend that includes the steps of drying and heating aggregate in a single and only dryer, preferably via direct heating, and without use of a pre-dryer. The aggregate is then combined with asphalt cement, preferably via indirect heating, such that the blend has an asphalt cement components (ACC) percentage of at least 25% percent to form an aggregate mix. Liquid asphalt cement may also be added to the aggregate mix. Preferably, the asphalt cement content of the final asphalt concrete blend is provided by a maximum of 70% ACC. In certain cases, the asphalt cement content of the asphalt concrete blend is comprised of ACC and liquid asphalt cement.

Abstract: A method and template are provided for modifying an asphalt dryer/mixer that includes an outer drum and an inner drum with a plurality of mixing paddles, the two drums forming an annular mixing chamber in which asphalt cement and aggregate materials are mixed. The template comprises a bracket marking portion that is adapted to locate one or more brackets on the inner drum and a paddle reference portion that is adapted to locate the bracket marking portion with respect to a mixing paddle. A mixing paddle to be referenced for locating a bracket is selected and the template is placed on the inner drum with the paddle reference portion referencing the selected mixing paddle. The template is used to mark the location of the bracket, the bracket is affixed to the outer surface of the inner drum at the bracket location marked; and an agitation strand is attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F.

Abstract: A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F.