Abstract: A combination of components is provided for use in making asphalt concrete from a plurality of aggregate material streams. The combination includes an indirect dryer for heating aggregate material from a first material stream without directly exposing said first stream material to hot gases of combustion. The combination also includes a mixer for mixing aggregate material from the first material stream, aggregate material that has not been heated in the indirect dryer from a second material stream, and a binder component to produce asphalt concrete.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses combination direct exhaust heated and indirectly steam heated pre-heating drum in combination with a sealed indirect hot oil heated rotary shaft mixer, where the steam given off from the heated HMA is maintained, separated from the sulfur containing exhaust of a hot oil heater, so as to minimize the production of acid in liquid form.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses incidental heating of metal surfaces in combination with hot exhaust gases to pre-heat and pre-dry virgin aggregate material contained in an enclosed container which permits hot dry air to pass through interstices in the virgin aggregate material stored in the container.

Abstract: A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses incidental heating of metal surfaces in combination with hot exhaust gases to pre-heat and pre-dry virgin aggregate material contained in an enclosed container which permits hot dry air to pass through interstices in the virgin aggregate material stored in the container.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses combination direct exhaust heated and indirectly steam heated pre-heating drum in combination with a sealed indirect hot oil heated rotary shaft mixer, where the steam given off from the heated HMA is maintained, separated from the sulfur containing exhaust of a hot oil heater, so as to minimize the production of acid in liquid form.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses combination direct exhaust heated and indirectly steam heated pre-heating drum in combination with a sealed indirect hot oil heated rotary shaft mixer, where the steam given off from the heated HMA is maintained, separated from the sulfur containing exhaust of a hot oil heater, so as to minimize the production of acid in liquid form.

Abstract: Thermal processing of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), having up to approximately 8% or more moisture content, dries and preheats the material to enhance efficient recycling in a hot mix asphalt plant. A combustor and heat exchanger reheat circulating hot oil, which with hot gas, moves through a hollow auger and around the RAP counter to the flow of RAP. Moisture is forced outward from within the particles and is flashed away by the hot exhaust gas. A similar secondary heater heats the RAP to just below asphalt coking temperature before the hot dry RAP is added as an aggregate to the hot mix asphalt plant.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses incidental heating of metal surfaces in combination with hot exhaust gases to pre-heat and pre-dry virgin aggregate material contained in an enclosed container which permits hot dry air to pass through interstices in the virgin aggregate material stored in the container.

Abstract: A counter-flow drum mixer asphalt plant equipped with a secondary feeder for introducing RAP to direct radiant heat of the combustion zone. Heated virgin aggregate and RAP in the combustion zone are delivered through a transition piece to a first stage of the mixing zone where liquid asphalt is combined with the materials and secondary combustion air flows through the first stage to evacuate blue smoke and steam back to the combustion zone. The second stage of the mixing zone is substantially isolated from secondary combustion air flow where dust and mineral fines are introduced and mixed to complete the asphalt product discharged from the mixing zone. Alternative constructions of the mixing zone are disclosed to provide the first and second stages having such characteristics, as well as options for both the passive and active control of the secondary combustion air.

Abstract: A hot mix asphalt plant for producing hot mix asphalt using a high percentage of RAP comprising a first dryer adapted to receive and mix virgin aggregates and RAP fines and a first burner assembly adapted to produce a burner flame and heat and dry the virgin aggregates in the first dryer. The plant also includes a second dryer adapted to receive coarse RAP and a second burner assembly adapted to produce a burner flame and heat and dry the coarse RAP in the second dryer. The plant further comprises a pugmill adapted to receive the virgin aggregates and the RAP fines from the first dryer and the coarse RAP from the second dryer and mix the virgin aggregates, the RAP fines and the coarse RAP to produce hot mix asphalt.

Abstract: Production of diesel oil from hydrocarbon-containing residues in an oil circuit with solids separation and product distillation for the diesel product with energy input by means of pumps and counterrotating agitators and by the use of fully crystallized catalysts of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium-aluminum silicates, where all surfaces are cleaned continuously by the agitator mechanisms.

Abstract: An HMA plant which uses combination direct exhaust heated and indirectly steam heated pre-heating drum in combination with a sealed indirect hot oil heated rotary shaft mixer, where the steam given off from the heated HMA is maintained, separated from the sulfur containing exhaust of a hot oil heater, so as to minimize the production of acid in liquid form.

Abstract: A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids.

Abstract: A counter-flow drum mixer asphalt plant equipped with a secondary feeder for introducing RAP to direct radiant heat of the combustion zone. Heated virgin aggregate and RAP in the combustion zone are delivered through a transition piece to a first stage of the mixing zone where liquid asphalt is combined with the materials and secondary combustion air flows through the first stage to evacuate blue smoke and steam back to the combustion zone. The second stage of the mixing zone is substantially isolated from secondary combustion air flow where dust and mineral fines are introduced and mixed to complete the asphalt product discharged from the mixing zone. Alternative constructions of the mixing zone are disclosed to provide the first and second stages having such characteristics, as well as options for both the passive and active control of the secondary combustion air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to irrigation devices, and, more specifically, to wall mounted irrigation systems for compost. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a compost irrigation system is provided, including a first wall and a second wall defining a first compost compartment. The compost irrigation system also includes an irrigant source, a first nozzle mounted on at least one of the first and second walls and arranged to direct an irrigant into the first compost compartment, and an irrigant flow system fluidly connecting the irrigant source to the first nozzle.

Abstract: An asphalt plant includes a plurality of asphalt processing components including a first set of components producing volatile emissions and a second set of components requiring process heat. A separate central burner assembly is adapted to supply heat energy in the form of heated gas to satisfy the process heat requirements of the second set of components. A first duct system is provided which includes a fan and which is adapted to capture a portion of the volatile emissions produced by the first set of components and to convey the captured emissions into the central burner assembly for mitigation. A second duct system is provided and includes a fan and is adapted to convey heated gas from the central burner assembly to the second set of components.

Abstract: A counter-flow asphalt plant with a separately controlled and operated dryer 50 and mixer 52 in which virgin aggregate, recycle material and liquid asphalt are mixed to produce an asphaltic composition. The dryer 50 is rotated by a variable dryer drive 58 about a central longitudinal dryer axis disposed at a dryer angle of declination. Within the dryer 50, aggregates are dried and heated by heat radiation and a hot gas stream generated at a burner head 112 of a combustion assembly 106 positioned inside the downstream end of the dryer 50. The downstream end of the dryer 50 is inserted within the first end of the mixer 52 for delivery of the heated aggregate. The mixer 52 is carried on a tiltable frame 54 and is rotated by a variable mixer drive 88 about a central longitudinal mixer axis disposed at a mixer angle of declination.

Abstract: An asphalt plant including a plurality of asphalt processing components, with a selected first set of the components producing volatile emissions and a selected second set requiring process heat energy. A central burner assembly is connected to the selected second set of components by an insulated duct system for providing heat energy to the second component set. A first duct system is adapted to capture a portion of the volatile emissions produced by the first component set and convey the captured emissions into the central burner for mitigation. The central burner is preferably a media burner incorporating flameless combustion technology as well as an adjustable internal fuel injection system, which results in safer and more controllable combustion. Even with captured fugitive emissions in the inlet air, the fuel injection system keeps the concentration of combustible materials well below the lower flammability limit.

Abstract: An asphalt plant for producing asphalt paving, the asphalt plant including: a) a dryer unit for heating stone aggregate, the dryer unit including a container and a burner for producing a flame to provide thermal energy for heating the stone aggregate in the container; b) a supply of burner fuel for providing fuel for the burner flame; c) a supply of burner air for providing oxygen to the burner flame; and d) the dryer unit including a grate which is spaced from the burner, the grate defining a plurality of openings, such that the burner flame extends through the openings, and such that the grate improves the thermal efficiency of the dryer unit for heating the stone aggregate.

Abstract: A designated amount of recycled asphalt product (RAP) is fed to the pugmill of a batch asphalt plant during the production of hot mix asphalt (HMA) at a controlled rate so as not to overload the pugmill scavenging system. The designated amount of RAP is metered in a RAP weigh hopper, stored temporarily in a RAP holding hopper, and is then fed from the RAP holding hopper to the pugmill at a controlled rate. The feed of RAP to the pugmill, though electronically initiated, is preferably manually or automatically adjustable so as to avoid overloading the pugmill scavenging system while at the same time assuring adequate mixing of the RAP with the virgin aggregate and liquid asphalt. The scavenging system directs vapors removed from the pugmill to the dryer and preferably includes electronically operated dampers connecting the combustion air inlet of the dryer to the pugmill only during the mixing operation and otherwise connecting the combustion air inlet to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: In an apparatus for heating and mixing a particulate material composition, an elongated drum is supported for rotation on a frame and hot gases are supplied to the drum at an output end of the drum and directed toward an input end. An outer shell encircles the drum adjacent the output end and defines an outer mixing chamber between the drum and the shell. A first particulate material is introduced into the drum adjacent the input end, is conveyed toward the output end, and is diverted into the mixing chamber. A second particulate material is introduced into the outer mixing chamber and is heated to an output temperature during mixing with the first material. Thereafter, the mixed materials are delivered from the outer mixing chamber and from the apparatus.

Abstract: A combustion chamber having improved heating efficiency and reduced NO.sub.x emissions includes a reduced diameter throat and a stepped configuration within the chamber. The chamber configuration encourages efficient combustion to reduce NO.sub.x production by promoting the formation of eddy currents within the chamber. A method for increasing heating efficiency and reducing NO.sub.x production is provided and involves passing combustion gases through such a combustion chamber.

Abstract: An asphalt manufacturing assembly (10) is disclosed that includes a rotatable cylindrical dryer drum (11) having an opening (14) in the front (12) for receiving virgin asphalt aggregate and for permitting the exhaust of fumes and an opening (18) in the back (13) for discharging the heated aggregate and for permitting the introduction of air. A burner (41) adjacent the back (13) introduces a flame and heat into the dryer drum (11). A longitudinal air conduit (22) is formed by a stationary annular shroud (20) around the back portion of the dryer drum (11) that extends longitudinally beyond the dryer drum back end (13). The shroud (20) includes two controllable discharge openings (24,25). The assembly (10) further includes a separate rotatable cylindrical mixer drum (51) having a materials inlet (54) for receiving the aggregate discharged from the dryer drum (11), reclaimed asphalt pavement, liquid asphalt and fines and a discharge opening (58) for discharging asphalt.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to heat and dry stone aggregate useful in the production of asphalt paving, and which also has the ability to incinerate contaminated soil. The apparatus comprises a rotary drum for heating and drying the stone aggregate, and a separate rotary incinerator for incinerating the soil. The incinerator includes an outlet housing for withdrawing the incinerated soil and selectively conveying the soil so as to be mixed with the heated and dried aggregate, or delivered to a separate location. Further, the incinerator has an exhaust duct for conveying the gaseous products of combustion from the incinerator into the rotary drum, so that any volatile hydrocarbons contained in the gaseous products of combustion from the incinerator are effectively incinerated before being discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An asphalt drum drying and mixing plant capable of using recycled pavement aggregate material includes two interacting drums, each being heated to different temperatures. A first drum is a parallel flow drying and mixing drum. The recycled material is introduced at the intake or feed end of this first drum and dried and heated to a comparatively low temperature in a first region of the first drum. A burner of relatively lower heat generation capacity furnishes heated gases. The recycled material is protected by supplying the gases through a cylindrical combustion chamber within which the fuel is completely burned such that no luminous gases enter the drum and contact the recycled material. A second, adjacent region of the parallel flow drum is the mixing region. The recycled material is transferred to the mixing region with close control over the temperature at which the material enters the mixing region.

Abstract: An asphalt drum drying and mixing plant capable of using recycled pavement aggregate material includes two interacting drums, each being heated to different temperatures. A first drum is a parallel flow drying and mixing drum. The recycled material is introduced at the intake or feed end of this first drum and dried and heated to a comparatively low temperature in a first region of the first drum. A burner of relatively lower heat generation capacity furnishes heated gases. The recycled material is protected by supplying the gases through a cylindrical combustion chamber within which the fuel is completely burned such that no luminous gases enter the drum and contact the recycled material. A second, adjacent region of the parallel flow drum is the mixing region. The recycled material is transferred to the mixing region with the close control over the temperature at which the material enters the mixing region.

Abstract: A continuous process aggregate drying and mixing plant for producing a hot asphaltic material, such as is used for paving highways or the like, includes a combination of a drum drier and a pugmill. Both the drum drier and the pugmill are supported by a common trailer frame. The pugmill is coextensively mounted at the discharge end of the drum drier towards the rear of the frame. The drum drier discharges dried and heated virgin aggregate material through a feed and transfer chute directly into a first, pre-mix region of the pugmill. The feed and transfer chute also provides for the addition of recycled pavement to the heated and dried aggregate and for the side discharge of such heated and dried aggregate. A second region of the pugmill within which liquid asphalt is added to the mixed aggregate is substantially separated from the first, pre-mix region. The space above the second region of the pugmill is substantially enclosed and coupled directly to a secondary air supply of a burner for the drum drier.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aggregate drying apparatus and method where the dried aggregate is particularly useful for making hot mix asphalt. In accordance with the system, heat typically lost in exhaust gases and moisture evaporated in a heater is recovered to dry and preheat the aggregate. The invention also relates to novel components used in the system, including an improved aggregate dryer and an improved mass flow apparatus for use in an aggregate dryer or otherwise in aggregate feed bins.

Abstract: A drum mixer having a internal combustion gas cylinder extending substantially the length of the drum mixer is provided. Hot combustion gases are generated by a flame within the cylinder. The combustion gases within the cylinder flow in a countercurrent direction the to the flow of material within the drum mixer. The combustion gases exit the cylinder generally at the receiving end of the drum mixer and are directed towards the discharge end thereof in a parallel relation to the flow of material. The horizontal position of the flame within the drum is adjustable and a valve for mixing the gases within the drum adjacent the discharge end thereof with the flame is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant of batch system for producing a composite paving material by using a bituminous waste pavement material, which comprises a heating means equipped with a new aggregate material introduction shoot and a bituminous waste material introduction shoot, the former shoot being connected to a new aggregate material supply passageway and the latter shoot being connected to a reproduction material supply passageway. The plant also comprises a ratio control section which is intended to compare with each other respective supplying indicated values of new and waste aggregate materials as measured by conveyor scales disposed with respect to their corresponding supply passageways, and thereafter proportionally control the value of the waste material relative to the value of the new material so that both the values may bear a predetermined mixing ratio. The ratio control section, thereafter, generates a command control signal to an inverter involved in the waste material supply passageway.

Abstract: Asphalt handling apparatus includes a carriage portion, a hopper portion, a hopper heating portion, an asphalt dispensing portion, a liquid tack material dispensing portion and an equipment lifting portion. The hopper portion includes an elongated trough section with a generally V-shaped cross section. A pair of bi-fold doors selectively cover an open top section. The hopper heating portion includes an enclosed heat transfer medium first chamber disposed immediately below the V-shaped trough section and in direct contact therewith. The first chamber includes sloping wing sections and a deeper central section communicating therewith. A U-shaped burner channel is disposed substantially horizontally within the central section with a gas burner along a first arm and an exhaust stack extends upwardly from a second arm. An elongated electrical heating element is disposed between the arms.

Abstract: In the batchwise production of asphalt concrete only such aggregate is utilized, as comprises a coarse-grained portion, a fine-grained portion and a filler portion. The coarse-grained portion and the bituminous binder used are mixed in a mixer, and the filler portion is added to the mixer in such a way that it is has been taken up by and suspended in the binder film deposited on the coarse-grained portion before the free particles on the fine-grained portion are added. In such a way the thickness of the binder film and the capability thereof to take up the particles of the fine-grained portion are increased so that also said particles are coated with and suspended in the binder.

Abstract: An improved process for recycling asphaltic concrete comprises introducing asphaltic concrete particles at one end of an elongated rotating drum while supplying flame and hot gases of combustion to the drum at the opposite end, and introducing virgin aggregate into the drum intermediate the two ends. The asphaltic concrete is heated as it travels along a portion of the length of the drum and is recovered just prior to reaching the position along the drum length at which the aggregate is introduced. The aggregate is heated as it travels toward the end of the drum at which the flame and hot gases are introduced. Heated aggregate may be returned to the drum for further heating, and may be directed to the opposite drum end and mixed with the asphaltic concrete in a section of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of recycling asphaltic waste shingles. The apparatus includes an elongated conversion tank into which an asphaltic oil, preferably preheated, and shingle tabs are admitted. The shingle tabs are dissociated into substantially liquified and solid shingle materials. The dissociated shingles are agitated with the asphaltic oil to form a slurry which can be drawn off and discharged to a work station. During the agitation, the substantially solid shingle materials are shredded to reduce their size. Preferably, the asphaltic oil is of a higher penetration grade than the asphaltic content of the shingles when in a substantially liquified form.

Abstract: A bituminous mixture of aggregate and a bituminous binder, especially for road construction or repair is prepared by mixing a batch of still moist aggregate with the bituminous binder in a pressurized mixing container. The gauge pressure in the mixing container is maintained at or just above the saturation pressure of the water adhering to the surfaces of the aggregate, at the desired mixing temperature. Upon completion of the mixing the pressure in the mixing container is reduced to below one bar whereby moisture is removed from the mixture. The present mixing apparatus is rotatable about a hollow axle through which a supply of heating gas is maintained during the mixing. During the removal of the mixture from the mixing container the heating gas may be circulated through the next batch of aggregate being prepared.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuous preparation of a blend of liquid sulfur in fluid asphalt in specified proportions to provide a dispersion of fine sulfur droplets in the asphalt, particularly suitable for coating onto aggregate to form "hot mix" for asphalt concrete of improved strength.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously mixing and conveying particulate material, the apparatus comprising a housing having an input end and an output end disposed vertically higher than the input end, means for feeding the particulate material into the input end of the housing, a conveyor disposed within the housing and having a plurality of lifting surfaces provided with perforations therethrough so that a portion of the particulate material being lifted by each lifting surface descends through the perforations and is mixed with particulate material being lifted by lifting surfaces disposed therebelow, and means for discharging the mixed particulate material from the output end of the housing.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of coated products, particularly, but not exclusively, for the construction and maintenance of highways, from aggregate, finely divided material and a binder, comprising a cylindrical drum having an inlet end and an outlet end and rotatably mounted on a platform so that the inlet end is higher than the outlet end, a mechanism for feeding aggregate and finely divided material to the inlet end of the drum, a burner projecting into the inlet end of the drum, and a fixed chamber at the outlet end of the drum for receiving coated products and for discharge of gases circulating in the drum.