Abstract: A concrete mixer is disclosed having a mixing drum and a drag body is mounted in the drum which has a drag surface positioned to at least partially come into contact with concrete in the drum during a measuring phase in the concrete mixing operation. A hydraulic driving circuit is provided to oscillate the drag body at least during the measuring phase. A pressure sensor is connected in the hydraulic driving circuit for measuring the actual pressure value in the hydraulic driving circuit which is indicative of the flow resistance on the drag surface during the measuring phase of the mixing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous drum dryer mixer apparatus and method for heating and drying virgin aggregates, as well as recycled asphaltic pavement materials and mixing such materials with liquid asphalt cement and other ingredients to formulate asphalt paving materials.A first cylindrical rotatable drum dryer has a first material input in one end thereof and a material output at the other end thereof. The output is directable at the option of the operator to either a hot elevator for carrying it to an asphalt batch plant or into a second concentric or offset rotating drum mixer. A burner is mounted either at the output end of the first cylindrical drum, or at the output end of the second drum and extends therethrough to the output end of the first cylindrical drum for directing a flame into the first cylindrical drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing concrete mortar. In order to regulate the moisture content of the concrete mortar a sand sample is taken of the sand used. This sand sample is dried. The amount of water added to a concrete charge is regulated subject to the weight difference of the sand sample prior to and after drying.

Abstract: An asphalt plant apparatus includes an inclined rotary drum dryer, the lower end of which is received within a concentric fixed sleeve. Aggregate is introduced into the upper end of the rotary drum dryer for heating and drying and is discharged from the lower end of the drum into an annular space between the drum and the concentric fixed sleeve. Recycleable asphalt pavement (RAP) and fines may be introduced into the annular space along with the heated and dried aggregate. Flights on the exterior of the rotating drum mix the aggregate and RAP and move the mixture toward the opposite end of the concentric fixed sleeve, heat from the heated aggregate, from the flights, and from the hot shell of the drum melting the asphaltic content of the RAP. Liquid asphalt is introduced into the sleeve for mixing along with the aggregate and RAP, and the resulting mixture is discharged from the sleeve for use as an asphalt paving composition.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus in combination with a tipping body, such as a tipping truck, the body of which is tiltable between a horizontal position and an inclined position includes at least one removable module mounted on the tipping body and provided with two passages. The tipping body includes a container filled with a material and divided into two storage regions communicating with the two passages, respectively, of the container. The module also includes a storage tank and two screw conveyors located at the ends of the passages to convey the material in the passages to respective outlets.

Abstract: A concrete mixing apparatus including a paddle type mixer and a cement and water container mounted on a scale. The cement and water container is divided into separate cement and water compartments mounted above and upon the mixer to permit gravity flow of their contents through an open top portion of the mixer. Aggregate is supplied by a belt conveyor through a side opening. All ingredients are supplied by weight based on the indication of the scale. The scale includes load cells supporting the mixer. The arrangement provides flexibility in the manner of introduction of cement, water, and aggregate into the mixer.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for continuous mixing, transporting and placing of large quantities of concrete in which aggregate transported on a belt conveyor is mixed with metered quantities of cement and water adjacent a place of pouring. Alternatively, mixed concrete is transported to a place of pouring protected from the elements on a belt conveyor covered by a tunnel that confines cooled air.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mixing gravel materials and bitumen. The gravel material is mixed with a bitumen emulsion by causing the gravel material to fall onto an inclined screen (12) separating coarse gravel particles (G) from fine gravel particles (g) in such a manner that the coarse gravel particles and fine gravel particles follow different paths of free fall while spraying bitumen separately onto the two gravel follows which then are reunited via oppositely inclined baffles (20, 22). Preferably the reunited bituminous gravel material is then sprayed with additional bitumen and then allowed to fall freely onto further baffles (26, 28).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is located in the rear of a tip truck body. When the tipping body of the truck is inclined gravity causes bulk material held in the tipping body at either side of a partition to feed augers. The dispensing apparatus includes at least one tank preferably a central tank holding powdered material such as cement powder dispensed through a chute by virtue of a paddle wheel dispenser. Water tanks which dispense water through an outlet are located at either side of the cement powder tank. A common drive shaft drives the augers and the paddle wheel. The dispensing of material is controlled by controllers such that a predetermined ratio of material can be dispensed into, for example a mixer. The dispenser can be used for dispensing the constituents of concrete and may be removable from the tip truck body so that the tip truck can function as a normal tip truck.

Abstract: A concreting train consists of a plurality of wagons supporting a mixer, a multiple conveyor arrangement and separate containers for cement and aggregate. A container for cement has at least one integrated conveyor worm. All container wagons are provided with inclined conveyor belts which extend below the containers and overlap one another. On separate pathes aggregate and cement are supplied into a housing of the mixer wagon. The housing is supported on a weighing frame in order to additively weigh the mixing components. The housing contains a mixing shaft operatively connected with a drive motor. The housing is mounted for reciprocating movement along an inclined angled track in order to lift the housing on a higher level for discharging the concrete into a hopper of a concrete pump.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and method for inhibiting the hardening of a wetted concrete premix in a filled concrete mixer including providing a rotatable concrete mixer drum having a plurality of sealed apertures located throughout the entire length and circumference of the drum such that at least one of the apertures is located at or near the bottom of the drum at all points of rotation, and injecting a fluid under pressure through at least one aperture and into the drum when filled with a charge of wetted concrete premix to disperse the fluid throughout a portion of the charge adjacent to the aperture and up to the surface of the charge thereby inhibiting hardening.

Abstract: A device for continuously preparing a hydraulically setting mass comprises a tubular housing having a downstream outlet opening and an upstream supply station for a dry component material of the mass, the supply station including a storage bin for the dry material. A driven rotating shaft extends from the storage bin through the tubular housing towards the outlet opening, rotation of the shaft causing a feed flow in the direction of the outlet opening, and the rotating shaft is equipped with a dosing screw feeding the dry material out of the storage bin, a plurality of radially projecting mixing blades for mixing the material fed by the dosing screw, and an implement for finely granulating the mixed material downstream of the mixing blades, the granulating implement being comprised of at least two interdigitating comb-like elements, one of the comb-like elements being carried by the shaft for rotation therewith and another comb-like element being affixed to the tubular housing.

Abstract: A double-shaft forced-feed mixer, for example for building material mixtures, is proposed which is assembled according to the principle of movement of the batch-type mixer and is usable both for continuous and discontinuous operation.

Abstract: A cement mixer includes receptacles for the aggregate, cement, water and additive which are mixed together to form a concrete mixture. A conveyor extends from an aggregate bin to a cross auger beneath a cement bin. A plurality of mixing augers extends along the side of the cement mixer from the cross auger to the rear of the cement mixer. The mixing augers each include a helical auger fin preferably having a plurality of notches spaced along an outer edge of the auger fin. The auger boot may include a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the auger boot and the auger fin.

Abstract: In a mobile mixer, preferably having counterrotational emptying, for building materials, in particular concrete, in a mixing drum (1) which, on its inner wall (9), has one or more flat elevators (11, 12) following a helix and extending from the closed drum base (2) to the drum opening (3), which elevators (11, 12) are driven about the drum axis during rotation of the mixing drum and push the building material to the front of the closed base (2) during transport and during mixing, with one or more flat sections (26, 27) which are helically curved about the mixing drum axis (4) being fixed for driving during the mixing drum rotation (5) in the mixing drum space enclosed by the elevators acting as mixing spirals (11, 12), which flat sections (26, 27) are arranged counterrotationally to the mixing spirals (11, 12) in such a way that, during the transport and during the mixing of the buiding material (13), they produce a counterflow in the building material filling core surrounded by the mixing spirals (11, 12).

Abstract: Asphalt plant apparatus comprising a drum dryer, a collection chamber or "knock-out box," a "baghouse," and a separate pugmill coater disposed directly underneath the collection chamber so that dust particles which settle out of the airstream in the collection chamber fall directly into the pugmill coater. The apparatus solves the problem of light-end hydrocarbon pollutants which can be stripped from liquid asphalt by contact with steam, in that the liquid asphalt is introduced not into the drum dryer but into the separate pugmill coater instead. Since no liquid asphalt is present in the drum dryer to coat and control the aggregate dust, the exhaust air from the dryer is more heavily dust-laden than that from a conventional drum mixer. However, the apparatus utilizes a collection chamber to compensate for the additional dust in the exhaust air by recovering part of that dust and dropping it directly into the pugmill coater, where it is mixed with the aggregate and liquid asphalt.

Abstract: The machine disclosed herein is useful for blending a particle containing stream, especially a stream of solid particles, with fluids. In a typical operation, sand is mixed with a gel composition to obtain a fluid mixture suitable for stimulation treatments of oil and gas wells. The machine includes a slinger with a topside surface which may be of toroidal concave configuration. The machine also includes an impeller, of a vortex configuration, that is fastened underneath the slinger. In this machine, entrained gas is carried into the fluid phase by the particle containing stream, but the gas is then "exhausted" from the mixture through interior and exterior air exhaust channels and spaces that are built into the machine. A slinger which is particularly adapted for use in such a machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cement mobile mixer for mixing concrete from sand, aggregate, cement and water.

Abstract: The machine disclosed herein is useful for blending solids with fluids. In a typical operation, sand is mixed with a gel composition to obtain a fluid mixture suitable for stimulation treatments of oil and gas wells. The machine includes a slinger member, of a toroidal shape, and an impeller, of a vortex configuration, that is fastened underneath the slinger. In this machine entrained air is carried into the fluid phase by the sand, but the air is then "exhausted" from the sand-gel mixture through interior and exterior air exhaust channels and spaces that are built into the machine.

Abstract: A mobile concrete mixing apparatus comprising an aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin mounted on a mobile carrier in spaced relation, a water supply tank mounted on the carrier and in operable communication with a water discharge pipe disposed in the proximity of the cement storage bin, a conveyor apparatus movable beneath and between the aggregate storage bin and cement storage bin for moving materials therefrom for discharge into a mixing auger assembly, the aggregate storage bin containing premixed sand and rock materials for achieving a homogeneous moisture and temperature therebetween, the sand-rock mixture, cement mixture and water being mixed together prior to admission thereof into the mixing auger assembly, the auger assembly comprising a plurality of material moving stages and a plurality of mixing stages interposed therebetween to assure a homogeneous mixture for delivery from the mixing auger assembly, all of the operation of the concrete mixing apparatus being initiated by a single lever

Abstract: A mixing plant suitable for mixing of particulate material of different densities such as road base materials with the addition of water or other liquid. The mixing plant includes a receptacle for particulate materials and a mixing station or pug mill. There is provided first conveying means suitably in the form of a conveyor belt for conveying particulate material from the receptacle to the mixing station. There is also provided a container for finely divided material which may act as a binding agent or stabilizer for the particulate material.There is also provided a second conveying means such as a conveyor belt for conveying finely divided material to the mixing station. There is also provided means for adding water or other liquid to the finely divided material and the particulate material at the mixing station.There is also provided a collection station or discharge station and means for transporting the mixed materials from the mixing station to the collection station.

Abstract: The quantity of water on the surface of sand particles is reduced by applying an impact force, e.g. centrifugal force created by a rotating disc. The sand particles thus treated are especially suitable for preparing a green concrete compound or a cement mortar by mixing them with water, gravel and cement.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a cementitious material, such as those quick-setting cementitious materials utilizing a volatile liquid, has a solid frame as the top of a mixing chamber. An inlet end of the solid frame is pivotably mounted on a vehicle. An auger or mixing screw is mounted in the frame, the auger being removable from the frame due to the mounting of one bearing in a removable plate member and the provision of a releasable flexible coupling between this end of the auger shaft and the drive motor. A low pressure gas may be inserted into the housing of the other bearing to prevent seepage of liquid or fumes into that bearing. A removable elastomeric trough forms the bottom of the mixing chamber and contains a discharge opening. A substantially dry material is inserted into the mixing chamber through an inlet hopper and a liquid injection arrangement introduces a liquid into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete mixer truck having a mixer drum adapted to be rotatably driven, a water container, a water conduit leading from the container to the drum, and a water pump. An object of the invention is to prevent the quality of a properly composed mixture contained in the drum from being deteriorated by unintentional addition thereto of water from the water container. This is accomplished by the use of a measuring device determining the drive torque for the mixer drum and a valve disposed in the water conduit and controlled by said measuring device in such a manner that the water conduit is closed when the drive torque exceeds a selectively adjustable rated value corresponding at least to the drive torque required for the empty drum.

Abstract: In a concrete production system, an improved aggregates conveying apparatus includes an aggregates drag conveyor having a lower, conveying run which drags aggregates along a centrally-located, common trough shared by separate fine and coarse aggregates hoppers to a discharge end and an upper, return run which moves through a hollow channel formed in a common wall separating the hoppers above the common trough. An improved cement metering apparatus in the system includes a cement conveyor mounted along a trough below the cement hopper so as to make an endless path around a floor of the trough. Baffle gates at each end of the floor coact with the conveyor to prevent inadvertent flow of cement past the ends of the floor and to only permit metered flow of the cement from the discharge end of the trough. The fine and coarse aggregates, and the cement discharge into a mixing auger where, after water is added, they are mixed into concrete before discharge from the auger.

Abstract: A concrete mixer having a drum, which contains mixing elements, and at least one vibrator for imparting vibrational energy to the material which is to be mixed. The vibrator is drivable by means of the water used to make up the concrete. The water may be discharged in a pulsating manner from a vibrating body which is caused to vibrate by this pulsation, or it may rotatably drive an eccentric mass in the vibrating body.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing glass fibres into a relatively dilute aqueous cement slurry, e.g. for use in forming glass fibre reinforced cement products on an asbestos-cement making machine of the Hatschek or Bell type, comprises an annular chamber with a tangential slurry inlet, a helical rising floor, a coaxial conical outlet disposed to receive slurry flowing over the inner wall, which is lower than the outer wall, and a fibre inlet above the conical outlet so that the fibres are mixed with the slurry as it passes down the wall of the conical outlet in a vortex motion.

Abstract: A method for producing colloidal mixtures, especially water-cement mixtures with or without further solid additions, comprising the steps of feeding the material for forming the colloidal mixture into a container, stirring the material fed into the container by a blade stirrer driven by a motor at a circumferential speed at the outer diameter of the blade stirrer of at least 500 and preferably 1,500 meters per minute, continuously measuring the variations in the energy take-up of the motor, and stopping stirring of the material when the continuously observed energy take-up indicates a sudden transition from a fluctuating to a substantially steady course; and an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the production of applicable coating material for coating road surfaces, by which the old coating material together with aggregates and/or new coating material is mixed in a mixer device provided on a vehicle and is heated in an indirect manner. The apparatus comprises a mixer drum arranged on a vehicle rotatable along its longitudinal axis and including a heating device extending along a substantial portion of the drum length as well as guide fins provided at the interior circumference thereof rotating in a first direction of rotation the material in the mixer drum and in a second direction of rotation conveying the mixed material out of the mixer drum.

Abstract: A blending apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical casing bounded by top and bottom walls, the top wall having a central solids inlet for introduction of solids by gravity flow into an impeller mounted for rotation in the casing and in coaxial alignment with the solids inlet. The impeller has one or more spaced plates and impeller vanes mounted thereon which extend radially away from a central opening in the upper plate thereof, the central opening being aligned in open communication with the solids inlet and disposed in closely spaced relation to the top wall in such a way to prevent backflow of materials from the chamber formed in the casing through the upper solids inlet. Tangentially directed fluid inlet and outlet ports are disposed in the casing's cylindrical wall and the inlet port is disposed in outer radially spaced relation to the impeller preferably with the outlet port spaced below the inlet port and impeller for discharging intermixed materials from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus useful for blending solids with fluids. In a specific application of the blender, sand is mixed with a gel composition to obtain a fluid mixture suitable for stimulation treatments of oil and gas wells. Basic components of this blender are a slinger member and an impeller member, which are enclosed within a casing. The slinger and impeller are fastened together, with the impeller being positioned underneath the slinger. In addition, the slinger has a toroidal configuration and the impeller has a vortex configuration, and the slinger has a larger surface area than the impeller. The toroidal shape of the slinger, and its larger size, contribute to a good pressure balance within the fluid composition as it circulates inside the casing during the mixing operation. A more thorough mixing of the sand and gel composition is achieved by improving the pressure balance in the manner described.

Abstract: A concrete production apparatus produces concrete within a selected temperature range. Ground water is circulated through a heat exchanger in the apparatus to provide a heat source or a heat dump. Concrete water is circulated through another heat exchanger and is heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature. The concrete water at the predetermined temperature is mixed with cement and aggregate to produce a concrete mix within the selected temperature range.

Abstract: A slurry mixing and pumping system adapted to automatically control both slurry viscosity and product output volume. Water and raw gypsum delivered to a mixing vat are thoroughly blended by a hydraulically powered agitator blade within the vat. Hydraulic pressure variations experienced by the agitator motor are translated into pneumatic viscosity control signals by a process controller. An air actuated water valve driven by the controller varies water input into the vat to effectuate vicosity correction. Means responsive to vat head level controls output volume.

Abstract: A slurry mixing and pumping system adapted to automatically control both slurry viscosity and product output volume. Water and raw gypsum delivered to a mixing vat are thoroughly blended by a hydraulically powered agitator blade within the vat. Hydraulic pressure variations experienced by the agitator motor are translated into pneumatic viscosity control signals by a process controller. An air actuated water valve driven by the controller varies water input into the vat to effectuate viscosity correction. Means responsive to vat head level controls output volume.

Abstract: A device for mixing mortar with a liquid or foaming material includes a reservoir for the dry mortar, a housing containing a portion of a driven shaft with the housing terminating at one end in a mixing chamber; the mixing chamber contains a disc attached to the shaft and rotatable therewith; on one side of the disc, there is located radially extending mixing paddles or blades, the outer edges of the blades and the discs being spaced a predetermined distance to define a gap between the inner surface of the wall of the mixing chamber and the outer edge of the blades and disc; at one end of the mixing chamber an outlet is provided which is connected to a suction device and a baffle ring is situated about the outlet to divert material away from the suction inlet.

Abstract: In the preparation of a cement paste about 30 to 76% of the total water is added to the cement to form a funicular state, capillary state or slurry state, and the resulting mixture is kneaded so as to reduce the coagulated lumps of cement. Then the remaining quantity of water is added and the composition or mixture is kneaded again. Sand and/or gravel may be incorporated after the firstly kneaded mixture. The resulting cement paste, mortar or green concrete exhibits a small percentage of bleeding water and products prepared therefrom have a high compression strength.

Abstract: A mounting ring carried by a truck frame supports a swingably positionable mixing and delivery trough by which concrete ingredients are mixed and poured at a site. A catch basin is carried by the mounting ring and provides both nozzles and scraper means serving to purge the belt surface of particles. Barriers at the basin sides laterally confine the purged particles. Positionable scrapers carried by the catch basin are swingable to an inoperable rearward position to permit access to the catch basin for periodic cleaning. Water and particulate are removed from the belt surface to enhance belt life and thence are routed from the catch basin back into the normal flow of concrete ingredients and into the delivery trough. Nozzle sprays, in addition to belt washing, may provide the total water required for the concrete mix.

Abstract: Powdered or particulate material, especially cement which is prone to caking, is stored in a fluidized storage container (1) and is conveyed in predetermined amount by conveyor means (15) to a mixer unit (20). The material is mixed with water which is also supplied to the mixer unit to form a grout which can be used in pump packing systems in underground mines. The invention provides simple equipment capable of reliably handling large quantities of cement, and is particularly suited for use underground in coal mines. (References to FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method for producing concrete in a multi-layer pan type mixer comprising upper and lower mixers having upper and lower mixing tanks driven by separate motors and a discharge gate communicating the upper mixing tank with the lower mixing tank, said method comprising supplying sand, cement and primary mixing water to the upper mixing tank and performing primary mixing therein to obtain a mortar, discharging the mortar into the lower mixing tank, simultaneously supplying gravel and secondary mixing water to the lower mixing tank to disperse the gravel into the mortar, and performing secondary mixing therein.

Abstract: Containers for providing predetermined quantities of cement and aggregate to be transported to a site for on site mixing of concrete. The containers have two compartments which are self closing due to the weight of the contents, one compartment containing cement and the other aggregate. When placed on a ring-like support the compartments release their contents. The hopper of the concrete mixer provides support to permit the opening of the container mouths and has a water spray curtain to prevent the fine cement powder to be taken away by the wind, with the water spray providing the correct amount of water for the concrete.

Abstract: A high kinetic energy water spraying apparatus wets powdered or granular dry material, particularly hard-to-wet polymers, to provide a lump-free solution of a controlled concentration. A volumetric feeder drops the dry material through a fructoconical upper portion of the apparatus. Water is injected tangentially so that the inner surface of the upper portion is completely wetted to prevent buildup of dry material on the surface.A lower portion of the apparatus comprises a cylindrical column which receives dry material from the upper portion. The inner surface of the column includes a series of spray nozzles positioned to produce downwardly sloped and radially inwardly oriented jets of liquid which impinge falling dry material with high energy. The downward slope of the jets creates a downward air flow so that any dust from the dry material is drawn downwardly into the column.

Abstract: The quantity of water on the surface of sand particles is reduced by applying an impact force, e.g. centrifugal force created by a rotating disc. The sand particles thus treated are especially suitable for preparing a green concrete compound or a cement mortar by mixing them with water, gravel and cement.

Abstract: A process for adding water to a concrete mix wherein, after addition of an initial quantity of water to bring a particular concrete mix to or close to a so-called zero consistency, the set point consistency is reached by the one-shot addition of the balance of the water determined from stored empirical and interpolated data based upon measuring consistency and water addition values. The method has the advantage that the establishment of a zero value consistency by the addition of water to the dry mix or a mix of unknown moisture content permits the consistency measurement at this point to be easily carried out by indirect electrical techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the gross build up of a cold setting foundry sand mixture in a mixing machine in which a fluid inhibitor is discharged into the machine while the machine is substantially empty to prevent or retard the setting of the foundry sand mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for injecting fluids into flowing aggregates such as injecting water into a traveling dry cementitious mix in which a substantially annular fluid slot surrounds the flow path for the aggregate to establish an inwardly moving sheet of fluid to impinge on the aggregate.

Abstract: A continuous sand muller for mixing foundry sand and binder additives includes a premixing tube and a primary mixing tube removably secured to a frame. The premixing tube includes a mixing auger and mixes sand and a catalyst. The primary mixing tube receives the mix from the premixing tube. A resin additive or other binder is fed to the primary mixing tube. A single, double shafted motor drives the primary mixing auger directly and the premixing auger through a timing belt drive. The mixed sand and binder is delivered by the primary mixing tube to an outlet. An access or cleanout cover is removably secured to the primary mixing tube.

Abstract: Annular lands are mounted on the inner periphery of the tubular shell of a drum for an asphalt mixing apparatus of the type wherein the drum is disposed on a slant and rotated so that flighting arranged about the inner periphery of the drum lifts and drops aggregate and asphalt across the drum to transport the aggregate and asphalt toward the lower end of the drum. Portions of the flighting are mounted in the inner periphery of the shell and portions are mounted on the annular lands. The lands reduce the inside diameter of the drum in selected regions thereof to establish differing advance rates of aggregate and asphalt through the drum in different regions thereof so as to selectively vary the density of veils of asphalt and aggregate across the drum with axial location within the drum.

Abstract: To reduce the impact velocity of the concrete mass upon a surface, such as a wall, a branch line is arranged at the concrete conveying hose and at a point removed from the spraying nozzle. The branch line is intended to carry compressed air and opens into the surroundings. This branch line has a valve for regulating the quantity of compressed air which is to be withdrawn. By means of the branch or withdrawal line there is appreciably reduced the rebound of the concrete mass at the wall. The concrete mixture is initially pre-moistened to a constant moisture content before it arrives along the spraying or injection path and at the spraying or injection nozzle there is added thereto a constant residual water quantity. This method affords a continuously constant water content and renders possible reduced pressure of the conveying air since the concrete mixture is only pre-moistened at the conveying path.

Abstract: The invention deals with continuous process mixing of pulverized solids and liquids. It offers a mixing process comprising:continuously introducing a liquid into a mixing container;continuously introducing a solid powder into said container at such a rate that specified proportions of solid and liquid in the mixture are maintained;rotating the products in the container in such a way as to establish a vortex;regulating the solid and liquid supply rate in such a way that a given level of filling of container is constantly maintained;continuously emptying the products mixture so that level of filling is maintained.It offers as well a mechanism to implement the process including a mixing container having an intermediate bottom and a runoff opening, a turbine mounted above the intermediate bottom, and mechanism for supplying a liquid and a solid.

Abstract: A process for making asphalt concrete comprises mixing starting materials including aggregate and binder material and optionally, other additives, to a final temperature of about 60.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in an indirectly heated mixing chamber which is sealed. The moisture content of the asphalt concrete mixture is controlled as a function of the moisture content of the starting materials. Apparatus for performing the process in a continuous or batch operation is also set forth.