An overview of Asphalt drum mix plant from atlas

Asphalt drum mix plant technology is one of the oldest technologies that we have today. It may not be the latest one as we have better machines now but its importance can certainly not be ignored. These equipment are preferred because they are ideal for high volumes of HMA, they are less expensive, take up less space, are economic to own and run compared to the other type. It is also easy to install and transport the machine as the numbers of components are less. The process is simple and maintenance inexpensive.

Some of the advantages of asphaltplants – drum mix type can be as below

Ideal for high production

• Requires less space
• Easy to install and run
• Easy to own and maintain
• Easy to transport
• No heavy foundation required
• No heavy cranes required for erection

The above advantages make this equipment ideal for fast production of hot mix asphalt in short time.

Basically we can classify asphalt drum mix plant into two types: counterflow and parallel flow type.

Counterflow type:

As the name suggests, this plant has the drum designed for counter flow heating. The flow of aggregates and the flame are opposite to each other and hence the name: counter flow. Here the aggregates enter the drum from one end and move towards the burner during the course of their journey. The main advantage here is that the aggregates get heated for a longer period of time compared to the other type. Longer period of time means that the burner can work with lesser load and consume less fuel compared to the parallelflow asphalt mixers.

Here the dust suction is at the entry point of the entry of aggregates which makes sure that the material heated is without unwanted dust. This is also key point when we consider fuel saving for dryer burner. The mixing process can be in the same drum behind the flame or in a separate drum or mixing unit.

We have developed double drum type plants where first drum is for mixing and as the material exits the first drum they are mixed with bitumen and filler material in the second drum. We also have plant with a pug mill type continuous mixer in place of the second drum. Material can be collected in storage silo or directly loaded into waiting trucks. It is easy to incorporate RAP into these plants. Atlas offers up to 25% RAP.

Parallel flow type:

Atlas is one asphalt drum mix plant manufacturer from India who offers both the types to the customers. Parallel flow machine is the one usually with a single drum for heating and mixing. The materials (aggregates) enter one end of the drum just below the flame of the burner and are heated immediately. As the material passes to the other end of the drum the move away from the flame. The other end of the drum it gets mixed with bitumen and filler material. 

Both these equipment are available in mobile designs for customers that want mobility.

Apart from this, Atlas also manufactures batch type machines for customers who want the ultimate equipment for manufacturing double drum asphalt plant