Hi-recycle asphalt batch plant

A method for producing an asphalt concrete blend comprising a high percentage of asphalt cement components (ACC), the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a single and only dryer for mixing and for carrying out all drying operations required in producing the asphalt concrete blend, the single and only dryer having:
• a drum;
• a burner directing a flame into a heating chamber within the drum;
• and a mixing chamber in selective communication with the heating chamber;
• operating the dryer in a first mode of operation in order to prevent aggregate from passing from the heating chamber to the mixing chamber;
• operating the dryer in a second mode of operation in order to enable aggregate to pass from the heating chamber to the mixing chamber;
• drying and heating aggregate in the single and only dryer without use of a pre-dryer;
• and
• combining asphalt cement with the aggregate such that the asphalt concrete blend has an ACC percentage of at least 25 percent.

A method for producing asphalt concrete blends comprising the steps of:

• providing a single and only dryer having:
• a drum;
• a burner directing a flame into a heating chamber within an interior of the drum;
• a mixing chamber that is in selective communication with the heating chamber;
• means for preventing aggregate from passing from the heating chamber to the mixing chamber in a first mode of operation and for enabling aggregate to pass from the heating chamber to the mixing chamber in a second mode of operation;
• a plurality of mixing paddles located within the mixing chamber that are sized and configured to mix aggregate located within the mixing chamber;
• heating and drying first aggregate within the heating chamber of the single and only dryer;
• and
• combining the first aggregate with asphalt cement to form a first asphalt concrete blend.