Method of producing an asphalt product

Abstract

This invention provides for a method of producing an asphalt product which includes initially shredding scrap tires within a shredder system (14) where at least partially vulcanized rubber composition is formed into particulates less than approximately 2.0 mm in dimension. Metal is removed from the scrap tires and the resulting composition leaving the shredder system (14) is mixed in particular weight percentages with a chemical composition for insertion into a masticator system (28) which includes a first zone (42), a second zone (44), and a third zone (46). The masticator system (28) heats the composition entering to a temperature approximating 485.degree. F. in the first zone (42). The composition is then cooled to a temperature within the approximating range of 230.degree. F.-250.degree. F. in second zone (44) and then slightly re-heated to a temperature within the range of 290.degree. F.-350.degree. F. in the third zone (46). Compounding of the composition is provided within the first zone (42) and there is formed a non-thermoset and non-thermoplastic polymer asphalt modifier composition which is then blended with liquid asphalt binder to produce the final asphalt product used in construction or road paving.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.