Method and apparatus for making asphalt concrete using aggregate material from a plurality of material streams
AssigneeAstec, Inc.
InventorsJ. Donald Brock, Gary L. Catlett, Malcolm L. Swanson
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims10
A method of making asphalt concrete from a plurality of aggregate material streams, said method comprising:
- (A) providing an indirect dryer for heating aggregate material having a first top size from a first material stream without directly exposing said first stream material to hot gases of combustion;
- (B) providing a mixer for mixing:
- (i) aggregate material from the first material stream that has been heated by the indirect dryer;
- (ii) aggregate material, having a top size that is larger than the first top size, from a separate material stream that has not been heated by the indirect dryer;
- and
- (iii) a binder component;
- to produce asphalt concrete;
- (C) providing a first material stream of only aggregate material having a first top size to the indirect dryer;
- (D) providing a material stream of aggregate material that is separate from the first material stream, said aggregate material in said separate material stream having a second top size that is larger than the first top size;
- (E) providing a binder component;
- (F) heating aggregate material from the first material stream in the indirect dryer;
- (G) conveying aggregate material from the first material stream that has been heated by the indirect dryer to the mixer;
- (H) conveying aggregate material from the separate material stream to the mixer;
- (I) mixing:
- (i) aggregate material from the first material stream that has been heated by the indirect dryer;
- (ii) aggregate material from the separate material stream;
- and
- (iii) the binder component;
- together in the mixer to produce asphalt concrete.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.