Continuous vs Batch Asphalt Plant
The asphalt plant is basically categorized as two main types: the continuous and batch asphalt plant based on production technology. This article aims to discuss the continuous vs batch asphalt plant to help you choose the suitable machines.
The Continuous asphalt plant is the plant that heating and drying of the cold aggregate and the stirring of mixture are continuously carried out in the same drum. Based on the aggregate flow and flame direction, the continuous plant includes the parallel flow drum hot mix plant and the counter flow asphalt mixing plant.
1. Parallel Flow Plant
Parallel flow means the direction of the flame is parallel with that of the aggregate flow. Due to the parallel flow asphalt plant causes loss of heat during the aggregate heating.
2. Counterflow Drum Mix Plant
Counterflow drum mix plant has its burner installed at the opposite to the aggregate entrance. The drying and heating effect is good, the residual water content of the finished product is small, so it’s welcomed.
Batch asphalt mix plant is the plant that the production of asphalt mixture is carried out batch by batch. And the drying and heating of cold aggregate and mixing of mixture are respectively carried out in the drum dryer and mixer.
Continuous vs. Batch Asphalt Plant
Here is a comparison table to help you acquire their differences in a short time.
| Continuous Feed | Batch Feed | |
| Output (TPH) | 20-80 | 40-320 |
| Mixer | Drum mixer | Twin shaft mixer |
| Dust Removal | Water dust collector | Gravity filter and baghouse collector |
| Screen | No | Vibrating screen |
| Production Efficacy | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fuel Consumption | Low | Relatively high |
| Price | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Easy | Relatively difficult |
| Quality of Finished Products | Relatively interior | Superior |
| Aggregate Weighing | Rough | Precise |
| Occupancy | Small footprint | Relatively large |
| Other Features | 1. No interruption in the production cycle 2. Aggregate drying and mixing takes place in the same drum 3. No elevator and mixer | 1. Produce finished products in batches every 40-45 seconds 2. High flexibility in the production cycle, able to adjust the parameters during processing |
Differences In Other Aspects
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1. Mixer
Continuous asphalt plant is equipped with a drum mixer, which uses double chain coupling and anti-skid plate to make aggregates mixed. While the batch asphalt plant is equipped with a horizontal mixer, which is designed with double shaft and double helix. Thus it has the stronger and more powerful mixing capacity.
2. Quality of Finished Products
In the batch asphalt plant, the mixer blends the materials in batches. After accurate weighing and screening, the hot mixtures are more even.
Regarding to the continuous mix plant, without the screening and weighing process, the hot mixtures are dried and mixed at a constant processing value. So its finished products are not as good as that of batch type.
3. Cost
Because of no elevator or mixing tower, the continuous asphalt plant cost including purchase and maintenance is lower than that of the batching asphalt plant.
4. Application
The continuous asphalt mixing plant is more suitable for job sites such as low-grade road and county-level road construction.
Batch asphalt mix plant is the optimal choice for job sites that requires high quality asphalt mixture such as expressways, coastal ports and jumbo airports.