An auxiliary multi-pass tube bundle heat exchanger for improving the melting efficiency of melter kettles used to melt thermoplastic pavement marking materials. The auxiliary multi-pass tube bundle heat exchanger includes a heat transfer tube bundle having a plurality of heat transfer tubes in which the flow of molten thermoplastic material reverses directions at least once. Hot heat transfer oils flows around the plurality of heat transfer tubes. Molten thermoplastic material is pumped from the bottom of a melter kettle, through the auxiliary multi-pass tube bundle heat exchanger and to the top of the melter kettle. A drainage system is provided to drain molten thermoplastic material and any settled glass beads form the auxiliary multi-pass tube bundle heat exchanger and a purging system is provided to purge molten thermoplastic material form the auxiliary multi-pass tube bundle heat exchanger using compressed air.

A method of making a thermoplastic road marking material includes using a flaking device to form thermoplastic flakes from a cooled mixture. A method of marking a pavement includes melting the thermoplastic flakes and applying the melted composition to a roadway by screeding, extruding or spraying.

Described herein are compositions and methods relating to thermoplastic pavement marking flake or flakes.

A hot applied thermoplastic pavement composition and method of using is described wherein the composition comprises; a modified polyamide resin in the range of between 3 and 10 percent by weight, wherein the composition contains rosin-modified esters, a copolymer, 30-70 percent by weight of a glass bead intermix, a range of between 1 and 15 percent by weight of either white or yellow pigment, the balance of the composition being selected from the group consisting of; one or more plasticizers, inorganic fillers, waxes, antioxidants and light stabilizers.

A hot applied thermoplastic pavement composition and method of using is described wherein the composition comprises; a modified polyamide resin in the range of between 3 and 10 percent by weight, wherein the composition contains rosin-modified esters, a copolymer, 30-70 percent by weight of a glass bead intermix, a range of between 1 and 15 percent by weight of either white or yellow pigment, the balance of the composition being selected from the group consisting of; one or more plasticizers, inorganic fillers, waxes, antioxidants and light stabilizers.

A coating for pelletized thermoplastic road marking material is provided in which at least one of waxes, silica compounds, and inorganic compounds is provided on the surface of the thermoplastic pellet. The pellet is formed by mixing a binder mixture with a filler mixture, heating the mixed ingredients while mixing into a homogenous molten mixture and then extruding the molten mixture. The extruded material is cooled, cut into individual pellets and then coated. The coating prevents clumping of the pellets and also imparts improved flowability and lower melting point properties. Preferred coatings include micronized polyethylene wax, silicates, silanes, silicones, siliconates, fluoropolymers, calcium carbonate and zeolite.

A coating for pelletized thermoplastic road marking material is provided in which at least one of waxes, silica compounds, and inorganic compounds is provided on the surface of the thermoplastic pellet. The pellet is formed by mixing a binder mixture with a filler mixture, heating the mixed ingredients while mixing into a homogenous molten mixture and then extruding the molten mixture. The extruded material is cooled, cut into individual pellets and then coated. The coating prevents clumping of the pellets and also imparts improved flowability and lower melting point properties. Preferred coatings include micronized polyethylene wax, silicates, silanes, silicones, siliconates, fluoropolymers, calcium carbonate and zeolite.

A barrier system includes a plurality of barriers that can be used to form a barrier wall. Each barrier includes a first panel at least partially bounding a cavity and a first leg assembly supporting the first panel in an elevated position. A plurality of spikes are removably disposed on the first panel. A flexible snare is disposed within the cavity of the first panel, the snare being secured to the plurality of spikes so that when the spikes are removed from the first panel, the snare is drawn away from the first panel by the spikes.

A barrier system includes a plurality of barriers that can be used to form a barrier wall. Each barrier includes a first panel at least partially bounding a cavity and a first leg assembly supporting the first panel in an elevated position. A plurality of spikes are removably disposed on the first panel. A flexible snare is disposed within the cavity of the first panel, the snare being secured to the plurality of spikes so that when the spikes are removed from the first panel, the snare is drawn away from the first panel by the spikes.

A marking tape for application on pavement which comprises a core layer and an adhesive layer outside the core layer. The core layer is formed of a combination of a conforming layer of a thermoplastic material, a marking layer of a cross-linked material, and a fibrous layer. The conforming layer and the marking layer are contiguous and/or directly interconnected with each other.