An inner drum for use in a dryer/mixer in connection with the production of an aggregate-binder mix includes a plurality of mixing paddles disposed on the outer surface of the inner drum and arranged in a plurality of rows. The mixing paddles are configured to rotate through a mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates within an outer drum of the dryer/mixer to mix aggregate and binder together. Interstitial spaces are formed between rows of mixing paddles and material leads, where aggregate material preferentially travels as the inner drum is rotated, extend along the mixing chamber. At least one interstitial mixing paddle is located on the outer surface of the inner drum and in one of the interstitial spaces at one of the material leads. The interstitial mixing paddle rotates through the mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates to also mix the aggregate and binder together.

An inner drum for use in a dryer/mixer in connection with the production of an aggregate-binder mix includes a plurality of mixing paddles disposed on the outer surface of the inner drum and arranged in a plurality of rows. The mixing paddles are configured to rotate through a mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates within an outer drum of the dryer/mixer to mix aggregate and binder together. Interstitial spaces are formed between rows of mixing paddles and material leads, where aggregate material preferentially travels as the inner drum is rotated, extend along the mixing chamber. At least one interstitial mixing paddle is located on the outer surface of the inner drum and in one of the interstitial spaces at one of the material leads. The interstitial mixing paddle rotates through the mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates to also mix the aggregate and binder together.

A method for producing an asphalt concrete blend that includes the steps of drying and heating aggregate in a single and only dryer, preferably via direct heating, and without use of a pre-dryer. The aggregate is then combined with asphalt cement, preferably via indirect heating, such that the blend has an asphalt cement components (ACC) percentage of at least 25% percent to form an aggregate mix. Liquid asphalt cement may also be added to the aggregate mix. Preferably, the asphalt cement content of the final asphalt concrete blend is provided by a maximum of 70% ACC. In certain cases, the asphalt cement content of the asphalt concrete blend is comprised of ACC and liquid asphalt cement.

An indirect heating, drying and mixing chamber has a drum. A mixing/conveyor mechanism is positioned within the drum mixing and moving materials through the drum. An enclosure is provided wherein the drum is inserted within the enclosure to form an upper section of the enclosure between the drum and a top surface of the enclosure and a lower section of the enclosure between the drum and a bottom surface of the enclosure. A plurality of heat openings is formed on the bottom surface of the enclosure. A plurality of heating elements is provided, wherein an individual heating element is coupled to a corresponding heat opening, the plurality of heating elements generating heat which travels along the lower section of the enclosure and through the upper section of the enclosure heating the material in the drum.

A method for producing an asphalt concrete blend that includes the steps of drying and heating aggregate in a single and only dryer, preferably via direct heating, and without use of a pre-dryer. The aggregate is then combined with asphalt cement, preferably via indirect heating, such that the blend has an asphalt cement components (ACC) percentage of at least 25% percent to form an aggregate mix. Liquid asphalt cement may also be added to the aggregate mix. Preferably, the asphalt cement content of the final asphalt concrete blend is provided by a maximum of 70% ACC. In certain cases, the asphalt cement content of the asphalt concrete blend is comprised of ACC and liquid asphalt cement.

An indirect heating, drying and mixing chamber has a drum. A mixing/conveyor mechanism is positioned within the drum mixing and moving materials through the drum. An enclosure is provided wherein the drum is inserted within the enclosure to form an upper section of the enclosure between the drum and a top surface of the enclosure and a lower section of the enclosure between the drum and a bottom surface of the enclosure. A plurality of heat openings is formed on the bottom surface of the enclosure. A plurality of heating elements is provided, wherein an individual heating element is coupled to a corresponding heat opening, the plurality of heating elements generating heat which travels along the lower section of the enclosure and through the upper section of the enclosure heating the material in the drum.

An asphalt production apparatus (APA) (14) and process for utilizing a substantial fraction of RAP (Recycled Asphalt Product) (10) in producing a renewed amalgam (12) for paving. The APA (14) is formed about an inclined central axis (18) and includes core components (16), namely: a non-rotating ignition cylinder (24); a rotating mixing drum (26) having a hollow interior (16) with radially spaced combustion tubes (52) longitudinally extending therethrough; and a stationary capture trap (28) for receiving renewed amalgam (12) and redirecting some spent gases (54) back through the a mixing drum (26) in a second pass. The ignition cylinder (24) receives combustion fuel (32) delivered to an igniter (34) and directs flaming gas (36) through the combustion tubes (52) at a flow rate such that the flaming gas (36) becomes spent gases (54) within the tubes (52) short of the capture trap (26) and no flaming gas (36) contacts RAP (10) in the interior of the mixing drum (26).

The present invention provides a self-rotating asphalt emulsification mixing production apparatus, which relates to a technical field of construction engineering. It includes a rotatable inner tank, arranged in an outer tank, wherein the inner tank is provided with a blending shaft; a second blending blade, distributed on an outer wall of the inner tank; the emulsification tank is provided with a partition plate, an overfeed hole is provided at a center of the partition plate; a rotary shaft is provided at a center of the emulsification tank, and the rotary shaft is connected with the blending shaft through the overfeed hole; a first disk and a second disk are provided on the rotary shaft. The present invention can carry out more efficient mixing of the asphalt, better heating uniformity, and at the same time realize a integrated processing of the mixing and emulsification of asphalt and soap.

A hot mix asphalt (HMA) or warm mix asphalt (WMA) plant features material transfer by shear action of segmented screws and directional flights standing on an inner drum. Indirect convective material heating is initiated by a heating source located inside of the inner drum. Material mixing, heating, melting, and uniform coating, all take place as a single simultaneous process. As the result of processing, regular HMA (or WMA) or up to 100% RAP (or ARS) recycled HMA (or WMA) can be produced. Many heat sources, such as a conventional oil burner and the surface combustion burner, may also be utilized in the plant. The plant may be combined with paving units for an integrated, mobile paving system.