A parallel flow drum mixer is one of the two types of asphalt drum mix plants. While a parallel mixer can dry and mix aggregates in the same drum, counterflow asphalt plants do the drying and mixing in separate drums. The major components in a drum mix plant are the cold aggregate feeder, bitumen storage tanks, and the drying and mixing units.
How does the drum mixer work? The aggregates are weighed as they move into the drying drum to mix with the desired proportion of bitumen. The direction of flame and flow of aggregates in a single drum plant is parallel. That makes it less effective and fuel-consuming, necessitating a cost-effective fuel.
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Requirements of Drum Mixers
A double-drum plant is the more efficient of the two models. Before loading aggregates into the cold aggregate feeder, the cold feed storage has to proportion the aggregates as required. The conveyor belt that transfers the aggregates to the drying drum has load cells that collectively weigh the aggregates as they enter. That will help you synchronize its weight with the bitumen to be added.
A single-drum mix plant uses parallel flow rather than opposite flow, thus consuming more fuel than its double-drum counterpart. Both models can run on the same fuel. However, a parallel flow mix plant will require noticeably more fuel than a double-drum mix plant.
Cost-Effectiveness of LNG
LNG (liquid natural gas) offers a unique opportunity for fuel efficiency. With a relatively stable price, LNG offers no trouble in preparing a budget. But more importantly, it offers far better value for the price. Natural gas in liquid form is far denser than in its gaseous form. Consequently, any amount of LNG can be burned to provide far more energy than the same volume of gas. Asphalt manufacturers looking to keep expenses low through efficient fuel will notice a definite improvement when using LNG.
Long-Term Efficiency of Natural Gas
Most asphalt manufacturers use LNG because it’s a clean-burning fossil fuel. LNG is also very easy and inexpensive to transport and far safer than other fuels when accidentally spilled. Best of all, burning LNG outputs a consistent temperature, resulting in more efficient usage and a better asphalt mix. Even if natural gas isn’t “technically” renewable, the remarkable efficiency of LNG makes it a plausible long-term fuel solution.
Best Fuel for Your Asphalt Plant
With a parallel flow drum mixer, a more cost-effective fuel source like liquefied natural gas will help you save thousands of dollars in your asphalt plant. Many asphalt manufacturers have transitioned to LNG due to its long-lasting benefits. You will find it the simplest solution to the complex challenges you face in your asphalt plant.
Contact us for affordable LNG solutions for your asphalt production plant.