MOISTURE CONTROL IN ASPHALT.

WITH INCREASING DEMAND FROM PAVERS AND ASPHALT PRODUCERS, PLANT SUPPLIERS AND AUTOMATION COMPANIES CAN NO LONGER IGNORE THE COST ADVANTAGES AND QUALITY BENEFITS OF ON-LINE MOISTURE MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL IN THE ASPHALT INDUSTRY.

With the most advanced measurement technique and robust design specification, combined with our extensive experience of high wear and harsh environments the Hydronix range of moisture sensors provide a cost effective solution to moisture measurement and control.

There are a variety of measurement points and installation options to choose from for either batch or continuous asphalt plants. Control, quality, cost, efficiency and simplicity will all be improved. The choice of product and installation will depend on the benefits that you wish to achieve.

Recommended Installation
A Hydro-Probe II sensor measuring in the individual fine aggregates will give the best results. For other recommended installations including measuring on the cold feed belt please contact us for more information.

Benefits

Correcting Inputs for Moisture
Garbage in garbage out. With fine sands holding between 0-25% moisture an asphalt producer will benefit by correcting the fine sand weight for moisture on a real time basis. This will greatly improve the aggregate grade proportioning of the materials entering the process. By measuring the inputs it is possible to effectively correct the aggregate grade proportioning in real time, tackling and resolving the cause of the problem rather than simply measuring and dealing with the symptoms.


  

Energy efficiency, optimize the burners
Measuring the moisture of the blended aggregates on the cold feed belt. This may be used to control the burners to increase fuel efficiency.

How efficient are you burners ?
Importantly, by measuring the moisture of the inputs allows you to accurately compare the efficiency of your burners from plant to plant, this will aid in maintenance and even the next burner purchasing decision.

Asphalt Cement Content
By measuring and controlling the moisture of the inputs the correct recipe and a known volume can be maintained. This effectively ensures that the asphalt cement, RAP, binder and other inputs are correctly proportioned and ensures that a producer is maximising the use of the materials by 'running lean' and to specification.

Guarantee Quality
A supplier can confidently offer to deliver a consistently high quality product.

A specifier will have increased quality assurance.

Asphalt producers are currently benefiting by installing the
Hydro-Probe II. The sensor is cost effective, rugged, simple to integrate, install/configure and has a very low maintenance overhead. With over 30,000 units in the field our network of service and support is second to none.

The National Centre for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), Georgia, USA hosted a quality assurance and process control conference in July 2004. A panel of industry experts met to review current/potential technologies and areas for advancement in the asphalt industry. Please see below for a link to the NCAT homepage and a brief moisture measurement presentation.

NCAT Homepage

NCAT Presentation

NCAT Presentation Supporting Information