Mobile Asphalt Recycling With Controlled Heating and Paddle Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asphalt pavement rejuvenation methods fail to restore the original aggregate-asphaltene-maltene formula effectively, leading to uneven repaving and high costs, while prior repaving systems are environmentally unfriendly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile asphalt recycling apparatus using propane fueled radiant/convection heaters with blowers, augers with transfer, sizing, and tumbling paddles, and precise temperature and formula restoration processes to recreate the original pavement specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing asphalt pavement is removed and replaced with new asphalt pavement, then the pavement surface is renewed, but the cost increases significantly and existing material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses existing asphalt pavement material through a recycling apparatus that processes removed pavement into reusable aggregate. The system captures asphalt material during removal, processes it through heating and mixing chambers, and returns it to the pavement layer, thereby recovering valuable materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling temperature, mixing time, and material composition ratios in the recycling apparatus. The system heats the asphalt material to specific temperatures, maintains it for controlled durations, and adjusts the ratio of recycled material to new asphalt cement to optimize pavement quality while minimizing waste.
2Reliability
If asphalt rejuvenators are applied onto the pavement surface, then the pavement is rejuvenated, but the rejuvenation is ineffective because maltenes do not penetrate sufficiently deeply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the asphalt material in the recycling apparatus before it is returned to the pavement. This pre-heating process softens the material and enhances penetration capability, allowing the rejuvenated asphalt to effectively reach and treat deeper layers of the pavement structure rather than remaining on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The recycling apparatus acts as an intermediary between the removed asphalt material and the pavement structure. It processes the material through controlled heating and mixing, then reintroduces it at optimal temperatures and compositions to ensure effective penetration and rejuvenation of the pavement layers.
3Reliability
If periodic repairs of cracks and potholes are performed, then local damage is fixed, but the systematic problems due to age and maltene departure are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by systematically recycling and reintegrating asphalt material throughout the pavement structure in a continuous process. Rather than performing discrete, temporary repairs, the system continuously processes and redistributes rejuvenated asphalt material to address the root cause of deterioration - maltene departure - across the entire pavement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers maltene components from removed pavement material through heating and processing, then returns these valuable components to the pavement structure. This recovery process addresses the systematic loss of maltenes that causes brittleness and cracking, providing a long-term solution rather than temporary repairs.
4Shape
If a sealer is coated over the surface of existing pavement, then the pavement looks healthy, but the systematic deterioration of the underlying asphalt is merely hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes out the problematic practice of surface-only sealing by removing and processing the asphalt material. Instead of applying a cosmetic coating that hides deterioration, the system extracts the underlying asphalt, rejuvenates it through controlled heating and mixing, and returns it to address the root structural issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harm of pavement deterioration into benefit by recycling the degraded asphalt material. The removed and deteriorated pavement, which would normally be discarded, is processed through the recycling apparatus to recover valuable components, then reintroduced to restore pavement health, turning waste into a resource.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus efficiently restores asphalt pavement to its original specifications, ensuring uniformity and durability, reducing environmental impact and costs.
Implementation Method 1
propane fueled radiant/convection heaters
Implementation Method 2
propane fueled radiant/convection heaters
Implementation Method 3
blowers to blow into the heating area combustion air to enhance the efficiency of heating
Implementation Method 4
augers with transfer, sizing, and tumbling paddles
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile asphalt recycling apparatus facilitates recycling pavement to restore it to its original formula. The apparatus includes augers with transfer paddles, sizing paddles, and tumbling paddles which combine together to allow recycled materials to be thoroughly mixed and then applied on a road surface. The apparatus includes computerized aspects that permit accurate measurement of batch sizes, temperature, and other criteria. The present invention also includes a process which utilizes the apparatus. The process includes sampling and testing the existing pavement, restoring it to the original criteria, and facilitating repaving.