Asfaltcentrales

Asfaltcentrales, also known as asphalt plants or asphalt mixing plants, are industrial facilities used for the production of asphalt concrete. This mixture is a composite material commonly used in road construction and paving. The primary function of an asfaltcentrale is to heat aggregates such as stone, sand, and gravel, and then combine them with bitumen, a petroleum-based binder, in precise proportions.

The process typically involves several stages. Aggregates are stored and fed into a drying drum where they are heated to high temperatures, usually around 150-180 degrees Celsius, to remove moisture. The hot aggregates are then screened to separate them into different sizes. These sized aggregates are then weighed and mixed with hot bitumen in a mixing unit. Additives, such as mineral fillers or rejuvenators, may also be incorporated at this stage to modify the properties of the final asphalt mix.

Asfaltcentrales can be mobile or stationary. Mobile plants are designed for easy transportation and can be set up at different construction sites, offering flexibility for projects in various locations. Stationary plants are larger and more permanent installations, typically located in areas with consistent demand for asphalt products. Modern asfaltcentrales are equipped with sophisticated control systems to ensure consistent quality and precise control over the mixing process, often incorporating environmental controls to minimize dust and emissions. The final hot mix asphalt is then transported to construction sites for immediate use in paving applications.