Method and apparatus for recycling asphalt-aggregate compositions

Abstract

In a process for producing asphalt-aggregate composition in which used asphaltic concrete is recycled by being heated and mixed in a rotatable drum into which flame and hot gases of combustion are directed, the improvement comprises introducing virgin aggregate in a hot zone of the drum and directly exposing the aggregate to the flame and/or hot gases of combustion, and introducing particles of asphalt-aggregate composition downstream from the hot drum input end, away from direct exposure to the flame and extremely hot gases, in a cooler temperature zone. An improved apparatus includes means for introducing the aggregate at the input drum end for direct exposure to the flame or hot-test gases, and means for introducing the used and recycled asphalt-aggregate composition in a cooler drum zone.

I claim: 
     
       1. Apparatus for heating and mixing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising (a) an elongated rotatable drum having an input end and an opposite output end,   (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at said input end and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum between said input and said output ends whereby said composition is gradually heated therebetween,   (c) first means for supplying aggregate particles into said drum at a hot zone whereby said aggregate is directly exposed to said hot gases,   (d) second means for introducing asphaltic concrete particles comprising a mixture of asphalt and aggregate to said drum in a cooler zone whereby said asphaltic concrete is directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone, and   (e) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus of claim 1 including means for introducing liquid asphalt in said cooler zone of said drum. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means includes a radial port on said drum. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means comprises a plurality of input ports extending around the drum exterior and communicating with the drum interior. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus of claim 4 including a plurality of scoops each secured to the drum exterior and overlying one of said ports, and a trough extending around a portion of said drum exterior for receiving said asphaltic concrete particles, and whereby said scoops pass along said trough for picking up said particles and introducing them into said drum through said ports. 
     
     
       6. A heating and mixing apparatus for producing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising: (a) an elongated rotatable mixing drum and means for rotating said drum;   (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at an input end of said drum and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum to an opposite output end;   (c) means .[.for.]. .Iadd.capable of .Iaddend.introducing .Iadd.up to about 50% or more, by weight, of said asphalt-aggregate composition .Iaddend.first .Iadd.solid .Iaddend.particles into said drum at said input end in a hot zone whereby said first .Iadd.solid .Iaddend.particles are directly exposed to said hot gases and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end;   (d) means .[.for.]. .Iadd.capable of .Iaddend.introducing .Iadd.about 50% or more, by weight, of said asphalt-aggregate composition .Iaddend.second .Iadd.solid .Iaddend.particles into said drum in a cooler zone spaced from said input end whereby said .Iadd.solid .Iaddend.particles are directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone and are gradually heated as they pass toward said output drum end;   (e) means for mixing said first and second .Iadd.solid .Iaddend.particles as they pass toward said drum output end; and   (f) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end of said drum. .Iadd.   
     
     
       7.  Apparatus of claim 6 including means for introducing liquid asphalt in said cooler zone of said drum. .Iaddend. .Iadd.8. Apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for introducing said second solid particles includes a radial port on said drum. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. Apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for introducing said second solid particles comprises a plurality of input ports extending around the drum exterior and communicating with the drum interior. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10. Apparatus of claim 9 including a plurality of scoops each secured to the drum exterior and overlying one of said ports, and a trough extending around a portion of the drum exterior for receiving said second solid particles, and whereby said scoops pass along said trough for picking up said second solid particles and introducing them into said drum through said ports. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.11.  Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means comprises means capable of supplying up to about 50% or more, by weight, of the asphalt-aggregate composition, and said second means comprises means capable of introducing about 50%, or more, by weight, of the asphalt-aggregate composition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. Apparatus for continuously heating and mixing asphalt-aggregate composition comprising (a) an elongated rotatable drum having an input end and an opposite output end,   (b) means for supplying hot gases of combustion at said input end and for directing said hot gases substantially along the length of said drum between said input and said output ends whereby said composition is gradually heated therebetween,   (c) first means for continuously supplying aggregate particles into said drum at a hot zone whereby said aggregate is directly exposed to said hot gases,   (d) second means for continuously introducing asphaltic concrete particles comprising a mixture of asphalt and aggregate to said drum in a cooler zone having a temperature of at least about 200° F. whereby said asphaltic concrete is directly exposed to said hot gases in said cooler zone, and   (e) means for recovering heated and mixed composition at said output end. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The apparatus of claims 6 or 12 wherein the temperature of said cooler zone is between about 200° and about 800° F. .Iaddend.