Counter Flow Plant V/s Parallel Flow Plant

Comparison between the counter flow and parallel flow asphalt plants manufactured by Atlas Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

General:

• Counter Flow Plants by Atlas allow separate heating and mixing.
• In Parallel Flow Asphalt drum mix plant the drying + mixing in the same drum.

Flame Direction:

• Direction of burner flame and aggregates is opposite. This counter flow type heating ensures better heating of aggregates at less fuel consumption.
• Direction of the flame & flow of aggregates is parallel hence it is less effective comparatively and consumes more fuel.

Dust Absorption:

• Drying & mixing process takes place in separate drum. Dust is absorbed at the inlet of drying drum thus allowing clean & dust free aggregates to enter the mixing drum ensuring better mix quality.
• Heating & mixing action takes place in single drum & dust is exhausted after mixing process & hence a difficult to achieve a good quality mix.

Temperature Control:

• Since heating of aggregates takes place in separate drum, measuring temperature of hot aggregates is possible. Its temperature can also be controlled before its moves to mixing zone.
• There is no provision to measure the temperature of hot aggregates as both drying & mixing process take place in a single drum.

Better Hot Mix Asphalt:

• Since heating & mixing process takes place in separate drums, the burner flame is nowhere in contact with asphalt, other valuable liquids or additives. Asphalt is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Sometimes an increase in burner flame may cause burning of asphalt leading to fire & may spoil the mix quality. This burnt mix may cause burning of conveyor belt at the discharge end of drum.