Continuous VS Batch Plants: Making the Right Choice

When the moment arrives for the entrepreneur to make his decision to purchase an asphalt plant, he may leave it up to the suppliers to help decide on the best layout and configuration.

The first choice that has to be made regards the two different systems: continuous or batch production? What are the advantages that each of these two methods offer?

The answer is that there is no ideal option. For every single site and for every single job requirement there is a different solution. And so the choice depends on careful analysis of all the ‘fringe factors’ and the type of output that has to be produced. The role that D&G Machinery plays is to accompany the client and guide him towards his best personal choice.

BATCH PLANTS

This is the most widespread type of asphalt plant in the world, which guarantees the highest level of flexibility in production and quality of the finished product. The batches depend on the type of production: every 40-50 seconds a complete batch is produced, after all the individual components have been weighed and metered separately.

This type of plant is a must for producers who work for several clients at the same time, because the specifications can be easily changed, while maintaining a high level of quality.

CONTINUOUS PLANTS

In continuous plants there is no interruption in the production cycle as the rhythm of production is not broken into batches. The mixing of the material takes place inside the dryer drum which is elongated, as it dries and mixes the material at the same time.

Since there are no mixing tower or elevators, the system is therefore considerably simplified, with a consequent reduction in the cost of maintenance.

The absence of the screen however makes it necessary to have precise controls at the beginning of the production cycle, before the aggregates are fed into the dryer and before they are consequently discharged from the dryer as asphalt.