Storage bin

What is a asphalt Storage Hopper?

A asphalt storage hopper is a piece of equipment used in asphalt mixing plants to temporarily store asphalt mix (a mixture of aggregates and bituminous binder) after production, before loading it onto trucks for transport to road construction sites. It helps maintain the quality and consistency of the mix while awaiting delivery.

Key Features

• Shape and Capacity: Storage hoppers can be round or rectangular, fixed or mobile, with capacities generally ranging from 25 to over 300 tons depending on production needs.

• Insulation and Heating: They are insulated to maintain the temperature of the mix and prevent cooling or segregation.

• Loading and Unloading:

1. Filling can be done by shuttle, conveyor, or scraper elevator.
2. Unloading is generally mechanically controlled (often by pneumatic supports) and designed to allow rapid and even flow into the trucks.

• Options and Accessories:

                Weighing systems to precisely control the quantity loaded in each truck.

                Level and temperature sensors to continuously monitor stock levels.

                Pneumatically opening anti-clogging hoods to prevent hopper blockages.

Advantages

• Production flexibility: Allows asphalt mix to be stored pending transport, avoiding production interruptions and optimizing logistics.

• Quality maintenance: Insulation and heating ensure the preservation of asphalt mix properties (temperature, consistency).

• Easier management: Automated weighing and control systems allow for precise load management.

Capacity examples

• 25 to 100 ton hoppers for standard installations.

• Silo batteries of up to 300 tons for large plants.

The asphalt storage hopper is a key component of asphalt mixing plants, ensuring production continuity, finished product quality, and efficient loading logistics for road construction sites.