AFTTP 3-32.19 24 SEPTEMBER 2018 15
3.2.1. Maximum stockpile hold times vary, depending on environmental
conditions and whether the batch plant is located indoors or outdoors. A rule of
thumb is maximum stockpile hold times consistently being added to in temperate
and dry weather conditions is three hours. There is no rule of thumb for cold
weather conditions; stockpiles must be constantly monitored in cold weather to
ensure the stockpiles are used before cooling below useable temperatures. Projects
are scheduled to determine more definitive stockpile hold times and will be added
to this publication when projects are complete.
3.2.2. Cover the HMA stockpile with tarps, from the inclement weather kit in the
4FWCR UTC, when temperatures are below 70°F or when crater repair delays
occur to help prevent the HMA from cooling too quickly.
3.3. Overview of Recycler Operation. The described operating procedures
herein maximize HMA production rate and meet specific discharge temperatures
(340° F is the typical target) while operating the recycler in continuous mode
using HMA cookies. The operator attempts to maintain a constant 1,015 PSI (70
bar) drum pressure during warm-up (paragraph 3.11) and continuous operation
by monitoring the drum pressure read-out and adding material in the charging box
as necessary. The unit should be operated on high heat for the majority of the
warm-up period (approximately 10 minute warm-up). After the warm-up period,
the operator adjusts the heat as necessary to meet the target discharge temperature.
When the discharge temperature becomes relatively constant, the operator
typically switches to low heat for the majority of the continuous production run.
3.3.1. If material discharge temperatures drop below specified temperature ranges,
the operator switches to high heat for a short period (approximately 1-2 minutes)
to increase the drum temperature and then switches back to low heat to continue
production. The operator may need to cycle in and out of high heat more
frequently if the RAP material has high moisture content or if the operator
overloads the drum (more than 1,015 PSI [70 bar]) inadvertently or in an effort to
increase the production rate.
3.3.2. Circumstances may dictate a higher target discharge temperature (i.e. 350-
370°F). Two operating adjustments can be made to increase the discharge
temperature. First, the operator can cycle in and out of high heat more often.
Second, the operator can under-fill the drum (below 1,015 PSI [70 bar]) to
increase heat transfer from the drum to the material inside the drum. A
combination of these two options may be required.
3.4. Recycler Operating Tips.