Ever wonder how asphalt is made? Watch this video on our asphalt manufacturing process taken at our Sun Prairie Asphalt Manufacturing Plant.
Wolf Paving's Asphalt Production Process
To produce our asphalt we use various sizes of aggregates and two different sands, manufactured sand and natural sand. The sand used will depend on the mix being produced.
The aggregates are loaded into the feed bins, and the computer controls the amount of aggregate that goes into the asphalt mix. An infinite number of mixes can be produced based on the job’s specifications. The aggregates then come out onto the conveyer, and go into the dryer to be mixed.
Recycled materials play a key roll in environmentally friendly solutions. Wolf Paving recycles 100% of the asphalt removed from job sites as well as concrete and asphalt shingles. When it comes to asphalt not only is using recycled material better for the environment, it’s better for the product as well. Recycled asphalt mix is stronger, longer lasting, and has a stronger rut resistance than virgin asphalt mix. Wolf Paving also uses warm mix technology to produce asphalt at a lower temperature in order to save fuel and the environment.
After the aggregates have been dried and mixed the two recycled products are added and the oil is injected. The recycled products go into the collar which is about two-thirds of the way down from the dried aggregate. Adding the recycled products after drying the aggregates keeps from burning off any residual oil.
The last 10 feet of the production system is where everything is mixed, heated and dried. This is also where the required amount of oil is added to meet the job specifications. The final product is sent up the slat conveyor and into four silos. Up to 1,000 tons of asphalt can be held at a time. When the asphalt is in the silos it is ready for distribution.
After production, the next step is installation. Check out this blog to learn about The Complete 7-Step Process For Asphalt Pavement Installation.
If you're interested in learning more about asphalt manufacturing, distribution, recycling asphalt, or asphalt paving, please contact us.
For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free quote for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.
