Efficiency in road construction begins with precision. Whether you are managing a large-scale highway project or a local paving job, the asphalt distributor is the heart of your operation. This comprehensive guide from SINOTO dives deep into the technical nuances of operating and maintaining your bitumen sprayer. From achieving the perfect spray pattern to winterization protocols, we provide the expert insights you need to reduce downtime, ensure operator safety, and deliver flawless results every time.
By a proper inspection even prior to the engine starting, the success of a paving project is ascertained. The failure to follow these steps may result in unequal application or worst, mechanical breakdowns are hazardous.
Inspect the whole chassis and tank regarding leakage. Bitumen spills do not only create messes but are also very dangerous in fire propagation. Make sure that the level of hydraulic oil, engine coolant, and fuel are full. In the case of SINOTO models, the hydraulic lines supplying the spray bar and the pump should be of special concern.
The asphalt should be at the right application temperature (typically between 150 deg C and 180 deg C based on grade).
Burner Check: This involves cleaning the burners and making sure that the fuel lines are clear.
Safety First: Do not use the burners without the full covering of the liquid asphalt of the flues (at least 15-20 cm above the tubes).
Triple Lap is the standard in the industry of a uniform coat. This necessitates all nozzles to be positioned at an angle (typically 15-deg to 30-deg) with respect to the spray bar axis to ensure that the fans do not get in each other’s way.
A SINOTO asphalt distributor is an art that has scientific support. The accuracy is calculated by the rate of application of the bitumen- the rate of bitumen laid per square meter.
The current distributors employ very precise sensors so as to match the pump speed and the ground speed of the truck.
Input Data: To set the preferred application rate, input your desired rate of application in the SINOTO control interface.
Speed Management: keep the speed constant. Although the computer will adjust small fluctuations in speed, very large changes in speed may produce streaking or puddling.
To prevent the occurrence of fatty spots upon opening of the spray valves at the beginning of a run, start moving the truck and then the spray valves can be opened. Likewise, turn off the valves when the truck is on the point of halting.
When the pressure is low it means the bitumen will drip instead of atomizing. When it is excessive, it may be blown away by the wind and cause a mist. Always work in the recommended range of PSI of the manufacturer of the nozzle being used.
The cleanliness of the system is used to classify maintenance of an asphalt distributor. When bitumen solidifies it becomes hard and in case it solidifies in your pump or your spray bar it can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
The system should be flushed with diesel or some special cleaning agent at the end of each shift.
The SINOTO Advantage: Our machines have a large pressure air-blow system to blow out the lines prior to the solvent flush to reduce the volume of cleaning fluid required.
Nozzle Cleaning: Clean off any nozzles that appeared to have been clogged during the day and immersed in solvent.
Filter Screens: Inspect the asphalt pump strainers. These screens may become clogged with debris in the tank resulting in pump cavitation.
Drive Chains and Belts: Check the tension of the pump drive system.
Tire Pressure: The sprays can be tilted because of the uneven tire pressure and the rate of application along the width of the road will be uneven.
Calibration Check: Conduce a bucket test to ensure that the volume of bitumen that is released corresponds with the reading of the computer.
Hydraulic System: Test the hydraulic reservoir, which shows the presence of foam in the system, which is an indicator of air getting into the system. Filter of change per SINOTO service manual.
When working with hot bitumen (150degC+), it is necessary to follow the safety standards strictly.
PPE: Heat-resistant gloves, face shields, and long-sleeved treated cotton clothes are to be used by the operators at all times.
Vapor Control: When loading, make sure you are not in the same direction as the wind so that you do not inhale fumes of bitumen.
Spill Kits: A spill kit must always be kept in the truck. Absorbent material or sand should be used to prevent the entry of bitumen in the water drains in case of leakage.
|
Issue |
Potential Cause |
|
|
Streaking (Drilling) |
Clogged nozzles or cold bitumen |
Clean nozzles and check tank temperature |
|
Uneven Spread |
Incorrect spray bar height |
Adjust bar so the fans overlap thrice |
|
Pump Noise |
Air leak in suction line |
Tighten all fittings and check gaskets |
|
Burner won’t ignite |
Water in fuel or dirty electrodes |
Drain fuel filter and clean igniters |
At SINOTO, we have realized that time is money when it comes to construction on the road. The asphalt distributors are engineered so that they are easy to use. We make use of high strength insulation to ensure that heat is held longer and less fuel is used by them to power the burners.
Our One-Touch cleaning system is quite intuitive, meaning that you can have your machine ready to work tomorrow in minutes, not hours, after a hard days work at the pavement.
Through the combination of high-technology heating system and tough chassis designs, SINOTO offers the dependability required in the most hostile conditions of the world, both the damp tropics and the ice-free highlands.
Are you willing to modernize your road construction fleet? To find out more about the latest generation of our intelligent asphalt distributors and tailored maintenance package contact SINOTO today to talk with one of our experts.
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WeChat ID: +86371 80955068
