ASPHALT RECYCLING INCREASES BOTTOM LINE

Asphalt covers more than 94 percent of the paved roads in the United States according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). Add that to the amount used for parking lots and you might to start to think more about the pavement that covers a great deal of land and its affect on the environment.
Although asphalt occurs naturally in asphalt lakes and rock asphalt, the material used to make roads and parking lots today is manufactured using the latest technology. NAPA’s website states that more than 95 million metric tons of asphalt paving material is recycled each year making asphalt pavement America’s most recycled material.

The folks at KM International help with those recycling efforts by manufacturing equipment which offer green solutions for asphalt recycling.

KM T-2 RECYCLER

“If you are looking for a better, more effective and greener way to do business, this is the way to go,” says Clifford Cameron, director of sales for KM International. “It gives the contractor the ability to make asphalt when they need it, even in winter when typical methods cost $110.00/ ton for cold patch. The T-2 recycler allows the user to load millings or chunked asphalt producing a hot mix asphalt that is less expensive than plant pricing. Roofing shingles can also be recycled to improve the asphalt cement content enhancing your green efforts.

INFRARED

“KM International infrared equipment is perfect for in-place recycling and maintaining asphalt. The process of in-place recycling using an infrared is simple: position the equipment over the pot hole or imperfection, it heats up in 7-10 minutes; scarify; rejuvenate; and add a shovel or two to bring the repair up to grade. A perfect seamless patch is born. No water intrusion heaving the asphalt repair.

The process of infrared in-place recycle and repair creates only 50 percent of the carbon footprint produced by traditional saw, cut, remove and replace techniques. “Our recycler is unique, because we automatically sequence the heat on and off to optimize asphalt softening for quality repairing. Infrared recycle and repair provides green results not only environmentally, but offers an excellent profit center for all contractors.”

HOTBOX RECLAIMER

“Our hotbox reclaimer empowers contractors to buy what they need, and use what they buy,” says Cameron. “Most contractors will go to the plant and buy three tons, only use one ton and throw the rest away because it got cold. The reclaimer keeps hot mix asphalt for up to three days. You can also reclaim stockpiled material. “You just load the hotbox reclaimer when you need it, set the thermostat and go to work. Users are no longer at the mercy of the plant closure on weekends or holidays. Bulk store it and reclaim it.”

THERMOPLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING

“Preformed thermoplastic has more retro reflectivity and lasts three to five times longer than traditional pavement marking paints,” says Cameron. “Using this style of thermoplastic allows the user to design nearly anything they can think of–brick or stone patterns, company images and logos, and road signage–it all can be done.” Consistency and longevity make thermoplastic an excellent alternative to line painting.

EQUIPMENT EDUCATION KM INTERNATIONAL

KM International regularly field tests their equipment to continuously improve quality and better serve their customers. Customers often takes advantage of training at their Michigan plant. Training includes more than just flipping a switch and customers are invited to work on pavement projects with KM International.
“We encourage those looking at asphalt maintenance equipment to do their homework to see which equipment best fits their needs,” says Cameron. “We are here long after the sale to take care of our customers and promote the industry. As our customers grow, we grow.”

KM International has distributors around the US and in 39 countries. “We can tailor a system to our customer’s needs. For an investment under $30,000 turnkey, a customer can generate $4,000 to $5,000 per day. Over the years we have tailored and set up many customers who have successfully incorporated the recycling and reclaiming method to increase their services and improve their bottom lines.”

Considering the cost and time savings gained when recycling asphalt, the benefits to the environment are the icing on the cake.