New drum extends life of Breedon asphalt plant

Replacement Ammann dryer drum adds another 15 years of life to Longwater asphalt plant

A DRYER drum replacement has added several years of life to an Ammann asphalt-mixing plant – and improved its efficiency, too. Breedon Group, the largest independent construction materials firm in the UK, recently replaced the dryer on an Ammann ABP Universal asphalt-mixing plant, which began operation in 2004.

The Longwater plant, near Norwich, was well maintained and still had much more operating potential, yet the dryer drum had surpassed its life expectancy and needed to be replaced.

‘We allowed five days,’ said Richard Coles, parts sales manager at Ammann UK Ltd. ‘On day one, the steam evacuation pipework – from the mixer and screen to raw gas ducting – was removed by crane, as was the suction hood. The slinger conveyor was also disconnected and moved out of the dryer.

‘The old dryer was removed by crane on the second day, and on the third day the new drum was positioned, and the disconnected items reinstalled. Mechanical installation was finished the next day, and on the fifth day tracking was completed, marking the end of the project.’

Mark Wood, area operations manager for Breedon Group, said: ‘When it was decided that the dryer drum on our Longwater asphalt plant was due for renewal, we went out for quotes for the replacement. The decision to use Ammann as the preferred supplier was made because of the known quality of Ammann parts.’

Mr Wood was very satisfied with the process. ‘There was good communication from Ammann as to lead times and delivery dates, which were all on time and as quoted,’ he said.

‘The contractors who Ammann used to install the drum (Derbyshire-based Dixon Engineering Ltd) were exemplary in providing all relevant safe systems of work and risk assessments. We didn’t find any fault with their work during the entire operation. The job was completed on schedule and with no incidents.’

Marcus Jinks, director of Dixon Engineering, said: ‘Over a period of time, we have formed a strong business relationship with Ammann UK – working together to deliver time-critical projects within the asphalt industry. These projects range from like-for-like replacements to retrofits and adaptations requiring various skill sets for heavy plants and equipment.’

‘The replacement drum on Breedon Group’s asphalt plant has a skin thickness of 15mm and should last at least another 15 years,’ concluded Richard Coles. ‘Further benefits include improved overall plant efficiency due to better heat retention.’