Following the success of the TOP TOWER range presented at the last two trade fairs, at Bauma 2013 MARINI is unveiling a new family of batch asphalt plants with an output below 200 tph: eTOWER.
The eTOWER range currently comprises two models: the eTOWER 2000 (150 tph) and eTOWER 2500 (180 tph), presented at the trade fair.
An innovative design
The eTOWER benefits from and builds on the design principles that forged TOP TOWER’s reputation, particularly the drying/filtering tower principle. The innovative positioning of the filter and under-filter hopper, above the dryer drum, makes for significant energy savings.
• The gas circuit is optimised
Unlike more traditional systems, the duct between the dryer and filter is short and insulated, which prevents any energy loss.
• The recovery fines circuit has been completely redesigned
The fines are collected in the under-filter hopper by gravity and then conveyed to the fines weighing hopper either directly by screw or via a fines elevator.
The bigger fines collected in the pre-separator are conveyed by gravity to the inlet of the hot elevator.
Both these innovations eliminate the need for many screw conveyors and therefore result in considerable savings both in terms of electricity consumption and maintenance costs.
• The energy given off by the dryer is recovered.
Captured by the under-filter hopper located just above, the energy released by the dryer drum keeps the recovered fines in a hot atmosphere and they therefore do not need heating again later.
• An easy-to-maintain screen
The mixing tower has not been overlooked, since the eTOWER is fitted with a new-generation screen designed with ergonomics and safety constantly in mind. Access to the screen grids is easy and, above all, each grid can be replaced without having to dismantle one or more of the other grids beforehand. This exclusive advantage means that these maintenance operations can be carried out in record time, without encroaching too much on operating time.
Perfectly tailored to the requirements of the modern world
• Recycling in all its forms
The eTOWER can use all modern recycling systems. The configuration presented thus comprises two systems for introducing RAP: a recycling ring and direct introduction in the mixer via a specific elevator. Their combined use means that recycling rates of nearly 50% can be achieved. For even higher recycling rates, the plant can be equipped with an additional parallel dryer drum for RAP.
• The ideal companion for warm-mix asphalt
The eTOWER has naturally been designed to be able to gain from all recent developments in terms of warm-mix asphalt production, whether involving the injection of liquid or solid additives, foam bitumen generation or specific introduction cycles of materials. The eTOWER 2500 is fitted with the AQUABlack foam bitumen production system, so the final asphalt temperature can be cut by more than 30°C thanks to its patented Foaming Gun, in complete serenity.
• Unrivalled flexibility
The dimensions, adaptable design and factory-integrated electric wiring of the eTOWER endow it with a degree of transferability never before achieved on plants of this size – all in stringent compliance with the new European safety requirements. The model presented is a storage-under-mixer design, equipped with ProfiBus technology and mounted on metal foundations for quick assembly and dismantling.
A complete range
With the TOP TOWER and eTOWER ranges, MARINI can cover all production outputs from 80 to 300 tph, with the latest-generation plants that are easy to move and assemble, energy-efficient and perfectly suited to modern formulations incorporating RAP and warm mixes.
