Development status of on-site thermal regeneration equipment for asphalt pavement

1. Introduction to on-site thermal regeneration equipment for asphalt pavement
The on-site thermal regeneration device for asphalt pavement is a key equipment for achieving on-site thermal regeneration technology, mainly composed of three types of equipment: heating machine, grinding machine, and re mixer. At present, the commonly used thermal regeneration units in China mainly include the WR4500 unit of Wittgen Company, the AR2000 unit of Zhonggong Mattai Company, the SY4500 unit of Anshan Senyuan Company, the RM6800 unit of Nanjing Yingda Company, and the LRF120 unit of Shandong Road and Bridge Company. These devices can be roughly divided into the following types based on their classification methods: infrared radiation type, hot air circulation type, microwave heating type, etc; According to the loosening method, it can be divided into tooth rake type loosening and rotor type loosening; According to the mixing method, it can be divided into two types: continuous mixing and forced mixing.
2. Development status of on-site thermal regeneration equipment for asphalt pavement
The introduction of on-site thermal regeneration equipment for asphalt pavement has a history of more than ten years in China, but its diverse functions, complex structure, and high technological content determine the high threshold for enterprises to introduce on-site thermal regeneration equipment. As a capital intensive and technology intensive equipment, the promotion and application of this technology requires high conditions for enterprises in terms of capital, technology, talent, and other aspects. It is difficult for ordinary enterprises to enter this field.
In recent years, some domestic enterprises have increased their efforts in the development of on-site thermal regeneration equipment and developed several different forms of thermal regeneration units. Although the working methods and structural characteristics of these devices are different from those of foreign devices, they are mainly designed and manufactured for highway construction with high subgrade bearing capacity. The equipment has a large volume, heavy curb weight, complex operation, and high production costs. Purchasing a set of such equipment usually requires 10 million or even 20 million yuan, which is a considerable cost for any enterprise. Moreover, even if equipment can be purchased, there must be a group of technical personnel who understand the use and construction process of complete sets of thermal regeneration equipment. Therefore, general construction companies often give up choosing on-site thermal regeneration technology due to financial or talent reasons.
In addition, the external characteristics of existing units have also become an important factor hindering the promotion of equipment. Firstly, the working length of the entire unit can reach tens or even hundreds of meters. During the construction process, it is difficult for various units to coordinate from beginning to end, and equipment is mutually constrained. The failure of a single device directly affects the normal operation of the entire unit; Secondly, a unit height of about 4 meters makes it susceptible to interference from obstacles such as low-voltage lines, transportation facilities, trees, etc., leading to construction interruptions and affecting construction quality and work efficiency; Thirdly, during the construction process, the weight of a machine weighing tens of tons can easily cause new damage to low capacity highways and urban roads, hindering the promotion of thermal regeneration units in this field.
In summary, the on-site thermal regeneration unit of asphalt pavement is currently mainly limited to highway construction and has not been fully promoted in the maintenance of graded highways and urban roads. In order to fully leverage the advantages of on-site thermal regeneration technology, it is necessary to miniaturize and improve the equipment to enhance its flexibility and applicability.