Long lived asphalt recycling
01 May 2008
US company Thompson Recycle, based in Tecumseh, Michigan, has been using a large road portable electric powered Grasan KR1515 primary horizontal impact crusher plant as a mobile asphalt recycling plant since march 1995. To date the plant has been moved more than 750 times and processed more than 18 million tons (16.5 million tonnes) of asphalt rubble.
The plant also includes a screening plant, radial stacker and return conveyor that are all road portable. According to John Thompson, seven major pieces of equipment are moved with seven tractors, plus smaller items such as a water tank and light tower towed by pickup trucks. The plant is moved six to ten times a month to process asphalt waste from jobs ranging from 10,000 tons (9,000 tonnes) up to 70,000 tons (63,500 tonnes).
According to Thompson, efficiency is key, both in terms of workforce and equipment, when moving such a large plant to handle relatively small jobs if profits are to be made. The crusher is the heart of the system and Thompson expects to get 20 to 25 years service from the unit, based on the tonnage processed to date and the excellent condition it currently is in.
