THE RIGHT END OF THE STICK

Thanks to major investments in plant and paver technology by hot mix asphalt (HMA) equipment manufacturers and HMA producers and contractors, fume and particulate emissions levels are very low and well-controlled. Production of HMA has climbed from 156 million tons (96.2 billion kg) in 1960 to an estimated 550 million tons (499 billion kg) in 1999, an increase of 253%. Over this same period, HMA plant emissions have dropped by 97%. Most of the progress has been in the reduction of particulate matter, thanks to the deployment of air quality control technology, including wet washers, cyclone collectors, scavenger systems, baghouses, high-energy scrubbers, and continuous improvements in drum plant technology. At the paving site, fumes have been reduced by up to 80% as a result of the development of engineering control technology for the paving machine. Researchers are now working on an additive that has the potential to reduce odor when added to asphalt cement. Recent developments at the Asphalt Paving Environmental Council have led to an initiative to develop tools to evaluate the fuming and emissions potential of binders.

• Authors:
  • Spangler, J
  • ACOTT, M
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 3
• Serial:
  • HMAT: Hot Mix Asphalt Technology
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Air quality management; Asphalt cement; Asphalt pavements; Binders; Cyclone separators; Drums (Containers); Fumes; Hot mix asphalt; Industrial plants; Industries; Odors; Particulates; Pavers; Pollutants; Pollution control; Production; Scrubbers; Technological innovations; Technology
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; I10: Economics and Administration; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00783671
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 3 2000 12:00AM