Top 10 Asphalt Distributor Brand & Manufacturers

What is an Asphalt Distributor?

An asphalt distributor, also known as a bitumen distributor, is a specialized vehicle used in road construction and maintenance. It is designed to spray a controlled and even layer of hot asphalt or bitumen onto the road surface. The asphalt distributor has a large tank to hold the asphalt, a heating system to keep the asphalt in a liquid state, and a spray bar with nozzles to distribute the asphalt evenly across the width of the road.

History of Asphalt Distributor

The development of asphalt distributors is closely tied to the growth of the modern road - building industry. As the use of asphalt as a road - surfacing material became more widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the need for efficient means of applying it led to the invention of early asphalt - spraying devices. These were relatively simple and had limited precision. Over time, with advancements in engineering and technology, asphalt distributors evolved to have better temperature - control systems, more accurate spray mechanisms, and larger capacities. The introduction of computer - controlled systems in recent decades has further enhanced their performance and the quality of asphalt distribution.

Purpose of Asphalt Distributor

• Road Construction: In the construction of new roads, the asphalt distributor is used to apply a base layer of asphalt. This provides a smooth and durable surface for subsequent layers of asphalt or other road - building materials. The even distribution of asphalt is crucial for creating a uniform road base that can withstand the weight of traffic.
• Road Maintenance and Resurfacing: For maintaining and resurfacing existing roads, the asphalt distributor is used to apply a new layer of asphalt over the old, worn - out surface. This helps to fill in cracks and potholes, restoring the road's smoothness and integrity. It also provides a fresh wearing surface to improve traction and reduce road noise.
• Surface Treatment: Asphalt distributors are used to apply surface treatments such as chip seals. In a chip - seal process, the asphalt is sprayed first, and then small stones or chips are spread over it. The asphalt acts as a binder to hold the chips in place, creating a durable and skid - resistant surface.

Principle of Asphalt Distributor

The asphalt distributor operates based on the principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer. The asphalt in the tank is kept in a liquid state through a heating system, which typically uses propane, diesel, or other fuel sources. The liquid asphalt is then pumped through a system of pipes to the spray bar. The spray bar is equipped with a series of nozzles that are designed to atomize the asphalt into a fine spray. The rate of asphalt flow and the pressure at the nozzles can be adjusted to control the thickness and uniformity of the asphalt layer. The vehicle's speed and the width of the spray pattern are also coordinated to ensure accurate distribution of the asphalt over the road surface.

Features of Asphalt Distributor

• Large Asphalt Tank: Asphalt distributors are equipped with a significant - capacity tank to hold the asphalt. The tank size can vary depending on the size and purpose of the distributor, ranging from a few thousand gallons to tens of thousands of gallons. A larger tank allows for longer continuous spraying operations without the need for frequent refilling.
• Heating System: A reliable heating system is a crucial feature. It maintains the asphalt at the appropriate temperature to keep it in a liquid and spray - able state. The heating system is usually insulated to reduce heat loss and is equipped with temperature - control mechanisms to ensure the asphalt is neither over - heated nor allowed to cool and solidify.
• Spray Bar and Nozzles: The spray bar is designed to cover a specific width of the road. The nozzles on the spray bar can be adjusted for different spray patterns and flow rates. Some modern asphalt distributors have computer - controlled nozzles that can adjust the asphalt distribution in real - time based on factors such as the vehicle's speed and the desired thickness of the asphalt layer.
• Control and Monitoring Systems: Advanced asphalt distributors come with control systems that allow the operator to adjust various parameters such as the asphalt flow rate, the temperature of the heating system, and the width of the spray pattern. Monitoring systems provide real - time information about the tank level, the temperature of the asphalt, and other critical variables to ensure the smooth operation of the distributor.

Types of Asphalt Distributor

• Truck - Mounted Asphalt Distributor: This is the most common type, where the asphalt distributor equipment is mounted on a truck chassis. The truck provides the mobility to transport the asphalt distributor to different job sites. Truck - mounted distributors are available in various sizes and capacities and are suitable for a wide range of road - construction and maintenance projects.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Self - Propelled Asphalt Distributor: These are larger and more powerful asphalt distributors that have their own propulsion system, independent of a truck. They are often used in large - scale road - construction projects where a high volume of asphalt needs to be distributed. Self - propelled distributors may have more advanced features and a larger capacity than truck - mounted ones.
• Towed Asphalt Distributor: Towed asphalt distributors are smaller and more compact. They are designed to be towed behind a vehicle and are suitable for smaller - scale projects or for use in areas with limited access. They usually have a smaller asphalt tank and less complex spraying systems compared to truck - mounted or self - propelled distributors.

Precautions for using Asphalt Distributor

• Operator Training: The operator of an asphalt distributor must be trained in the proper operation of the equipment, including the use of the heating system, the spray bar controls, and the vehicle's operation (if it's a truck - mounted distributor). They should also be familiar with safety procedures related to handling hot asphalt and working on roads.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature of the asphalt is crucial. Over - heating can cause the asphalt to deteriorate and affect its quality. Under - heating can lead to clogging of the nozzles and an uneven distribution of the asphalt. The heating system should be monitored regularly, and the temperature should be adjusted according to the type of asphalt and the ambient conditions.
• Spray Pattern and Rate: The spray pattern and the rate of asphalt distribution need to be carefully adjusted. The operator should ensure that the asphalt is sprayed evenly across the road surface. Incorrect spray settings can lead to an inconsistent layer of asphalt, which can affect the road's performance and durability.
• Vehicle Safety and Maintenance: For truck - mounted or self - propelled asphalt distributors, regular vehicle maintenance is essential. The brakes, tires, and other mechanical parts should be in good working condition. When operating on roads, safety precautions such as using warning lights and signs should be taken to alert other road users.

Things to consider when purchasing Asphalt Distributor

• Project Requirements: Consider the size and scope of the road - construction or maintenance projects you'll be involved in. For large - scale projects, a self - propelled or a large - capacity truck - mounted asphalt distributor may be needed. For smaller jobs, a towed distributor could be sufficient.
• Type of Asphalt Distributor: Decide between a truck - mounted, self - propelled, or towed asphalt distributor based on factors such as mobility requirements, project location, and the volume of asphalt to be distributed. Each type has its own advantages and limitations in terms of capacity, ease of use, and cost.
• Tank Capacity and Heating System: Look at the asphalt tank's capacity and the efficiency of the heating system. Ensure that the tank can hold enough asphalt to meet your project's needs without frequent refilling. The heating system should be reliable and able to maintain the asphalt at the correct temperature throughout the operation.
• Cost and Long - Term Viability: Evaluate the initial cost of the asphalt distributor as well as its long - term operating and maintenance costs. Consider factors such as fuel consumption for the heating system and vehicle (if applicable), maintenance requirements, and the availability of spare parts. A more expensive distributor with better quality and performance may offer a better return on investment in the long run.

Terms of Asphalt Distributor

• Tank Capacity: The volume of asphalt that the distributor's tank can hold, usually measured in gallons or liters. It determines the amount of asphalt that can be carried and sprayed without refilling.
• Spray Bar Width: The width of the area that the spray bar can cover with asphalt, usually measured in feet or meters. The spray bar width affects the efficiency of the asphalt - distribution process and the number of passes needed to cover a given road width.
• Atomization: The process by which the asphalt is broken into fine droplets through the nozzles of the spray bar. Proper atomization is essential for an even distribution of the asphalt over the road surface.
• Chip Seal: A road - surface treatment method where asphalt is sprayed and then covered with small stones or chips. The asphalt distributor plays a key role in the first step of this process by applying the asphalt binder.