Infra Red Highway Maintenance

The Infrared machine takes just 8-10 minutes to heat up a 4 sq metre area

Once heated the area is raked, rejuvenation,  liquid added and depressions topped up with fresh, hot asphalt.

The finished patch leaves a heat sealed edge.

The infra red process can be used to repair potholes much more quickly and efficiently. Firstly it is only a two or three man operation.

After setting up signs in accordance with regulations, but over a much smaller area of the roadway, the recycler, which is easily towed behind a van or lorry to site, is put to work within 5 minutes.

The unit is quickly unfolded to cover an area of approximately 4 square metres and is totally self contained.

The system works by heating a ceramic blanket using propane, which then transmits an infra red heat onto the road surface. The asphalt is gently heated to a depth of 50 - 75mm over a period of 8 -12 minutes.

Infra red, meaning below red, is an invisible wavelength that carries heat. Radiation is a method of heat transfer that allows heat to travel without a physical conduction source.

Discovered in 1800, infra red radiation can be defined as invisible heat that can travel through space creating energy in the objects that it comes into contact with.

Infra red aasphalt recycling equipment uses "invisible heat" to heat the existing asphalt. The equipment produces intense infra red wavelengths and directs them onto the bituminous surface which absorbs the wavelength and creates ebergy in the asphalt.

The enrgy is heat and this heat conducts through the asphalt to the depth necessary for the scarificaton and repair of the damaged asphalted area.

Once the surface has reached a temperature of between 100 - 150C the recycler unit is pulled forward to begin heating the next patch.

In the meantime, the previously softened asphalt is raked around, and rejuvenation liquid, which is a water based emulsion, is added to replenish the binder content of the old asphalt material.

New material kept in a small hot box of 1.5 tonnes capacity is added if needed to top-up any depressions. The area is then re-raked, levelled and rolled, leaving aqa hot welded patch all round.

The program is intended to repair exisiting localised pavement distresses not caused by inadequate pavement thickness, weak sub grade or poor quality of materials in adjacent areas and/or improper drainage of the pavement components.

Reclamite

Reclamite stops asphalt deterioration where it begins, "at the top". Asphalt cement is made up of asphaltenes and maltenes to provide the physical characteristics needed for a good asphalt pavement. Weather and Ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the malene fraction of the asphalt causing the pavement to become dry and brittle. The resulting loss of aggregate, cracking and moisture intrusion furthers pavement deterioration that will eventually, without intervention, will lead to total pavemnt failure.

Pavements exhibiting early signs of aging (minor hairline cracking, moderate raveling and pitting) are excellent candidates for Reclamite Preservation Seal treatment. Reclamite Preservation Seal will seal out moisture and rejuvenate the asphalt to help maintain the pavement in a near new condition by restoring the asphaltenes and maltenes balance. Asphalt pavement becomes pliable again as the Reclamite fluxes with the asphalt cement, healing minor cracking and restoring the aggregate/asphalt bond.

Reclamite is a spray-on application typically diluted one or two parts Reclamite to one part water. The rate and proportions may vary according to pavement absorption and application needs. In critical areas such as airfields, a core sample can be taken for lab analysis to determine pavement absorption.

Reclamite will penetrate down from the surface (the major area of damage) with depth depending on the application rate and the surface porosity. Normally a treatment will last for 3 - 5 years before another application is required. A small amount of sand is applied, after the Reclamite has had time to be absorbed, to address skid resistance.

On aging pavements, Reclamite rehabilitates and rejuvenates by restoring physical properties of the asphalt.

Reclamite is also recommended for the new asphalt pavements as a construction seal to significantly extend pavement life.

CRF Resorative Seal

The Crf Restorative seal is specifically designed for pavements that have deteriorated past the point at which a straight maltene rejuvenator would be beneficial. These types of pavements have become brittle and are exhibiting major loss of fine aggeragate, raveling, and/or alligator cracking. Pavements that have too many cracks for crack filling and yet are candidates for conventional chip seal, slurry seal or overlay should be considered for CRF treatment.

CRF Restorative Seal is the economical and easy application alternative for these conventional surface treatments or can be used as a preparation treatment for these methods to reduce reflective cracking.

CRF Restorative Seal provides rejuvenation to the existing asphalt as it holds the sand application in place, enabling it to fill large pavement voids and cracks. Once in place the CRF remains flexible and resilient in all climates. the sand/emulsion combination is kneaded and worked in by vehicular traffic and with time and temperature provides a permanent seal.

For a CRF Restorative Seal, the CRF product is spray applied by a distributor truck and sand is spread over the surface. The surface is then drag-broomed to even out and force the sand into the voids and cracks. CRF Restorative Seal restores and seals the surface creating a longer lasting pavement and is an invaluable tool in highway maintenance.