New & Retrofit Mixer Drum for Asphalt Production
A drum mixer for asphalt production heats and dries aggregate, then coats it with liquid asphalt cement in a continuous rotating process to produce specification-grade hot mix asphalt. The drum receives RAP, fines, sand, stone, and other aggregates at one end and discharges the finished mix to storage silos at the other end. Size, flight design, and configuration are matched to each plant’s production requirements and TPH targets.
It’s a big process with a big job. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), fines such as sand, stone, and other aggregates, and liquid AC enter the mixer drum for processing, then exit to silos for storage. The giant tilted rotating drum has a combustion chamber at one end. This produces heat to dry the aggregates before the rotating drum mixes them with the liquid AC binder, creating paving asphalt in a continuous process.
The CWMF Revolution D™ drum mixer is where it all comes together, from our rare expertise in drum retrofits to innovative design features that enhance efficiency, productivity, and ease of use. Our engineers work side by side with your team to design the drum that’s just right for your system.
Revolution D™ Drum Mixer Features
The Revolution D™ drum mixer is known for its heavy-duty, rugged design and innovative features. Whether stationary or portable, new or retrofit, this is one drum you can’t beat.
ROBUST TRUNNION DESIGN
A key element of the drum mixer is the trunnion and its base, which allows it to tilt at the precise angle needed. Making meticulous adjustments to get the angle just right is called “training” and it can be intimidating given the sheer size of the mixer drum. Our robust base chassis with machined mating surfaces and Timken railcar bearings help avoid adjustment and coning challenges that can arise with a traditional flat trunnion base design.
Timken railcar bearings, which are our standard, are true workhorses designed to handle substantial thrust and radial loads. Our center pivot, single-point design makes adjusting trunnions easy in comparison to more traditional pillow block bearings. We also skew the trunnion bases at an angle, which distributes the load better and it maintains full-face contact with the tire. Machining the mating surfaces ensures a consistent, parallel outcome.
WEDGE-LOK™ TIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
A secured and balanced tire extends life expectancy and reduces costly downtime.
The Wedge-Lok tire suspension system is a trusted CWMF design with more than 25 years of proven performance across stationary and portable drum mixer applications.
It allows the end user to secure the tire to the mixer drum and eliminate independent rotation by simply adjusting setscrews. The inclined plane mechanism provides superb holding strength, and no shim stock is required.
Flight design is what allows a drum mixer to achieve proper mix, exposing the aggregate to the heat generated by the burner gases without dropping it through the flame. The optimal flight design equips the drum mixer to remove the moisture from the aggregate, coat it with asphalt cement, and heat the coated material to the proper discharge temperature. Whether in our Revolution D™ drum mixer or in a retrofit design, CWMF designs the flight for efficient operation.
Retrofit Opportunities
CWMF can retrofit any competitor drum mixer model to incorporate our Wedge-Lok tire suspension system and a larger regular collar.
When you need to replace your barrel, beat your budget with a mixer drum retrofit to increase production and efficiency without the investment of a new drum. As a leader in the retrofit market, we’ll work with you to develop the best solution at a competitive price. The retrofit also creates opportunities to increase production by improving your flight design and/or lengthening the barrel. You may also be able to increase burner efficiencies through a retrofit.
We just don’t believe you should have to replace your existing frame, drives, or other components if only the drum is worn out. We can often reuse existing components and can retrofit any competitor model.
Drum Retro Before
Drum Retro After
To provide the full benefit of the retrofit, we can convert your system from a chain drive to a trunnion or modify your existing trunnion to our single-point trunnion adjustment model. In addition, we can convert it to incorporate our Wedge-Lok tire suspension system and larger recycle collar.
See the full Hot Mix Asphalt Plant or explore Parts
Drum Mixer FAQs
What does a drum mixer do in an asphalt plant?
A drum mixer heats and dries aggregate, then combines it with liquid asphalt cement in a continuous rotating process to produce hot mix asphalt. Material enters one end and exits as finished mix, ready for storage or delivery.
When does a drum mixer retrofit make sense vs. buying new?
A retrofit makes sense when your existing frame, drives, and components are in good condition but the drum barrel is worn. A retrofit can increase production capacity, improve flight design, and extend equipment life at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Can CWMF retrofit a competitor drum mixer?
Yes. CWMF can retrofit any competitor drum mixer model. Retrofits can include conversion from chain drive to trunnion, upgrades to the single-point trunnion adjustment system, and integration of the Wedge-Lok tire suspension system.
What is the Wedge-Lok tire suspension system?
The Wedge-Lok system secures the tire to the drum mixer and eliminates independent rotation by adjusting setscrews rather than applying shim stock. CWMF has used this design for more than 25 years across stationary and portable drum mixer applications.
What is drum mixer flight design and why does it matter?
Flight design refers to the internal configuration of fins inside the drum that control how aggregate moves through the heat generated by the burner. Proper flight design ensures moisture is removed from aggregate, the material is coated evenly with asphalt cement, and mix exits at the correct discharge temperature.
