Why use Infrared to Store Asphalt?

When storing asphalt, it is extremely important to precisely control the amount of heat that is applied to the mix. At high temperatures, asphalt oxidizes and becomes useless. Infrared heat is the most effective and efficient means to store and heat asphalt because of the ability to control the amount of heat and distribute it over a large surface area without the use of an open flame.

Reclaimer vs. "Hotbox"– What’s the difference?

The term hotbox is often used to describe any piece of equipment that hauls and stores asphalt. However a hot box and reclaimer are different machinery. A hot box is designed to maintain hot asphalt at plant mix temperatures, (300 degrees F) and hold the material for a period of time, usually 48 hours. A reclaimer will maintain asphalt as well, but has the additional ability to reheat cold asphalt to plant mix temperature.

The physical difference between these units is primarily in the design of the storage bin. The "hotbox" has one large storage bin. The reclaimer's bin is divided into 3 sections, which significantly increases the heated surface area and therefore allows the unit to effectively reheat cold materials. This is where infrared heating is most important. Through a combination of thermostats, duty timers, and heat baffles, Kasi reclaimers create a precisely controlled environment whereby cold asphalt can be re-heated without damage.

The following diagrams show a cutaway view of both reclaimer and hotbox.