Heat Design Equipment Inc.

JOINT REPAIR

HDE has advanced this joint repair technique to develop a hot in place joint repair scarification unit to rebuild a deteriorated longitudinal joint using in-situ material. This repair can be done at a rate exceeding 5 feet/minute, and leaves a structurally sound, high density, low permeability pavement that will match adjacent mat quality. The joint repair system will allow contractors to provide a new and longer lasting repair technology to a problem that to date lacks a long term solution.

This hot in place technology applied using a 48 foot train of patented HDE infrared heaters ensures a seamless compacted bond between the old pavement and the rejuvenated area, extending the life of the pavement to match the mat properties.

“The effectiveness of using this technology has been evaluated and monitored through surface smoothness evaluations, density measurements and extracting core samples. The results and findings from these tests are presented in the paper. The results of the density testing indicated that adequate compaction was easily achieved throughout the projects. Cores showed that the new material was well bond to the existing pavement."

The HDE infrared asphalt heaters, with their unique patented design, allow continuous, uniform re-heating of the asphalt in place to perform patch repair with a seamless joint, or pre-heating to provide an effective bond between an existing pavement surface and a new asphalt layer. This is especially important to achieve good longitudinal joints and when attempting cold weather paving.

The heaters used on the machines are specially designed and patented to provide maximum efficiency and BTU output while providing a large heating area that meets durability requirements for construction use. A primary difference between HDE machines and asphalt heaters is that the HDE equipment operates on Liquid Propane (LP) and is equipped with a vaporizer that turns liquid drawn from the propane tank into vapour. This allows all the propane in the tank to be used without reduction in p ressure (and thereby temperature) during operation. The tanks can be completely emptied without frosting in cold weather saving propane costs and tank change time.

Most important to the contractor, HDE equipment does not require batteries and blowers for operation, simplifying operation while eliminating costly downtime and repair.

The HDE heater can be operated at a range of pressures from 15 psi to 50 psi. This enables the heater to be switched to a low pressure (low heat) during short delays in job progression. This means the heaters don't have to be shut down or left on high heat while raised from the asphalt surface to prevent burning. The result of this pressure decrease is a reduction of propane usage.

The design and flexibility of HDE asphalt heating equipment leads to varied uses in the construction industry. Heat Design Equipment Inc. continues to research new and beneficial uses of the HDE heater. A tour through our website will demonstrate interesting applications of infrared heat in the construction industry.