ASPHALT AND CLIMATE PROTECTION GO HAND-IN-HAND

For nearly 1,000 years, Zvolen has been one of the most important transport hubs in Slovakia. Numerous trade and logistics companies have been located there, where the routes connect the north, south, east and west. With the new construction of the R2 motorway, STRABAG s.r.o. is pursuing a demanding infrastructure project in this location.

An uncomplicated, reliable supply of asphalt must be ensured with a project of this magnitude. That isn’t the only reason STRABAG opted for a new Ammann ABA 160 UniBatch Asphalt-Mixing Plant at the Kalinovo location. The ultra-modern plant combines productivity with an elaborate design and systematic energy savings, keeping emissions to an absolute minimum.

This important environmental angle took priority for the decision-makers due to the close proximity to the Low Tatras National Park – and because it is an ideal fit for STRABAG’s sustainability strategy.

The Ammann ABA 160 UniBatch is a fully-equipped climate protector: Additions for agents, fibre and cold recycling ensure that the right mix can be prepared for every application. The volumes and additions can be controlled with total flexibility thanks to the latest version of the as1 Control System.

Covered metering devices protect the aggregates from moisture, saving fuel for drying. By housing the bucket conveyor, the resulting bitumen vapour is exhausted completely and supplied to the afterburning system. This prevents odour pollution for residents and results in low exhaust values.

Project manager Thomas Barth supervised the installation of the ABA 160 UniBatch – the sixth Ammann asphalt-mixing plant in Slovakia. “The Kalinovo location was previously running an old Teltomat 5 and the technology was no longer in line with the times,” explains the Ammann expert. “With the Ammann ABA 160 UniBatch, the company now has an ultra-modern plant with a leading recycling addition. Up to 40 percent reclaimed asphalt (RA) can be added to production, saving resources and reducing emissions.”

During installation, special attention was paid to routine maintenance. Large pedestals offer convenient access to all standard control and operating points. A majority of the routine is already handled by the Ammlub lubrication system. Installed at the maintenance point, the intelligent system triggers automatic bearing lubrication – at short intervals and without interrupting operations. The actual benefit is the reduced maintenance effort. Continuous component lubrication prevents downtime, in turn increasing the plant’s operational reliability.

Over 60,000 tonnes of asphalt were produced at the plant between the time it was commissioned in April 2021 and the end of the year. A similar utilisation is planned for the coming year as there are still many kilometres of motorway paving ahead.

Despite these high volumes, the plant’s new filter technology ensures energy savings and much lower emissions. This is not only great for locals, but also for the surrounding nature reserves.

STRABAG directing manager Petr Zach is enthusiastic about the plant: “In September, I was able to check out the asphalt-mixing plant right in Kalinovo. At STRABAG, we are very proud of this modern plant. It’s got us shouting, ‘SUPERNOVA KALINOVA!’ ”