BG Europa Mobile RAP Feeder completes airport duties successfully.

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  • BG Europa Mobile RAP Feeder completes airport duties successfully.

25th March 2011 - Recently involved in a project at Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man the BG Europa Mobile RAP Feeder is a single line fifth wheel towed unit offering a versatile method of accurately incorporating RAP into a continuous mixing process.

Working alongside an Ermont mobile asphalt plant on phase one of the project, work has focused on building new taxiways, reconstructing the runway to improve its geometric profile and enlarging the starter strip and runway end safety area (RESA) at the western landward end of the runway. The majority of the work has been carried out at night. Aggregate for the pavement sub base, asphalt and drainage construction has been supplied from a combination of quarries.

Awareness is building in the airport surfacing sector of European asphalt technology that can be laid quicker and give greater overall durability and value.

Over 158,000m² of new pavement has been built at Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man, with around 25,000 tonnes BBA (Beton Bitumeux Aeronautique) asphalt surfacing produced to French specifications contributing to an overall project volume of 65,000 tonnes. This is the fourth UK runway reconstruction project to feature asphalt technology from France, as airport operators are becoming more aware of the benefits of this new technology coupled with the acknowledgement within standards of the CAA.

The versatile and efficient BG Europa Rap Feeder comprises of a one in-line fixed unit which includes a towing frame, conveyor structure and feed bin. With a travelling width of 2.8 metres and a height of 4.35 metres the unit can be moved without restriction. The design encompasses safety as the single axle incorporates a pneumatic two line braking system, including ABS braking. Erection is simple as jack legs lift the unit from the towing unit and put it into the operating position. Large footpads provide low ground loading and ensure that the plant can be erected on a level compacted site.

The self-relieving RAP hopper has a 4.15m charging width x 2.15m deep with a 4.2m charging height. Level capacity is approximately 10 cu metres. It is fitted with a hinged grizzly to prevent oversize material from entering the hopper which can be optionally hydraulically operated.

A remotely adjustable hopper discharge gate controls feed depth onto the bolt-on type belt feeder. This is driven by an inverter controlled variable speed bevel helical gear unit ensuring  the feeder has a high torque start and is efficient in operation.

The machine features an inclined conveyor which can be raised and lowered hydraulically providing a clearance under the discharge chute in operating position of approximately 2.5-5.0 metres. Additionally, a hydraulically operated chute allows the conveyor discharge to be remotely positioned and a hydraulically actuated hinge arrangement allows the conveyor head section to be folded to facilitate a reduction in unit length for transport. A dual idler weighbridge with encoder arrangement which accurately measures feed rate completes the conveying element.

Control is by a fully wired on-board IP55 starter panel which contains all controls to provide suitable configuration to allow control by an existing process controller, or alternatively as a standalone operation.

After the successful stint in the IOM the BG Europa Mobile RAP Feeder is now in the Falklands on similar work.