Astec claims that its new asphalt-plant burner offers more efficient operation than competing systems. The burner can be fuelled either by 100% hydrogen or 100% natural gas, or any mix of the two, according to the firm. A key feature of the burner is the way the air and fuel are premixed prior to combustion which boosts efficiency and reduces emissions, according to Astec’s Shannon Putman. He said: “You’ve a perfect mix of hydrogen and air before it reaches the burner.”
The burner type is available now from Astec and can be built to order. But with hydrogen fuel costs higher than conventional fuel costs, these are likely to remain fuelled by natural gas for some time. Putman added: “When it heats up fully, you can’t see the flame. It’s spooky. You’ve got fire but you just can’t see it.”
