The Astec batcher is designed to minimize segregation.

The batcher releases a slug of mix that flattens upon impact, eliminating segregation.

Air displaces through the batcher as the mix level rises, keeping the silo equalized.

High and low bin indicators inside the silos relay mix information to the control house.

Fill Silos Without Segregating the Mix

The mix moves by drag conveyor or bucket elevator into a three-ton batcher atop the silo. When full, the batcher releases the slug of mix. Mix drops through the rapid-opening clam gate into the silo and flattens on impact. Batchers with a single radial-type gate can off-center the drop. Our batcher clam gates center the drop into the silo and form a flattened mix surface, which prevents mix segregation.

Automatic Batcher Gates

The precisely activated batcher gates operate automatically. When the batcher is full the cylinder-operated clam gate opens. Mix discharges in bulk, and the gate closes just before the batcher is completely emptied. This way mix always collects in the batcher first and never falls straight from the drag conveyor into the silo. Sensors control the proper opening and closing of the batcher.

Keep Silo Pressure Equalized

As the mix level rises, it displaces air in the silo. Vents in the batcher enclosure allow this air to escape and keep pressure in the silo equalized.

Bin Indicators Show Mix Level in Silos

Each Astec silo has a high and a low radio-frequency bin indicator. Mounted on top of the silo, the sensing rods extend down into the mix. The low bin indicator reaches deep into the silo; the high bin indicator is short. Both the high and low bin indicator information is transmitted to the control house so that personnel can track mix level. The high bin level indicator signal allows the operator sufficient time to finish loading mix already in the transfer conveyor, while the low signal informs the operator to begin filling the silo before the cone surface liners become exposed.