Better Flow, Reduced Congestion
Asphalt Plant Process Automation Helps Facility Run Smoothly
Can Ammann’s advanced AS1 control system improve asphalt plant processes? A recent on-site evaluation of the as1 Loadout and as1 Weighing System says yes. Both modules integrated seamlessly with existing control systems – regardless of manufacturer.
It’s intuitive – all of it. Truckers know where to go, operators can easily monitor silo contents and fill levels. Even the printing of the delivery notice is intuitive. That’s part of what makes the system so good.
The evaluation
The Loadout and Weighing System modules were evaluated on a competitive plant in Switzerland. The facility operates three truck scales – two for outbound asphalt and one for inbound material (typically recyclables).
Truck flow
The modules give operators real-time visibility of silo contents and fill levels. This allows loading lots to be created and assigned directly from the control interface.
Trucks are called forward using LED displays that show the vehicle’s license plate number and assigned silo. Traffic lights guide drivers into precise positions beneath the silos.
Loading is initiated from the control room. Once complete, the system automatically captures a photo of the truck as proof of delivery (POD). Loading quantities and silo data are transmitted back to the plant control system to keep silo inventories synchronized.
Digital documentation and data integration
After weighing, drivers proceed to a terminal to review and electronically sign the delivery note. Documents are printed automatically for the driver and simultaneously distributed electronically as PDFs to predefined recipients (such as the client).
Relevant invoice data is exported in a standardized file format for processing by the customer’s billing system, example in this case, MS2000. This eliminates manual entry that can lead to errors.
Material weighing
The as1 Weighing System also manages inbound material flows, including recycling deliveries. Operators create weighing lots for incoming loads, capture gross and tare weights, and record images of delivered material (POD). All information is stored within the digital delivery note and is available for reporting, documentation and billing.
Conclusion
By integrating the as1 Loadout and Weighing modules with existing systems, the facility achieved a more efficient and controlled loadout operation. This facility shows how digital automation can bring value without disrupting core production processes.
