Portable Propane Infrared Asphalt Heater

Overview

What it does

When new asphalt is placed into an old pothole or crack, the join often fails because the old surface is cold and hard. An infrared heater warms the old asphalt first, so that it softens and fuses with the new material. The result is a repair without a sharp cold seam, which lasts longer and is less likely to open again.

How it works

Propane burners heat radiant plates, which warm the pavement with infrared energy. The two heating zones cover the work area, and the operator controls the burners by mechanical valves. The pavement should be heated until it is soft but not burned, then raked, filled with new mix and compacted.

Nominal figures

The heater weighs 120 kg without cylinders. Two 45 L propane cylinders are recommended. The treated area is stated at 30 to 70 m2 per 8-hour shift, but this is a nominal range. The real figure changes with the road surface, the air temperature, wind, the repair method and the way the crew works.

Gas supply and setup

• Heating surface size and burner layout
• Cylinder connection and regulator for your market
• Trolley, wheels and handles
• Safety accessories
• Spare burners and ignition parts

Safety on the job

Propane, hot surfaces and open flames need careful handling. Follow your local rules for gas cylinders, keep the area clear of traffic and people, and never leave the heater unattended while hot. We provide the operating instructions and a spare-part list with the machine.

Scope

This is the heater only. It does not include an asphalt hot box, a sprayer or a complete patch-repair truck.

Infrared heater versus hot box

An infrared heater and a hot box do two halves of the same patching job. The heater softens the old surface so the repair mix bonds to it and the edge of the patch does not crack open; the hot box keeps the new mix at working temperature. This unit is the light one: at 120 kg without cylinders, it is moved by hand around a patch, and its two heating zones cover a pothole or cut at once. Compared with the truck-mounted hot box, it does not carry or recycle asphalt, so it works with a hot box or a supply of cold mix. Choose it for pothole repair crews, utility cuts and short road repairs. Use it with enough ventilation and away from fuel, and do not hold the flame over bitumen long enough to burn it.