When laying asphalt, maintaining a consistent flow of the asphalt mix is crucial for achieving a smooth surface, proper compaction, and minimizing material losses. Excessive accumulation of material in front of the screed can overload the machine, cause uneven material distribution, and increase energy consumption.
This is why modern asphalt pavers use hydraulic bulkheads — intelligent systems for controlling the flow of asphalt mix, ensuring precise control from the very beginning of the paving process.
What Is a Hydraulic Bulkhead?
A hydraulic bulkhead is a system designed to regulate the amount of material in front of the screed and prevent excessive accumulation. The system automatically extends together with the screed extensions, metering the asphalt mix supply and maintaining an optimal material flow.
This enables more efficient material distribution and reduces the risk of overloading the paver’s components.
Key Benefits of the Hydraulic Bulkhead on the Sumitomo HA60
Prevents Overloading
Controlled material flow protects the drive systems and conveyors from excessive loads.
Improved Start-Up of the Paving Process
It ensures a clean and well-controlled start to the asphalt paving operation.
Quick Control from the Operator’s Console
The system can be activated and adjusted with a single operator action.
Lower Energy Consumption
Optimized material flow reduces unnecessary machine load and improves energy efficiency.
Increased Productivity
Better control over material distribution results in greater efficiency and fewer interruptions during operation.
Why Is Material Flow Control So Important?
Uneven distribution of the asphalt mix can cause a number of problems, including:
varying pavement thickness;
material segregation;
accelerated component wear;
lower quality of the finished surface;
additional costs for repairs and corrections.
Using a hydraulic bulkhead helps maintain a consistent material flow, contributing to higher pavement quality and a longer service life of the road infrastructure.
Additional Distribution Augers (Auger Front Plates)
When working with wider paving widths or on more complex projects, the Sumitomo HA60 can be equipped with additional front augers and distribution plates.
These components increase material handling capacity and improve the way the material is directed into the working area.
Benefits of Additional Augers:
greater accuracy in material distribution;
improved control under changing site conditions;
consistent material feed even at large paving widths;
quick installation and easy operation;
improved lateral control of the asphalt mix flow.
Practical Tips for Operators
Use the Hydraulic Bulkhead from the Start
This helps prevent material build-up and reduces the risk of overloading the machine.
Activate the Additional Plates When Working with Uneven Edges
This ensures more precise material distribution and a higher-quality finished surface.
Use the Settings on the Operator’s Console
Quick adjustments allow for safe control and higher productivity during operation.
Conclusion
Intelligent material flow control systems, such as the hydraulic bulkhead and additional distribution augers, play a key role in modern asphalt paving.
They provide:
more uniform asphalt mix distribution;
reduced load on the machine;
lower energy consumption;
increased productivity;
higher-quality and longer-lasting road surfaces.
Investing in these technologies enables construction companies to improve the efficiency of their projects, optimize operating costs, and achieve higher standards in road construction and infrastructure maintenance.