Caterpillar’s PM800

Step 1

The operator drives forward at a speed of up to 328 feet per minute. Step 5

The conveyor can swing up to 60 degrees of center to fill trucks as the PM800 series cold planer travels the cutting path.

Step 2

The rotor turns at a speed of 100, 109, or 118 rpms, depending on the machine model. Step 3

A rotor chamber water spray system, fed from the 898-gallon onboard water tank, cools the rotor and keeps dust down. Step 4

When the cold planer approaches an obstacle in the cutting path, the operator uses the “obstacle jump” feature to clear it.

Caterpillar’s PM800 Series Cold Planers

CCaterpillar Inc., Peoria, Illinois, introduced its PM800 series cold planers to offer efficient performance and high production with three milling widths to customize your machine. The PM820’s milling width is 79.1 inches with 178 bits; the PM822’s milling width is 88 inches with 185 bits; and the PM825’s milling width is 98.6 inches with 203 bits. Here’s how they work:

The machines operate at a speed of 328 feet per minute down the lane to be milled, cutting at a maximum depth of 13 inches. To cool the rotors, which feature speeds of 100, 109 and 118 rpm respectively, the onboard water tank holds 898.2 gallons, features a side water fill valve and rotor chamber water spray system.

As the cold planer travels forward, the 27.49-foot conveyor can swing +/- 60 degrees from center to fill the truck, which can travel in the adjoining lane if necessary. When coming up to an obstacle in the cutting path, such as a manhole cover, the operator uses the “obstacle jump” feature to clear the obstruction. When coming to the end of the lane—or when starting the job— the operator can set and automate grade and slope transition for the tapered end cut over a specified distance with “automated cut transition.” He saves the input to recall it for the next day.

Additional automated tasks such as plunge-cut capability and 3D milling controls are designed to make the operator’s job easy. When it’s time for maintenance, the tapered, dual-retention design of the Cat System K rotor secures the toolholders to the rotor without retaining pins, bolts or setscrews, which saves times when replacing bits.

For more information, contact your local CAT dealer.

SHOW US HOW IT WORKS

If you’re an original equipment manufacturer with a complex product, let us help you explain its inner workings to asphalt professionals. There’s no charge for this news department, but our editorial staff reserves the right to decide what equipment fits the parameters of a HHIW feature. Contact our editor at sandy@theasphaltpro.com.

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EPA Gives Final Decision on Particulate Matter

GGiven this month’s focus on recycling, thus the positive influence the asphalt industry has on the world around us, it is fitting to remind readers that the finalization of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) rule makes no changes to current allowable particulate matter (PM). At a virtual press conference Dec. 7, 2020, with Governor Jim Justice, U.S. Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02), West Virginia

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Austin Caperton, and Senior Deputy

Attorney General Douglas Buffington, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the agency’s final decision to retain the existing NAAQS for PM without changes. “The EPA, under the Trump Administration, has continued America’s leadership in clear air, lowering our particulate matter levels to well below those of many of our global competitors,” said then-EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Maintaining these important standards will ensure Americans can continue to breathe some of the cleanest air on the planet.” “Today's announcement by the EPA of The decision to retain existing standards, In May 2018, EPA issued a “Back-to-Bathe finalization of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule is a big win for West Virginia. As crafted, this rule well balances the need for a cleaner environment with the need for continued economic development. Under the leadership of President Trump, which applies to the NAAQS for both fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), comes after careful review and consideration of the most recent available scientific evidence and technical information, sics” memo to improve EPA’s process for reviewing the NAAQS. The memo laid out goals to get EPA back on track with Clean Air requirements, statutory deadlines, and the issuance of timely implementation rules, to

America has cleaner air and is energy inde- consultation with the agency’s independent ensure continued improvements in air qualipendent, with West Virginia serving as the scientific advisors, and consideration of ty across the country. backbone for our nation's energy produc- more than 60,000 public comments on the Monday’s action follows the principles estion,” said Congressman Alex X. Mooney proposal. tablished in the earliest days of this adminis(WV-02). Under President Trump, EPA has re-des- tration to streamline the NAAQS review proThe U.S. has some of the lowest fine par- ignated 57 nonattainment areas to attain- cess. By implementing these principles, EPA ticulate matter levels in the world—approx- ment with standards for six key criteria air was able to issue the final PM standards earimately five times below the global average, pollutants: carbon monoxide, ground-level lier than initially anticipated. The agency exsix times below Chinese levels, and 20 per- ozone, lead, nitrogen oxides, PM, and sulfur pects to meet the five-year review deadline cent lower than France, Germany, and Great oxides. This includes 9 areas for PM2.5 and 12 going forward.

Britain. Between 2000 and 2019, average areas for PM10. These re-designations mean For more information about the decision to

PM2.5 concentrations in the United States cleaner air, improved health outcomes, and retain the standards, visit https://www.epa. fell by 44 percent and average PM10 concen- greater economic opportunities for cities gov/naaqs/particulate-matter-pm-air-qualitrations similarly fell by 46 percent. and communities across the country. ty-standards.

BY ASPHALTPRO STAFF

Modern asphalt plants are equipped with advanced technology to capture and re-use dust as part of the industry’s commitment to clean operations. Here, the Harding Group installs a new Astec hot-mix plant with the latest environmental controls and features. Photo courtesy of Harding Group