A big advantage to electric screed heat is that the screed plate(s) are heated evenly from front to back and from end to end. Stainless-steel heat elements are attached to aluminum heat distribution plates, which contact the screed plate(s).
This makes for a positive transfer of heat from the elements directly to the screed plate(s) and eliminates the traditional “hot” spots found with diesel or propane burners that typically place a great deal of heat directly under the burner, but less heat farther away. This connection insures that the heat stays on the screed plates where it’s needed and away from the screed frame where it’s not.
This leads to increased screed life due to the elimination of warpage of the screed plates and less heat stress on the screed framework. In addition, all diesel fumes and residue associated with traditional oil-fueled burners are eliminated completely, making for a cleaner and safer environment for the paving crew.
All Roadtec electrically heated screeds include a continuous three-phase, 50-hp (34 kW), hydraulically-driven generator, 40.5 hp (30 kW) of power for screed heat and another 5.4 hp (4 kW) available for 120 VAC night lighting.
“Off-the-shelf” heating elements are replaceable stainless-steel strip heaters that operate at 208 VAC, up to 2 hp (1.5 kW) per element. Full screed heat can be attained at 1,400 engine rpm.
Heat is thermostatically controlled through a thermocouple that senses actual screed-plate temperature and a temperature controller that is factory preset to 250-degrees Fahrenheit, but can be changed. A heat controller compares actual screed-plate temperature with set point and turns elements on and off to maintain desired temperature. Digital-display shows set point and actual screed-plate temperatures.
The uniform screed heats up from ambient temperature to 250-degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 30 minutes. The Roadtec pavers also feature easy plug-in connect points for add-on screed extensions, prewired 120 VAC outlets for night paving lights or other 120 V uses and all enclosures are NEMA approved.
