The Production Process of Recycled Aggregates in Crushing and Sand-Making Industry
The global construction sector increasingly prioritizes sustainability, driving demand for recycled aggregates. Derived from demolished concrete, asphalt, and construction waste, recycled aggregates reduce landfill dependency and lower carbon footprints. Modern crushing and sand-making technologies enable high-quality recycled materials that rival aggregates in performance.
1. Feedstock Preparation
– Source Material: Demolition waste (concrete, bricks, asphalt) is sorted to remove contaminants (e.g., wood, metal).
– Pre-Crushing: Large debris is broken into manageable sizes (≤500mm) using hydraulic breakers or jaw crushers.
2. Primary Crushing
– Equipment: Jaw or impact crushers reduce material to 100–150mm. Magnetic separators remove residual rebar.
3. Secondary Crushing & Screening
– Process: Cone or impact crushers further crush particles to 20–40mm. Screens classify aggregates by size; oversize material is recirculated.
4. Sand-Making (Fine Aggregate Production)
– Vertical Shaft Impact (VSI) Crushers: Produce 0–5mm sand with optimal gradation. Air classifiers may adjust fineness modulus.
5. Washing & Quality Control
– Log Washers: Remove lightweight contaminants (plastics, gypsum).
– Testing: Ensures compliance with standards (e.g., ASTM C33 for concrete aggregates).
1. Can recycled aggregates match natural stone quality?
Yes—when processed rigorously, they meet ASTM/EN standards for compressive strength and durability.
2. What’s the typical yield rate?
90–95% for clean concrete waste; mixed debris may drop to 70–80%.
3. Equipment recommendations for small-scale recycling?
Mobile jaw/impact crushers + vibrating screens (e.g., , QI series).
A project in Rotterdam processed 50,000 tons of demolition waste annually using a two-stage crushing circuit (Keestrack R6 impact crusher + H6 cone crusher) and a VSI sand-maker. Output achieved EN 12620 certification for road construction, cutting costs by 25%.
Recycled aggregate production merges environmental responsibility with economic viability. Advances in crushing/screening tech ensure consistent quality, positioning recycled materials as a mainstream choice for green construction globally.
Chat Online