Project Background
An international road construction equipment OEM required a cooling system for their new generation asphalt paver. The unique operating environment—proximity to hot asphalt and screed heating elements—demanded specialized thermal protection beyond standard construction equipment solutions.
Application Challenges
Extreme Thermal Environment
- Freshly laid asphalt temperatures exceed 150°C
- Screed heating elements radiate additional heat to engine compartment
- Ambient temperatures effectively +20-30°C above actual air temperature
Contamination Exposure
- Asphalt vapors coat heat transfer surfaces
- Fine aggregate dust clogs fin passages
- Regular cleaning required during paving operations
Continuous Duty
- Paving operations run 8-12 hours continuously
- Heat soak during material loading pauses
- No opportunity for cool-down during production
Solution Development
Thermal Protection
- Heat shields between cooling package and screed area
- Increased core sizing to compensate for elevated ambient
- Dedicated fan circuit for consistent airflow independent of engine speed
Contamination Resistance
- Wide fin spacing (3.5 FPI) for easy vapor and dust cleaning
- Smooth fin surface finish to reduce tar adhesion
- Quick-release mounting for regular core cleaning access
Material Selection
- High-temperature resistant tank materials
- Reinforced fin construction for pressure washing durability
- Corrosion protection for aggressive environment
Validation Program
Testing included:
- Extended thermal testing at +60°C ambient
- Accelerated contamination/cleaning cycle testing
- Field validation on active paving projects
Production Implementation
Volume production commenced Q2 2024. The solution is now specified on multiple paver platforms from this OEM.
Note: Customer identity and proprietary specifications are confidential. Contact us to discuss your road machinery cooling requirements.
