DILIGENT MAINTENANCE Can Ensure Peak Performance of Asphalt Pavement
Cleaning the crack seal kettle and knowing when to replace it can be critical
T here is a T-shirt that summarizes much of the challenges of asphalt pavement maintenance in an albeit abbreviated crass manner : DON ’ T BLAME SOMEONE ELSE FOR THE ROAD YOU ’ RE ON THAT ’ S YOUR OWN AS- PHALT . Clearly the blame or responsibility comes to rest on the road owner and contractor responsible for maintaining the quality of the asphalt pavement road surface . Pavement failure occurs over time when the asphalt surface is no longer able to hold its original shape and develops material stress which causes issues . Paramount among those failures is cracking . Edge cracking , block cracking , transverse cracking , reflection cracking , slippage cracking , fatigue / alligator cracking , and seam cracks are some of the myriad faults that occur . Maintaining a crack seal kettle can be crucial for effective road maintenance . It is a crucial tool for pavement maintenance . Contractors need to know when cleaning a crack seal kettle may not be enough , and replacing it may be best for saving time and money . Here is a guide on when and how to clean a crack seal kettle and how to recognize when it is time to invest in a new one .
When to Clean a Crack Seal Kettle :
1 . After Each Use : Cleaning a crack seal kettle after every use is critical . Residual sealant , debris and contaminants can accumulate during operation , potentially causing blockages or corrosion if left unattended .
By Jeff Winke
2 . Before Storage : Thoroughly clean the kettle before storing it . Any remaining sealant or debris can harden over time , leading to operational issues and possibly damaging the equipment .
3 . Periodically During Prolonged Use : For extended usage periods , consider periodic cleaning sessions to maintain efficiency and prevent stubborn residue buildup . Regular maintenance can enhance the kettle ’ s performance and prolongs its lifespan .
How to Clean a Crack Seal Kettle :
1 . Empty the Kettle : Begin by emptying the kettle of any remaining crack sealant or debris . Allow it to cool down before starting the cleaning process to prevent accidents .
2 . Scrape off Residue : Use a scraper or putty knife to remove hardened sealant or debris from the interior surfaces , paying attention to areas prone to buildup .
3 . Flush with Solvent : Use a solvent compatible with the sealant used and flush the kettle thoroughly to dissolve any remaining residues . Follow the manufacturer ’ s recommendations for solvent type and quantity .
4 . Scrub and Rinse : Scrub the interior surfaces with a brush or abrasive pad , then rinse with clean water to remove loosened residues and solvent .
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