Hot, humid and rainy climates — across Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, and parts of Latin America — change how a plant should be specified. Rain affects output, humidity affects electronics, salt air affects steel.
Climate effects and the configuration answer
| Climate factor | Effect on the plant | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Wet aggregate in the rainy season | Lower output, higher fuel use | Drum and burner sized for wet-season moisture |
| Heavy downpours | Soaked stockpiles; interrupted paving | Roofed fines, drainage, rain covers on feeders and belts, hot mix silo |
| High ambient temperature | Motors and electronics run hot | Motors rated for site ambient; cooled control room |
| High humidity | Condensation; corrosion in cabinets | Sealed, ventilated or air-conditioned cabinets; cabinet heaters for idle periods |
| Salt air (coastal) | Corrosion of steel and connections | Coastal-grade paint system; protected fasteners and cable trays |
| Lightning | Damage to electronics | Earthing and surge protection |
| Unstable power | Trips and damaged drives | Power protection; generator option |
Drying capacity first
Every extra percent of moisture in the aggregate must be evaporated before heating — see rated vs real output. Tell your supplier your wet-season moisture, and check the drum, burner and exhaust fan are sized for it.
Electrics and control room
- Air-conditioned control room with dust filters
- Sealed cabinets with filtered ventilation or cooling
- Cabinet heaters or dehumidifiers for idle periods
- Surge protection and good earthing for lightning
See control systems.
Steel and paint
Near the coast, salt air attacks paint and steel quickly. Specify a multi-coat system suited to the environment and plan inspections and touch-up. Inland humid sites need less, but still benefit from good surface preparation.
Keeping production going in the rain
- Roof sand and fines — see stockpile management
- Covers on cold feed bins and conveyors
- Drained, hard stockpile base and site roads
- Hot mix silo to keep the plant running while paving waits out a shower — see silos
- Plan the paving program around the seasons — see planning around the rainy season
Country guides
For specific countries, see Philippines, Indonesia and Nigeria, and the Southeast Asia region page.
Tell us your site’s climate and we will configure the plant for it.
