New electric screed technology

"Finnpave, the specialist surfacing equipment division of Finning (UK) Ltd, have introduced Electrapave, an electrically heated screed which is available on their BB660 and BB670 pavers."

"Following extensive talks with customers about operational and safety issues and it became clear to Finnpave that electricity was rapidly becoming preferred as an alternative to gas-heated systems. A development team, which included technicians from Finnpave, Caterpillar and Bitelli, was put together to spearhead the project. Finnpave say that the resulting system delivers an uncompromising level of performance and includes features that improve crew safety and productivity."

"Electrapave is powered by a 26kVa electric generator which runs at 1,500–2,200 rev/min. Twelve tubular elements, each generating 1,750W/230V, benefit from individual RCBO protection. All four screed sections are individually controlled through an LED monitoring system. With a temperature range of 80–170oC, a built-in protection system ensures overheating does not occur. Electrapave also features an aluminium tamper bar heating system developed jointly by Finnpave and Bitelli. The screed reaches a working temperature of 130oC in 25–30min and produces an even heat distribution with no reduction in sole plate thickness."

"Electrapave has already been put into service with Roadstone Provinces Ltd of Ireland, who have purchased a Bitelli BB670 unit fitted with a RB4700 Electrapave screed, and London-based Spadeoak Construction who have invested in two Bitelli BB670 units fitted with RB465 Electrapave screeds."

The Electrapave screed is available as a retro-fit option on the Bitelli BB670 and BB660 pavers. Conversion from gas to electricity is undertaken at Finnpave’s headquarters in March.