Abstract:
A burner system for heating the material product, i.e., asphalt, includes a burner kettle designed with a thicker bottom heat transfer plate, added heat transfer oil (HTO) circulation pumps, a spiral circulation ring and heat restriction rings. The spiral circulation ring spirals up the burner kettle to move the HTO around the entire circumference of the burner kettle to eliminate hotspots. An HTO pump moves cooler oil from the top of the kettle directly across the hottest part of the bottom of the kettle, i.e., across the heat transfer plate. Keeping this zone cool will eliminate heat stress of the material. Heat restriction rings direct the heat back and forth throughout the burner kettle for increased efficiency.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “IMPROVED BURNER KETTLE FOR ASPHALT PAVING APPARATUS,” Ser. No. 62/205,403, filed Aug. 14, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to asphalt pavers and specifically to apparatuses for filling cracks in pavement. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an improved burner system for heating the material product, i.e., asphalt. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
     Pavement crack filling is an asphalt maintenance procedure using equipment that melts a repair product and applies asphalt to the flaw in the base material to recondition the original material and prolong the life of the original material. There are three main manufacturers of crack filling equipment: Crafco, Bearcat and Cimline. Each company&#39;s product is different, but the purpose of use remains the same. 
     Reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,178 and 6,049,658 to Schave et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,877 to Jacobsen, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, for a description of a typical asphalt crack sealing machine. 
     In addition U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,215 to Kay et al. discloses a modified asphalt reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers. A vertically-oriented vessel includes an outer shell having an external surface (the “external shell”) that is jacketed for circulation of thermal heating oil. This configuration provides a heat transfer surface area and the high velocity of product across the surfaces enhances the rate of heat transfer. The mixture is circulated at a high rate through an impeller to mix contents thoroughly, providing homogeneity in both temperature and composition. A thermal oil heating system supplies heat transfer fluid for heating the reactor and asphalt cement preheater; it includes a circulating pump for circulation of heating oil. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,663 to Magee discloses an underfired kettle for heating rubberized asphalt with a concave material container for containing rubberized asphalt, an outer container spaced from and closed to the material container, a sinuous tube contained between the material container and outer container, one end of the tube being ported through the outer container, the tube containing spaced orifices in its sides along the length of its sides, and means for passing a burning gas into the port through the tube for heating air within the tube, whereby the air and exhaust of the burning gas can pass through the orifices and into the space between the material container and outer container, thereby heating a major portion of the material container and rubberized asphalt contained therein. The heating tube follows a meandering path over virtually the entire surface of the asphalt containing kettle in the space between the walls. Burning propane is introduced into one end of the tube, with air if required, add the resulting exhaust pass outwardly through spaced ports in the tube into the space between inner and outer jackets. Because the exhaust gases would create hot spots, with resulting charring of the rubberized asphalt located in the kettle adjacent the ports in the tube, deflectors are used above each of the ports in the tube, thereby spreading the exhaust over a broad area of the kettle surface within the cavity. In addition, the ports are spaced at decreasing distances from each other starting from the point at which the propane is introduced. This creates a more even heat distribution within the rubberized asphalt. A heavy wall thickness of the inner container is also preferred to be used, in order to disperse the heat as uniformly as possible. 
     The problems occurring on existing Manufacturer Model Crafco Ez Series Melters are that the kettles tend to burn out and leak heat transfer oil after approximately two years of heavy operation. The units are not built to accommodate everyday use all season long. The materials are not of adequate thicknesses to perform under strenuous conditions and for long periods of time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus for heating a heatable material product such as asphalt or a similar fluid. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger for heating heat transfer oil, wherein the heat transfer oil is directed to the heat diffuser column. The apparatus further includes a burner barrel comprising (1) an exterior burner kettle barrel, wherein the burner kettle includes a bottom plate; an outer sidewall, an interior sidewall, and an closed top end; (2) a restriction baffle ring comprising a restriction baffle ring wall, including a lower end, an upper end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface with an outwardly extending lip, wherein the exterior surface comprises restriction baffles adapted to create a heat path for heating heat transfer oil circulating around the burner kettle apparatus, wherein the restriction baffle ring is nested within the burner kettle barrel to create an internal restriction baffle ring cavity containing the restriction baffles for receiving hot air supplied by the heat exchanger, (3) a heat diffuser column comprising a heat diffuser column wall, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a closed floor surface having an extended outward lip and an open top surface having an extended outward lip, wherein the outer surface of the heat diffuser wall comprises spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser column is nested within the restriction baffle ring such that the upper and lower lips of the heat diffuser column sealingly engage with the interior surface of the restriction baffle ring to form a heat diffuser cavity including the spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser cavity provides a flow path for the heat transfer oil from the heat exchanger around the burner kettle via the spiral ring; and (4) an agitator located within the heat diffuser column for activating the material product. 
     The present invention is further directed to a hot mix melt crack sealing apparatus comprising a trailer frame including a generally rectangular trailer frame body and a triangular tongue, wherein the trailer frame rests on a least one axle supported by wheels; a power unit for providing power to the apparatus; a series of hydraulic pumps activated by the power unit, wherein the hydraulic pumps supply hydraulic fluid to at least one asphalt material pump, an agitator motor, and a heat transfer oil circulation pump; and a heat exchanger for heating heat transfer oil. The apparatus further includes a burner barrel comprising (1) an exterior burner kettle barrel, wherein the burner kettle includes a bottom plate; an outer sidewall, an interior sidewall, and an closed top end; (2) a restriction baffle ring comprising a restriction baffle ring wall, including a lower end, an upper end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface with an outwardly extending lip, wherein the exterior surface comprises restriction baffles adapted to create a heat path for heating heat transfer oil circulating around the burner kettle apparatus, wherein the restriction baffle ring is nested within the burner kettle barrel to create an internal restriction baffle ring cavity containing the restriction baffles for receiving hot air supplied by the heat exchanger, (3) a heat diffuser column comprising a heat diffuser column wall, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a closed floor surface having an extended outward lip and an open top surface having an extended outward lip, wherein the outer surface of the heat diffuser wall comprises spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser column is nested within the restriction baffle ring such that the upper and lower lips of the heat diffuser column sealingly engage with the interior surface of the restriction baffle ring to form a heat diffuser cavity including the spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser cavity provides a flow path for the heat transfer oil from the heat exchanger around the burner kettle via the spiral ring; and (4) an agitator located within the heat diffuser column for activating the material product. Further, the apparatus includes at least one material asphalt pump for transferring molten asphalt material from the burner barrel to an applicator hose, an oven comprising application hoses and a control panel for controlling the power unit operation, material pump operation, temperature controls, burner box controls and agitator controls. 
     The present invention is further directed to an apparatus for heating a heatable material product such as asphalt or a similar fluid, comprising a heat exchanger for heating heat transfer oil, wherein the heat transfer oil is directed to the heat diffuser column, and a burner barrel. The burner barrel comprises (1) an exterior burner kettle barrel, wherein the burner kettle includes a bottom plate; an outer sidewall, an interior sidewall, and an closed top end, wherein the interior sidewall and exterior side wall of the exterior burner kettle barrel are separated by a cavity, wherein the cavity contains high temperature insulation; (2) a restriction baffle ring comprising a restriction baffle ring wall, including a lower end, an upper end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface with an outwardly extending lip, wherein the exterior surface comprises restriction baffles adapted to create a heat path for heating heat transfer oil circulating around the burner kettle apparatus, wherein the restriction baffle ring is nested within the burner kettle barrel to create an internal restriction baffle ring cavity containing the restriction baffles for receiving hot air supplied by the heat exchanger, and wherein the restriction baffles comprise a series of incomplete rings attached to the outer surface of the restriction baffle ring wall; (3) a heat diffuser column comprising a heat diffuser column wall, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a closed floor surface having an extended outward lip and an open top surface having an extended outward lip, wherein the outer surface of the heat diffuser wall comprises spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser column is nested within the restriction baffle ring such that the upper and lower lips of the heat diffuser column sealingly engage with the interior surface of the restriction baffle ring to form a heat diffuser column cavity including the spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser column cavity provides a flow path for the heat transfer oil from the heat exchanger around the burner kettle via the spiral ring, wherein the heat diffuser column further includes a center column extending from the floor surface for further circulation of heat transfer oil from the heat exchanger, and wherein the closed floor surface of the heat diffuser column comprises a series of inline slots to draw the material product through the closed floor surface of the heat diffuser column; and (4) an agitator located within the heat diffuser column for activating the material product, wherein the agitator comprises paddles rotating around a paddle shaft, wherein the paddle shaft is rotatably activated an agitator motor, and wherein the paddle shaft is rotatably placed within the center column of the heat diffuser column. 
     Advantageously, the burner kettle of the present invention is designed with a thicker bottom heat transfer plate, added heat transfer oil (HTO) circulation pumps, a spiral circulation ring and heat restriction rings. The spiral circulation ring will spiral up the kettle, as a spiral staircase would work, which will move the HTO around the entire circumference of the kettle to eliminate hotspots. One HTO pump will move cooler oil from the bottom of the kettle directly across the hottest part of the bottom of the kettle, i.e., across the heat transfer plate. Keeping this zone cool will eliminate heat stress of the material. Heat restriction rings direct the heat back and forth throughout the kettle. This keeps more heat in the system for increased efficiency, giving it direction of travel and making up for the heat transfer loss due to the thicker bottom heat transfer plate, creating more even heating. Safety switches and temperature controls will be incorporated to prevent accidental overheating or premature product movement. 
     This kettle system can be used for crack filling asphalt or concrete roads and driveways, as well as rubber roofing systems. The kettle will allow different material grades. 
     Thus, the improved burner kettle unit of the present invention is more user friendly, requiring less maintenance and less electronic controls. Parts and controls in the improved burner kettle system are easier to access and replace. The improved burner kettle unit has a longer life expectancy, with improved efficiency and improved user operation. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front left perspective view of the asphalt burner of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the asphalt burner unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the burner box illustrating the component parts. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the burner box of  FIG. 3  taken at lines  4 - 4  in FIG.  3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the heat diffuser column of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the heat diffuser column of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the heat diffuser column of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic flow chart illustrating the flow of heat transfer oil through the system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a new and improved hot mix melt asphalt crack sealing machine for controllably heating a solid or fluid form of a material product and dispensing a heat flowable material as a hot melt material. Such material product includes, but is not limited to, bitumen, tar, an asphalt mixture, resins, thermoplastics or other materials capable of becoming flowable when heated. For purposes of this disclosure, such materials will be reference as “asphalt,” “asphalt material,” or “material product.” In addition, the present invention is directed to the concept of replacing the entire burner kettle and burner box in a machine, in which the kettle and burner box have degraded or “burned out” from constant use, with a superior burner kettle/burner box combination. Reference is made to the drawings, and particularly  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which illustrates the hot mix melt asphalt crack sealing apparatus  10 . 
     The Frame  12 : 
     The asphalt paving apparatus  10  includes a trailer frame  12  generally made from four inch I-beams for a stronger frame, with square tube and/or angle cross members. The trailer frame generally includes a generally rectangular trailer frame body  14  and a triangular tongue  16 . The trailer frame body  14  rests on a least one and preferably two axles  18  supported by wheels  20  to enable the apparatus  10  to be trailered or towed by a vehicle (not illustrated). The triangular tongue  16  includes a trailer hitch  22  for connection to the vehicle. 
     The trailer frame  12  on which the apparatus  10  resides typically includes tandem eight bolt 6,000 lb torsion axles  18 . The trailer frame  12  can be wired to customer specifications, (i.e. strobe lights). The trailer frame  12  will include a standard lighting package, with DOT approved LED lights and plug configuration which will be specific to customer requirements. The trailer frame  12  will be set up for electric drum brakes. The entire unit, to include trailer, kettle and all related components will be painted blue and/or lime green. The trailer frame  12  will be built out of 4″ I beam which is stronger than C channel. 
     The Power Unit  30 : 
     Situated on the frame  12  is a power unit  30  for providing power to the apparatus  10 . The power unit  30  can be any of several power units known to the art. A representative power unit is a 27.5 horsepower, three-cylinder Isuzu Diesel engine designed to power two hydraulic pumps  32 ,  34 , and  35 . The power unit  30  is mounted on the tongue  16  of the trailer frame  12  and is typically and preferably covered with a 16 gauge formed steel cover. A diesel fuel tank  54 , preferably a 45 gallon tank, is mounted on the frame  12  for supplying the power unit  30  and the burner box  62  with fuel. 
     Hydraulic Pumps  32 ,  34 ,  35   
     The hydraulic pumps  32 ,  34 ,  35  are attached to and activated by the power unit  30 . Hydraulic pump  32  is used to supply hydraulic fluid to material pump  36 . Hydraulic pump  34  is used to supply hydraulic fluid to material pump  38 . Hydraulic pump  35  is used to supply hydraulic fluid to the agitator motor  50 , the conveyor motor (not illustrated) and the heat transfer oil pump motor  39 , which operates HTO circulation pump  40 , illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Hydraulic Tank  56   
     The hydraulic tank  56 , preferably a 30-gallon tank, is mounted on the frame  12 . An electric operated hydraulic fluid cooler  58  is also preferably mounted near hydraulic tank  56  and will optimize the operation temperature of the hydraulic fluid. 
     The Burner Barrel  60 : 
     The burner barrel  60  is used to melt material product, i.e., rubberized tar products for crack sealing roads. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the burner barrel  60  is a series of nested containers comprising an exterior kettle barrel  64 , which enclosed a restriction baffle ring  180  of similar shape. A heat diffuser column  110  also of similar shape is nested within the restriction baffle ring  180  to form the burner barrel  60 . As illustrated, the burner barrel  60  is typically a cylindrical bowl shape although it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the burner barrel  60  with a variety of shapes from oblong or oval to square, hexagonal, octagonal and other shapes. The burner barrel  60  is preferably bolted to trailer frame  12  for easier maintenance in the event something would need to be repaired either to the trailer  12  or burner barrel  60 . Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the burner barrel  60  is mounted directly over the axles  18  of the trailer frame  12 . This is where the bulk of the weight will be located. 
     As will be described, the burner barrel  60  is a double boiler kettle system, where the diesel burner box  62  acts in concert with a heat exchanger  67 , which automatically raises or lowers the temperature of air and HTO to a desired level, to heat the heat transfer oil (HTO). While heat exchangers are known to the art for other industry applications, it is not thought that a heat exchanger has been heretofore been used in this application. HTO is typically a high-quality mineral oil known to the art and developed for use in liquid-phase heat transfer systems. A representative example of a HTO for use in the present invention is THRIVE heat transfer oil (US Lubricants, Appleton, Wis.). 
     Burner Kettle  64   
     The burner kettle  64  is preferably manufactured of A36 steel components, but can be made of other heat resistance materials known to the art. The burner kettle  64  preferably includes a ⅜″ thick A36 steel on the entire bottom plate  66  where the flame contacts the burner kettle  64  unit, eliminating burn out. The sidewall  68  and remaining kettle components are made of ¼″ A36 steel. The outer covering is 16 gauge A36 steel. The burner kettle  64  includes an outer sidewall  70  and an interior sidewall  72 , an open top end  74  and bottom plate  66 . The interior sidewall  72  and exterior side wall  70  are separated by a burner cavity  76 , which is insulated with flexible ceramic type high temperature insulation  78 . 
     Restriction Baffle Ring  180   
     The restriction baffle ring  180  comprises a heavy gauge metal, e.g., steel, baffle ring wall  182  having a lower end  184 , an upper end  186 , an interior surface  185 , and an exterior surface  187  with an outwardly extending lip  188 . Located on the baffle ring wall  182  are restriction baffles  100 , a series of incomplete rings adhered/welded to the baffle ring wall  182  designed to create a path for the heat to be directed back and forth through the burner kettle  60  in order to heat the HTO. The restriction baffle ring  180  is inserted within the burner kettle  64  thereby creating a baffle ring cavity  190  resulting in more even heating and efficiency. The hot air is supplied via the heat exchanger  67  at the bottom end  184  of the restriction baffle ring  180 , via a series of heat exchanger pipes extending from the heat exchanger  67  to the restriction baffle ring  180 . The hot air rises in a diversionary route caused by the restriction baffles  100  and eventually exiting via chimney  192 . The result is an even, intense heat throughout the baffle ring wall  182  and the baffle ring cavity  190 . The heated air flowing through the baffle ring cavity  190  will continue to keep HTO heated thereby providing an efficient mechanism for melting the asphalt block when it is placed with the inner chamber  113  sufficient to heat the HTO without causing unwanted heat spots throughout the burner barrel  60 . 
     Heat Diffuser Column  110 : 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , the heat diffuser column  110  includes a wall  112  defined by a spiral metal, e.g. steel, ring  114  around the outer surface  115  of the wall  112 . The heat diffuser column  110  is characterized by an inner surface  111 , an open top end  116  with an extended upper lip  118  and a closed bottom end  120  with an extending lower lip  122 . The heat diffuser column  110  is designed to slidably fit within the interior surface  185  of the restriction baffle ring  180  such that the upper and lower lips  118 ,  122  of the heat diffuser column  110  sealingly engage with the interior surface of the restriction baffle ring  180  to form a heat diffuser cavity  117 , which encapsulates the spiral ring  114  within the heat diffuser cavity  117 . Together with the exterior surface  187  of the baffle ring wall  182  of the restriction baffle ring  180 , the wall  112  of the heat diffuser column  110  form the heat diffuser cavity  117  to provide a flow path for the HTO around the burner kettle  60  via the spiral ring  114  for more consistent heating. The heat diffuser column  110  further includes a center column  80  for further circulation of the HTO as is described below with respect to the HTO Circulation Pump  40 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4-6 , located on the bottom plate  120  of the heat diffuser column  110  are a series of inline slots  140  to draw the asphalt product through the bottom plate  120  of the heat diffuser column  110 . The inline slots  140  open to an exit pipe  144 , which transfers molten asphalt to each material pump  36 ,  38 , which pumps the asphalt material either through the applicator hose  152  to be applied to the roadway or pumped back to the burner kettle  60  as desired. 
     A vented expansion tank/reservoir (not shown) provides a small reservoir in case of over filling with HTO and air movement for expansion and contraction of HTO when the heated HTO expands or the cooled HTO contracts. Keeping the HTO flowing and moving along the heat diffuser cavity  117  of the burner kettle  60  will result in more even heating and elimination of hot spots, improving longer life of both the burner kettle unit  60  as well as the HTO. In addition, a standard dipstick  119  can be provided to measure the level of HTO in the heat diffuser cavity  117 . 
     Agitator  90   
     An agitator  90 , illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , is needed to stir the material product, i.e., asphalt, while it is heating. The agitator  90  typically includes paddles  92  rotating around a paddle shaft  94  and driven by a hydraulically-activated agitator motor  50  operated by the power unit  30  according to systems well known in the industry. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the paddle shaft  94  is designed to rotatably fit within the center column  80  of the heat diffuser column  110 . The paddles  92  are preferably formed from angle iron steel to create an upward angle flow path during agitation. 
     HTO Circulation Pumps  40 : 
     The burner barrel  60  includes HTO circulation pump  40 , to circulate the HTO across the burner box  62  to maximize heat transfer prior to the HTO flowing into the burner barrel  60 . The HTO circulation pump  40  keeps cooler HTO flowing over the burner box  62 , the direct area where the burner flame contacts the surface (hot spot) forcing it up the spiral around the burner kettle  60  to eliminate hotspots from the burner box  62 . 
     HTO circulation pump  40  circulates HTO to each material pump  36 ,  38  in order provide elevated heat to the material pumps  36 ,  38  to keep the asphalt in a hot molten state for application. The return  108  from HTO circulation pump  42  is plumbed from the burner box  62  area of the burner kettle  60  thereby pulling HTO through the system and eliminating hotspot areas. 
     Loading the Burner kettle  60   
     Loading the burner kettle  60  with product is accomplished by means of a hatch  61  on the roof  63  of the burner kettle  60 . The hatches  61  will be on the top at an angle where the material can be loaded on the hatch  61 . When the hatch lid  65  is closed, the asphalt material enters the burner kettle  60  which will reduce splash back to the operator. 
     Alternatively, a conveyor system (not shown), known to the art, may be attached to the apparatus  10  for conveying the hardened asphalt block from a storage area directly to hatch  61  for placement into the heat diffusion column  110  of the burner box. The conveyor for loading asphalt blocks is typically hydraulically controlled. A conveyor will allow transfer of raw materials from a supply truck to the hatch  61  on the kettle barrel  60 . 
     Material Pumps  36 ,  38   
     The asphalt will be directed from the inline slots  140  through pipes  144 , preferably two-inch pipes, to material supply pumps  36 ,  38 , known to the art. The material supply pumps  36 ,  38  are helical gear pumps with a jacketed housing for HTO to heat the pumps  36 ,  38 . The pumps  36 ,  38  are reversible hydraulically to pull unused material back into the burner kettle  60  for shut down, bypass piping from pump back to the burner kettle  60  for warm up and added circulation. Mainline material valves  144 , between the pumps  36 ,  38  and the burner kettle  60 , will hold material back during shutdown and start up. Removable Screens  146  will keep foreign debris from damaging pumps. 
     Oven  150   
     The oven  150  is an insulated box on the back of the apparatus  10  and connected to the burner kettle  60 . Ovens  150  are known to the art. The oven  150  heats the application hoses  152 . The oven  150  is heated from the hot air created by the burner box  62  through a small opening (not illustrated) on the bottom at the back of the burner kettle  60 , which will have a damper  154  to control oven temperature. The oven  150  includes a temperature gauge (not illustrated) for oven temperature readout. The oven  150  will hold the application hoses  152  and warm them up, as well as keep them warm in between uses. 
     Pivoting arms  156  attached to the application hoses  152  while in use keep the hoses  152  off the ground and ease user mobility. The arms  152  will slide in and out as well as swing 360 degrees around the apparatus  10 . At the top of the burner kettle  60  there will be ports for recirculation of product through the application hose/wand  152 , by inserting the end into the port and pumping the material as it is in use will heat application hose(s) during idle and warm up time. The application hoses  152  will be made of one inch flexible stainless steel transfer hose with an insulated fabric sleeve. A stainless steel tube for the application hose  152  will have a handle and flow control valve. 
     The control panel operation  160  will be located in the rear of the apparatus  10  and will control the power unit  36  operation, the material pumps  36 ,  38 , the temperature controls, burner controls and agitator controls. The burner box  62  assembly will be removable. 
     Options include, but are not limited to, hitch type, hitch extensions, air compressor unit, propane tank mounting, conveyor loading, gauges, strobe lighting, plug-in HTO heater for extended down time, fire extinguisher, toolbox and other components. 
     In operation, the apparatus  10  is activated by turning the power unit  30  on. At this point, the burner box  62  is not activated. However, the burner box temperature is set to a preferable temperature of 550° F. via the control panel  160  and the burner box  62  is activated. Likewise, the HTO temperature sensor  46  is set to a preferable temperature between about 350° F. and 395° F. All HTO valves are opened to allow circulation of HTO according to the process described with respect to  FIG. 8 . The asphalt product is added to the burner kettle  60  for heat and melt according to processes known to the art. The agitator motor  50  is activated thereby placing the agitator  90  in motion. Once the asphalt product has liquefied properly, it flows from the burner kettle  62  by way of the in line slots  140  and exit pipe  144  for transport to the applicator hoses for application. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8  to describe the process for heating the burner kettle  60 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the HTO process is a closed vented circuit flow system. HTO is pumped into the heat exchanger  67  via the HTO pump  40 . The HTO pathway is illustrated by way of the arrows in  FIG. 8 . The heat exchanger  67  heats the HTO to an approximate temperature of 550° F. Heated HTO then flows to the heat diffuser cavity  117  via supply line  198  where it enters the heat diffuser cavity  117  at location  200 . The heated HTO flows through the heat diffuser cavity  117  in a downwardly direction along spiral ring  114  thereby providing heat to the heat diffuser column  110  preferably to a temperature of 550° F. When the HTO reaches the lower end  120  of the heat diffuser column  110 , the HTO passes into an exit pipeline  202  for recirculation back to the HTO circulation pump  40 . A drainage port (not illustrated) may be placed in the pipeline  202  to remove HTO as needed. 
     Simultaneously with the heating of the HTO in the heat exchanger  67 , the heat exchanger  67  heat air which is vented into the baffle ring cavity  190  of the restriction baffle ring  180  for providing additional heat to the inner chamber  113  of the heat diffuser column  110 . 
     The HTO temperature sensor  46  reads the temperature of the HTO back to the control panel  160  where a digital controller is located and, if needed, the burner box  62  will automatically switch on or off, at a set desired temp of approximately 550 OF. 
     The HTO temperature sensor  46  reads back to the control box  160 , where there is another digital controller, which is normally set at a desired temperature between about 350° F. and 395° F. This control will allow the switches on material pump  36 , material pump  38  and agitator  50  to turn on if in an automatic position, thereby allowing material flow and circulation for warm up and normal operation. 
     Any version of any component or method step of the invention may be used with any other component or method step of the invention. The elements described herein can be used in any combination whether explicitly described or not. 
     All combinations of method steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth. 
     All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e., “references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual reference were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and the incorporated references, the present disclosure controls. 
     The devices, methods, compounds and compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations described herein, as well as any additional or optional steps, ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in the art. 
     While this invention may be embodied in many forms, what is described in detail herein is a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited to only the appended claims and equivalents thereof.