The cooling step after drying is to a temperature of approximately 50 °C (122 °F) before handling.

• A. Not Applicable
• B. True
• C. False
• D. Not Given

Answer: (B)

After drying, the aggregate is extremely hot, so it must be cooled to a safe, workable temperature before handling. Lowering it to about 50°C (122°F) provides a practical balance: it protects workers from burns and reduces heat-related handling problems, while still being hot enough to minimize rapid moisture reabsorption and sticking that could occur if it were cooled too quickly or to a cooler level. This cooling also helps prevent issues with equipment and ensures the material can be safely fed into the next stage, where it will come into contact with hot binder and be coated properly. In short, cooling to around 50°C ensures safe handling and helps maintain consistent quality as the mix moves toward the heating and coating process.