What is bitumen tank?

An asphalt tank, also known as an asphalt storage tank or asphalt heating tank, is a piece of equipment designed to store and heat asphalt. It is an integral part of the asphalt production, processing, and use process.

The main role of bitumen tanks

The main function of an asphalt tank is to provide an airtight, safe environment to store asphalt and keep it at the proper temperature for subsequent use. Bitumen tanks usually feature a heating system, either electric, thermal oil, or gas, to quickly heat the bitumen when needed. Additionally, bitumen tanks are equipped with temperature control systems to precisely control the temperature of the asphalt to ensure that it is in optimal condition for use.

Types of bitumen tanks

According to the tank classification

 

1. Electrically heated bitumen tank: This type of tank has a built-in electric heater, which is heated by the power supply. Its heating speed is fast, temperature control is stable, and there is no need to install combustion equipment, simple to operate and high safety.

2. Asphalt heat insulation tank: set up a layer of heat insulation in the bitumen tank, the heat insulation material is usually asbestos felt or foam and other insulation materials. This type of tank is generally applicable to low-temperature areas and the need for long-term storage of asphalt.

3. Fully insulated tanks: in the bitumen tank set up a layer of external insulation, the same material is usually asbestos felt or foam and other insulation materials. Fully insulated tanks can effectively reduce the loss of energy and the impact of external temperature on the tank, to maintain a stable temperature of asphalt, suitable for long-time storage and transportation of asphalt.

4. Full thermal oil tank: set up a thermal oil circulation system outside the bitumen tank, heating the bitumen inside the tank using thermal oil conduction.

5. Ordinary tanks: conventional tanks without heating equipment or insulation.

Asphalt tank heating method

Electric heating:

Advantages: fast heating speed, easy to adjust the temperature, not affected by external factors, strong heating capacity, can be heated to the required temperature of asphalt in a relatively short period.

Disadvantages: occupies a large amount of electricity, heating costs are higher.

Direct fire heating:

Advantages: good heating effect, fast heating speed, suitable for the low-temperature environment.

Disadvantages: complex operation, safety hazards, and susceptibility to external factors.

Tank circulation heating:

Advantages: uniform heating, energy saving, and low heating costs.

Disadvantages: slow heating speed, inconvenient temperature adjustment, and need for special heating equipment.

Thermal oil heating:

Advantages: low pressure and high temperature, safety, and health, the use of professional technology to take out the asphalt partially device, can quickly take out the high-temperature asphalt from the large asphalt tanks, without the need for asphalt storage tanks as a whole heating. Large storage capacity, high oil output.

Disadvantages: compared with the "direct heat" new efficient fast bitumen tank, more accessories, a complex heat conduction system, and higher cost.

 

Bitumen tank structure and features

1. Structural design

A Bitumen tank is a specialized equipment for storing and heating asphalt. In structural design, bitumen tanks are usually cylindrical structures, this structure can effectively withstand the internal pressure to ensure the stability of asphalt in the storage and heating process. The tank material is usually made of steel to withstand high temperatures and pressure. In addition, bitumen tanks are equipped with heating systems, control systems, safety valves, and other ancillary equipment to ensure the heating effect of asphalt and the safety of use.

2. Overview of features

The main features of a bitumen tank are:

• Efficient heating: through the equipped heating system, the asphalt can be heated quickly and evenly to meet the needs of production and construction.

• Large storage capacity: The bitumen tank is designed with a large capacity to meet the demand of production and construction for a long time.

• Easy to operate: through the control system, it can realize the automatic management of bitumen tanks and reduce the operation difficulty.

• Safety and reliability: Bitumen tanks are equipped with safety valves and other safety equipment, which can automatically cut off the heating source in abnormal situations to ensure production safety.

3. Application areas

Bitumen tanks are widely used in road construction, waterproofing engineering, bridge construction, and other fields. Especially in road construction, a bitumen tank is an indispensable piece of equipment, which provides stable and high-quality asphalt material for laying asphalt concrete pavement. In addition, in waterproofing projects and bridge construction, bitumen tanks also play an important role in providing the required asphalt materials for the project.

4. Environmental Considerations

In the design and use of bitumen tanks, environmental considerations are fully taken into account. First of all, the heating system of bitumen tanks adopts environmentally friendly fuels, such as heat transfer oil, which reduces the pollution of the environment. Secondly, the bitumen tank is equipped with exhaust gas treatment equipment, which can effectively deal with the exhaust gas generated during the combustion process and reduce the pollution of the atmosphere. In addition, the bitumen tank is designed with a sealed structure to prevent volatilization and leakage of bitumen during the storage and heating process, which further protects the environment.

 Asphalt tank components

1. Inner shell and cover: the inner shell is usually welded by steel plate, and together with the head (including the convex head and plane head), they form the tank body. The cover is equipped with a fastening device and a sealing strip between it and the mouth of the tank to ensure that the asphalt will not leak during storage and transportation.

2. insulation: supported by angle steel and wooden strips, filled with insulation materials (such as glass wool, rock wool, perlite, etc.) to reduce heat loss, and to maintain the temperature stability of asphalt.

3. Shell: located outside the insulation layer, usually made of steel plate, to provide additional protection for the bitumen tank.

4. Heating devices: including heaters and gas heating systems, are used to provide heat to maintain the temperature of the asphalt to ensure its fluidity.

5. Inlet and outlet asphalt lines: used for the input and output of asphalt, to ensure that the asphalt can enter and exit the tank without any problems.

6. Asphalt pump: used to pump asphalt out of the tank to meet construction or other needs.

7. Temperature measuring instrument: used to monitor the temperature of asphalt in real-time to ensure that it is within the appropriate temperature range.

8. Fixed supports: used to support the bitumen tank and ensure its stability.

In addition, the bitumen tank may also include a steam generator, pipeline and asphalt pump preheating system, pressure relief system, steam fueling system, tank cleaning system, unloading into the tank device, and other components to meet different scenarios and needs. 

Factors affecting the capacity of bitumen tanks

1. Tank shape: The shape of bitumen tanks, such as round and square, has a direct impact on capacity. Different shapes of tanks have different capacity calculation formulas.

2. tank size: the diameter, height and wall thickness of the tank need to be measured accurately to calculate its capacity.

3. asphalt density: different kinds of asphalt have different densities, therefore, when calculating the capacity of bitumen tanks, you need to calculate according to the actual use of asphalt density values.

4. storage environment: the storage environment of the bitumen tank, such as ambient temperature, storage time, etc., will also have an impact on the capacity. For example, temperature changes may cause the volume of asphalt to expand or contract, thus affecting the actual capacity of the tank.

 The working principle of bitumen tanks

I. Storage and insulation

One of the main functions of an asphalt tank is to store bitumen. The tank is designed with a specialized insulation layer to maintain the asphalt within the appropriate temperature range. The insulation layer is usually made of high-temperature resistant, good insulation performance of materials, such as rock wool, silicate, etc., to ensure that the asphalt in the storage process will not be due to changes in external temperature and excessive heat loss or thermal expansion.

Second, heating and circulation

Asphalt in the process of storage and use, often needs to be heated to a suitable working temperature. Bitumen tanks are equipped with internal heating devices, such as electric heating elements or thermal oil heating systems. Through heating, asphalt can flow and meet the construction requirements. At the same time, the tank is equipped with a circulation system, through the pump and pipeline will be asphalt circulation flow, to ensure that the asphalt is uniformly heated and avoid local overheating.

Third, filtration and purification

Before use, the asphalt needs to be filtered and purified to remove the impurities and moisture. Bitumen tanks are usually equipped with fine filters that can effectively intercept particles and solid impurities in the asphalt. In addition, there are some advanced bitumen tanks equipped with dewatering devices, which can further remove the water in the asphalt and improve the quality and use of the asphalt.

Asphalt storage tank application scene

1. Road construction field: asphalt storage tanks play a key role in road construction. It is used for storing and supplying asphalt materials for the paving and maintenance of roads, highways, airport runways, and so on. Asphalt storage tanks ensure the quality and continuity of supply of asphalt materials, thus improving the efficiency and quality of road construction.

2. Petrochemical field: In petrochemical fields such as petroleum processing, petrochemical, and asphalt mixture production, asphalt storage tanks are used to store and transport asphalt raw materials and products. These tanks play an important role in petroleum refining, asphalt production, and processing to ensure that the production process runs smoothly.

3. Chemical industry: Asphalt storage tanks are also widely used in the chemical industry for storing and conveying various chemical products such as paints, coatings, resins, emulsions, etc. These tanks provide the best solution for chemical production. These tanks provide a stable and reliable supply of raw materials for chemical production, which guarantees the continuity and stability of the production process.

4. Railway: In railroad construction, asphalt storage tanks are used for asphalt paving of railroad roadbeds, which improves the robustness and smoothness of railroad roadbeds. The use of asphalt storage tanks to ensure the quality and safety of railroad construction, and railroad transportation provides a solid foundation.

Bitumen tank maintenance and use of precautions

First, check the heating system

Regularly check the heating system of the bitumen tank, including heating elements, temperature sensors, and hot media circulation pumps. Ensure that the heating system is working properly and, that there is no overheating, short circuit or leakage and other problems. If abnormalities are found, stop heating and contact a professional for repair.

Second, clean up the oil storage tank and filter

Regularly clean the oil storage tank to remove the sediment and impurities at the bottom to maintain the cleanliness and quality of asphalt. At the same time, it is also necessary to check and clean the filter to ensure that the asphalt will not be blocked by impurities in the delivery process. Cleaning should be done regularly, with a specific frequency depending on usage.

Third, keep the control system clean

The control system is the core part of the bitumen tank and should be regularly cleaned control cabinet surface and internal dust, dirt, and so on. At the same time, check whether the wiring in the control cabinet is loose or aging, to ensure the stability and reliability of the control system.

Fourth, to ensure that the equipment insulation performance

Bitumen tank insulation performance on the quality of asphalt and storage effect has an important impact. Regularly check whether the insulation is intact, and whether there is a broken or peeling phenomenon. If found, should be repaired or replaced promptly insulation material to maintain good thermal insulation performance of the equipment.

Fifth, emulsifier, transfer pump routine maintenance

The emulsifier and transfer pump are the key equipment of the bitumen tank and should be routine maintenance. Including checking the oil level and quality of lubricants, clean the surface of the equipment and internal dirt and impurities, tighten loose screws and connectors. In addition, also check whether the operation of the equipment is smooth, with no abnormal sound and vibration.

Six, regularly check the electronic control cabinet

The electrical control cabinet is the bitumen tank's electrical control center and should be regularly checked and maintained. Including checking whether the connection of the electrical components is tight, whether there is a burnt or broken phenomenon, clean the dust and dirt inside the electronic control cabinet. At the same time, also check whether the grounding of the electrical control cabinet is good, to ensure the safe operation of the equipment.

Seven, avoid low-temperature storage

Asphalt is easy to harden and solidify at low temperatures, affecting the use of results. Therefore, in winter or low-temperature environments, appropriate thermal insulation measures should be taken to avoid the temperature inside the bitumen tank being too low. You can increase the temperature inside the tank by adding insulation materials, heating system warming, and other ways to increase the temperature.

Eight, long-term out-of-service treatment

If the bitumen tank is out of service for a long time, the following points should be noted: first, the tank will be emptied of asphalt or add anticorrosion agent to prevent asphalt aging and solidification; second, turn off the heating system and the power supply, to ensure that the equipment is in a safe state; and finally, regularly check the condition of the tank and ancillary equipment, to ensure that it is intact, so that the next time it is used can be operated normally.