Vertical Asphalt Heating and Mixing Tank: A Comprehensive Guide

The vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank is a specialized equipment designed for storing, heating, and mixing asphalt. It finds wide application in various construction fields such as roads, bridges, and airport runways. In this blog, we will delve into the structure, working principle, applications, and advantages of the vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank.

I. Structure Composition

The vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank primarily consists of the following components:

1. Tank Body: The tank adopts a vertical structure and is made of stainless steel or carbon steel material. It is used for storing asphalt and features a feed inlet at the top and a discharge outlet at the bottom.

2. Heating System: This includes heating pipes and thermal oil pumps. High-temperature thermal oil is circulated through the heating pipes, and with the assistance of the thermal oil pump, it circulates forcibly within the thermal oil piping system. This transfers heat to the low-temperature asphalt, thereby increasing its temperature. The cooled thermal oil returns to the heating furnace for reheating, achieving a cyclic heating process.

3. Mixing Device: Mounted at the top of the tank, the mixing device comprises one or more motors. The motor shaft extends into the tank body, with mixing blades attached. The mixing shaft is positioned inside the tank and connected to a reducer at its upper end. The mixing shaft is equipped with multiple sets of mixing blades, each set consisting of several mixing vanes. The rotation of the mixing device ensures uniform heating of the asphalt and prevents it from solidifying.

4. Insulation Layer: An insulation layer is provided between the tank body and the outer shell, filled with insulating materials such as glass wool, rock wool, or perlite. This enhances the tank's insulation performance, ensuring the quality of the asphalt.

5. Control System: The control system utilizes PLC or other control devices to intelligently regulate oil temperature and heat, ensuring stability and safety during the asphalt heating and mixing process.

II. Working Principle

The working principle of the vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank mainly involves two processes: heating and mixing.

1. Heating Process: High-temperature thermal oil is circulated through the heating coils. With the assistance of the thermal oil pump, the thermal oil circulates forcibly within the thermal oil piping system. The heat is transferred from the high-temperature thermal oil to the low-temperature asphalt, increasing its temperature. The cooled thermal oil returns to the heating furnace for reheating, achieving cyclic heating.

2. Mixing Process: The motor drives the mixing shaft to rotate, and the mixing blades rotate accordingly, uniformly mixing the asphalt within the tank. The mixing process facilitates uniform heating of the asphalt and prevents it from solidifying.

III. Application Areas

The vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank finds wide application in the following areas:

1. Road Construction: It is primarily used for asphalt pavement on roads, highways, and airport runways, improving the smoothness and quality of asphalt pavement.

2. Petrochemical Industry: It is used for the production, storage, and transportation of asphalt in petroleum processing plants, petrochemical plants, and asphalt mixing plants.

3. Chemical Industry: It is suitable for the production, storage, and transportation of various chemical products such as paint, coatings, resins, emulsions, etc.

4. Railway Industry: It is used for asphalt pavement in the railway industry, enhancing the solidity and smoothness of railway subgrades.

5. Road Maintenance: It is used for the processing and handling of asphalt in road maintenance, such as road patching and crack filling.

IV. Advantages and Characteristics

The vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank offers the following advantages and characteristics:

1. High Heating Efficiency: It adopts a thermal oil cyclic heating method, providing fast and uniform heating.

2. Effective Mixing: The rotation of the mixing device ensures uniform heating of the asphalt and prevents it from solidifying.

3. Excellent Insulation Performance: The insulation layer enhances the tank's insulation performance, ensuring the quality of the asphalt.

4. Intelligent Control: The control system utilizes PLC or other control devices to intelligently regulate oil temperature and heat, ensuring stability and safety during the heating and mixing processes.

5. Wide Application Range: It is suitable for multiple industries, meeting the requirements for asphalt storage, heating, and mixing in various scenarios.

In conclusion, the vertical asphalt heating and mixing tank is a highly efficient and practical asphalt processing equipment that plays a significant role in construction, petrochemical, chemical, and other industries.