Choosing The Best Heating Solution For Your Bitumen Application

Bitumen is a naturally occurring product that forms the basis of most modern infrastructure. For most uses, bitumen needs to be transformed from its natural state to be useful. Heating is an essential aspect for most of its applications. Electrical heat tracing is used to ensure the medium can flow or be pumped. The applications range in temperature from 160 to 250 °C.

In all of these production process, heating is essential in rendering the bitumen into a useful state.

• Pipelines that carry bitumen
• Storage tanks and containers for bitumen
• Containers for transporting bitumen
• Flexible heated hoses for transporting bitumen from the storage location to where it will be used

Advantages of Electrical heat tracing:

• Temperature Accuracy
• Fast Heating
• Environmentally Friendly (No Emissions)

Bitumen applications in road construction

A supply of hot bitumen is necessary for the process to achieve a homogeneous surface while using the material that was removed. These supply lines are heated so that the material remains free-flowing. Since the machines are designed for different working widths, a flexible supply line is important.

Storage tanks and containers for bitumen

Bitumen is generally stored in tanks designed specifically for this purpose. These tanks are insulated to reduce heat loss. In storage, tank heating keeps the product in a usable form, preventing it from turning into a waxy mixture.

Transportation

Transportation is an important consideration. It’s important to minimize heat loss during the transportation of bitumen. It can’t flow through pipelines without reliable heating. Electrical heat tracing helps maintain the ideal viscosity before and after transportation. Transportation by truck or ship requires well-insulated tanks. A reliable minimum temperature threshold ensures the bitumen arrives at its destination in a usable state.

Why bitumen needs to be heated?

Bitumen, commonly referred to as tar or asphalt, is a blend of organic liquids which are black, sticky and very viscous. There are two main types of bitumen; crude or naturally occurring and refined bitumen. Naturally occurring bitumen is a tar-like type of petroleum which is sticky. It is also thick and heavy. As such, the only way that it will flow is if you heat or dilute it. When it is at room temperature, it will become hard and it will not work effectively. Through heating bitumen, you will be optimizing its performance.

Electrical heat tracing is the right solution

Electrical heat tracing used to monitoring and maintaining the temperature on vessels, tanks, pipes, valves, instrument panels, etc.  The electric heating is achieved by utilizing a resistant element that is run alongside the piping or vessel. Current heat trace technology utilizes a self-regulating polymer that controls the wattage of the element. When the ambient temperature drops, the polymer creates conductive pathways that allow current to flow and heat to be produced. When the ambient temperature increases, the conductive pathways begin to separate, allowing less current to pass.

dpstar electrical heat tracing is the best option for your bitumen application!

dpstar can help determine your specific needs to select the best heating solution for your process. We custom-manufacture our heaters to your exact needs, for optimal performance. Dpstar is the largest manufacturer of electrical heat tracing in Malaysia. Please send your inquiry to marketing@dpstar.com.my. For more information please visit www.dpstar.com.my.