Main Structure
Compared to the submerged pump asphalt melter, the agitated vertical asphalt melter replaces the high-temperature circulation system with an agitation system (agitator and drive unit), resulting in a more compact equipment structure, faster, more uniform and stable heating, and lower failure rate.
The main structure consists of an asphalt tank (straight upper section and conical lower section), thermal oil heating coils (inner and outer coils plus conical coil), agitation system (gear motor, bracket), support frame (upper and lower brackets and columns), and is equipped with electronic load cells, digital thermometer, bottom slag discharge mechanism, as well as an asphalt filter and asphalt buffer (receiving) tank.
Working Principle
The stirring-type asphalt melting device can make the modified asphalt neither decompose nor melt rapidly and continuously, reaching the required process temperature, and continuously and stably discharging the qualified melted asphalt.
1
Solid asphalt enters the melting zone from the feeding port. In the melting zone, the coil is supplied with heat transfer oil. Under the action of the high-temperature heat transfer oil, the asphalt is heated and melted, and is stirred by the stirrer to enhance heat transfer, making the heating uniform; high-quality liquid asphalt is pressed into the secondary heating zone, and the slag enters the conical storage slag zone.
2
After the asphalt is heated and melted in the melting zone, under the pressure of the subsequent asphalt, it enters the secondary heating zone from the bottom for further heating, dehydration, and sedimentation of impurities; when the asphalt liquid level in the secondary heating zone reaches the outlet position and its temperature meets the process requirements, the qualified asphalt is continuously and stably discharged from the outlet, passing through the asphalt filter, and being transported to the liquid asphalt storage tank by the insulated asphalt pump.
3
At the bottom of the asphalt melting tank, there is a liquid asphalt discharge valve and an inspection hole (manhole). When cleaning is needed, open the liquid asphalt discharge valve, and through the asphalt pump, the liquid asphalt is sent to the buffer tank; after confirming that the liquid asphalt has been discharged completely, start the bottom discharge mechanism to discharge the settled impurities. Repeat this operation several times until there is no impurities discharged, then close the discharge valve, and the discharging is completed; when maintenance is needed, maintenance personnel can enter through the bottom manhole.
4
A temperature measuring point is added at the outlet of the asphalt melting tank to keep the asphalt temperature within the set range. Through this temperature measuring point, the opening degree of the heat transfer oil inlet valve is controlled to control the melting speed of the solid asphalt and the temperature of the liquid asphalt, avoiding asphalt aging due to overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right melting structure based on capacity?
The structure is selected according to melting capacity: a vertical coil structure is used for large capacities (2–15 t/h), a horizontal tube bundle structure for smaller capacities (1–2 t/h), and an electric heating structure for test or very small capacities (100–1000 kg/h).
What are the advantages of the agitated vertical asphalt melter over submerged pump types?
By replacing the high-temperature circulation system with a direct agitation system (agitator and drive unit), it delivers a more compact structure, faster and more uniform heating, and a significantly lower overall equipment failure rate.
How does the system prevent asphalt degradation or aging from overheating?
It utilizes indirect heating combined with forced stirring to eliminate local hot spots. Additionally, a temperature measuring point at the outlet dynamically controls the inlet valve of the heat transfer oil to keep the temperature within a safe, preset range.
How is cleaning and slag discharge handled in the melting tank?
The tank has a built-in slag discharge mechanism. For cleaning, the liquid asphalt is pumped to a buffer tank through the discharge valve, and the bottom discharge mechanism is activated to clear out settled impurities. A bottom manhole is also available for maintenance access.
What core industries utilize this continuous asphalt melting system?
The system is widely used in the Carbon Industry (for prebaked anodes and coal tar pitch binders), Road Engineering (supplying mixing plants and pavement repairs), and the Waterproofing/Chemical Industries.
