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China Liquid Asphalt Buffer Tank with Level Control - Reliable Suppliers & Factory for Asphalt Storage Solutions

The liquid asphalt buffer tank, commonly referred to as an asphalt buffer tank or asphalt intermediate tank, plays a vital role in the asphalt melting, transportation, and production system. This essential storage solution is designed to stabilize flow rates, maintain pressure, and provide insulated storage, effectively eliminating pulsations and bubbles. By ensuring a continuous and stable supply to downstream operations, it enhances overall efficiency. As a leading supplier and manufacturer in China, our factory produces high-quality liquid asphalt buffer tanks that meet international standards, making us a trusted choice for your asphalt storage needs

    Product Description

    The liquid asphalt buffer tank (also known as asphalt buffer tank or asphalt intermediate tank) is a crucial intermediate storage tank in the asphalt melting, transportation and production system. It is mainly used to stabilize the flow rate, maintain pressure, provide insulation storage, eliminate pulsations and bubbles, and ensure continuous and stable supply to the downstream.

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    Galvanized steel accessories 226 clip for ceiling grid components-1-1-1

    Core Function

    Flow Stabilization & Buffering

    Absorbing fluctuations and pressure pulses from the upstream (such as the melting unit, pump), and avoiding impacts on the downstream (such as metering, spraying, stirring).

    Thermal Insulation & Storage

    Short-term storage of high-temperature liquid asphalt (approximately 150–180°C), maintaining fluidity.

    Gas & Impurity Removal

    During the asphalt's stay in the tank, bubbles rise and impurities settle, improving asphalt quality.

    Safe Transition

    During the start-up/shutdown or maintenance of upstream and downstream equipment, providing uninterrupted supply, reducing the frequency of system startups.

    Typical Structure (Standard Design)

    • Tank body: Vertical cylinder + bottom conical bottom, carbon steel material.
    • Heating and insulation: Built-in heat transfer oil coils / steam coils, outer insulation layer (rock wool, polyurethane), preventing asphalt from condensation.
    • Top: Feed inlet, flue gas outlet, exhaust, manhole
    • Middle lower part: Discharge outlet (pump suction inlet)
    • Bottom: Sewage outlet (sludge discharge)
    • Attachments: Liquid level gauge, thermometer, differential pressure gauge, overflow port, insulation and heating.

    Working Principle

    1
    High-temperature liquid asphalt enters the tank from the top / side.
    2
    It stays at a low speed in the tank (for several minutes to half an hour), with bubbles escaping and impurities settling.
    3
    The built-in heating tubes maintain insulation and maintain the asphalt temperature and viscosity.
    4
    The bottom discharge outlet is stabilized and transported to the next process by the pump.
    5
    The asphalt flue gas is centrally led to the purification system.

    Application Scenarios

    • Carbon / anode production: Asphalt melting system → buffer tank → liquid asphalt storage tank → impregnation / mixing.
    • Road asphalt mixing station: Asphalt tank → buffer tank (bucket) → metering → spraying and mixing.
    • Asphalt loading / transportation: The buffer tank stabilizes the flow, reducing the pulsation during loading and the splashing of flue gas.

    Differences from "Asphalt Storage Tank"

    Buffer Tank

    Small capacity (1–20 m³), short stay, strong insulation, gas removal and pressure stabilization, intermediate link.

    Storage Tank

    Large capacity (several - several thousand m³), long-term storage, main storage material.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the primary function of a liquid asphalt buffer tank?
    It primarily acts as an intermediate storage unit to stabilize the flow rate of liquid asphalt, maintain consistent system pressure, provide thermal insulation, and eliminate pulsations or bubbles before downstream processing.
    What temperature range does the buffer tank maintain?
    The buffer tank is designed to store high-temperature liquid asphalt at approximately 150°C to 180°C, ensuring the material retains optimal viscosity and fluidity.
    How does the tank prevent asphalt from cooling down and solidifying?
    It features built-in heating coils (utilizing heat transfer oil or steam) alongside an external insulation layer made of high-quality materials like rock wool or polyurethane.
    What is the typical capacity of a buffer tank compared to a storage tank?
    A buffer tank is relatively small, with a capacity ranging from 1 to 20 m³ designed for short-term stay. Standard storage tanks are much larger, holding up to several thousand cubic meters for long-term storage.
    In what industrial applications are these buffer tanks used?
    They are mainly utilized in carbon and anode production lines, road asphalt mixing stations, and asphalt loading/transportation systems to ensure smooth process transitions.