China Liquid Asphalt Buffer Tank with Level Control - Reliable Suppliers & Factory Solutions
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.
Core Function
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).
Short-term storage of high-temperature liquid asphalt (approximately 150–180°C), maintaining fluidity.
During the asphalt's stay in the tank, bubbles rise and impurities settle, improving asphalt quality.
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
- High-temperature liquid asphalt enters the tank from the top / side.
- It stays at a low speed in the tank (for several minutes to half an hour), with bubbles escaping and impurities settling.
- The built-in heating tubes maintain insulation and maintain the asphalt temperature and viscosity.
- The bottom discharge outlet is stabilized and transported to the next process by the pump.
- The asphalt flue gas is centrally led to the purification system.
Application Scenarios
Asphalt melting system → buffer tank → liquid asphalt storage tank → impregnation / mixing.
Asphalt tank → buffer tank (bucket) → metering → spraying and mixing.
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.