High Capacity Liquid Asphalt Storage Tank System - China Factory Suppliers for Efficient Asphalt Solutions
Product Description
A liquid asphalt storage tank is a sealed steel tank used for long-term, large-capacity storage of high-temperature liquid asphalt. It is the core equipment for material storage, thermal insulation, and transfer in asphalt mixing plants, modified asphalt production lines, waterproofing membrane manufacturing, and the carbon industry, providing a stable source of asphalt for the entire production system.
Main Classification
By Structure
- Horizontal asphalt storage tank: Most commonly used, standard for job sites/asphalt mixing plants. Capacity 5–100 tons, movable, fast installation, small footprint.
- Vertical asphalt storage tank: Large fixed storage tank, capacity 100–5,000 tons, used for asphalt depots and large mixing plants, high storage capacity.
By Heating Method
- Thermal oil circulation heating (most recommended): Thermal oil coils arranged inside the tank with an external thermal oil heater. Uniform heating, no asphalt coking or aging, stable temperature control. Industry mainstream.
- Fuel oil/gas direct heating: Fast temperature rise, low cost, suitable for remote job sites. Pay attention to exhaust and explosion protection.
- Electric heating: Used for small tanks, clean with no open flame, suitable for waterproofing and small repair projects.
Core Structure (Three-layer tank + Systems)
Tank Body Layers
- Inner tank: Q235B carbon steel, thickness 6–10 mm, resistant to high-temperature asphalt corrosion. Equipped with internal thermal oil coils, localized rapid heating zone, and ultra-low level asphalt extraction port, allowing complete drainage of asphalt from tank bottom.
- Insulation layer: 100–150 mm high-density rock wool/aluminum silicate, outer layer covered with aluminum sheet cladding. Excellent thermal insulation performance, temperature drop <1°C/h.
- Outer shell: Carbon steel protective cladding, weatherproof (rain and sun protection).
Auxiliary Systems
- Temperature control system: Automatic temperature control, typical storage temperature 130–160°C.
- Asphalt pump + feed/discharge piping: Connects to melter for feeding and to construction equipment for discharging.
- Level gauge, pressure gauge, breather valve, manhole, explosion-proof device.
- Optional mixing device to prevent localized solidification and stratification.
Key Technical Features
- Localized rapid heat extraction: Only heats the discharge zone instead of the entire tank, energy-saving, does not degrade overall asphalt quality.
- Constant temperature storage: Maintains asphalt in a fluid state throughout storage, preventing solidification, carbonization, and degradation.
- Closed-loop environmental protection: Equipped with breather valve and fume collection system, reduces asphalt fume emissions.
- Continuous asphalt supply: Integrates with asphalt melter to achieve a complete system of solid asphalt melting → liquid asphalt storage → continuous discharge.
Common Specifications (Weight/Capacity)
Small Job Sites
5t, 10t, 20t Horizontal Tanks
Medium Mixing Plants
30t, 50t, 80t, 100t Horizontal Tanks
Large Asphalt Depots
200t–2000t Vertical Tanks
Operating Principle
1
Feeding
Hot liquid asphalt is fed into the tank from an asphalt melter or unloading system.
2
Heating & Insulation
The internal coils continuously heat the tank, maintaining the asphalt at a constant temperature in a fluid state.
3
Discharging
During production, the asphalt pump draws asphalt from the tank bottom, passing it through a filter and heater before delivering it to the process.
4
Maintenance
Impurities settle at the tank bottom and are periodically removed through the drain port.
Difference from Buffer Tank
Liquid Asphalt Storage Tank
Designed for large capacity and long-term storage, featuring overall heating systems to keep main materials ready for production.
Asphalt Buffer Tank
Designed for small capacity and short-term transfer, functioning as an intermediate link for pressure stabilization and degassing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary purpose of a liquid asphalt storage tank?
It is used for the long-term, large-capacity storage of high-temperature liquid asphalt, serving as the core equipment for material storage, thermal insulation, and transfer in production lines.
Q: Which heating method is most recommended for these tanks?
Thermal oil circulation heating is highly recommended. It uses thermal oil coils inside the tank to ensure uniform heating without causing asphalt coking or aging.
Q: How efficient is the insulation layer of the tank?
The tank features a 100–150 mm high-density rock wool or aluminum silicate insulation layer covered with aluminum sheet cladding, keeping the temperature drop under 1°C per hour.
Q: What is the difference between a storage tank and a buffer tank?
A storage tank is built for large-capacity, long-term storage with overall heating, whereas a buffer tank is smaller, used for short-term transfer, degassing, and stabilizing system pressure.
Q: What capacity range is available for these asphalt storage tanks?
Sizes range from small horizontal tanks (5t–20t) for job sites, medium horizontal tanks (30t–100t) for mixing plants, to large vertical tanks (200t–2000t) for large depots.