DIRECT HEATING BITUMEN TANK

 1. What is a Direct Heating Bitumen Tank?

A Direct Heating Bitumen Tank is a storage and heating unit designed to store and heat bitumen directly using a diesel- or gas-fired burner, without the use of thermal oil. The flame directly heats the tank or the coil submerged in bitumen to raise the material to working temperature (usually 150–180°C).

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2. How does direct heating differ from indirect heating in bitumen tanks?

In direct heating, the burner heats the bitumen tank or coils directly, making it simpler and more cost-effective. In contrast, indirect heating uses thermal oil as a medium, which circulates in a jacket or coil system to heat the bitumen. While indirect heating offers more uniform heat, direct heating is faster and easier to maintain.

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3. What types of burners are used in direct heating bitumen tanks?

Most tanks use diesel-fired or gas-fired pressure jet burners, often with automatic ignition and flame control. Some models may support dual-fuel burners as well.

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4. What is the typical capacity of a direct heating bitumen tank?

Capacities generally range from 5,000 liters to 50,000 liters or more, depending on the application and site requirements. Portable/mobile models are usually smaller in size (5kL to 10kL), while stationary ones can be larger.

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5. Is the temperature controlled automatically?

Yes. Most modern tanks come with a thermostatically controlled system that automatically regulates the burner based on preset temperature limits. This prevents overheating and ensures safe bitumen handling.

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6. What insulation is used to retain heat in the tank?

The tank body is usually insulated with Rockwool, Glasswool, or Mineral Wool (100mm or more), and externally cladded with GI or aluminum sheets to prevent heat loss and ensure fuel efficiency.

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7. Is there a risk of bitumen degradation due to direct flame contact?

Good-quality direct heating tanks are designed with indirect flame contact through heating coils placed inside the tank, avoiding direct flame contact with the bitumen itself. This minimizes the risk of overheating or degradation.

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8. How is bitumen discharged from the tank?

Bitumen is typically discharged via:

• Gravity outlet valve (for small tanks)

• Bitumen transfer pump, which is often jacketed and heated, ensuring smooth flow even at lower ambient temperatures.

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9. What are the common safety features of a direct heating bitumen tank?

• Automatic temperature cut-off

• Pressure relief valves

• Flame failure safety mechanism in the burner

• Level indicators to avoid overflow

• Insulated body and hot surfaces to protect operators

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10. What are the key advantages of using a direct heating bitumen tank?

✅ Lower capital and operating cost
✅ Simplified design with fewer components
✅ Faster heat-up time
✅ Easy maintenance and portability
✅ Ideal for remote or mid-scale projects