Asphalt and bitumen are key materials in the construction industry. The two terms are used interchangeably around the world. Asphalt is a polymer material widely used in road construction and other civil engineering projects, with advantages such as high temperature stability, low temperature crack resistance and good waterproof performance.
However, the flow measurement of asphalt is a challenging problem. Because the viscosity and chemical properties of this material will affect the performance of the flow meter. Asphalt flow meters and bitumen flow meters are indispensable. In this blog post, we will learn about asphalt and bitumen flow meters in detail.
Asphalt And Bitumen
To put it simply, Bitumen is a naturally occurring material that is made up of hydrocarbons, while asphalt is a man-made product derived from bitumen.
Bitumen: In detail
Bitumen is a by-product of crude oil. Before passing through an air distillation column, crude oil is heated in refineries at temperatures between 300 and 350 degrees Celsius.
Lighter crude oil fractions separate from those that don’t boil, and this process leaves behind a sticky residue. This is referred to as the vacuum bottom, which is utilized to refine bitumen.
Pure bitumen makes up 40 to 70% of bitumen from lakes. It is boiled to purge the bitumen of impurities, allowing the water to evaporate completely. A sedimentary deposit with a bitumen concentration of 5 to 15% is referred to as rock bitumen or oil sands.
What is Asphalt?
Alumina, lime, silica, and asphaltic bitumen are the main ingredients in the asphalt plant mixture. Asphalt, sometimes referred to as “flexible pavement,” is a composite material. Comprising about 5% bitumen as a binder and 95% aggregates such as sand, stones, and fillers, asphalt’s unique composition allows it to cool into a solid, durable surface.
Simply put, Bitumen is a viscous liquid binder, while asphalt is a pre-mixed solid composite containing bitumen.
The Role of Asphalt and Bitumen in Road Construction
Before diving into the specifics of flow meters, it’s important to understand the materials they measure. Asphalt and bitumen, both types of materials are used in the construction of roads and highways.
We must be conscious of the fact that bitumen is a sticky petroleum. It bonds other construction materials effectively to prevent mistakes. This compound is ideal for mixing with sand to form asphalt because of its special adhesive properties. As a result, bitumen and sand are combined to make asphalt.
Road paving is done with asphalt plant. A factory that heats, dries, and combines sand, bitumen, and gravel into a composite mix produces asphalt. Then, in relation to the ultimate use, it is put through a paving machine on the job site as a solid material at a designated or required thickness. Compared to a bitumen-sealed road, asphalt creates a smoother and more resilient asphalt road surface.
Asphalt/ Bitumen Flow Meters
High Viscosity oval gear Flow meter (Positive Displacement Flow Meter)
High viscosity oval gear flow meter can detect fluids viscosity 2000 cp. LC series oval gear flow meter with external heated measuring loops is suitable for high viscosity fluids measurement, such as asphalt and bitumen flow rate measurement.
This kind of viscous liquid can easily solidify when the environment temperature is low, and could easily harm the flow meter gear, when you re-start this kind of flow meter, the solidified liquid may block the oval gear and the flow meter can be broken down. So users should warm up the flow meter with steam, hot water or heating oil using our thermal heating jacket. The thermal jacket is usually installed with two DN15 flanges to transfer the heating fluids.
Features
- Oval gear flow meter with heating jacket for viscous liquid measurement;
- Positive displacement flow meter (PD) flow meter for fluids volumetric flow measurement;
- High accuracy and repeatability, direct volumetric reading;
- Mechanical type or electronic type oval gear type flow meter;
- No straight pipeline required when installing;
- Sensor size from DN10 to DN200 (8 inch oval gear flow meter);
- Robust construction for heavy duty purpose;
Coriolis Flow Meters
These flow meters measure the mass flow rate of bitumen by detecting the change in frequency of oscillation of a vibrating tube through which the fluid flows. They are particularly useful for highly viscous fluids like bitumen because they can accurately measure mass flow, regardless of changes in temperature or viscosity.
Features
- Directly measure mass flow
- Wide measurement range and high measurement accuracy
- Applicable to a variety of media
- Easy installation and maintenance
Target Flowmeter
The measurement principle of the target flowmeter is based on the pressure difference generated when the fluid flows through the baffle (target) due to its own kinetic energy in the pipeline. And there is a force on the baffle. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the square of the medium flow rate. Target flowmeters are widely used in high-temperature fluids that are easy to solidify at room temperature, such as liquid sulfur (liquid sulfur), liquid paraffin (liquid wax), emulsified asphalt, latex, etc.
- High precision: The target flowmeter has a high measurement accuracy, generally within the range of ±1%. This makes it highly valuable in applications that require accurate flow measurement.
- Good stability: The structure is simple and there are no moving parts, so it has high stability and reduces measurement errors caused by component wear.
- Reliability: It is not affected by the viscosity, density, temperature and pressure of the fluid, the measurement results are reliable, and the application range is wide.
- Low pressure loss: The design structure makes it have a low pressure loss, which reduces the energy loss when the fluid flows through the measuring instrument.
- Easy to install and maintain: The installation and maintenance are relatively simple, which reduces the cost of use.
Accurate measurement of both asphalt and bitumen is essential: Why?
Applications of Asphalt/Bitumen Flow Meters
Road Paving: Whether it’s a highway, city street, or rural road, asphalt and bitumen flow meters are used to ensure that the right amount of material is applied for a smooth, durable, and safe surface.
Pothole Repair: During pothole repairs, accurate flow measurement helps ensure that the correct amount of patching material is applied, extending the life of the repair and minimizing waste.
Airport Runways: Asphalt flow meters are crucial in airport construction and maintenance, where high-quality and precise paving is critical for safety and performance.
Railways: Some railway systems also use asphalt or bitumen as a binder in track construction and repairs. Flow meters ensure the right amount of material is applied for track stability.
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Asphalt and bitumen flow meters are essential tools in modern road construction. They ensure the precise application of these vital materials, promoting high-quality, durable, and safe roadways while also optimizing costs and reducing waste.
Sino-Inst has an exclusive catalog of Oval Gear Flow Meters, such as High Viscosity Oval Gear Flow Meter and many more. The versatile list of flow measurement technology has made our company popular among world wide customers.