Baest, a.s.

The bitumen handling system forms a functional technological unit comprising the set of storage tanks and distribution piping systems providing the storage and delivery of bitumen (asphalt).

Tank Technical Design:

Tank type:

• vertical
• horizontal

Tank layout:

• in a series
• in a square

Capacity range:

• Single-chamber tanks: - 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100m³
• Double-chamber tanks: - 20/20, 30/30, 40/40, 50/50m³

Heating system:

• Heating register with heat transfer fluid
• Electric heating

In their standard execution, the tanks are equipped with a heating system and intake and filling fittings, an overflow outlet, manholes, fittings for measuring and safety device connection. Further, the tanks are provided with internal and external ladders, roof railings and footbridges. The tanks may be fitted with agitators on customer‘s request. Level monitoring and measurements are provided by means of WEGA pressure cells, a radar measurement device, a capacitance probe, etc., or, possibly, by a mechanical float. As soon as the maximum level has been met, the installed system (a probe or a limit switch) will block the filling pump operation to protect the tank from overfilling. In case of the limit switch of level control has failed, the pump will be blocked by the action of the emergency float. The tanks are provided with the surface finish of high quality (painted with heat resistant coatings). Thermal insulation is used to minimise the heat loss of the tanks.

For the purpose the layer of "Orsil" mineral wool has been installed of 150-300mm thickness, provided with a smooth jacket made of aluminium or galvanised metal sheet (or trapez sheet as the case may be).

Technological distribution piping systems:

• double jacketed bitumen distribution system
• single jacketed distribution system of heat transfer liquid.

The storage site is provided with a separate tapping point. A heated gear pump allows various tapping methods to be used, either through a connection to the tapping end-piece of the distribution system, or directly from the distributor while bypassing the tapping pump and the filter. The distribution systems allow bitumen to be re-pumped among individual tanks, stirred in the tanks and delivered to the distributor.

The tanks, as well as the bitumen and heat transfer fluid distribution systems are installed in an impermeable collecting sump of concrete pursuant to the applicable CSN Standard.

Particular fittings are accessible from service gratings and the platform locates above the tanks. Both the distribution piping of heat transfer fluid and the double-jacketed piping of bitumen distribution are provided with thermal insulation made of the layer of "Orsil" mineral wool of 80-100mm thickness, provided with an outer smooth jacket made of aluminium or galvanised metal sheets.