PRODUCTION NOTES |
DORMIE ROBERTS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Horizontal tanks offer the advantage of being less susceptible to power lines because of their low profile, easier to recirculate and easier to drain completely. ASTEC
Road Ready - Storage and Handling Asphalt Emulsions From storage tanks to temperature regulation, handling emulsions takes mindful calculations to achieve a desired product
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hen customers place an order, your high caliber product will determine whether you will get repeat business and referrals. The same can be said for the asphalt industry, specifically the
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emulsion segment. Improper storage and handling of such materials can result in unfavorable quality and performance. According to the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), "emulsions come in different grades but typically contain between 55 and 75% asphalt. In addition to the asphalt and water, asphalt emulsions contain 0.1-2% of an emulsifier or ‘soap’ which functions to stabilize the emulsion." Since the product contains about 30-40% water, emulsions behave similar to water depending on the grade. The advantage to this is safety, however the
disadvantage is it will freeze at 32° F and will boil at 212° F. Keeping the material in that sweet spot, warm but not too hot, and not allowing it to freeze is key. With proper storage and handling of the materials, terminal operators will be able to create the ideal product for road ready use. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TANK? Similar to how Goldilocks wanted to find the perfect temperature porridge to eat, making sure the temperature was just right, not too hot and not too cold,
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