Valves for Bitumen / Asphalt Service
Bitumen (asphalt) is the heaviest fraction of petroleum distillation, solid at ambient temperature and requiring heating to 150–230°C for handling and pumping. It is used for road paving, roofing, waterproofing, and as a heavy refinery product. Bitumen service is among the most demanding valve applications due to the extremely high temperature, high viscosity (thousands to millions of cP), potential for coking if overheated, and the risk of sudden solidification if the heat source fails.
Pressure Range
3–20 barg
Temperature
150–230°C operational; may reach 250°C in heaters
Industries
Refineries (bitumen loading), Road construction (bitumen plants), Roofing and waterproofing
Key Properties — Bitumen / Asphalt
- Solid below 30–60°C (depending on grade) — all equipment must be heated
- Pumping temperature: 150–200°C (bitumen); 200–230°C (cutback bitumen)
- Viscosity >10,000 cSt at 100°C — high differential pressure across valves
- Coking risk above 250°C if flow stagnates
- Extremely high fire risk if ignited at high temperature
Material Compatibility — Bitumen / Asphalt
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (WCB) | Excellent | Standard for all bitumen service. |
| Cast Steel | Excellent | For higher pressure bitumen circuits. |
| Cast Iron | Poor | Brittle failure risk with thermal shock from bitumen solidification. |
Recommended Valves
Full-bore Jacketed Gate Valve
Main isolation on bitumen headers — full bore for scraper/pigs; jacketed body maintains temperature
Jacketed Ball Valve (full bore)
Quick isolation for bitumen in tank connection and truck loading service
Jacketed Globe Valve (Stellite trim)
Control of bitumen flow to storage or mixing
Jacketed Y-Type Strainer
Upstream protection of pumps and meters from bitumen debris
Valves to Avoid
Non-jacketed valves in bitumen service — solidification will seize stem
Cast iron valves — thermal shock failure risk
Butterfly valves in high-viscosity bitumen — unacceptable pressure drop
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
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