High-temperature industrial applications like asphalt production are extremely demanding. Manufacturing asphalt that can hold up to heavy weight loads and intense weather conditions requires a mix of precision and consistency. With temperature that can reach up to 600℉ and pressures up to 300 pounds per square inch (PSI), the ideal industrial pump for this application also needs to be durable and reliable.
The challenge is understanding which pump design features are right for high-temperature fluid handling, and how these features can help producers like those in the asphalt space optimize productivity and processes. With this in mind, let’s look at the factors to take into account when choosing the right pump for high-temperature environments.
Making sure to choose an air-cooled pump is the first order of business. As the name implies, these pumps are cooled by air rather than water, making air-cooled pumps better suited for high-temperature industrial applications like asphalt mixing.
Air-cooled industrial pumps dissipate heat and keep the mechanical seals and pump bearing frame at optimal operating temperatures. What’s more, air-cooled pumps can handle higher temperature fluids in a more efficient and economical way than liquid cooled pumps. Asphalt becomes viscous at the lower end of production temperatures, which can overload pump motors. Choosing a pump that can handle this kind of fluid is key in optimizing uptime and productivity.
Asphalt plants should choose equipment constructed from heat-resistant materials, with components rated well above the maximum temperature for the fluid they’ll be pumping. Standard pump solutions that are commonly used in low temperature or pressure environments in applications like asphalt production can be more prone to leaks or breakdowns with long-term use.
Dean Pump’s RA Series air-cooled pumps are engineered with advanced sealing technology to manage high-temperature conditions without compromising performance or safety.
Maintaining high-temperature industrial pumps can be a challenge given the intensity of the conditions in which they operate. Selecting a pump that is efficient and built to last is essential. A well-designed industrial pump will require less maintenance while also optimizing the use of required resources like water and energy.
Pumps designed with easy access for maintenance and minimal component wear are more likely to reduce overall maintenance costs. Pumps designed with thick-walled casings and heavy-duty bearings can handle the stress of thermal expansion and long run times.
It’s important to remember that high flows and pressures put seals and gaskets under considerable stress. Mechanical seals made from graphite, ceramic, or other heat-tolerant materials can help minimize the potential for leakage and maximize a pump’s service life.
Pumps like the Dean Pump RA Series are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations for superior flexibility and efficiency. In fact, Dean’s entire RA series, with its robust design and rugged components, is built for long-term reliability. This means reduced downtime and less frequent part replacement, contributing to more efficient pump operation.
Compliance with regulatory standards is an essential part of selecting the right pump for high-temperature fluid transfer. Pumps in high-temperature applications like asphalt plants need to meet API standards and ATEX or UL ratings. A pump’s design can influence a plant’s ability to comply with air quality and emissions standards, particularly if the pump is directly tied to combustion or thermal fluid systems. This makes it essential that manufacturers ensure their industrial equipment meets a variety of standards, including EPA emissions guidelines.
Dean Pumps are designed to meet these standards, with pumps that are explosion-proof and equipped with features that help plants meet air quality standards.
Choosing the right industrial pump to optimize the transfer of high-temperature fluids in asphalt plants is a critical decision. IPEC’s team of experienced technicians and maintenance specialists is here to help you select the ideal pump for your asphalt production needs. We offer a wide range of off-the-shelf and custom solutions that can be configured to meet the challenges and needs of your asphalt manufacturing application.
Plus, as a Fybroc and Dean authorized service center (ASC), we offer OEM-certified Fybroc and Dean parts to ensure seamless compatibility, and we offer 24/7 maintenance and performance audits both on-site and in our shop.
Contact us today to learn more about our industrial pump solutions.