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Bitumen Flow Meter: Sourcing High-Temperature Viscous Liquid Mass Systems
Quick Answer: For bitumen loading, binder injection, and asphalt blending, a Coriolis mass flow meter is the most reliable choice. It measures mass directly at temperatures up to 200 °C and viscosity from 200 cP to over 100,000 cP. Silver Automation Instruments supplies DN15 to DN100 Coriolis bitumen flow meters with 4-20 mA HART output and ATEX Zone 1 options.
Bitumen flow measurement is not a simple volumetric task. The product is non-Newtonian, sticky, and usually moves at 150 °C to 200 °C. A standard turbine meter or oval gear meter will clog or wear quickly. Most plants need mass flow because bitumen is sold by weight, not volume.
Why Mass Flow Beats Volumetric Flow for Bitumen
Bitumen density changes with temperature and crude source. A volumetric meter shows 10 cubic meters per hour but the true mass can vary by 5 to 8 percent. That error hits billing and recipe control. A Coriolis meter measures mass directly. It also gives density and temperature from one device. This removes the need for separate density compensation.
We have seen a polymer modified bitumen plant in Vietnam where a positive displacement meter under-read by 7 percent after the binder temperature dropped from 180 °C to 160 °C. The customer switched to a DN50 Coriolis meter and now the asphalt batch weight matches the weighbridge ticket.
Key Technical Requirements for Bitumen Service
Temperature rating must cover continuous operation at 180 °C or 200 °C. The meter body should be stainless steel 316L with no internal moving parts. Process connections need to match hot oil jacketed pipe. In most cases we recommend flanged connections. Screwed connections are not common above DN25 because of thermal stress.
Viscosity is often above 10,000 cP at 140 °C and can exceed 50,000 cP for polymer modified grades. A Coriolis mass meter handles this with low pressure drop if you size the tube correctly. Do not undersize. For a 20 t/h bitumen loading skid, a DN50 meter is typical. For a 50 t/h truck loading line, use DN80.
Recommended Models and Sizing
Silver Automation Instruments offers the SIC-series Coriolis mass flow meter for bitumen. Typical options include DN15 to DN100, 150 lb or 300 lb flanges, 316L wetted parts, PT100 temperature compensation, 4-20 mA HART, pulse output, and RS485 Modbus. ATEX Zone 1 or Zone 2 versions are available for refinery and terminal loading areas.
Mass flow accuracy is 0.2 percent of rate for liquids a
Installation Notes for Hot Bitumen Lines
Install the meter in a U-shaped pipe section or downstream of the pump, never at the lowest drain point. Provide heat tracing or hot oil jacket up to the meter flanges. A meter that is not heated will freeze during shutdown. Keep the meter full of bitumen or flush it with light cycle oil before a long stop. We recommend a bypass line for cleaning. In practice, most engineers skip the bypass and then regret it during a blockage.
Because bitumen can solidify, install the meter away from dead legs. Use a short spool piece before and after the meter. No special straight run is needed for Coriolis meters. This is a major benefit on compact truck loading skids.
What to Send for a Quote
We need four values from you. Pipe size DN, flow range in kg/h or t/h, operating temperature in °C, and pressure in bar. Also tell us the hazardous area classification and your preferred output signal. Send us your pressure (bar), temperature (°C), pipe size (DN), and flow range. We will reply with a model, price, and delivery time.
Bitumen Flow Meter FAQ
Can a Coriolis meter handle 200 °C bitumen? Yes. The SIC-series Coriolis meter has a high-temperature version rated up to 200 °C continuous operation. The electronics are mounted remotely to protect them from heat.
What is the typical turndown for a bitumen mass flow meter? Most Coriolis meters we supply have a 20:1 turndown on mass flow. This covers slow start-up flows and full truck loading rates without changing the meter.
Do I need a straight run upstream of the meter? No. Coriolis meters do not need long straight runs like turbine or vortex meters. You can install the meter close to elbows, pumps, or loading arms.
Can the meter measure bitumen emulsion with water content? Yes. The meter measures total mass flow and density. You can use the density signal to estimate water content in emulsions. For custody transfer of emulsion, we recommend a specific calibration.
What approvals are available for bitumen loading terminals? We supply ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 2 versions with Ex d or Ex ia electronics. Other certifications like IECEx are available on request.
Contact Silver Automation Instruments for a bitumen mass flow meter quote. Tel: +86-135-1213-1526. WhatsApp: 86-135-12131526. WeChat: +86 13512131526. Website: flow-meter.com.au
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