Metering rubberised asphalt

Micro Motion® high temperature ELITE® Coriolis flowmeters enable accurate and reliable measurement of extremely abrasive high temperature, high viscosity fluid

BearCat Pumps of Phoenix, (AZ US) is using Micro Motion ELITE® high temperature Coriolis mass flowmeters  as part of its metering systems for rubberised asphalt, an extremely abrasive, high temperature and high viscosity fluid. The Micro Motion meters enable accurate and reliable measurement of the difficult-to-handle fluid.

“Pumping rubberised asphalt is a very challenging application that combines heat, pressure and an abrasive material,” said Kevin T. Hill, President, BearCat Pumps. “Our experiences with other technologies have confirmed Micro Motion high temperature Coriolis meters as the best choice, as they consistently deliver the accurate readings our customers demand.”

There are two stages in the rubberised asphalt production process where material is blended and then mixed. Measurement accuracy is critical to ensure the correct blend ratios are maintained. BearCat previously used mechanical gear pumps for flow measurement, but the abrasive asphalt caused wear in the pumps, which allowed measurement accuracy to drift.

The company solved this problem by incorporating a Micro Motion high temperature Coriolis meter into its metering systems, which also include a pump and a relief or bypass valve. At start-up, heat and pressure are applied to the relief valve and sensor allowing the asphalt to circulate. The sensor of the Coriolis meter is heated using heat-jacketed surfaces that are connected to the existing heating circuit and the complete sensor is then wrapped with an insulating cover.

Developed for harsh environments, the Micro Motion meter is suitable for process temperatures up to 350ºC. Its transmitter can be mounted remotely to protect it from the heat, and the sensor can be installed anywhere with no flow conditioning or straight pipe run required. With no moving parts, the Micro Motion flowmeter requires no maintenance or repair.

To ensure accurate measurements are maintained, the Micro Motion ELITE range features in-line meter verification. This capability enables BearCat’s customers to check the sensor tubes and electronics against original factory settings while the meter is in line and the process is flowing,

These features make the Micro Motion ELITE high temperature Coriolis meters especially suited to the harsh operating environments associated with pumping asphalt. Other applications include high temperature processes such as the handling of heavy crude, bitumen, monomers, polymers, wax and cooking oils that are difficult to control and keep below a set temperature limit.