Bitumen (asphalt) is a heavy, viscous petroleum product that must be kept hot to remain workable. Specially designed bitumen storage tanks ensure bitumen stays liquid by providing insulation and heating, preventing it from cooling and solidifying. These tanks are vital in road construction, asphalt production, roofing, and waterproofing applications, as they maintain a ready supply of hot bitumen for mixing and application. There are three primary types of bitumen tanks – Horizontal, Containerised (Portable), and Vertical – each suited to different operational needs. In this guide, we explore each type’s design, technical features, and use cases, and provide a comparison table. We also highlight Polygonmachine, a leading manufacturer of bitumen tanks and asphalt equipment, and the range of solutions they offer.
Horizontal bitumen tanks are cylindrical tanks mounted lying on their side, built with heavy-duty materials (high-grade steel or reinforced concrete) to support the weight of large volumes of bitumen. They typically rest on support legs or skids and can be installed at asphalt plants or terminals. The horizontal orientation results in a wider diameter, enabling very high storage capacities – some designs can hold hundreds or even thousands of tons of bitumen. For example, Polygonmach offers horizontal tanks ranging from modest 30-ton units up to massive 5000-ton capacity models, suitable for large asphalt production facilities.
To keep bitumen fluid (usually around 150–180 °C), horizontal tanks integrate robust heating systems. Common methods include fire-tube burners, internal serpentine hot oil coils, or electric heaters distributed along the tank’s length. The tank is wrapped in thick insulation (rock mineral wool, polyurethane foam, etc.) and clad in metal sheeting to minimize heat loss. This insulation is critical – without it, the bitumen would cool and become too viscous to pump. Advanced horizontal tank designs, like Astec’s Thermo-Guard vertical tanks, note that horizontal tanks have a larger surface area of hot bitumen exposed to air, which can increase heat loss and oxidation of the product. To counter this, quality horizontal tanks use extra insulation and often maintain a nitrogen blanket or low oxygen environment to reduce oxidation of hot polymer-modified bitumen.
Many horizontal tanks can be fitted with agitators or circulation pumps to maintain uniform temperature and prevent stratification of additives or polymers in modified bitumen. They also include temperature sensors, automatic thermostats, level gauges, and safety alarms. These controls help operators ensure the bitumen stays in the target range (no overheating or overcooling) for immediate use. Safety devices like pressure relief valves, overfill shut-offs, and emergency vents are built-in due to the flammability of hot bitumen.
Horizontal bitumen tanks are commonly found in large asphalt mixing plants and storage terminals where high volumes are required continuously. Their high capacity makes them ideal for highway projects, airport runway asphalt plants, or bulk bitumen storage at ports. However, horizontal tanks have a large footprint, consuming significant ground area. They may be installed in permanent locations due to their size, though smaller horizontal tanks (e.g. 30–100 ton range) can be skid-mounted for semi-mobile use. Horizontal tanks provide easy access at ground level for maintenance and loading. They are favored when volume and throughput are prioritized over space savings, and where height restrictions or crane availability might limit vertical tank installation.
Containerised bitumen tanks are mobile, compact units built to standard shipping container dimensions for easy transport. Essentially, a containerised tank integrates a heated bitumen storage vessel within a 20 or 40-foot container frame, complete with all necessary heating, pumping, and control systems. Capacities typically range from ~30 up to 60–80 tons to remain within transportable size and weight limits. For instance, Polygonmach produces 30, 60, and 80-ton containerised bitumen tanks that can be shipped to site and put into service quickly.
The tank and its components (burner or heat coil, circulation pump, valves, etc.) are housed inside an insulated container shell, often with an external staircase and platform for access. High-density insulation and thermostatic heaters ensure the bitumen stays at application temperature during transit and on-site storage. These units include temperature control panels and safety features similar to stationary tanks (overflow prevention, pressure release, thermostats) but in a compact form. Some containerised tanks also feature agitators to keep the bitumen homogeneous if modified binders are stored.
The chief advantage of containerised tanks is mobility – they can be transported by truck, rail, or ship like any standard container, allowing bitumen to be moved close to remote project sites. This reduces the need for long pipeline runs or repeated heating cycles. On site, they require minimal foundations; often they can be placed on a flat pad and connected to power or a generator for their heating system. Because all components are self-contained, setup is relatively plug-and-play – hook up the fuel or power for heaters, and the tank is operational. This makes them invaluable for temporary asphalt plants, road paving jobs in remote areas, or multi-site maintenance projects. When the project is done, the tank can be cooled and relocated to the next site, offering great flexibility.
Vertical bitumen tanks are upright cylindrical tanks that store bitumen in a tall, silo-like configuration. The vertical design drastically reduces the footprint needed – multiple vertical tanks can fit in the ground area of one horizontal tank – which is crucial when space on site is limited. Typical capacities for vertical tanks range from around 30–50 tons for small units up to about 100–150 tons for larger units, though some designs can go higher. Polygonmach’s vertical tank lineup, for example, spans 30, 60, 80, 100, up to 120 tons models.
A vertical tank is essentially a large upright cylinder with a heavy-duty base and support structure to keep it stable. They are constructed from high-strength steel (often with a double-wall or internal baffle design) and mounted on a robust foundation or steel legs. The height-to-diameter ratio is greater than in horizontal tanks, meaning vertical tanks hold their volume in a narrower but taller form. This yields a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which has two benefits: less heat loss through the walls and less exposure of hot bitumen to air, reducing oxidation and aging of the binder. This is especially important for polymer-modified bitumen, which can degrade if overheated or exposed to oxygen for long periods.
Inside, heating coils or electric elements run vertically or in spiral form to uniformly heat the bitumen from bottom to top. Many vertical tanks also utilize “dish-bottom” designs or built-in agitators to keep the heated bitumen circulating and prevent any cool zones at the bottom. The entire tank is wrapped in thick insulation and weatherproof cladding to maintain temperature. In fact, vertical tanks can be highly energy-efficient; for instance, some designs include 300 mm insulation layers and efficient electric heating that can maintain 160–180 °C with minimal energy use.
Just like other tanks, vertical tanks are equipped with thermostatic controls, level sensors, and safety valves. Modern vertical tank systems have computerized controllers to modulate heaters and even schedule heating during off-peak electricity hours for efficiency. Safety is paramount due to the large volume of hot liquid stored at height – features include overflow protection, emergency venting, and fire suppression systems (e.g. foam pipes or deluge systems at the top of the tank). The smaller roof area of vertical tanks means fewer fumes and less odor escape during filling, and vent pipes can be connected to filters or return lines to the tanker being unloaded, improving environmental and worker safety. Many asphalt plant operators choose vertical tanks for the cleaner, safer bitumen handling they provide.
Vertical bitumen tanks are commonly used at permanent asphalt plants, large industrial bitumen consumers, and terminals where space is at a premium. They are ideal for urban asphalt plants or mixing facilities that must maximize output in limited yard space – multiple vertical tanks can store different grades of bitumen (or additives like PMB) side by side efficiently. Because of their volume and steady heat retention, vertical tanks excel in supplying a continuous, uninterrupted flow of bitumen for high-production operations. They are also seen in roofing material factories and insulation manufacturers that consume bulk bitumen; a vertical tank can feed production lines while taking minimal floor space. Another advantage is that vertical tanks can often be expanded in capacity by increasing height (within engineering limits), giving plant operators flexibility to upgrade storage without needing more ground area.
One consideration is that vertical tanks, once installed, are not mobile – they require foundation work and are meant for long-term use at a fixed location. They also may require additional infrastructure like ladders, platforms, and heating oil circulation units at ground level. Despite this, their space-saving and energy-efficient nature often outweigh these factors for large-scale installations. As noted in industry reports, “vertical tanks save space… and have a smaller surface area, meaning a larger proportion of the stored bitumen remains usable liquid” compared to horizontal tanks. This efficiency can translate to cost savings over time.
Each type of bitumen tank has distinct strengths. The table below summarizes key differences to help buyers choose the right solution for their needs:
| Aspect | Horizontal Tank | Containerised Tank | Vertical Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity Range | Wide range, from ~30 up to very large capacities (several thousand tons). Extremely high-volume storage (e.g. 1000–5000 ton) is usually only feasible in horizontal orientation. | Moderate; typically 20–80 ton per unit for portability. Often designed around 20′ or 40′ container size limits, which constrain volume. Multiple units can be used for more storage. | Moderate-High; common sizes ~30–120 ton (Polygonmach up to 120 ton). Larger vertical tanks (100+ ton) exist but are limited by height and safety considerations. |
| Footprint (Space) | Large footprint – requires significant ground area proportional to capacity (long cylindrical profile). Not ideal for space-constrained sites. | Compact footprint – fits in a standard container area. Excellent for tight sites or interim setups. Multiple units can be distributed as needed. | Small footprint – very space-efficient vertically. Can store substantial volume using minimal ground area (e.g. 4 vertical tanks in space of 1 horizontal). Great for permanent sites with limited space. |
| Mobility | Stationary or semi-mobile. Smaller horizontal tanks can be skid-mounted or trailer-mounted, but large ones are fixed installations. Moving a 100+ ton horizontal tank is difficult without disassembly. | Highly mobile. Designed for easy transport by road/rail/ship. Can be relocated between job sites; essentially “plug-and-play” upon arrival. Best choice when portability is needed regularly. | Stationary. Not intended to be moved once erected. Requires dismantling to relocate, so used for permanent facilities. |
| Installation | Requires a prepared foundation or piers for large tanks. Cranes may be needed to position big horizontal tanks. Generally installed at ground level, making maintenance access easier. | Minimal civil works – often just a level pad. No crane needed; can be unloaded from a truck. Quick setup with integrated systems (self-contained unit). | Needs a strong foundation and vertical assembly (crane to stand it up). Takes advantage of vertical space but requires ladders/platforms for access and maintenance at height. |
| Thermal Efficiency | Good, but higher surface area means more heat loss per volume than a vertical tank. Requires thick insulation to maintain temperature. Horizontal orientation exposes more bitumen surface to air, which can increase oxidation if not inerted. | Good insulation due to container enclosure. May have slightly more heat loss than a similarly sized vertical (because of smaller volume, higher surface-to-volume ratio), but generally efficient for short-term storage. Often equipped with high-performance insulation and heaters to compensate. | High – less surface area per ton of bitumen, so retains heat well. Vertical tanks are often cited for energy efficiency (thick insulation can be applied all around). Less oxygen contact means reduced bitumen aging. Usually very effective for long-term storage with minimal temperature drop. |
| Key Advantages | – Can achieve very large capacity in one unit (ideal for bulk storage). – Easier to access components at ground level (simpler maintenance and cleaning). – Proven design for permanent asphalt plants; often lower manufacturing cost per ton stored compared to vertical. |
– Ultimate portability – move your storage to where it’s needed. – Quick setup and integration into mobile operations. – Can be leased or shared across projects; no long-term site commitment. – Enclosed design adds safety (all hot surfaces contained in the unit). |
– Space-saving – great for congested facilities or urban plants. – Energy-efficient – lower heat loss, especially with advanced insulation. – Less oxidization of bitumen (smaller exposed surface) – beneficial for quality preservation of PMB and other sensitive binders. – Can use gravity feed in some cases (high head pressure), aiding flow. |
| Key Considerations | – Space: needs sufficient area and proper supports. – Relocation: not practical for frequent moves (except small units). – Oxidation: large open surface inside (mitigate with nitrogen blanket or mixer for sensitive bitumen). |
– Capacity Limit: for very large volumes, multiple units or refilling will be needed, which can complicate operations if demand is high. – Temperature Holding: If kept long on standby, may need external power source for heaters at remote sites (ensure generator or electrical hookup a |
Bitumen tanks typically use internal heating coils to raise and maintain the asphalt cement (bitumen) at operating temperature (usually 140–170 °C). These coils are often made of seamless steel pipe arranged in a serpentine or helical fashion to maximize heat exchange area while accommodating thermal expansion. For example, a 50 m³ bitumen tank may include a coil with ≥30 m² surface area for heat transfer. Common coil tube diameters are around 2 inches (≈51 mm), and they are typically mounted near the tank bottom or in multiple levels, ensuring maximum contact with the bitumen. Hot thermal oil (heat transfer fluid) from a separate heater is pumped through these coils, indirectly heating the bitumen. The thermal oil system is a closed loop with an expansion tank and circulation pump, designed to operate at relatively low pressure (just above atmospheric) while achieving oil temperatures up to ~160–200 °C. A dedicated thermal oil boiler (burner) heats the oil; for instance, a Polygonmachine tank system uses a diesel-fired hot oil generator rated at 2,000,000 kcal/h (≈2.3 MW) to heat 50 tons of bitumen. This high-capacity heater, coupled with a properly sized coil, allows efficient ramp-up of temperature. To prevent coking or localized overheating, heat input must be balanced – the thermal energy must distribute gradually through the viscous bitumen. In practice, thermal oil enters the coil at the target temperature (e.g. 160 °C) and exits only a few degrees cooler, indicating most heat is absorbed by the bitumen. A safety circulation rule is that burners shut off if oil flow stops, avoiding overheating of stagnant oil. The coil system also includes instrumentation and controls: temperature sensors for both oil and bitumen, and often an automatic thermostat to cycle the burner and pumps to hold the bitumen at the set temperaturel.
The thermal oil circuit design includes an expansion tank (vented or inert-gas blanketed) to accommodate oil expansion and to remove any entrained air or moisture from the oil. Pumps circulate the oil continuously through the tank coils and back to the heater. In a typical design, the coil surface area and oil flow rate are engineered such that the bitumen can be heated from ambient to working temperature within a practical timeframe (e.g. overnight or faster for a fresh fill). The exact heating time depends on the tank volume, heater capacity, and insulation. As a real-world example, a 25,000 L (≈20 ft ISO container) bitumen tank with a direct-fire burner takes about 10 hours to heat from ambient (~20 °C) to ~160 °C. By contrast, a larger 50 m³ stationary tank with a 2.3 MW thermal oil system (such as Polygonmach PBT-50) can achieve a similar temperature rise in roughly 5–6 hours, thanks to the greater heat input and efficient serpentine coil (30 m² surface). (This assumes starting with cold bitumen; in normal operation tanks are usually kept warm to avoid full reheat from 20 °C.) The thermal oil circuit is generally designed with safety interlocks – for example, low oil-level and over-temperature shutoffs – and an automatic burner that modulates or cycles to maintain the desired oil and bitumen temperatures.
Because bitumen must be stored at high temperatures, thermal insulation is critical to minimize heat loss. Bitumen tanks are typically wrapped in layers of mineral wool (rock wool or fiberglass) insulation, often 50 mm to 300 mm thick depending on the tank size and climate. Smaller tanks (e.g. 20–30 m³ capacity) might use around 50 mm insulation, whereas larger tanks (50+ m³) or energy-efficient designs use 100–300 mm of insulation for better heat retentionl. For example, one horizontal tank design specifies 50 mm rock wool for 20–40 m³ models, but doubles the insulation to 100 mm for a 50 m³ model to improve efficiencyl. High-performance vertical storage tanks by some manufacturers even feature 200–300 mm insulation on the shell. Mineral wool typically has a thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/m·K, so 50 mm corresponds to an R-value of about 1.25 m²·K/W (approximately R-7 in imperial units). Thus, 100 mm would be roughly R-2.5 (m²·K/W). In practice, a 50 mm rock wool layer (R6–8 in US units) is considered a minimum for hot tanks, while 100 mm (R~12–16) or more is used to significantly reduce heat loss in cold climates or for long-term storage.
The insulation is usually protected by a metal outer cladding (e.g. 0.8 mm galvanized or aluminum sheet), which keeps weather and moisture out of the insulation. Maintaining dry insulation is important because any moisture will drastically lower the R-value and can cause dangerous hot spots if bitumen or hot oil leaks into wet insulation. A well-insulated tank will lose only a small percentage of heat per hour. Real-world performance illustrates this: in one case, a fully heated bitumen tank (maintained at ~160 °C) that was shut off for 3 days saw its contents cool to only ~138 °C, thanks to thick insulation (about 100 mm of mineral wool) and the thermal mass of the bitumen. This slow cooling (~22 °C drop in 72 hours) highlights how effective insulation can drastically reduce energy requirements by preserving heat. To quantify, typical heat loss through a 50 m³ tank with 50 mm insulation might be on the order of a few kW under steady 160 °C storage conditions – a relatively small heat load that modern systems can maintain with periodic burner or element activation. Many advanced tanks use even thicker insulation (e.g. 4 inches ≈ 100 mm, or more) of high-density fiberglass or rockwool, which “maintain optimum operating temperature” with minimal energy input. Additionally, designs avoid thermal bridges: supporting legs, nozzles, and manway necks are often insulated or engineered to reduce conductive losses. All these measures (increased insulation thickness, proper cladding, minimizing thermal bridges) improve the tank’s thermal efficiency, translating to lower fuel consumption and more stable bitumen temperature during storage.
Most bitumen storage tanks are atmospheric or low-pressure vessels. Because bitumen is stored at elevated temperature but not a high vapor pressure, the tanks are typically designed for no more than a few psi of internal pressure. Large stationary tanks are often built to API or EN standards for atmospheric tanks (design pressure usually <0.5 psig ≈ 0.03 bar) and include vents to atmosphere. However, during filling, emptying, and thermal expansion of both bitumen and air, the tank can experience slight positive or negative pressure. To handle this, tanks are fitted with pressure-vacuum relief valves. For example, a transportable 25 m³ bitumen ISO-tank might have a working pressure of ~1.75 bar and a relief valve set at ~2.2 bar, with vacuum relief at –0.21 bar. In contrast, a fixed atmospheric tank might have its PV valve set just above ambient pressure (e.g. a few kPa) to allow safe breathing. The relief systems prevent overpressure (which could rupture the tank or piping) and vacuum (which could collapse the tank during cool-down or unloading). International transport tanks (UN portable T3 type) are built to withstand these pressures and are tested up to ~2.65 bar, but stationary tanks often rely on venting rather than strength for pressure management.
Beyond valves, vent/overflow piping is incorporated. An internal vent line allows vapor and air to escape safely, often routed to discharge near ground level or to a safe location. This is crucial when filling the tank or heating bitumen (which expands ~0.0007 per °C – significant given the temperature swing). In fact, design practice is to never completely fill a hot bitumen tank; typically only ~80–90% capacity is used to leave expansion space. Many tanks include an overflow pipe at the maximum safe-fill level as a backup to prevent overfilling accidents. A ventilation system or breather is listed among standard fittings on bitumen tanks, ensuring that as bitumen is pumped in or out, the displaced air/vapors can exit without building pressure. Modern tanks also incorporate level gauges and high-level alarms to avoid overfill incidents.
Structurally, bitumen tanks are made of heavy steel to handle the weight and thermal stresses. Common shell materials are carbon steels (e.g. ASTM A36 or Q345D equivalent) of thickness ~5–8 mm for mid-sized tanks. For example, a 25 m³ tank container uses 6 mm shell and 8 mm ends in a pressurized design. Stationary atmospheric tanks might use thicker plates (6–10 mm) for large diameters to maintain rigidity. All internal heating coils and pipes are typically made of schedule 40 or 80 steel pipes (often seamless) that can withstand both the internal oil pressure and external forces of the hot bitumen. The coil is anchored in a way to allow thermal expansion and contraction (serpentine or U-bend shapes accommodate this). Additionally, supports and saddles for horizontal tanks are robust (e.g. twin I-beams or concrete foundations) to keep the tank stable and prevent sagging when full of heavy bitumen and oil. Tanks include features like access manholes (for cleaning/inspection), ladders and top railings (for safe maintenance access), and often internal coating or liners to protect the steel from hot bitumen if required (though plain carbon steel handles bitumen well, polymer-modified bitumen might necessitate agitation to avoid separation, or special coatings). Agitators can be installed for polymer-modified bitumen tanks to keep additives evenly distributed. All these design elements ensure that the tank operates safely under the demands of high temperature and occasional thermal cycling. In summary, while the tanks themselves usually operate near atmospheric pressure, safety mechanisms (vents, overflow, relief valves) are in place to manage any deviation, and the construction is engineered for the mechanical and thermal stresses of hot bitumen service.
Bitumen storage tanks must meet both engineering standards and safety regulations. In many jurisdictions, these tanks are subject to codes for pressure vessels, storage tanks, and industrial heating systems. Internationally recognized standards include the American Petroleum Institute (API) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes, European EN standards, as well as regional directives. For example, large welded atmospheric tanks are often designed per API 650 (Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage) or its European equivalent EN 14015, ensuring structural integrity, inspection criteria, and welding quality. Pressure-rated components (like heating coils or portable tank-containers) may be built to ASME Section VIII Division 1 (for pressure vessels) or the European PED/EN 13445 standards, if they exceed certain pressure*volume thresholds. In the European Union, CE marking is mandatory for such equipment, indicating conformity to relevant directives. Bitumen tanks sold in the EU typically carry CE certification demonstrating compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) (if the coil circuit is pressurized above 0.5 bar) and the Machinery Directive (for the burner, pumps, and control system). For instance, one manufacturer lists CE certification as a key feature for their 50 m³ bitumen tanks. In addition, tanks built for international use might have dual certification; one product comparison notes a base design meeting CE (EU) requirements and an advanced option compliant with API 650 (for North America), providing “dual certification for global deployment”.
Standards from organizations like ASTM also play a role, though ASTM mainly provides material specifications (e.g. steel grades) and test methods rather than complete tank design codes. ASTM standards relevant to bitumen storage might include those for insulation and materials (e.g. ASTM C547 for mineral wool insulation) or safe heating practices. Additionally, the bitumen itself is often handled according to standards: for example, Eurobitume guidelines in Europe or ASTM Dwen specifications for asphalt cement ensure it is stored below certain maximum temperatures to prevent thermal degradation or fire risk. There are also industry codes of practice such as the Energy Institute’s “Bitumen Safety Code” (IP Bitumen Safety Code) in the UK, which provides guidance on safe storage and heating of bitumen, including venting, level alarms, and firefighting provisions.
For safety and quality management, many tank manufacturers obtain certifications from third-party inspectors or classification societies. For example, a bitumen tank container may be certified by Lloyd’s Register or Bureau Veritas for design approval. Quality systems like ISO 9001 are often in place in manufacturing. When these tanks are part of an asphalt mixing plant, they also fall under machinery safety standards such as EN 536:2015 (European safety requirements for asphalt mixing plants), which covers safety features on bitumen heating and storage (e.g. emergency stops, electrical safety, etc.). Environmental regulations may require certain tanks to have secondary containment or adhere to air quality standards (since heating bitumen can release fumes). In the US, OSHA and NFPA guidelines would apply; in the EU, ATEX directives might apply to burner and bitumen fume areas if there’s any risk of flammable vapor (though bitumen at 160 °C is below its flash point, it’s usually managed as a hot working environment rather than an explosive atmosphere).
In summary, international standards and certifications for bitumen tanks ensure they are built and operated safely. Key examples include: design codes like API 650 and ASME VIII for structural safety, CE marking (PED/Machinery Directive compliance in Europe), industry-specific safety standards like EN 536 in the EU, and various quality certifications. Buyers should look for tanks that meet these standards – for instance, a CE-marked tank built to EN specs, or an API 650 compliant tank for an American project – to be confident in its safety and reliability. Tanks involved in transport will also carry UN markings and meet ADR/RID or IMDG code as applicable, but stationary tanks focus on API/EN compliance and local regulations.
To illustrate the above features in practice, consider the Polygonmach PBT-50 Bitumen Tank, a field-proven example of a modern bitumen storage unit (Polygonmach is a manufacturer of asphalt plants and equipment). The PBT-50 is a horizontal cylindrical tank with a capacity of 50 tons of bitumen (approximately 50 m³). It is equipped with a hot oil heating system: a diesel-fired thermic oil boiler rated at 2,000,000 kcal/hour provides heat to the tank via a network of internal coils. The heating coil system consists of seamless steel drawn pipes configured in a serpentine layout, providing at least 30 m² of heat transfer area inside the tank. This allows the bitumen to be heated evenly to the required temperature (typically 160 °C for asphalt production) without local overheating. The coil and burner capacity are engineered such that this 50 ton tank can be brought from ambient 20 °C up to 160 °C in on the order of 5–6 hours, under normal conditions – a rapid heating rate made possible by the high-output 2.3 MW burner and efficient coil design. During operation, the system automatically controls the temperature: the burner ignites and shuts off based on a thermostat setting for the heat-transfer oil, and the bitumen temperature is monitored to reach and hold the target. An integrated control panel and safety interlocks ensure that if, for example, the hot oil level drops or the oil pump pressure is low, the burner will cut off to prevent damage.
The Polygonmach tank is built with robust engineering specifications. The tank shell is insulated with 50 mm of rock wool (mineral wool) insulation around its entire surface, which is then clad in a 0.8 mm galvanized sheet metal jacket for weather protection. This insulation (approximately R-1.3 in SI units) reduces heat loss, maintaining energy efficiency. For comparison, 50 mm rock wool corresponds to about R-7 (imperial), which is within the recommended insulation range for hot storage tanks. The heating unit (thermal oil generator) itself is insulated even more heavily (100 mm of rock wool with aluminum cladding) to conserve heat in the furnace and protect personnel from high surface temperatures. In terms of fittings, the PBT-50 tank comes with all standard accessories: a level indicator to monitor bitumen volume, a temperature gauge, a fill port on top, a manhole for inspection, a ventilation pipe to allow breathing, a bottom drain outlet, and a pump suction connection for delivering bitumen to the asphalt plant. It is mounted on support legs and designed in accordance with Turkish Standards (TSE) and highway authority practices, which align with international norms. Notably, it includes a stirrer (agitator) option – this is useful if storing polymer-modified bitumen, which must be periodically agitated to keep polymers evenly distributed.
From a standards and certification standpoint, the Polygonmach 50 t tank is built to meet relevant CE requirements (for use in Europe) and comes with the necessary documentation for quality and safety. The manufacturer specifies that the tank conforms to TSE standards and common highway specifications, which implies compliance with widely accepted codes (material and construction likely following EN or ASTM standards, though the exact code is not stated for the shell). The inclusion of level alarms and a vent system also show compliance with safety best practices (e.g. the Bitumen Safety Code recommendations). In real deployment, such a tank provides reliable performance: operational data from similar tanks show that after heating to 160 °C, maintaining temperature requires only periodic firing of the burner thanks to the insulation, and the tank’s temperature can be held within a narrow range (±5 °C). If we consider the earlier example of heat-up time, the Polygonmach tank’s ability to heat 50 tonnes in ~6 hours is quite efficient. By contrast, an older or smaller tank with less heating power might take well over 10–15 hours to achieve the same. This efficiency translates to quicker start-up of asphalt production and energy savings (less time spent heating). Additionally, the PBT-50’s design ensures longevity and safety: the use of seamless coils and quality steel, proper insulation, and adherence to standards means the tank can operate for decades with routine maintenance.
Overall, the Polygonmach example demonstrates how a modern bitumen tank incorporates engineering-level features – from coil surface area and thermal oil circuit design to insulation values and safety devices – to meet both performance and safety criteria. It meets international expectations by including high-quality insulation (50 mm rock wool, R≈1.3), a powerful yet controlled heating system (2 MW thermal oil circuit), compliance with standards (CE/TSE, likely API/EN code equivalent for structure), and real-world proven heating performance (rapid heat-up and stable temperature maintenance). This ensures the bitumen is stored at the right temperature, safely, and efficiently, ready to be pumped at 160 °C into asphalt mixers on demand, which is crucial for modern road construction operations.