What makes polymer-modified bitumen difficult to pump
It must be heated before start-up and kept at temperature through the whole pumping chamber, seal area included.
The pump is sized at the coldest working temperature and turns slowly, so the gear teeth fill completely.
Low speed and a smooth, pulse-free flow protect the structure of the product.
How we build the pump for polymer-modified bitumen
| Recommended series | CR · SEF |
|---|---|
| Flow range of these series | 15 – 4,292 l/min (0.87 – 258 m³/h) |
| Body material | Cast iron as standard; stainless steel NAV for aggressive variants |
| Heating | Required — CR jacket on thermal oil, steam or superheated water; hot-spot kit without boiler; or electric cartridges in the body |
| Speed | Low speed: a larger pump turning slowly, often with a gear motor or inverter |
| Shaft seals | Selected for the working temperature, in the heated zone |
| Drive protection | Electronic torque limiter recommended (wattmetric relay or inverter function) |
Where polymer-modified bitumen pumps work
Applications: PMB production units, modified-bitumen storage, roofing membrane lines, high-performance asphalt plants, airport and motorway paving contractors.
Typical markets: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico. For these sites we size for local conditions: the coldest night temperature, 50 or 60 Hz power, heating available on site and spare parts that can be kept in stock locally.
Recommended pump series
Data we need to size your polymer-modified bitumen pump
- Product name, producer or data sheet of the polymer-modified bitumen
- Viscosity at the pumping temperature, and the lowest temperature on site
- Flow rate required (l/min, m³/h or bbl/h)
- Discharge pressure, or line length, diameter and height
- Suction: tank, line length and diameter, liquid level
- Heating available on site: steam, thermal oil, hot water or electricity only
- Power supply: voltage and 50 or 60 Hz
Frequently asked questions
Which gear pump do you recommend for polymer-modified bitumen?
We normally propose the CR or SEF Series. The CR is heating jacket wrapped around the whole pumping chamber. The final model depends on flow, viscosity at temperature and suction, and is confirmed by our technical office.
Does a pump for polymer-modified bitumen need heating?
Yes. Without heat the product sets in the chamber and the pump cannot start. We use the CR jacket on the plant heating circuit, the hot-spot kit where there is no boiler, or electric cartridges in the body.
Will the pump damage the polymer-modified bitumen?
Not if it is sized correctly. A gear pump at low speed moves the product as a gentle positive displacement flow, with far less shear than a high-speed centrifugal pump.
Do you supply pumps outside Italy?
Yes. The pumps are built in our Bologna workshop and quoted for export. Write your country in the form and we will size the pump for your power supply (50 or 60 Hz) and site conditions.
This page also covers: PMB, SBS bitumen, APP bitumen, Bitumen and polymers.