Should gear pumps or asphalt pumps be used for mixing plants

The choice of gear pump or asphalt pump in the mixing plant needs to be determined based on the specific characteristics of the conveying medium, operating conditions, and cost-effectiveness. The following is a comparative analysis and selection recommendation of the two:

1. Characteristics and applicable scenarios of gear pumps

advantage:

Simple structure, easy maintenance, and low cost.   

Suitable for medium viscosity media such as lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, lightweight asphalt, or ambient temperature asphalt mixtures.   

Stable flow rate, suitable for situations with low pressure requirements.   

Disadvantages:

Gear pumps have poor adaptability to high viscosity or particle containing media, and are prone to wear and tear during long-term use (such as when transporting high-temperature asphalt or asphalt mixtures containing aggregates).   

High sealing requirements, prone to leakage at high temperatures.   

Applicable scenarios:

Convey low viscosity oil, additive or normal temperature asphalt lotion in the mixing plant, or use it for auxiliary hydraulic system.

2. Characteristics and applicable scenarios of asphalt pumps

advantage:

Specially designed for asphalt, high temperature resistance (up to 200 ℃), good insulation performance (usually with heating jacket).   

Strong ability to transport high viscosity media (such as high-temperature asphalt and modified asphalt), not easily clogged.   

Good wear resistance, some models can handle asphalt mixtures containing small particles.   

Disadvantages:

High cost and complex structure (such as screw pumps, rotary pumps, etc.).   

Maintaining professionalism requires high standards.   

Applicable scenarios:

Asphalt pumps are suitable for conveying high-temperature asphalt, modified asphalt, or insulation in asphalt mixing plants, especially for the transportation of main asphalt pipelines or storage tanks to mixing tanks.

3. Key factors for selection

Medium characteristics:

If it is high-temperature and high viscosity asphalt, priority should be given to asphalt pumps (such as screw pumps).   

If it is low viscosity oil or room temperature medium, gear pump is more economical.   

Working condition requirements:

High pressure, continuous and stable transportation is required (such as asphalt metering system) → asphalt pump.   

Only low pressure and intermittent operation are required → gear pump may meet the requirements.   

Cost and maintenance:

Limited budget and mild medium → Gear pump.   

Long term high load operation → Asphalt pump is more durable.   

4. Common examples of pump selection for mixing plants

Asphalt conveying mainline: Usually, insulated screw pumps (drain pumps) are used to ensure the fluidity of high-temperature asphalt.   

Fuel oil or additive delivery: Optional gear pump (such as CB-B type).   

Aggregate or mixture transportation: Special wear-resistant pumps (such as centrifugal pumps or pneumatic conveying) are required, and gear pumps and asphalt pumps are not suitable.

conclusion

Priority selection of asphalt pump: If the core process of the mixing plant involves high-temperature asphalt (such as asphalt storage, metering, and mixing).   

Gear pump selection: only used for auxiliary oil circuit or low viscosity medium transportation.   

Special requirement: If the medium contains particles (such as recycled asphalt), it is necessary to consult the supplier to choose a wear-resistant reinforcement model.