FAQS
We have collated some of the most frequently asked questions relating to the TEC Products and Services range. If the answer you were looking for does not appear below, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Three heating options are available for Bitutainers™; Direct Fire Diesel or LPG Burners, inserting electric elements into the direct fire heating tubes or by using Thermal Oil from an existing circuit (we do not supply Thermal Oil heating systems). Direct Fire heating is the most popular and versatile option as it allows Bitutainers to be heated just about anywhere with just a drum of diesel and a start up electricity supply of approximately 1KW (mains or generator).
1. Burner Set – Depending on the number of Bitutainers you are operating, you will need some Burner Sets and Bitutainer™ Mounting Kits. Note – You do not necessarily need a dedicated Burner Set for each Bitutainer™ as they can be swapped between units, depending on how many you are heating at once.
2. Pair of Flame Liners – Flame Liners must be fitted when using Direct Fire Heating to prevent damage to heater tubes, validate the warranty and protect the ‘product’ from coking around ‘hot-spots’ on the heater tubes. These seamless Stainless Steel Schedule 40 heater tube liners slide inside the heater tubes and they can be transported safely inside them. To ensure that operators always use them we strongly advise you purchase one pair per unit and keep them permanently installed in the Bitutainer™. These are manufactured in the factory and are shipped inside the heater tubes from Shanghai.
3. Electric Heater Control Panels – Electronic Heater Control Panels allow simple, unmanned and controllable heating when using Direct Fire Heaters. These are not essential if the heating process is being monitored continually but they are particularly desirable when heating PMBs, etc to ensure controlled heating of the product and avoid any over-heating.
A 200ltr drum of diesel is generally sufficient for heating a full load of penetration grade bitumen in a 27Mt 30/70 Shipper Bitutainer™ from ambient to pumping temperature.
Typically it will take 10 – 11 hours to heat a full 27Mt 30/70 Shipper Bitutainer™ from ambient (approx. 20 Degrees Celsius) to pumping temperate (approx. 140 Degrees Celsius)
Bitutainers™ are baffled to allow for partial loads to be carried
No, 40ft Bitutainers™ are for storage only. They are not designed or certified for transportation full of product.
IMO1 rated units are fully IMDG compliant and designed and certified to meet the requirements of ADR / RID US DOT / TC, for use in certain countries.
Yes, both the 20ft and 40ft Bitutainers™ ship as standard CSC plated containers.
Yes, Bitutainers™ are suitable for all grades of bitumen, PMBs and heavy fuel oils. The exception is Coal Tar for which IMO1 rated units must be used, due to the higher temperatures required for discharge and transfer.
Yes, we are able to offer a number of leasing and rental options. Please see our leasing webpage for more detailed information.
Different processing techniques result in different types of bitumen / asphalt products, including:
Hard grade bitumen – also known as penetration grade bitumen – suitable for use in paving.
Cutback bitumen – a blend of penetration grade bitumen with a solvent such as kerosene, which reduces the viscosity to allow spraying at a lower temperature than bitumen. Used for prime and tack coating, applied to an underlying surface to help with the adhesion of the top layer of asphalt.
Bitumen Emulsion – a stabilised suspension of bitumen in water, allowing much lower application temperatures of 45 to 70 degrees Celsius rather than the 150 to 190 degrees Celsius used for hot mix asphalt cements.
Polymer modified bitumen – a mixture of selected bitumens with polymers, such as thermoplastics or elastomers. This grade of bitumen has more durability and flexibility when compared to standard emulsions making it ideal for areas with high traffic volumes where a durable surface is required.
