Handling Asphalt Emulsions - DO's & Don'ts
DO's:
- Set the clearance on pumps for emulsions to prevent binding and to prevent breaking of the emulsion.
- Clear lines, valves, and pumps of emulsion. Drain pumps and remove plugs during freezing weather.
- Drain pumps and remove plugs when not in service. No 1 or No 2 fuel oil may be used to keep pumps free.
- Warm the pump casings and packing glands to ~ 150°F (65°C) to ease start up.
- Store emulsions in vertical tanks to prevent excessive skin formation.
- Gently circulate emulsions when heating or after prolonged storage.
- Dilute medium and slow-setting emulsions by adding warm water to the emulsion.
- Check compatibility of water and emulsion in a flask prior to use on a larger volume.
- Place inlet and return lines near the bottom of the tank to prevent foaming.
- Drain tanks to no measurable quantity before adding an emulsion of different type.
- Emulsions with the same designation may be very different in performance.
- Provide adquate ventilation. Heat only to reasonable temperatures.
- Consult your AEMA Member Company for additional emulsion information.
DONT's
- Use tight clearance pumps, they may seize.
- Leave emulsion in pumps, valves or lines during freezing weather.
- Hold emulsion in lines and pumps for extended periods.
- Apply severe heat to pump casings or packing glands. The pump may be damaged and the emulsion may break.
- Store emulsions in horizontal tanks.
- Circulate emulsions excessively. Emulsions tend to lose viscosity when pumped.
- Dilute rapid-setting emulsions with water. Never add emulsion to water.
- Dilute emulsions with non-potable water or cold water.
- Pump emulsions into open air or have inlet lines near the top of the tank.
- Place outlet lines in mid tank.
- Mix emulsions of different chemical types or designations. Anionic and Cationic emulsions may coagulate when mixed.
- Subject emulsion or the open air above it to open flame or strong oxidants.
- Never heat the emulsion over 190°F (88°C).
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