Managing bitumen safely
A recent study commissioned by the Refined Bitumen Association (RBA) identified over-spilling as a major health and safety risk at quarry/asphalt plant sites due to the temperatures at which bitumen is stored, its high thermal capacity and its viscous, sticky nature. To help overcome such risks, last year Siemens Automation and Drives used the Hillhead 2007 exhibition to demonstrate, among other things, their latest bitumen tank management system.
In partnership with Pressvess, a leading bitumen tank manufacturer, and BOX Telematics, one of the UK’s foremost telemetry and telematics providers, Siemens have designed a complete bitumen tank solution that combines the innovative use of LR200 non-contact loop powered radar (5.8GHz) to reduce the problem of product build-up and to the ease and cost of installation. The system also adopts an independent CLS300 digital ‘high high level’ switch.
Moreover, to help combat incorrect interpretation of content information as well as tank dimensions and capacity, Siemens have also developed a traffic-light system featuring large indicator lamps. The system clearly indicates levels of bitumen to the tanker driver, with red indicating a high high level from the capacitance switch, amber indicating a high level from the radar device, and green indicating available ullage.
Derek Moore, UK level product manager at Siemens, commented: ‘Working alongside the RBA, Siemens were one of the contributing technology suppliers assisting in the development of the study. Our experience regarding tank measurement allowed the report to recommend suitable measurement principles that can be successfully applied to the measurement of bitumen.’
For further product information contact Margaret Lunn on tel: (0161) 446 5298.
In partnership with Pressvess, a leading bitumen tank manufacturer, and BOX Telematics, one of the UK’s foremost telemetry and telematics providers, Siemens have designed a complete bitumen tank solution that combines the innovative use of LR200 non-contact loop powered radar (5.8GHz) to reduce the problem of product build-up and to the ease and cost of installation. The system also adopts an independent CLS300 digital ‘high high level’ switch.
Moreover, to help combat incorrect interpretation of content information as well as tank dimensions and capacity, Siemens have also developed a traffic-light system featuring large indicator lamps. The system clearly indicates levels of bitumen to the tanker driver, with red indicating a high high level from the capacitance switch, amber indicating a high level from the radar device, and green indicating available ullage.
Derek Moore, UK level product manager at Siemens, commented: ‘Working alongside the RBA, Siemens were one of the contributing technology suppliers assisting in the development of the study. Our experience regarding tank measurement allowed the report to recommend suitable measurement principles that can be successfully applied to the measurement of bitumen.’
For further product information contact Margaret Lunn on tel: (0161) 446 5298.
