How to adjust if the asphalt flash point does not meet the requirements?
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Our atmospheric and vacuum distillation units process imported crude oil. Asphalt is being produced, but its flash point does not meet the requirement of being above 260 degrees; how should the equipment be adjusted?
Check for internal leaks in the bottom-reduction unit and the crude oil heat exchanger. A small amount of internal leakage has little impact on penetration and ductility, but it has a significant effect on the flash point. In asphalt plants, the cold exchange equipment is prone to leaking due to large fluctuations in the plant’s processing volume, as well as during startup and shutdown.
The flash points of ordinary asphalt products are generally within acceptable limits! If the flash point does not meet the requirements, it is likely due to an excess of light components. One solution is to increase the extraction rate from the reduced-pressure side line, while ensuring that the penetration and softening points remain within the specified ranges; another approach is to identify leaks, as mentioned earlier. However, small leaks are difficult to detect, so multiple samples can be taken at various points after the heat exchanger for analysis and comparison
Does the bottom-reduction pump use diesel as the sealing oil? If so, it is recommended to carry out modifications.