Accurate Online Viscosity Measurement for Asphalt Production

A Brazilian refinery produced five unique grades of asphalt, each with a different viscosity that needed to meet a targeted specification. One of the refinery’s biggest challenges was caused by the significant variation of the viscosity and density of asphalt during processing. Fluctuations in raw material and process manufacturing mean periodic laboratory testing didn’t truly represent the asphalt being produced. The refinery was experiencing inconsistent results when comparing lab samples and process samples. This meant they spent a significant amount of time and money on post-process blending to meet their minimum targets.

The refinery installed a new VISCOpro 2000 in-line viscometer to automatically measure the kinematic viscosity of the in-process asphalt production, enabling operators to properly control the process. With this solution, the refinery achieved continuous sample measurement with no missed data points and spot-on correlation with lab results.

By reducing product variation, the VISCOpro 2000 allowed the refinery to attain the targeted product specs with minimal post-process blending. The instrument can measure asphalt at high temperatures (up to 707 °F). Installation is possible right at the bypass line, or in a mainline as necessary. This allows real-time viscosity measurement, and a savings in installation, maintenance, material, processing time, and labor.

Watch an on-demand webinar to learn more. The webinar will present:

• Challenges refineries face
• Key benefits of accurate viscosity measurement for asphalt applications
• Overview of the oscillating piston technology
• Details of the Brazilian refinery case study

In addition, download the 'Asphalt Viscosity Control' white paper.