1. Identify the product: CAP, bitumen or pitch
CAP stands for Cimento Asfáltico de Petróleo, petroleum asphalt cement. Petrobras lists conventional grades such as CAP 30/45 and CAP 50/70, distinguished by penetration. For your pump enquiry, identify the grade and supplier and attach the technical data sheet for the product used.
Terminology varies by market: bitumen may identify the binder called asphalt elsewhere. State whether the product is conventional, oxidized or modified, following supplier documentation.
Coal-tar pitch and petroleum pitch differ from bitumen. Identify product origin and composition and send its technical data sheet for duty assessment.
2. Viscosity by temperature: the central problem
Collect the product curve or test results, with the temperature associated with each viscosity value. Identify the method and unit so engineering can compare the data with pump selection.
Include expected starting and continuous operating conditions. If the supplier data sheet does not cover those conditions, request the missing data before confirming the model and drive.
| Data | How to report | Source document | Selection use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product identification | Commercial grade, supplier and declared composition | Supplier technical data sheet | Identify the liquid to assess |
| Kinematic viscosity | cSt (mm²/s) and test temperature in °C | Product test report or curve | Relate viscosity to pumping conditions |
| Dynamic viscosity, when available | mPa·s (cP), temperature and method | Test report | Provide density to relate dynamic and kinematic viscosity |
| Density | kg/m³ and reference temperature | Technical data sheet or measurement | Complete the liquid physical data |
| Starting and running conditions | Temperatures and corresponding viscosities | Process and product data | Check pump and drive at each condition |
3. Heating: pump configuration and available utilities
When specifying heating, distinguish product conditions from the conditions of the utility available at the plant. Provide heating-circuit temperature and pressure and identify the pump configuration to be supplied.
The FBE manual identifies the CA variant as the heating-chamber configuration. In the FBE range, this option is available in sizes from 1.1/2" to 6"; confirm the configuration in the quotation and assembly drawing.
The FBEI manual gives specific requirements for jackets using steam or thermal fluid. Request confirmation of the limits applicable to the proposed model and assembly. If the project includes electrical tracing or another auxiliary system, send its documentation for FB assessment.
4. Starting conditions: confirm before operation
The starting procedure must match the pump, product and installation. Request the instructions applicable to the supplied configuration.
Provide engineering with the expected starting temperature and viscosity, together with the product data sheet and pump identification.
Confirm the capacity of the pump, motor and transmission assembly under the stated conditions. FBE selection limits vary with size and speed.
Request the starting procedure for the supplied assembly. Identify the product conditions, heating preparation and checks required before equipment release in that documentation.
5. Comparing gear and centrifugal pumps
Evaluate the centrifugal curve corrected for the stated viscosity and compare flow, head, power and suction conditions at the required duty point.
Compare alternatives using the product viscosity curve and installation conditions. The asphalt trade designation does not replace those data.
In gear pumps, delivered flow results from displacement and internal leakage, which varies with pressure and viscosity. Request an FBE/FBEI comparison at the same duty point, identifying model, speed and drive.
6. Documenting plant pumping points
Prepare a data sheet for each transfer, recirculation or equipment-feed duty to be assessed. Identify origin, destination and required conditions; different duties may require different models and drives.
If a pump is already installed, also send nameplate photos, its dimensional drawing and motor or gearbox data. This allows comparison of the existing installation with the proposed assembly.
| Data item | Required information | Unit or format | Suggested source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin and destination | Identification of connected tanks and equipment | Tags and flow diagram | Process flow diagram |
| Transfer flow | Required flow and expected variations | m³/h or L/min | Process data sheet |
| Pressures | Suction and discharge; state absolute or gauge | Value, unit and reference | Hydraulic calculation or identified measurement |
| Piping | Diameters, lengths, elevations and fittings | Dimensioned drawing | Installation isometric drawing |
| Product at each condition | Temperature, viscosity and density | Units and reference temperatures | Technical data sheet and operating data |
| Drive and heating | Electrical supply, transmission and available utilities | Nameplates and data sheets | Equipment and installation documents |
7. Documented selection: FBE model, drive and configuration
Use process data to consult the FBE manual tables and drawings. Size is part of the selection: confirm it together with speed, required capacity and construction configuration.
Check units before comparing the product data sheet with the manual. The FBE selection table reports viscosity in SSU; retain the reference temperature and send the original report when the supplier uses another unit.
| Criterion | Data to check | FBE reference | Expected quotation detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model and capacity | Flow, viscosity, pressure and speed for the selected condition | Tables 1 and 2 | Identified model and duty point |
| Drive | Speed, transmission and power | Tables 2, 3 and 4 | Specified motor and transmission |
| Heating chamber | CA variant in sizes from 1.1/2" to 6" | Table 1 and page 4 nomenclature | Confirmed heating configuration and utility |
| Materials and sealing | Stated product composition, temperature and solids | Table 6 and sections 2.3 to 2.7 | Materials and sealing defined for the duty |
| Connections and installation | Nozzles, mounting and available space | Section 2.9 and dimensional drawings | Assembly drawing checked against the project |
8. Materials and sealing: specify the assembly configuration
Table 6 of the FBE manual identifies component materials. Check the quoted casing, gears, shafts, bushings and sealing configuration, relating each choice to the stated product and conditions.
Include operating hours, starting frequency and maintenance history when comparing alternatives. These data support discussion of replacement, service access and spare parts with FB.
Compare quotations for the same duty point and scope of supply. Check which materials, seals, drive and accessories each option includes.
For emulsions and modified products, send the declared composition, additives and compatibility data provided by the product manufacturer. Record required materials in the specification and ask FB to confirm the available configuration for that duty.
9. Check before your sales enquiry
Organize equipment records and process requirements for technical and commercial comparison. The three points below help complete your enquiry.
- Maintenance: record inspections, operating hours and equipment events. Request FB maintenance guidance and the parts list for the model and duty.
- Specification: confirm model limits for the stated liquid. Identify heating requirements, materials and sealing in the quotation and assembly drawing.
- Materials: attach the product data sheet and identify components whose material needs confirmation. Include sealing and leakage-containment requirements in the enquiry scope.