Tar / Pitch / Bitumen Flaker & Solidification Package
Pitch / Coal tar / Bitumen flaker and steel belt conveying package is a common method for flaking, forming and solidification of materials with a softening point above 100°C. A thin layer of molten material is placed on a steel belt cooler and solidifies into flakes as it cools.
Since water and molten substances do not come into direct contact, this method has fewer environmental issues compared to other solidification processes. It is widely used due to easy operation, high product quality, and simple storage and transport in bulk bags.
ARIaNA SANAT ZAFARAN CO. flaker systems have a capacity of 120 tons per day and modular design allows scaling and continuous operation even when one unit is offline.
After upstream production, molten pitch/tar/sulphur is stored in a buffer tank and pumped through a filter into the flaker unit. The system consists of a feeding bar and stator that distribute material onto a moving steel belt.
Synchronization of belt speed is critical to ensure uniform flake formation. Cooling is controlled by water sprayed beneath the belt, which transfers heat to a cooling tower system. A chiller may be used depending on climate conditions.
A release agent prevents adhesion to the belt and ensures proper flake removal. Final flakes are cooled to 60–100°C, scraped, crushed, and transported to storage while exhaust systems prevent gas emission.
| Shape | Flake |
| Size | smaller than 10 cm x 10 cm and 4 mm thickness |
| Color | Black |
| Angle of repose | <30° |
| Dust | Less than 0.4% (wt) |
| Bulk density |
Loose: Greater than 1,050 kg/m³ Agitated: Greater than 1,150 kg/m³ |
| Purity | High purity (as received) |
| Moisture | Less than 0.5% (wt) |
| Others |
Low dust generation during transport Easy to re-melt Stable chemical and physical forms Low acidity Uniform size and shape |
Flake of high softening point pitch
| 5 metric tonnes per hour | Capacity |
|
H: 1,900 W: 2,250 L: 33,000 |
Dimension (mm) |
| 15,500 kg | Weight |
|
Electric Power: 40kW Steam: 500 kg/h (~250 °C) Water: No net water consumption |
Utility Consumption |
Other Features
- Easy to start up, shut down and operate
- Low maintenance
- Minimal spare part requirements
- Cooling water does not come in contact with pitch
- No air or water pollution associated with flake production
- Method enables water circulation
- Minimal plant footprint
- Allows rapid scaling of plant capacity by integration with additional units
- Flaker versatility also enables production of high softening point pitch, coal tar pitch, tar, sulphur, urea, etc.