Liquid Terminals and Asphalt Storage Industry News & Information

Designing an asphalt terminal requires more than tanks and piping—it demands thoughtful planning, advanced safety systems, and environmental compliance. From site grading and soil stabilization to automation and logistics, learn the best practices that keep modern asphalt storage and distribution facilities safe, efficient, and future-ready.

Our hot oil heating systems effectively supply super-heated oil throughout asphalt plants to maintain optimal product temperatures and pressures. ECF’s innovative design mitigates heat loss, saves energy, and reduces thermal fatigue making it a perfect choice for hot oil heating applications.

Asphalt terminal emissions remain an important consideration for asphalt terminal design and production, installation, and market stakeholders. The primary source of emissions in asphalt terminal facilities is the escaping vapors from atmospheric breather vents in tank roofs and open loading domes of truck trailers and railcars. These vapors contain varying concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), mercaptans, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are odorous and reduce the air quality in the terminal facility and surrounding community.

The insulated pipes in asphalt storage facilities and other heated liquid terminals can become crushed or damaged in high traffic areas where pipes are frequently walked on or used as a step. Any damage to the aluminum jacket and insulation underneath causes heat loss and, in turn, additional energy costs to maintain the required process temperatures. Damage to the pipe jacket also allows for water intrusion, which compromises the efficiency of the insulation and can lead to deeper corrosion issues.

Proper storage and handling of asphalt emulsions is critical for product quality and performance. Because emulsions typically contain 30-40% water, they will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the grade. To create the ideal product for road-ready use, the emulsion must be kept warm, but not too hot, which is why the type of storage tank used for asphalt emulsions is such an important decision.

Owning asphalt oil tanks allows a paving contractor to have a competitive advantage in material cost, quality and product supply security. A few examples of these advantages include the ability to buy wholesale versus retail, ensure consistent supply, take advantage of annual pricing variations, manage quality, and protect against shortages and outages.