Why the SB pump mounts directly on the sprayer tank
On a bitumen distributor every metre of suction line is a problem. Hot bitumen loses temperature along the pipe, the pump has to lift a thick product through bends and valves, and cavitation at the inlet reduces the flow at the spray bar. The SB series removes the pipe altogether: the pump flanges directly onto the tank, fixed or mobile, so there is no long suction line, less heat loss and less cavitation.
The pump is a self-priming external gear pump, so it primes at every start and gives a constant flow proportional to speed, whatever the pressure at the spray bar. The integral heating circuit, a jacket connected to the vehicle thermal oil or steam loop, keeps the pump body at the temperature of the bitumen, typically between 150 and 180 °C.
Four functions with two built-in valves
Two valves are incorporated in the pump, manual or motorised. By setting them the operator selects one of four functions without additional valves or pipework:
- Tank loading from an external source, such as a storage tank or a road tanker;
- Internal recirculation, which keeps the product homogeneous during transport and prevents the stratification of polymer-modified bitumen;
- Pressurised spraying to the rear spray bar, with the flow set by pump speed;
- Bypass transfer from tank to tank, for example when emptying the distributor at the end of the day.
The same pump handles bitumen emulsion, which is worked at much lower temperatures, without any change in configuration.
SB series models and flow rates
Five sizes cover sprayers from small trailer units to large distributors. Flow in l/min at three reference speeds; intermediate speeds, with a hydraulic motor or an inverter, give proportional values.
| Model | Displacement cm³/rev | 450 rpm | 950 rpm | 1,450 rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB 200 | 127 | 57 | 121 | 184 |
| SB 400 | 270 | 121 | 250 | 380 |
| SB 600 | 375 | 168 | 356 | 543 |
| SB 750 | 503 | 226 | 478 | 729 |
| SB 1000 | 754 | 339 | 716 | 1,093 |
All models have a cast iron body, an integral heating circuit for thermal oil or steam and two built-in selector valves, manual or motorised.
Heating, drive and installation
The jacket of the SB pump is connected to the same thermal oil or steam circuit that heats the tank of the distributor, so the pump is at working temperature as soon as the vehicle is. Where the circuit is not available, the pump can be heated with electric cartridges and an electronic controller; in all cases the pump must be insulated to limit heat loss.
The drive is chosen with the vehicle builder: hydraulic motor, power take-off or electric motor on fixed installations. Speed sets the flow at the spray bar, so a variable-speed drive gives direct control of the application rate. The flanged mounting means no baseplate, no alignment and a compact assembly under the tank. For plant-side transfer at higher flows, the NAV series and the jacketed CR series complete the range.
How to request an SB pump for your sprayer
To size the pump we need the capacity of the tank, the flow required at the spray bar in l/min, the number and type of nozzles, the products handled (hot bitumen, polymer-modified bitumen, emulsion), the working temperature, the heating medium available on the vehicle and the type of drive. Tell us also whether you need manual or motorised valves and whether the installation is fixed or mobile.
Write on WhatsApp or use the quote form. Our Bologna factory, building self-priming external gear pumps since 1955 under ISO 9001:2015, replies with the SB model, the valve configuration and the drive that fit your distributor; thermal oil circulation pumps for the heating loop are available from the same range.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four functions of the SB series pumps?
Tank loading from an external source, internal recirculation to keep the bitumen homogeneous, pressurised spraying to the rear spray bar and bypass transfer from tank to tank, all selected with the two valves built into the pump.
Can the SB pump be used for bitumen emulsion?
Yes. The SB series handles both hot bitumen and bitumen emulsion, which is worked at much lower temperatures. The steady flow of the gear pump avoids breaking the emulsion during spraying or transfer.
How is the SB pump heated?
Through the integral heating circuit, a jacket connected to the thermal oil or steam loop of the distributor. Electric cartridge heating is available as an alternative, and the pump must always be insulated.
What flow rates do the SB models cover?
From 57 l/min with the SB 200 at 450 rpm to 1,093 l/min with the SB 1000 at 1,450 rpm. Flow is proportional to speed, so a variable-speed drive sets the application rate directly.
What are the SB series pumps made of?
The SB series has a cast iron body with an integral heating circuit that connects to thermal oil or steam. Bitumen is typically worked between 150 and 180 °C, while bitumen emulsion is handled at much lower temperatures.