TY - JOUR TI - Solar equipment for preheating bitumen AU - Luminosu Ioan V AU - De Sabata Coleta AU - But Adrian JN - Thermal Science PY - 2007 VL - 11 IS - 1 SP - 127 EP - 136 PT - Article AB - This paper presents results of the research and development of the process for preheating bitumen using solar energy obtained at the Polytechnic University of Timisoara. The aim of the research was examination of the opportunity to use solar energy for preheating bitumen and to optimize connection between several solar collectors. Results of the investigation were tested in real industrial conditions by organizing slow process of the solar exposure in passive regime on the roof of the building where the bitumen is stored. In present paper laboratory installation using solar energy for heating bitumen in close to real conditions is described. The experimental results indicates an efficiency about of 25-30% and the temperature level of 54-57°C. In second part of the paper the results obtained at the industrial installation for bitumen heating in large reservoir containing 30 t of material were analyzed. Paper is addressed to the specialists’ aiming to extend use of solar energy in different fields of application. .