Print Version

Tar

Tar is a dark-colored bituminous substance, liquid or semi-liquid at ambient temperatures, obtained by the destructive distillation of coal, wood, peat, or other carbonaceous or vegetable materials. On further distillation, it forms a pitch. The composition and origin of tar varies widely.

Other Names: Roofing tar; often called, although perhaps incorrectly, asphalt, or pitch
Viscosity: Solid or semi-solid at room temperatures; 100 cPs. to 500 cPs. at normal pumping temperature range of 204°C / 400°F to 315°C / 600°F

Remarks: Tar is often a residue remaining after the processing of basic materials; as a result, it frequently contains a variety of materials and liquids which makes one single pump construction recommendation impractical. Tar is used oftentimes for such things as coating roofs, coating cast iron pipe or gas transmission lines, etc.

Pump Notes: Cast iron construction is satisfactory. VitonŽ elastomers are normally recommended due to temperature. A mechanical shaft seal can be used but packing or submerging the pump in the liquid are more common sealing solutions.
 

VitonŽ is a registered trademark of DuPont Performance Elastomers L.L.