Sealcoat Tank Agitation will be necessary to properly mix the sealer in your tank as you run the pump and spray the sealcoat liquid.
Did you know that some sealcoat manufactures will not sell you sealcoat in bulk if your system does not have a mechanical agitation system? This is because their warranty requires the tank to be agitated so your liquid is completely mixed during application.
While you can purchase a sealcoat spray system that simply pumps from a tank or barrel (We do sell them) you should at least have a tank that utilizes some sort of mechanical agitation, so you get the best results possible.
Otherwise the bitumen will settle to the bottom of the tank and you only end up spraying Black Water! (It will look great until it rains)
Bypass Agitation
Bypass Tank Agitation is utilized in systems using Transfer Pumps such as our Transfer Sealcoat Systems which create a "High Volume" of liquid moving through the tank, this pump is capable of moving up to 185 gallons per minute and pressures of around 65 PSI.
Bypass Agitation is a proven technique for agitating sealcoat in the tank, as long as you understand the system limitations and you run the pump on high speed to move the maximum volume. There are some limitations on the ability to use sand in these systems as well. We recommend using no more than 2 lbs of sand per gallon if your using a Bypass Agitation System.
Hand Agitation
Hand Agitation is another very popular agitation system, usually affordable (Adding a few hundred dollars to the cost of our systems).
This Sealcoat Tank Agitation system uses a "Hand Crank" along with "Paddles" to stir the sealer inside the tank which blends the liquid giving you a very uniform mixture.
While By-Pass system will allow you to use sand in the mixture with some limitations, the Hand Agitated tank will perform a better job because it keeps the sand in suspension during the application.
These systems also greatly reduce the "Sand Bar" from occurring simply because the paddles sweep and rake the entire bottom of the tank and keep it clean.
Hand Agitation can have optional 2:1 and 3:1 gear reduction added to allow the paddles inside the tank to turn easier. This adds to the cost but it's money well spent if your mixing heavy sand loaded sealer.
Power Agitation
Power Agitation is basically the same as hand agitation but the sealcoat tank agitation system uses a small gasoline engine along with a gear reduction system to turn the paddles at a speed of between 12 to 16 RPM.
Many professional sealcoaters use a stationary storage tank with power agitation and run the agitation system as needed while pumping sealcoat to a smaller tank giving them excellent product mixture.
Hydraulic Agitation
Hydraulic Agitation is the preferred agitation system in the industry simply because of how this system performs.
The hydraulic agitation system uses a hydraulic pump, usually attached to the engine or compressor engine which runs a hydraulic motor at approximately 12 to 16 RPM. This allows for forward or reverse of the paddles which helps keep the paddles from becoming stuck.
It also does an excellent job blending and stirring the sealcoat liquid, and it will cost the most to purchase because of the complexity of the system.
A power source such as a gasoline engine or air compressor will be required for this Sealcoat Tank Agitation system, but it will easily outperform other agitation systems.
Many sealcoaters will eventually purchase this system because of it's durability and it gives the most professional results.
Sealcoat Tank Agitation is a very important part of your sealing system, and you should completely understand the differences before you make your decision!