Bitumen specification
We highly relate bitumen specification to the bitumen type whether it’s pure,
and the refining process. Generally speaking, they obtained some types
of bitumen in nature due to the gradual conversion of crude oil and
Also , the evaporation of its volatiles over years. This type is called natural bitumen
and is more durable than oil bitumen. In fact, it exists in pure form in nature
(lake bitumen), such as Behbahan Iran bitumen lake and
American Trinidad bitumen lake, or it is mined (mineral bitumen).
More about Bitumen types
Blown bitumen has different bitumen specification due to its different processes.
So , They get this type by blowing hot air into pure bitumen in the ultimate
stage of purification. In this process, hot air at a temperature of 200 to
300 ° C blows into the bitumen chamber by perforated pipes. As a result of
this process, the hydrogen atoms in the molecules of the bitumen
hydrocarbons combine with the oxygen in the air, and by the formation of
water, the polymerization takes place.
Moreover, blown bitumen has a lower penetration than pure bitumen, has a higher
softness, and is less sensitive to temperature changes. This type of bitumen
highly applies in making roofing sheets, car batteries, and plating. It is
important to know that the abbreviation for blown bitumen is R. For
example, 80/25 R bitumen means blown bitumen with the softness
of 80 and penetration of 25.
Bitumen specifications and the market
Mixed bitumen is a mixture of bitumen and a suitable solvent
(eg kerosene or gasoline). As a matter pf fact, this bitumen is liquid at room temperature or
liquefies at low temperatures. Mixed bitumen applies in types of paving
and macadam asphalts. The setting or hardening rate of this type of
bitumen depends on the type of solution. For example, due to the high
rate of evaporation of gasoline, the bitumen dissolved in gasoline hardens faster.
so , This bitumen is hardening bitumen (RC). Bitumen that dissolves in oil is
also bitumen (MC). Additionally, bitumen that dissolve in gas oil or furnace oil are
retardant oil (SC). They based soluble bitumen grades on their viscosity. Bitumen specification makes it suitable for both road construction and insulation.
About 90% of the bitumen produced has applications in road construction
however, insulation costs account for only 10% of bitumen consumption.
Bitumen specification allows it to insulate roofs and bathroom floors.
The substance is appropriate with a sack. Sack fibers act as reinforcing bitumen
and stabilize the bitumen in place. Products such as bitumen cardboard
or bitumen felt also have a similar application to bitumen.
As we explained, being aware of the specifications and details of a product
will significantly help us to get the work done properly. As you have read,
applying the appropriate bitumen grade in the constructions will avoid
future cracks and malfunctioning in the project.
