What is bitumen?
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a viscous and black substance that can exist as a liquid or a solid. It is composed of a mixture of various hydrocarbons and is derived either naturally or through the distillation and refining of crude oil.
Bitumen is highly recognized for its waterproof properties and strong adhesion, making it a valuable material in the construction industry, particularly for the development of roads and highways. It serves as a binder in asphalt mixtures and contributes to the durability and longevity of road surfaces.
The majority of bitumen production involves the distillation of crude oil, a process that separates lighter components such as gasoline and diesel from the heavier bitumen. This refining process enhances the purity and quality of the bitumen.
In addition to being obtained through the refining of crude oil, bitumen can also occur naturally in certain geological formations. Over time, the decomposition of prehistoric organisms, coupled with heat and pressure, can lead to the formation of oil deposits at the bottom of ancient lakes.
Overall, bitumen plays a crucial role in the construction sector due to its waterproofing capabilities, strong adhesion, and wide range of applications in road construction and beyond.
Characteristics of bitumen:
- Bitumen is derived through the distillation of crude oil and can also be found naturally.
- It is renowned for its exceptional waterproofing and adhesive properties.
- Bitumen is composed of intricate hydrocarbon molecules, which may include elements such as calcium, iron, sulfur, and hydrogen.
- The price of bitumen is influenced by various factors, including the state of the global economy and the balance of supply and demand for crude oil.
- In October 2013, the Shanghai Futures Exchange introduced the world's first bitumen futures contracts, providing a platform for trading and hedging based on future price expectations.
Knowledge of bitumen
Bitumen is a material that contains elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and oxygen. The value and quality of bitumen depends on its source and the type of crude oil it is extracted from. Historically, bitumen was first used due to its natural adhesive properties and resistance to water, which made it useful for bonding building materials together, as well as for coating and waterproofing surfaces, such as the hulls of ships, and even as a medicinal remedy.
In general, bitumen is primarily used for industrial purposes and is commonly used in road surfacing. Most roads and pavements are made of asphalt or a mixture of asphalt and aggregate materials such as concrete.
In addition to its waterproofing properties and ability to act as an adhesive, bitumen is also used in road projects for other purposes.
Asphalt can be subjected to constant heavy pressure and can deform over time. Continuous pressure on materials and exposure to sunlight can cause asphalt to soften and oxidize, which can weaken it. The physical shape of asphalt is influenced by several factors, including the composition of the asphalt mixture and the temperature of the environment.
Physical properties
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a solid or semi-solid substance at ambient temperature. It becomes softer when the temperature increases and harder when the temperature decreases. At high temperatures, bitumen exhibits Newtonian fluid-like behavior, and its viscosity decreases as the temperature rises. For this reason, it must be heated during use.
Bitumen is a viscoelastic material. It behaves like an elastic solid during short loading times and like a viscous or viscous liquid during longer loading times. The polar molecules in bitumen lead to its tendency to aggregate, and it is a viscous and waterproof material. Bitumen is an engineering product, and its characteristics are based on physical properties, not chemical composition.
The most common physical form of bitumen depends on temperature and has a specific shape at any given temperature. The main feature of bitumen is its waterproof properties and high adhesion.
The most common bitumen production process involves the distillation of crude oil, which separates the light components like gasoline and diesel, leaving bitumen as the "heaviest" component of crude oil. This separation occurs at a temperature of around 340°C.
Chemical Structure of Bitumen
The chemical compositions of various types of bitumen are generally similar, but their specific properties can differ due to slight variations in the main crude oil sources and the refining/mixing processes. Bitumen can be described as a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with a high molecular weight, comprising a myriad of different chemical compounds.
The smallest molecular size of bitumen is determined by "cut point" distillation, typically around 300 daltons. However, research has shown that some molecular weights can reach up to 10,000 daltons, although the number of molecules larger than 1,500 is likely to be minimal.
The chemical components of bitumen include alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatic substances, and heteromolecules containing sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and metals. These heteromolecules are categorized as oil, resin, and asphaltene, with asphaltene being responsible for bitumen's hardness.
In bitumen, the most polar compounds form the structural components that contribute to its hardness or modulus. Compounds with low polarity, on the other hand, provide flexibility and low-temperature properties to asphalt. These compounds are compatible with medium polarity in bitumen, or in bitumen with the least and most polar compounds. Analyzing each of these compounds individually is impractical. As a result, bitumen compounds are classified into major and polar classes:
* Saturated compounds, and saturated hydrocarbons, with the percentage of saturation related to the softening point of the material.
* Naphthenic aromatics, consisting of semi-hydrogenated polycyclic aromatic compounds.
* A combination of polar aromatics, consisting of high molecular weight phenols and carboxylic acids and asphaltenes, consisting of high molecular weight phenols and heterocyclic compounds.
Asphaltenes are typically separated through the "solvent extraction process" method, while other parts are separated using the chromatography method. Naphthenic aromatics and polar aromatics are the most common components of bitumen. Most natural bitumens contain organosulfur compounds, resulting in a total sulfur content of up to 4%. Nickel and vanadium are also found at levels of less than 10 ppm, which is soluble in carbon disulfide.
Asphaltenes are typically modeled as the dispersed phase, while maltenes are the continuous phase in a colloidal form. Due to the large number of different molecules in asphalt, it is nearly impossible to separate all the different molecules of asphalt (bitumen or bitumen).
The behavior of bitumen is influenced by the interaction of bitumen molecules with one another and with other materials, such as water accumulation and surfaces. The presence of heteroatoms in some molecules gives them slight polarity, which is essential for the physical properties and performance of bitumen. Compounds containing heteroatom molecules can vary in quantity and properties in bitumen extracted from different crude oil sources.
Bitumen price
Bitumen is a byproduct of the refining process for crude oil into liquefied gas and gasoline. Consequently, the price of bitumen is heavily influenced by factors affecting the cost of crude oil, including supply and demand, geopolitical stability, and global economic conditions.
The price difference between heavy and light crude oil is another factor impacting the cost of bitumen. As a byproduct of heavy crude oil distillation, refineries' decisions to refine heavy or light crude oil significantly influence bitumen prices.
The global economic climate also has an impact on the price of bitumen. For instance, increased demand for road asphalt during economic booms can result in higher prices. China's recent influence on the bitumen market is significant due to its substantial investment in road infrastructure development, leading to increased demand and price determination.
Historical Significance
Bitumen has been a valuable commodity for ancient civilizations, with a history dating back thousands of years. Herodotus, a Greek historian from the fifth century BC, documented the use of bitumen in the construction of the walls of Babylon.
Similarly, the ancient Egyptians utilized bitumen for various purposes, including sealing, insulation, and even in the embalming process for preserving corpses. This remarkable substance has played a crucial role in the development of ancient civilizations.
An Example of Bitumen
One of the natural occurrences of bitumen is found in the oil sands reserves around the world. Canada is home to the largest reserves, particularly in the province of Alberta. Other deposits are located in Venezuela, Russia, and the United States.
Production Process
Bitumen is produced through a refining process involving the reduction of crude oil. This process separates the lighter components of crude oil, leaving the heavier bitumen behind. The resulting material has various industrial applications, including road construction (known as asphalt) and roofing. Bitumen is also found naturally in the oil sands of Canada.
Main Applications of Bitumen
Bitumen is primarily used for industrial purposes, particularly in the construction industry. Its moisture insulation and adhesion properties make it an ideal material for building roads, where it is commonly known as asphalt. Additionally, bitumen is used in roofing applications due to its protective qualities.
Investing in Natural Bitumen
Investing in natural bitumen is possible with Gilsonite Mud mine. This natural product is intended for crude oil refinery operators, as well as for mixing with bitumen, isobam, and bitumen sellers and final consumers.
Production Process
- In the first stage, lighter materials such as propane and gasoline are separated from crude oil at atmospheric pressure.
- The second stage involves the removal of heavier materials, such as kerosene and diesel, under pressure close to a vacuum.
The final product is a mixture of very fine solids suspended in a substance called malten, which is similar to grease.
The high concentration and stickiness of bitumen are due to its chemical composition, primarily large hydrocarbon molecules known as asphaltenes and resins, which are present in lighter oils but highly concentrated in bitumen. Additionally, bitumen contains significant amounts of metals, such as nickel and vanadium, and non-metallic mineral elements, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.
ATDM CO is a reputable manufacturer and exporter of Bitumen 60/70 and Bitumen 80/100. We specialize in offering high-quality bitumen products in various packaging options, including drums, bags, and bulk quantities. Our product line consists of three distinct quality grades: premium, second, and third types. Each grade is produced with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing advanced facilities and processes.
Our diverse range of options is designed to cater to the specific needs and volume requirements of our customers. Whether you require a smaller quantity for a specific project or a larger bulk order, we have the flexibility to accommodate your demands.
At ATDM CO, we prioritize product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our bitumen 60/70 is manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring optimal performance and durability in various applications. Currently, we have supplies in three countries of the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Panama and Singapore are available. We take pride in delivering exceptional products that meet the diverse needs of our valued customers, both domestically and internationally.