Today, bitumen is mainly obtained from oil. There are two general methods for obtaining bitumen from oil:
- Distillation method
- Ventilation method
In the first method, depending on the feed and the method of refining after vacuum distillation, a bitumen with the necessary physical characteristics for use in road construction and industrial applications is obtained.
In the second method, the obtained vacuum residue usually has a very low viscosity and a very high degree of penetration, 400-300 tenths of a millimeter.
This product has low asphaltene and cannot be used for road construction in tropical and temperate regions.
Bitumen is typically produced through one of two methods: the distillation of crude oil or the mining of natural deposits. Here is an overview of each method:
- Distillation of Crude Oil: Bitumen can be produced by distilling crude oil, which involves heating the crude oil to separate the various components. The heaviest component of crude oil, known as residual oil, is then further processed to produce bitumen. This method of bitumen production is commonly used in refineries, and it is the primary source of bitumen in many regions.
- Mining of Natural Deposits: Bitumen can also be produced by mining natural deposits of oil sands or tar sands, which are found in certain regions of the world. Oil sands and tar sands contain a mixture of bitumen, sand, clay, and water. The bitumen is separated from the other materials through a process known as extraction, which involves heating and mixing the mixture with water and other chemicals. The resulting bitumen is then further processed to remove impurities and improve its properties.
Both methods of bitumen production have their advantages and disadvantages. The distillation of crude oil is a more common and established method, but it can be more energy-intensive and produce higher emissions. Mining natural deposits of oil sands or tar sands, on the other hand, can be more resource-intensive and have a greater environmental impact, but it can also be a more cost-effective and sustainable source of bitumen.
Regardless of the production method, it is important to ensure that bitumen is produced in a responsible and sustainable manner, with consideration for the environment, communities, and workers. This includes minimizing emissions, reducing waste, and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
Distillation of crude oil is a common method of producing bitumen, particularly in refineries. Here is an overview of the distillation process:
- Crude oil is heated to a high temperature, typically around 350-400 degrees Celsius, until it turns into a vapor.
- The vapor is then fed into a distillation column, which is a tall, vertical tower that is divided into several sections.
- The distillation column separates the vapor into different components based on their boiling points. The lightest components, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, rise to the top of the column, while the heavier components, such as lubricating oil and bitumen, sink to the bottom.
- The bitumen is then collected from the bottom of the distillation column and further processed to remove impurities and improve its properties.
The distillation of crude oil is a highly complex and energy-intensive process that requires significant expertise and technology. The quality of the bitumen produced through distillation can vary depending on the composition of the crude oil, as well as the specific distillation process and equipment used.
To ensure the highest quality and consistency of bitumen, it is important to carefully control the distillation process and monitor the properties of the bitumen throughout production. This can include adjusting the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the distillation column, as well as adding chemicals or other additives to enhance the properties of the bitumen.
In addition to producing bitumen, the distillation of crude oil also yields a range of other petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and lubricating oil. These products are used in a variety of applications, from transportation and energy to manufacturing and construction.
Overall, the distillation of crude oil is a critical process in the production of bitumen, and it requires significant expertise, technology, and resources. By carefully controlling the distillation process and monitoring the properties of the bitumen, refineries can produce high-quality bitumen that meets the needs of a wide range of applications.
Mining of natural deposits is another method of producing bitumen, particularly in regions where natural deposits of oil sands or tar sands are found. Here is an overview of the mining process:
- The oil sands or tar sands are first extracted from the ground using large excavators or mining equipment. This process can be highly resource-intensive, as it requires the removal of large amounts of soil, rock, and other materials.
- The oil sands or tar sands are then transported to a processing facility, where they are mixed with water and other chemicals to create a slurry.
- The slurry is then processed using a variety of methods, such as centrifuges or hydrocyclones, to separate the bitumen from the other materials.
- The bitumen is then further processed to remove impurities and improve its properties. This can include adding chemicals or other additives, as well as heating or filtering the bitumen.
The mining of natural deposits is a complex and resource-intensive process that requires significant expertise and technology. The quality of the bitumen produced through mining can vary depending on the composition of the oil sands or tar sands, as well as the specific mining and processing methods used.
To ensure the highest quality and consistency of bitumen, it is important to carefully control the mining and processing process and monitor the properties of the bitumen throughout production. This can include adjusting the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the processing equipment, as well as adding chemicals or other additives to enhance the properties of the bitumen.
In addition to producing bitumen, the mining of natural deposits can also yield other valuable resources, such as natural gas, heavy crude oil, and minerals. These resources can be used in a variety of applications, from energy and transportation to manufacturing and construction.
Overall, the mining of natural deposits is a critical process in the production of bitumen, and it requires significant expertise, technology, and resources. By carefully controlling the mining and processing process and monitoring the properties of the bitumen, mining companies can produce high-quality bitumen that meets the needs of a wide range of applications.
In order to convert this bitumen residue into bitumen with suitable physical properties, heavy molecules such as asphaltenes should be added during the process. To do this, air, which is a mixture of different gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., is compressed with the help of a compressor and injected from below into a tower containing molten bitumen above oC200.
This process can be continuous or discontinuous. This process, which is known as the semi-aerated process, leads to the production of semi-blown bitumen with a suitable penetration degree and softening point (85/100 or 60/70), which are used in road construction and building moisture insulation applications. If the aeration process is continued in the same unit or the next aeration unit, the degree of bitumen penetration will gradually decrease and its softening point will increase.
As a result, blown bitumens are hard with very low penetration and very high softening points of 110.10, 90.15 and 85.55. These types of bitumen have construction applications and are used as additives in moisture insulation.
ATDM Co is a trusted manufacturer and exporter of high-quality Bitumen 60 70 and Bitumen 80/100. We offer a range of packaging options, including drums, bags, and bulk quantities, to meet the specific needs of our customers.
Our product line includes three distinct quality grades: premium, second, and third. Each grade is produced with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing advanced facilities and processes. Our Bitumen 60/70 is manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring optimal performance and durability in various applications.
We pride ourselves on our ability to accommodate a wide range of volume requirements, from smaller quantities for individual projects to larger bulk orders. Our diverse range of options is designed to meet the unique needs of our valued customers, both domestically and internationally.
Currently, we have supplies in three countries: the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Panama, and Singapore. We are committed to delivering exceptional products that meet the diverse needs of our customers, and we take pride in our reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
At ATDM Co, we are dedicated to providing high-quality bitumen products that meet the needs of our customers in a variety of industries and applications. Contact us today to learn more about our product offerings and how we can help meet your specific needs.