Bitumen is a versatile material widely used in various industries, including synthetic and refinery bitumen, as well as natural bitumen. It offers several features and characteristics such as excellent adhesion and high water repellency, making it highly useful. Bitumen can exist in different forms, including liquid and dry/solid bitumen. Each type has its own applications and uses. In this article, we will focus on dry bitumen, exploring its features and applications.
Dry bitumen
Dry bitumen is a type of bitumen that undergoes excessive heat and aeration, resulting in a hard, brittle form with a shiny appearance. It is available in different grades, such as 20/10, 15/115, or 220/160. Dry bitumen can be produced through various methods, including the use of Gilsonite or hot aeration. Aeration-produced dry bitumen is of high quality and demonstrates more applications compared to other types. It is derived from petroleum and is typically manufactured in refineries. Like other bitumen varieties, dry bitumen can dissolve completely in carbon sulfide and carbon tetrachloride. At ambient temperature, it remains solid but becomes liquid as the temperature increases.
The significant applications of dry bitumen
Due to its unique characteristics, dry bitumen offers distinct advantages over other types, such as bitumen, white bitumen, and various refinery bitumen. Consequently, it finds applications in various fields:
- Production of colors and inks: Dry bitumen can be utilized to produce a wide range of colors and inks.
- Insulation: Dry bitumen is used in combination with industrial bitumen to enhance insulation properties, particularly for building insulation applications.
- Road construction and asphalt production: Dry bitumen plays a crucial role in road construction and the production of high-quality asphalt. By combining it with emulsion bitumen and materials like sand, durable asphalt can be created.
- Production of waterproofing and different bitumen types: Dry bitumen is employed in the production of waterproofing and other bitumen variations.
Overall, dry bitumen's unique properties make it a valuable material with diverse applications across various industries.
Dry bitumen and liquid bitumen have distinct properties and applications due to their different forms and characteristics. Here's a comparison of dry bitumen and liquid bitumen:
Properties:
- Form: Dry bitumen is solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature, while liquid bitumen is in a liquid state.
- Consistency: Dry bitumen has a hard and brittle texture, whereas liquid bitumen has a viscous and flowable consistency.
- Appearance: Dry bitumen is shiny and often has a glossy surface, while liquid bitumen appears dark and has a tar-like appearance.
Applications:
- Road Construction: Liquid bitumen is extensively used in road construction as a binder in asphalt mixtures. It provides adhesion and durability to the asphalt pavement, ensuring good performance under traffic loads. Dry bitumen, on the other hand, is less commonly used in road construction due to its solid form.
- Roofing and Waterproofing: Liquid bitumen is widely used in the roofing industry for waterproofing applications. It is applied as a coating or membrane to provide a protective barrier against water infiltration. Dry bitumen is not typically used in roofing and waterproofing applications due to its solid form and lack of flexibility.
- Sealants and Adhesives: Liquid bitumen is used in the production of sealants and adhesives for various applications, including construction, automotive, and packaging industries. Dry bitumen, with its hard and brittle nature, is not suitable for these applications.
- Insulation: Liquid bitumen can be used for thermal insulation in buildings, particularly when combined with insulation materials. Dry bitumen is not commonly used for insulation purposes.
- Coatings and Paints: Both dry bitumen and liquid bitumen can be used in the production of coatings and paints. Liquid bitumen is more commonly used due to its ease of incorporation into paint formulations. Dry bitumen may be used to produce specific types of coatings or paints that require its unique properties.
It's important to note that the specific applications may vary depending on the grade and specifications of the bitumen, as well as regional factors and industry practices. The choice between dry bitumen and liquid bitumen depends on the desired properties and requirements of the application at hand.
The Key Features of Dry Bitumen
Dry bitumen, along with other types of mineral bitumen, industrial bitumen, and Gilsonite powder, possesses several important features and characteristics, including:
- Seamless structure: Dry bitumen has a smooth and continuous texture, making it suitable for various applications.
- High adhesive properties and strength: Dry bitumen exhibits excellent adhesion, allowing it to bond strongly with different surfaces.
- High water repellency: Dry bitumen is resistant to water and does not dissolve when exposed to moisture.
- Shiny and bright appearance: Dry bitumen has a glossy and lustrous surface, enhancing its visual appeal.
- High temperature resistance: As dry bitumen is produced at elevated temperatures, it demonstrates remarkable resistance to temperature changes.
The Price of Dry Bitumen
As mentioned before, the global market for bitumen, including industrial bitumen, natural bitumen, white bitumen, polymer bitumen, emulsion bitumen, and more, is thriving due to their unique features and wide-ranging applications. The price of dry bitumen, similar to mineral bitumen powder and other petroleum derivatives, can be influenced by various factors and parameters, including:
- Dry bitumen grading: The specific grade and quality of dry bitumen can impact its price.
- Bitumen quality and packaging: The overall quality of the bitumen, along with its packaging, can affect its price.
- Bitumen characteristics: Factors such as ignition properties, penetration level, softness, ash content, mesh size, and carbon content can influence the price of dry bitumen.
- Bitumen production method: The method used to produce dry bitumen, such as hot aeration, can impact its cost.
- Volume and quantity: The volume and amount of dry bitumen purchased can influence its price.
- Bitumen producer company and brand: The reputation and brand value of the bitumen producer can affect the price.
- Bitumen specifications: Factors such as the shape, size, and specific weight of the bitumen can contribute to its pricing.
In Conclusion
Dry bitumen, being widely used in various industries, offers several advantageous features such as moisture resistance, high glossiness, and hardness. It finds applications in industries such as paint and ink production, as well as in the production of waterproofing. Dry bitumen is available in different grades, such as 20/10, 15/115, or 220/160, and is produced using methods like hot aeration. The price of dry bitumen can vary based on factors such as production methods, manufacturer reputation, quality, and packaging.
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.