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What is loose bitumen?

loose-bitumen60-70
Bitumen is a natural and refined petroleum substance. Refinery tars are the result of oil tar. As a result of this tar and based on the type of oil refining, bitumens are prepared for specific uses in different penetration grades. Based on the penetration grade, bitumen is divided into three groups: these three groups include loose bitumen, hard bitumen and mixed bitumen. Each of these types of bitumen has different applications in the industry.
  1. loose bitumen
  2. hard bitumen
  3. mixed bitumen

What is loose bitumen?

In this section, we are going to explain what Shell 60/70 bitumen is? This type of bitumen is one of the derivatives of crude oil that is obtained from the distillation towers of a refinery.

The ingredients of loose bitumen are asphaltene and maltin. Insoluble heavy asphaltene molecules in 60/70 loose bitumen determine its body and softening point. Meanwhile, maltin is oily and provides the flexibility of loose bitumen and its derivatives.

One of the products obtained by blowing oxygen in the baton vacuum or the bottom of the vacuum is loose bitumen, which remains with a penetration degree of 60/70. Due to the degree of penetration, loose bitumen is also known as 60/70 bitumen. In fact, the penetration degree of 60/70 is a type of standard mode in bitumen production that follows the global standard ASTM D946M.

The use of 70/60 shell bitumen, which is also called coating bitumen, has performed well in most industries and is suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures.

To detect the amount of bitumen penetration, they perform a penetration test. Other required tests to determine the type of bitumen include viscosity, ignition degree, weight loss or weight loss, plasticity, softness and purity.

In this way, if all the specifications of the bitumen tested correspond to the global bitumen standard 60/70, that bitumen is called loose.

Loose bitumen grade 60/70 specifications

Loose bitumen is soft and flexible at ambient temperature. When this bitumen is placed at a temperature of 49 to 56 degrees, it becomes completely fluid and flows. The degree of penetration of 60/70 in loose bitumen means that this type of bitumen can penetrate 60 to 70 hundredths of a millimeter.

The design of loose bitumen 60/70 is done only with the penetration rate of bitumen, which indicates the hardness of bitumen. Loose bitumen benefits from thermoplastic properties, which makes the bitumen soft at high temperatures and hard at low temperatures. The unique relationship between temperature and loose bitumen viscosity is very important when determining performance parameters such as adhesion, durability, and application temperature.

In loose bitumen 60/70, the state of bitumen depends on the temperature. The relationship between temperature and hardness of bitumen is also dependent on the type of crude oil used in bitumen production and its refining method. In terms of hardness, 70/60 bitumen is considered semi-hard bitumen.

Among the properties of loose bitumen, we can mention its high adhesion, which easily sticks even on cement. The closer the loose bitumen is to the international standard, the higher the quality. During the production of bitumen in distillation towers, the process of blowing hot air takes place continuously, and this continuity results in obtaining a stable and homogeneous bitumen.

ATDM CO LLC is a manufacturer and exporter of Bitumen 60/70, offering three different quality grades available in drums, bags, and bulk quantities. Our products are classified into premium, second, and third types, each with varying production costs and facilities. We provide a wide range of options to accommodate different customer needs and volume requirements.

So far, you are familiar with shell bitumen and its characteristics, in the following, we will talk about the application of shell bitumen in the industry for more information.

What is the use of loose bitumen 60/70?

Due to its high adhesion and the appropriate degree of penetration of loose bitumen, this material is used in road construction and asphalt construction and isogaming of buildings. The best way to use 60/70 loose bitumen is to use it as paving bitumen for road construction or road repairs.

The main application of this product is on roads and temperate regions. Shell bitumen is one of the most widely used products in road construction and hot asphalt. In fact, this grade of bitumen is the raw material for all bitumen products and is used as an alternative.

The degree of penetration of bitumen becomes important according to the place of its use. In hot areas or places with a lot of traffic, the amount of bitumen penetration should be less, in this way, in cold areas, this is completely the opposite. Loose bitumen in Iran is used in all regions due to the fact that most parts of the country are hot and dry.

However, bitumens themselves have a long lifespan due to their resistant nature against all kinds of weather conditions. However, to carry out industrial activities, any bitumen must be produced according to the required standard.

Shell bitumen 60/70 is packaged and marketed in barrels of 150, 180 and 220 liters. One of the important points that you should pay attention to when using any type of bitumen is the humidity in the place where the bitumen is used. Bitumen loses its adhesiveness in the presence of water and moisture, so be sure to pay attention to the level of surface moisture when gluing special bitumen for isogams.

The quality of loose bitumen is usually acceptable in most industries and it does not have a high price, which has left people open to use loose bitumen in most industries.

Loose bitumen grade 80/100 specifications

Loose bitumen 80/100 refers to a specific grade of bitumen with a penetration value between 80 and 100 at 25°C (77°F). This grade falls within the penetration grade bitumen classification and is commonly used in various applications, including:

  1. Road Construction: Loose bitumen 80/100 is widely used in road construction for asphalt pavement layers. It provides good adhesion to aggregates and helps create a durable and flexible road surface. The bitumen binds the aggregates together, forming a cohesive mixture that can withstand traffic loads and environmental conditions.
  2. Asphalt Mixes: Loose bitumen 80/100 is commonly used as a binder in asphalt mixes. It helps coat and bind the aggregates, providing cohesion and stability to the mixture. The resulting asphalt mix exhibits good workability during construction and offers excellent resistance to deformation, such as rutting and cracking, under traffic loads.
  3. Waterproofing: Bitumen 80/100 is also used in waterproofing applications. It is applied as a coating or membrane to provide a protective barrier against water intrusion. The high viscosity and adhesive properties of bitumen 80/100 ensure effective waterproofing in various structures, including roofs, basements, and tunnels.
  4. Industrial Applications: Loose bitumen 80/100 finds use in various industrial applications. It can be used as an adhesive or sealant in the manufacturing of roofing materials, pipe coatings, and other construction products. Its excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental factors make it a suitable choice for these applications.

Conclusion

Today, different types of bitumen are used in various industries, especially road building and construction.

The most widely used types of bitumen, especially in Iran, is 60/70 bitumen, which is also known as loose bitumen.

Shell bitumen 60/70 is used as an isogam and super adhesive material in asphalt.

Its degree of penetration is 60 to 70 hundredths of a millimeter and at a temperature of 49 to 56 degrees Celsius, it is completely molten and fluid.

The most important things that should be considered in the preparation of loose bitumen are the degree of penetration and its adhesion.