Bitumen VG-40


What is Bitumen VG 40?

Bitumen VG 40 is a type of bitumen commonly used in road construction and paving. Bitumen is a highly viscous, black, semi-solid form of petroleum that is produced during the refining of crude oil. VG stands for "Viscosity Grade," which is a standard system used to classify different grades of bitumen based on their viscosity or thickness.

Bitumen VG 40 has a relatively low viscosity compared to other grades of bitumen, which makes it suitable for use in medium-traffic roads and highways. It is typically used as a binder in asphalt mixes to provide strength, durability, and resistance to deformation under traffic loads and temperature changes.

Bitumen VG 40 is produced by heating and refining crude oil to remove impurities and increase the concentration of bitumen. It is then tested to ensure that it meets the specifications for viscosity, penetration, softening point, and other physical properties required for its intended use in road construction.

History of Bitumen VG 40

Bitumen has been used for thousands of years as a waterproofing material and adhesive, particularly in the construction of roads, buildings, and water tanks. The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians used bitumen in their buildings and monuments, and the ancient Greeks and Romans used it to waterproof their aqueducts and viaducts.

The modern production and use of bitumen can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the automobile industry began to grow and demand for asphalt roads increased. In the 1920s, the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) developed a standardized system for grading bitumen based on its viscosity, which led to the development of various viscosity grades, including VG 40.

Bitumen VG 40 was initially used in road construction in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s. It became popular because of its relatively low viscosity, which made it easier to handle and mix with aggregates, and its ability to provide good performance under medium traffic conditions. Today, Bitumen VG 40 is widely used in road construction and paving around the world, particularly in countries with moderate to warm climates. It is produced by many refineries globally, and its specifications are standardized by various organizations such as ASTM International, EN, and Indian Standard IS.
Usages of Bitumen VG 40

Bitumen VG 40 is primarily used in road construction and paving as a binder in asphalt mixes. It provides several benefits, including:

Durability: Bitumen VG 40 provides excellent resistance to deformation and cracking under traffic loads and temperature changes, which helps to prolong the life of the road.

Waterproofing: Bitumen VG 40 is highly waterproof and provides an effective barrier against water penetration, which helps to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles and other moisture-related problems.

Adhesion: Bitumen VG 40 has strong adhesive properties, which allows it to bind well with aggregates and create a stable and durable pavement structure.

Flexibility: Bitumen VG 40 has good flexibility and can accommodate small movements in the pavement without cracking or breaking, which helps to maintain the integrity of the road.

In addition to road construction, Bitumen VG 40 is also used in other applications such as roofing, waterproofing, and pipe coating. It is often used as a binder in the production of bituminous waterproofing membranes, which are commonly used in the construction of roofs, basements, and tunnels. It is also used in the production of pipe coatings, which provide corrosion protection for steel pipes used in the oil and gas industry.

 

Packing of Bitumen VG 40

Bitumen VG 40 is typically packed in drums, bags, or bulk containers for transportation and storage. The most common packing options are:

Drums: Bitumen VG 40 is often packed in steel drums with a capacity of 150 kg or 180 kg. The drums are coated with anti-corrosive materials to prevent rusting and ensure the quality of the bitumen.

Bags: Bitumen VG 40 can also be packed in bags made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a capacity of 25 kg or 50 kg. The bags are designed to protect the bitumen from moisture and other environmental factors.

Bulk containers: Bitumen VG 40 can also be transported and stored in bulk containers such as tankers or flexitanks. These containers are suitable for large-scale projects or when the bitumen is being transported over long distances.

Regardless of the packing method, it is important to store Bitumen VG 40 in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This helps to preserve the quality of the bitumen and prevent it from deteriorating. Proper handling and storage procedures should be followed to ensure the safety of workers and to prevent environmental contamination.

Bitumen VG 40 is typically packed in new, non-returnable steel drums or polybags. The standard drum size for bitumen is 180 kg, but it can also be packed in 150 kg, 200 kg, or 250 kg drums, depending on customer requirements. The drums are typically coated with an anti-rust coating and fitted with a removable lid to ensure the quality and integrity of the product during storage and transportation.

The polybags used for packing bitumen VG 40 are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and can hold up to 25 kg of bitumen. They are lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for small-scale projects or for customers who require smaller quantities of bitumen.

In addition to drums and polybags, bitumen VG 40 can also be packed in bulk containers such as tanker trucks or ISO tanks for transportation and delivery to large-scale projects. These containers are designed to meet international standards for the safe transportation of bitumen and are equipped with heating and insulation systems to ensure that the product remains in a liquid state during transit.

 

 

Prices of Bitumen VG 40

The prices of Bitumen VG 40 can vary depending on various factors such as the market demand, supply availability, and the location of the buyer. It is worth noting that bitumen prices are often volatile and can fluctuate significantly over time.

As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the average price of Bitumen VG 40 in the global market ranged from $320 to $360 per metric ton (MT), according to various industry reports. However, it is important to note that prices can vary widely depending on the region and country, and buyers should always obtain up-to-date pricing information from their suppliers.

It is also worth noting that the prices of bitumen are influenced by several factors, including crude oil prices, transportation costs, production costs, and government regulations. As such, prices can vary significantly over time and can be difficult to predict. Buyers are advised to work closely with their suppliers to ensure that they are getting the best possible price and to monitor the market for any changes in pricing or supply availability.
Delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 40

The delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 40 can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the buyer, the quantity of the order, and the availability of the product.

In general, most suppliers can deliver Bitumen VG 40 within a few days to a few weeks after the order is placed, depending on the transportation and logistics arrangements. For customers who require urgent delivery, some suppliers offer expedited delivery services at an additional cost.

The readiness of Bitumen VG 40 can also depend on the availability of the product. Bitumen is typically produced at refineries, and its production can be affected by factors such as seasonal demand, maintenance shutdowns, and unexpected supply disruptions. As such, customers are advised to work closely with their suppliers to ensure that they can provide the required quantity of Bitumen VG 40 in a timely manner.

It is also worth noting that the delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 40 can be affected by external factors such as weather conditions and transportation infrastructure. For example, extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or snowfall can cause delays in delivery, while inadequate transportation infrastructure can result in longer delivery times. To minimize the risk of delays, buyers are advised to work closely with their suppliers to ensure that all necessary transportation and logistics arrangements are in place.

Analysis Table of Bitumen VG 40

The specifications of Bitumen VG 40 can vary depending on the country, region, and supplier. However, in general, Bitumen VG 40 is typically characterized by the following properties

Penetration: Bitumen VG 40 has a penetration value of 40 decimillimeters (dmm) at 25°C, which indicates its hardness or consistency. The penetration value is determined by measuring the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specified conditions.

Softening point: Bitumen VG 40 has a softening point of 52-60°C, which indicates the temperature at which the bitumen becomes soft and begins to flow under the influence of heat.

Ductility: Bitumen VG 40 has a minimum ductility of 100 cm at 25°C, which indicates its ability to stretch without breaking. The ductility value is determined by measuring the distance to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before breaking.

Specific gravity: Bitumen VG 40 has a specific gravity of 1.01-1.06 at 25°C, which indicates its density relative to water.

Flash point: Bitumen VG 40 has a minimum flash point of 250°C, which indicates its ability to ignite under specified conditions.

It is important to note that the specifications of Bitumen VG 40 can vary depending on the intended use and local regulations. Buyers should always check the specifications of the product with their suppliers to ensure that it meets their requirements and complies with local regulations.

Property Test Method Result
Penetration ASTM D5 60-70
Softening Point ASTM D36 49-56
Ductility ASTM D113 100 min
Specific Gravity ASTM D70 1.01-1.06
Flash Point ASTM D92 250 min.
Solubility in CS2 ASTM D4 99.5% min
Viscosity at 135°C ASTM D2170 3200-4500 cSt
Elastic Recovery ASTM D6084 90% min
Fraass Breaking Point ASTM D113 -10°C max
Particle Charge Zeta potential measurement Negative
Wax Content EN 14369 0.5% max
Penetration Index ASTM D5 0.8-1.2