Bitumen VG-30
What is Bitumen VG 30?
Bitumen VG 30 is a type of bitumen or asphalt binder that is commonly used in road construction and maintenance. "VG" stands for "Viscosity Grade", and the number 30 indicates its viscosity at 60°C.
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. In the case of bitumen, viscosity is an important property because it affects how well the material will flow and coat the surface of the road. VG 30 bitumen has a higher viscosity compared to lower viscosity grades like VG 10 or VG 20, which means it is more viscous and thicker at normal temperatures.
Bitumen VG 30 is commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for paving roads, highways, and other infrastructure. It is also used as a binder in the production of bituminous products such as roofing felt, waterproofing membranes, and joint sealants.
History of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen has been used for thousands of years as a waterproofing and adhesive material. However, the use of viscosity-graded bitumen like VG 30 is a more recent development.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) first introduced viscosity grading for paving bitumen in the 1970s. Prior to this, penetration grading was the primary method for specifying the properties of bitumen used in road construction.
Viscosity grading is based on the bitumen's resistance to flow at a specific temperature, whereas penetration grading is based on the depth to which a standard needle will penetrate the bitumen sample under specific conditions. The introduction of viscosity grading allowed for better control of the performance of bitumen in different climates and traffic conditions, and helped to improve the durability and longevity of asphalt pavements.
Bitumen VG 30 has become a popular grade for hot mix asphalt in many countries, including India, where it is used extensively in road construction. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) has established standards for bitumen VG 30, which specify the acceptable range of properties, such as viscosity, penetration, ductility, and flash point. These standards help to ensure that the bitumen used in road construction meets the required performance criteria and contributes to safe and sustainable infrastructure.
Usages of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG 30 is commonly used in the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, airport runways, and other infrastructure. Its high viscosity and good adhesion make it an excellent binder for hot mix asphalt (HMA), which is a mixture of bitumen and aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone) that is used as a surface course for pavements.
Here are some specific usages of Bitumen VG 30:
Asphalt pavements: Bitumen VG 30 is a common binder used in the production of HMA for asphalt pavements. It provides good stability, durability, and resistance to deformation, cracking, and rutting under heavy traffic.
Bituminous products: Bitumen VG 30 is also used as a binder in the production of various bituminous products, such as roofing felt, waterproofing membranes, joint sealants, and bituminous paints.
Tank and pipe coatings: Bitumen VG 30 is used as a coating material for tanks and pipelines to protect them from corrosion and abrasion. It provides a tough, durable, and flexible layer that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Adhesives: Bitumen VG 30 is used as an adhesive for bonding materials like concrete, steel, and wood. Its high viscosity and good tackiness make it an effective bonding agent.
Industrial applications: Bitumen VG 30 is used in various industrial applications, such as soundproofing, electrical insulation, and vibration damping. It can also be used as a filler material for asphalt concrete or as a road surfacing material in low-volume roads.
Packing of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG 30 is typically supplied in bulk or in packaged form, depending on the customer's requirements. Here are some common packing options for Bitumen
VG 30
Bulk delivery: Bitumen VG 30 can be transported in bulk form in heated tanker trucks or railcars. This is a cost-effective option for large quantities of bitumen that need to be transported over long distances.
Drum packing: Bitumen VG 30 can be packaged in steel drums or barrels of various sizes, typically ranging from 150 kg to 200 kg. The drums are usually lined with a special material to prevent the bitumen from sticking to the metal surface. Drum packing is a popular option for customers who require smaller quantities of bitumen.
Bag packing: Bitumen VG 30 can also be packed in bags made of woven polypropylene or paper. The bags are usually of 25 kg or 50 kg in size and can be palletized for easy transportation and handling.
Tanker delivery: Bitumen VG 30 can be delivered in tanker trucks, which can hold anywhere from 5,000 to 35,000 litres of bitumen. Tanker delivery is a convenient option for customers who require medium-sized quantities of bitumen and do not have the facilities to store bulk quantities.
The choice of packing depends on various factors such as the quantity required, transportation distance, storage facilities available, and customer preference. It is important to ensure that the bitumen is stored and transported at the appropriate temperature to maintain its properties and quality.
Delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 30
The delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 30 can vary depending on several factors such as:
Availability of stock: If the supplier has Bitumen VG 30 in stock, then the delivery time can be relatively shorter, as the product can be dispatched immediately after the order is placed.
Production lead time: If the supplier needs to produce or procure Bitumen VG 30, then the delivery time can be longer, depending on the production lead time and transportation time from the production facility.
Transportation time: The delivery time can also be affected by the distance between the supplier and the customer's location. Longer distances can result in longer transportation times, which can delay the delivery of the product.
Customs clearance: If the Bitumen VG 30 is being imported from another country, then customs clearance can also impact the delivery time. The customs clearance process can take several days or weeks, depending on the country's regulations.
Order volume: The volume of the order can also impact the delivery time. Larger orders may require more time for production, transportation, and delivery than smaller orders.
It is best to check with the supplier regarding their delivery time and readiness of Bitumen VG 30. Some suppliers may have a ready stock of the product, while others may need to produce or procure it. It is also important to plan ahead and factor in potential delays to avoid any project delays.
Specifications of Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG 30 is a type of paving grade bitumen that is commonly used in the construction of roads, highways, and airports. The following are some common specifications of Bitumen VG 30:
Penetration value: The penetration value of Bitumen VG 30 at 25°C is typically between 60 and 70 dmm.
Softening point: The softening point of Bitumen VG 30 is typically between 45 and 52°C.
Ductility: The minimum ductility of Bitumen VG 30 at 25°C is typically 100 cm.
Flash point: The flash point of Bitumen VG 30 is typically above 220°C.
Solubility in trichloroethylene: The minimum solubility of Bitumen VG 30 in trichloroethylene is typically 99.0%.
Specific gravity: The specific gravity of Bitumen VG 30 at 25°C is typically between 1.01 and 1.05.
Viscosity: The kinematic viscosity of Bitumen VG 30 at 60°C is typically between 250 and 450 cSt.
These specifications can vary slightly depending on the source and location of the bitumen. It is important to check with the supplier or manufacturer to ensure that the Bitumen VG 30 meets the required specifications for a particular project.
Analysis Table of Bitumen VG 30
The following table shows a typical analysis of Bitumen VG 30
It's important to note that the specific requirements for Bitumen VG 30 can vary depending on the location, supplier, and intended use. It's best to consult the product specification sheet or the supplier for the exact specifications and analysis of Bitumen VG 30.
| Property | Test Method | Result |
| Penetration | ASTM D5 | 70-80 |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | 45-52 |
| Ductility | ASTM D113 | 100 min |
| Specific Gravity | ASTM D70 | 1.01-1.06 |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 | 230 min. |
| Solubility in CS2 | ASTM D4 | 99.5% min |
| Viscosity at 60°C | ASTM D2171 | 200-300 cSt |
| Elastic Recovery | ASTM D6084 | 70% min |
| Fraass Breaking Point | ASTM D113 | -15°C max |
| Particle Charge | Zeta potential measurement | Negative |
| Wax Content | EN 14369 | 0.5% max |
| Penetration Index | ASTM D5 | 0.8-1.2 |