Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40

 What is Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40?

 Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is a type of bitumen that is commonly used in road construction and pavement applications. It is a petroleum-based product that is produced by refining crude oil. The "30/40" designation indicates the penetration range of the bitumen, which is measured in tenths of a millimeter.

In particular, this grade has a penetration value of 30-40 dmm (0.1 mm) at 25°C, meaning that a standard needle with a weight of 100 grams will penetrate the bitumen sample to a depth of 30-40 tenths of a millimeter when it is applied to the sample for 5 seconds under controlled laboratory conditions. This value reflects the hardness or consistency of the bitumen, with higher penetration values indicating softer and more viscous materials.

Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is commonly used in hot mix asphalt and other asphalt paving applications due to its relatively high ductility and ability to withstand deformation under high traffic loads and varying weather conditions. It is also used in waterproofing and sealing applications, such as roofing and joint sealing

 

Quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 

 The quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 can vary depending on the source and manufacturing process, but it typically meets the following specifications:

Penetration: 30-40 dmm (0.1 mm) at 25°C

Softening point: 50-60°C

Ductility: >100 cm at 25°C and 5 cm/min

Solubility in trichloroethylene: >99.0% w/w

Flash point: >230°C

Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is typically a dark brown or black, viscous liquid or semi-solid material. It is commonly used in road construction and pavement applications due to its relatively high ductility and ability to withstand deformation under high traffic loads and varying weather conditions. Its properties also make it suitable for use in waterproofing and sealing applications, such as roofing and joint sealing.

History of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 

 The history of bitumen dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks for waterproofing and construction purposes. However, the modern production of bitumen from petroleum dates back to the mid-19th century, with the first successful commercial production occurring in Canada in the 1850s.

The development of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 specifically is tied to the evolution of road construction and pavement technology. In the early 20th century, the use of bituminous materials in road construction became more widespread, and the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) established standards for asphalt pavement in the 1920s. These standards included specifications for penetration-grade bitumen, which were classified according to their softening point and penetration value.

Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 was one of the earliest penetration grades developed and has been used in road construction and pavement applications for decades. The specific properties of this grade, including its relatively high ductility and ability to withstand deformation under high traffic loads and varying weather conditions, have made it a popular choice for asphalt pavement and other construction applications. Today, Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is produced by refineries around the world and is used in a wide range of infrastructure projects.

Usages of  Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 

 Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is a versatile material that is used in a variety of construction and infrastructure applications. Some common usages of this grade of bitumen include:

Road Construction: Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is commonly used as a binder in the construction of asphalt pavements and bituminous roadways. It provides strength and durability to the road surface and helps to resist deformation under heavy traffic loads.

Waterproofing: The high viscosity and adhesive properties of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 make it an ideal material for waterproofing and sealing applications. It is commonly used in roofing, tank lining, and other applications where a waterproof barrier is required.

Joint Filling and Crack Sealing: Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is often used to fill joints and cracks in concrete and asphalt surfaces. Its flexibility and ability to adhere to the surrounding surfaces make it an effective sealant that can help to prevent water intrusion and extend the life of the pavement or structure.

Pipe Coating: Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is sometimes used as a coating for steel pipes to protect against corrosion and extend the life of the pipe.

Soundproofing: The high density and viscosity of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 make it an effective soundproofing material when used as an acoustic barrier or vibration dampener.

Packing of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40

 Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is typically packed and shipped in bulk containers or in new, clean, and dry steel drums that meet the international standard for packing of bitumen. The standard drum size is 180 kg, but other sizes such as 150 kg, 200 kg, and 250 kg are also common.

The drums are coated with a thin layer of bitumen to prevent corrosion and ensure the integrity of the product during transportation and storage. The drums are then securely sealed with a bung or lid to prevent any leakage or contamination.

In addition to steel drums, Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 may also be packed and shipped in bulk containers such as tankers or flexitanks. Tankers are typically used for large-scale shipments, while flexitanks are flexible containers that can be loaded into standard shipping containers and are often used for smaller shipments.

Proper packing and handling of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is important to ensure that the product arrives at its destination in good condition and retains its desired properties. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for packing, storage, and handling to ensure the quality of the product.

Prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 

 The price of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 can vary depending on a variety of factors, including global supply and demand, crude oil prices, and the cost of transportation. Additionally, prices may also vary based on the location of the buyer and seller, the quantity of the product being purchased, and the terms of the sale.

As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the price of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 was averaging around $350-$400 per metric tonne (MT) in international markets. However, prices can fluctuate significantly over time, so it is important to check current market prices before making any purchase or investment decisions.

It is also worth noting that pricing in the bitumen industry can be complex, with different pricing mechanisms used in different regions and for different types of bitumen. Some common pricing mechanisms include spot pricing, index pricing, and formula pricing based on crude oil prices or other benchmarks. Buyers and sellers should be aware of the specific pricing mechanism being used and should carefully review the terms of any purchase agreement to ensure that pricing is transparent and fair.

Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 

The delivery time and readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the location of the buyer and seller, the quantity of the product being purchased, and the terms of the sale.

If the product is readily available in the local market, delivery times may be relatively short, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. However, if the product needs to be imported or transported over longer distances, delivery times may be longer, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

In terms of readiness, Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 is generally readily available from major producers and suppliers around the world. However, buyers should be aware that there may be seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand, and that prices and availability may be affected by global events such as natural disasters, political instability, or economic downturns.

To ensure timely delivery and readiness of the product, it is important for buyers to work closely with reputable suppliers and to establish clear communication channels and terms of sale. This may include negotiating pricing and delivery terms in advance, specifying quality and packaging requirements, and establishing clear procedures for inspection and acceptance of the product upon delivery.

 

 

Analysis Table of Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40

here is a sample analysis table for Penetration Bitumen Grade 30/40 based on typical specifications: