Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
What is Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70?
Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is a type of bitumen commonly used in the construction industry. It is a standard bitumen grade that falls under the penetration grading system, which is a measure of the hardness or consistency of the bitumen. In the penetration grading system, the penetration value of the bitumen is measured at a specific temperature using a standard needle.
Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 has a penetration value of 60-70 at 25°C, which means it is a relatively soft grade of bitumen compared to other grades such as Penetration Bitumen Grade 80/100. This grade of bitumen is commonly used in the production of asphalt mixes for road construction and maintenance, as well as in the production of waterproofing membranes, roofing felts, and other similar applications.
In terms of quality, Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 typically meets standard specifications for physical properties such as softening point, ductility, flash point, solubility, and other key characteristics. However, the specific quality and performance of this grade of bitumen can vary depending on the source of the crude oil, the production process, and other factors. Therefore, it is important to work with a reputable supplier who can provide detailed information on the quality and performance characteristics of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70.
Quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
The quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is determined by several physical properties, which are typically measured and evaluated according to industry standards. Here are some of the key quality specifications for Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70:
Penetration value: The penetration value of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 at 25°C typically falls in the range of 60-70, as per ASTM D5 standard. This value indicates the hardness or consistency of the bitumen, and it affects the performance of the bitumen in various applications.
Softening point: The softening point of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is typically in the range of 49-56°C, as per ASTM D36 standard. This value indicates the temperature at which the bitumen softens and begins to flow under the effect of heat.
Ductility: The ductility of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 at 25°C is typically greater than 100 cm, as per ASTM D113 standard. This value indicates the ability of the bitumen to stretch and deform without breaking, which is important in applications where the bitumen is subjected to tensile stresses.
Flash point: The flash point of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is typically greater than 230°C, as per ASTM D92 standard. This value indicates the temperature at which the bitumen emits vapors that can ignite in the presence of an ignition source.
Solubility: The solubility of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 in CS2 is typically greater than 99.5%, as per ASTM D4 standard. This value indicates the ability of the bitumen to dissolve in a specific solvent, which is important in certain applications such as roofing felts.
Other properties: Other quality specifications for Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 may include parameters such as density, loss on heating, drop in penetration, elastic recovery, wax content, and particle charge, among others. These properties can affect the performance of the bitumen in specific applications, and they are typically evaluated using standard test methods such as ASTM, AASHTO, or EN standards.
History of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
The history of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 dates back to the early 20th century, when the demand for asphalt products started to increase rapidly in the construction industry. Bitumen, which is a byproduct of petroleum refining, was recognized as a suitable material for various construction applications due to its excellent binding properties, waterproofing ability, and durability.
The grading system for bitumen was first introduced by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in the 1920s, with the aim of standardizing the physical properties and performance characteristics of bitumen for different applications. The penetration grading system was based on the penetration value of the bitumen, which is the depth in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle would penetrate vertically into the bitumen sample under specified conditions of loading, time, and temperature.
Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 was one of the first grades of bitumen to be established under the ASTM grading system. This grade was characterized by a penetration value of 60-70 at 25°C and a softening point of 49-56°C, which made it suitable for a wide range of applications such as road construction, pavement surfacing, roofing, and waterproofing.
Since then, Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 has become one of the most commonly used grades of bitumen worldwide, due to its versatility, availability, and relatively low cost compared to other grades. The quality and performance of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 have been improved over the years through advances in refining, blending, and modification technologies, as well as through the development of new testing methods and specifications. Today, Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 remains an important and widely used material in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries where infrastructure development is a key priority.
Usages of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is a versatile grade of bitumen that is commonly used in a wide range of construction applications. Some of the key usages of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 are:
Road construction: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is widely used as a binder in the construction of roads, highways, and airport runways. It provides good adhesion and cohesion properties, which help to ensure the durability and stability of the road surface.
Asphalt paving: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is used as a binder in hot mix asphalt (HMA) paving applications, where it provides good stiffness and stability to the asphalt mixture.
Waterproofing: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is used in the production of waterproofing membranes for roofing, basements, and other structures that require protection against water infiltration.
Bituminous coatings: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is used in the production of bituminous coatings for pipelines, tanks, and other metal structures that require protection against corrosion.
Emulsions: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 can be used to produce bitumen emulsions, which are used in a variety of applications such as dust control, soil stabilization, and surface treatment.
Overall, Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is a versatile and widely used grade of bitumen that offers good performance characteristics and is relatively affordable compared to other grades. Its usages are diverse, making it a popular choice for many construction applications.
Packing of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is typically packed in a variety of containers, depending on the needs of the customer and the mode of transportation. Some common packaging options include:
Steel drums: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 is often packed in steel drums with a capacity of 150 kg or 180 kg. These drums are suitable for storage and transportation by road, rail, or sea.
Bulk bags: For larger quantities of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70, bulk bags with a capacity of 500 kg to 1000 kg are commonly used. These bags are easy to handle and can be transported by truck or sea freight.
Tanker trucks: Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 can also be transported in bulk using tanker trucks with a capacity of 20 to 25 tons. This is a convenient option for customers who require large volumes of bitumen for their construction projects.
Flexi-tanks: For international shipments, Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 can be packed in flexi-tanks with a capacity of 20 to 25 tons. Flexi-tanks are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional shipping methods.
Prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
The price of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 can vary depending on several factors such as location, market demand, supplier, and quantity ordered. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the price of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 ranged from approximately $250 to $350 per metric ton.
It is important to note that bitumen prices are subject to fluctuations due to factors such as changes in crude oil prices and market conditions. Additionally, prices can also vary based on the specific terms of the purchase, such as transportation costs and contractual agreements.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date price for Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70, it is recommended to contact local suppliers or bitumen trading companies to obtain a quotation based on your specific requirements and location.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70
The delivery time and readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 can vary depending on several factors, including the supplier, location, order quantity, and current market conditions. Here are some general considerations:
Production Capacity: The readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 depends on the production capacity of the supplier. Larger producers with higher capacity may have a quicker turnaround time compared to smaller suppliers.
Inventory: If the supplier has Penetration Bitumen Grade 60/70 readily available in their inventory, the delivery time can be relatively short. However, if the supplier needs to produce or source the bitumen, it may take longer.
Order Quantity: The delivery time may also depend on the size of the order. Larger quantities may require more time for production and logistics, while smaller orders may be fulfilled more quickly.
Transportation: The delivery time can be influenced by the distance between the supplier and the buyer. Transportation logistics, including shipping, road, or rail transport, can add to the overall delivery time.
Analysis Table of Penetration Bitumen
| Property | Test Method | Specification |
| Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | ASTM D5 | 60-70 |
| Softening Point (°C) | ASTM D36 | 49-56 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | ASTM D113 | 100 (min) |
| Solubility in CS2 (%) | ASTM D4 | 99.5 (min) |
| Flash Point (°C) | ASTM D92 | 250 (min) |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C/25°C | ASTM D70 | 1.01-1.06 |
| Penetration Index | ASTM D5 | 0.1 (max) |
| Loss on Heating (%) | ASTM D6 | 0.2 (max) |
| Drop in Penetration after RTFOT (%) | ASTM D36 | 20 (max) |
| Retained Penetration after TFOT (%) | ASTM D36 | 50 (min) |
| Softening Point Variation after TFOT (°C) | ASTM D36 | ±3 |