Penetration Grade Bitumen
What is Penetration Bitumen?
Penetration bitumen, also known as paving grade bitumen, is a type of bitumen that is commonly used in road construction and paving. It is a petroleum-based product that is produced from the distillation of crude oil.
Penetration bitumen is characterized by its hardness and ability to withstand traffic and weather conditions. Its properties are determined by its penetration value, which is the depth in millimeters that a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specific conditions of time, temperature, and load.
Penetration bitumen is graded based on its penetration value at 25°C, typically ranging from 10 to 300. The higher the penetration value, the softer the bitumen, and vice versa. The most commonly used penetration bitumen grades in road construction and paving are 40/50, 60/70, and 80/100.
In addition to road construction and paving, penetration bitumen is also used in other applications such as waterproofing, roofing, and sealing. It is an important raw material in the construction industry and plays a crucial role in the development of infrastructure.
Quality of Penetration Bitumen
The quality of penetration bitumen is crucial for its application in road construction, paving, waterproofing, roofing, and other applications. The quality of penetration bitumen can be assessed based on various physical and chemical properties. Here are some of the key quality indicators of penetration bitumen:
Penetration Value: The penetration value of bitumen indicates its hardness and resistance to deformation. It is measured as the depth in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle penetrates a bitumen sample under specific conditions of time, temperature, and load. The penetration value of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
Softening Point: The softening point of bitumen indicates the temperature at which the bitumen becomes soft and flexible. It is measured as the temperature at which a standard needle penetrates a bitumen sample to a specified depth. The softening point of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
Ductility: The ductility of bitumen indicates its stretchability and flexibility. It is measured as the distance in centimeters that a bitumen sample can be stretched without breaking. The ductility of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
Solubility: The solubility of bitumen indicates its purity and homogeneity. It is measured as the percentage of bitumen that dissolves in a specified solvent, typically trichloroethylene. The solubility of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
Flash Point: The flash point of bitumen indicates its safety for handling and storage. It is measured as the minimum temperature at which a bitumen sample gives off enough vapor to ignite momentarily when exposed to a flame. The flash point of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of bitumen indicates its density and consistency. It is measured as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of bitumen to the weight of an equal volume of water. The specific gravity of bitumen should be within the specified range for its intended application.
History of Penetration Bitumen
The use of bitumen dates back to ancient times when it was used as a waterproofing material for boats and buildings. The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians used bitumen as an adhesive and waterproofing material in their construction projects.
The modern use of bitumen in road construction and paving can be traced back to the 19th century when the first asphalt road was built in Paris in 1854. Bitumen was recognized as an excellent binder for aggregates and provided a durable and skid-resistant surface for roads. The use of bitumen in road construction became popular in Europe and North America in the early 20th century.
The development of penetration grading of bitumen in the 1920s and 1930s was a major milestone in the history of bitumen. Penetration grading provided a standardized method for characterizing the consistency and hardness of bitumen and facilitated its use in road construction and paving.
In the mid-20th century, the demand for bitumen increased as the construction of highways and airports grew. The use of bitumen in roofing, waterproofing, and other applications also expanded during this time. The development of polymer-modified bitumen in the 1960s and 1970s further expanded the range of applications of bitumen.
Today, bitumen is an important raw material in the construction industry and plays a crucial role in the development of infrastructure. The use of bitumen continues to evolve as new technologies and materials are developed to improve its performance and durability.
Usages of Penetration Bitumen
Penetration bitumen is a widely used material in the construction industry for a variety of applications due to its excellent waterproofing, adhesive, and binding properties. Here are some of the common uses of penetration bitumen:
Road Construction and Paving: Penetration bitumen is used as a binder in asphalt concrete to provide a durable and skid-resistant surface for roads, highways, and airports.
Waterproofing and Roofing: Penetration bitumen is used as a waterproofing material for roofs, foundations, and basements. It is also used as a coating for roofing felt and shingles to provide protection against water and weathering.
Adhesives and Sealants: Penetration bitumen is used as an adhesive for bonding roofing materials, insulation, and other construction materials. It is also used as a sealant for joints and cracks in concrete and masonry.
Pipe Coating: Penetration bitumen is used as a coating for pipelines to provide corrosion protection and improve the flow of liquids and gases.
Paints and Coatings: Penetration bitumen is used as a component in paints and coatings to provide waterproofing and weather resistance.
Soundproofing: Penetration bitumen is used as a soundproofing material in buildings, walls, and floors to reduce noise and vibration.
Industrial Applications: Penetration bitumen is used in various industrial applications, such as manufacturing of roofing materials, asphalt emulsions, and adhesives.
The specific grade of penetration bitumen used for each application will depend on the requirements of the project and the climate conditions of the region.
Packing of Penetration Bitumen
Penetration bitumen is typically packed in different types of containers or packages depending on the quantity and transportation requirements. Some of the common packing options for penetration bitumen are:
Steel drums: Penetration bitumen is often packed in steel drums with a capacity of 150 kg, 180 kg, or 200 kg. The drums are typically coated with an anti-corrosive material and have a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination.
Bitutainers: Bitutainers are large containers made of steel or plastic with a capacity of 20-25 tons. They are used for transportation of bulk quantities of penetration bitumen by road or sea.
Flexitanks: Flexitanks are flexible bags made of polyethylene or other materials that can hold up to 24,000 liters of penetration bitumen. They are used for transportation of bulk quantities of bitumen by sea.
Bulk shipments: Penetration bitumen can also be transported in bulk shipments through pipelines or tankers.
The choice of packing will depend on the quantity of bitumen required and the transportation mode. For smaller quantities, steel drums are a common packing option, while for larger quantities, bitutainers or flexitanks are more practical. It is important to ensure that the packing material is suitable for the grade of bitumen being transported and meets the relevant quality and safety standards.
Prices of Penetration Bitumen
The price of penetration bitumen can vary depending on several factors, such as the grade of bitumen, the quantity purchased, the transportation cost, and the location of the buyer. The price of penetration bitumen is usually quoted in US dollars per metric ton (MT).
As of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021, the average price of penetration bitumen Grade 40/50 in the international market was around $400-$450 per MT for a minimum order of 5,000 MT. However, prices can fluctuate depending on market conditions and other factors.
It is important to note that prices can also vary by region and country, and buyers should obtain quotes from reputable suppliers to ensure they are getting a fair price. Additionally, buyers should consider the quality of the bitumen and the reputation of the supplier when making purchasing decisions, as lower prices may sometimes indicate lower quality or unreliable suppliers.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Bitumen
The delivery time and readiness of penetration bitumen can vary depending on several factors, such as the quantity ordered, the grade of bitumen, and the location of the buyer. In general, it is advisable to contact a reputable supplier for an estimated delivery time based on the specific requirements.
For smaller quantities of penetration bitumen, such as orders of steel drums or flexitanks, the delivery time may be relatively short, typically ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, for larger orders, such as bitutainers or bulk shipments, the delivery time may take longer due to logistics and transportation arrangements.
The readiness of penetration bitumen will also depend on the supplier's stock and production capacity. Some suppliers may have ready stock available for immediate delivery, while others may need to produce the bitumen to meet the specific requirements of the buyer. It is important to discuss the readiness of the bitumen with the supplier before placing an order to ensure that the delivery time meets the project timeline.
Overall, buyers should plan ahead and allow sufficient lead time for delivery to ensure that the penetration bitumen arrives on time for the project. It is also important to work with a reputable supplier with a track record of timely and reliable delivery.
Analysis Table of Penetration Bitumen
| Properties | Test Method | Unit | Specification |
| Penetration at 25°C | ASTM D5 | 0.1mm | 40-50 |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 52-60 |
| Ductility at 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | Min 100 |
| Solubility in TCE | ASTM D2042 | % Mass | Min 99.5 |
| Flash Point (COC) | ASTM D92 | °C | Min 225 |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | ASTM D70 | g/cm³ | 1.01-1.06 |
| Loss on Heating | ASTM D6 | % Mass | Max 0.2 |
| Drop in Penetration | ASTM D6 | - | Max 20 |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | - | Negative |
| Organic Matter | ASTM D4 | % Mass | Trace |
| Water Content | ASTM D95 | % Vol | Trace |