Penetration Grade Bitumen 120-150
What is Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150?
Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is a type of bitumen or asphalt that is commonly used as a binder in road construction and other similar applications. It is a semi-solid hydrocarbon material produced by refining crude oil.
The "penetration grade" of bitumen refers to its ability to soften at high temperatures and its resistance to deformation at low temperatures. Bitumen 120/150 has a penetration range of 120 to 150 decimillimeters (dmm) when tested according to ASTM D5.
Bitumen 120/150 is commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) for road construction, as it provides good adhesion to the aggregates used in the mix and excellent resistance to deformation under high traffic loads. It is also used in waterproofing applications, such as in the construction of roofs and foundations, and in the manufacturing of various industrial products, such as adhesives, sealants, and coatings.
Quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
The quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is determined by several parameters that are tested and evaluated according to various international standards. Some of the important quality parameters include:
Penetration: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 should have a penetration value between 120 and 150 decimillimeters (dmm) at 25°C according to ASTM D5.
Softening Point: It should have a softening point between 47°C and 57°C according to ASTM D36.
Ductility: It should have a ductility of at least 100 cm at 25°C according to ASTM D113.
Flash Point: It should have a minimum flash point of 250°C according to ASTM D92.
Solubility: It should have a maximum solubility of 1.5% in trichloroethylene according to ASTM D2042.
Fraass Breaking Point: It should have a Fraass breaking point of maximum -10°C according to ASTM D113.
Specific Gravity: It should have a specific gravity of 1.01 to 1.06 at 25°C according to ASTM D70.
Meeting these quality parameters ensures that the Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is of good quality and suitable for its intended applications, such as road construction and waterproofing.
History of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
The use of bitumen in construction dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Assyrians used bitumen as a waterproofing agent and for building roads and structures.
The modern production of bitumen began in the mid-19th century, with the discovery of petroleum deposits and the development of the refining process. The first bitumen refinery was built in the United States in 1870, and by the early 20th century, bitumen was being produced and used extensively in the construction industry.
The development of penetration grading for bitumen began in the early 20th century, with the development of the "float test" method by American engineer Arthur Hubbard in 1903. This method measured the penetration of a standard needle into a sample of bitumen and allowed for the grading of bitumen according to its softening point and viscosity.
In 1954, the penetration grading system was standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), which established standard test methods for measuring the penetration, softening point, ductility, and other properties of bitumen.
Since then, penetration graded bitumen has become widely used in the construction industry, and Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 has become a common grade used for road construction and other applications due to its excellent properties and suitability for a wide range of climates.
Usages of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is used in various applications in the construction industry due to its excellent properties. Some of the common usages of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 are:
Road construction: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is widely used as a binder in the construction of asphalt pavements, which are used in the construction of roads, highways, and airports. It provides good adhesion to the aggregates used in the mix and excellent resistance to deformation under high traffic loads.
Waterproofing: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is also used in waterproofing applications, such as in the construction of roofs, foundations, and tunnels. It provides excellent waterproofing properties, durability, and resistance to weathering and aging.
Industrial applications: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is used in the manufacturing of various industrial products, such as adhesives, sealants, and coatings. It provides good adhesion, waterproofing properties, and resistance to high temperatures.
Emulsions: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is also used to produce bitumen emulsions, which are used as binders in surface treatments for road maintenance and repair.
Modified Bitumen: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can be modified with polymers or other additives to improve its properties, such as its elasticity, low-temperature flexibility, and resistance to aging. Modified bitumen is used in roofing and waterproofing applications.
Overall, Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is a versatile and widely used material in the construction industry due to its excellent properties and suitability for a wide range of applications.
Packing of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is typically packed in various types of containers that are suitable for transportation and storage. The most common types of packing for Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 are:
Steel drums: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 is packed in steel drums that have a capacity of 180 kg or 200 kg. The drums are sealed to prevent any leakage during transportation and storage.
Bulk shipments: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can also be shipped in bulk in tankers, which are specially designed to transport bitumen. The tankers have a capacity of 25 to 30 tons and are insulated to maintain the temperature of the bitumen during transportation.
Flexi-bags: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can also be packed in flexi-bags, which are flexible containers that have a capacity of 20 tons. The flexi-bags are designed to fit into standard 20-foot shipping containers.
Bitutainers: Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can also be packed in Bitutainers, which are specially designed containers made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that have a capacity of 20 tons. Bitutainers are easy to handle and can be stacked, making them ideal for transportation and storage.
In addition to these packing methods, Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can also be supplied in other forms, such as in bulk bags or in tanker trucks. The packing method used for Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 depends on the requirements of the customer and the mode of transportation.
Prices of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
The price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the global supply and demand, the crude oil prices, the production costs, and the transportation costs. Prices can also vary depending on the location, as transportation costs can significantly impact the final price of the product.
As of March 2023, the price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 in the global market is around 500-550 USD per metric ton FOB (Free on Board) basis. However, the actual price may vary depending on the location and the quantity of the order.
It is worth noting that the prices of bitumen can be volatile and subject to frequent fluctuations due to various factors, such as geopolitical events, weather conditions, and changes in the global economy. As such, customers should keep track of the market trends and consult with reputable suppliers to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate prices.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
The delivery time and readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can vary depending on various factors, such as the location of the buyer, the quantity of the order, and the availability of the product.
If the product is readily available in stock, the delivery time can be as short as a few days or weeks, depending on the location of the buyer and the mode of transportation. However, if the product is not readily available, the delivery time may take several weeks or even months.
In general, customers should consult with reputable suppliers to obtain the most accurate information about the delivery time and readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150. They should also consider factors such as the lead time required to manufacture or import the product and any potential delays that may arise due to factors such as weather conditions or logistical challenges.
Overall, the delivery time and readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150 can vary depending on various factors, and customers should plan accordingly to ensure timely delivery of the product.
Analysis Table of Penetration Grade Bitumen 120/150
| Test Parameters | Unit of Measurement | Test Method | Specification |
| Penetration at 25°C | 0.1 mm | ASTM D5 | 120 - 150 |
| Softening Point | °C | ASTM D36 | 45 - 52 |
| Ductility at 25°C | cm | ASTM D113 | > 100 |
| Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) | °C | ASTM D92 | > 250 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | % mass | ASTM D2042 | > 99.0 |
| Loss on Heating | % mass |
ASTM D6 | < 0.5 |
| Drop in Penetration after Heating | % | ASTM D6 | < 20 |
| Spot Test | - | AASHTO T102 | Negative |