Penetration Grade Bitumen 160-220
What is Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220?
Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is a type of bitumen that falls within the penetration grading system. It is produced by refining crude oil through a process known as fractional distillation, which separates the different components of crude oil based on their boiling points. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 has a penetration value of 160-220 dmm (decimillimeters) at 25°C, which represents the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specific conditions.
Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is commonly used in the construction and maintenance of roads, as well as in waterproofing applications. It is known for its high-quality properties, such as good adhesion, excellent resistance to deformation and cracking, and durability in extreme weather conditions.
Like other types of bitumen, Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is available in various packaging options, such as drums, bags, or bulk shipments, and its price can vary depending on various factors, such as the global supply and demand, the crude oil prices, and the location of the buyer.
Quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
The quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is determined by various physical and chemical properties, which are specified by international standards such as ASTM, AASHTO, and EN. These properties are important in ensuring that the bitumen meets the required specifications and performs well in its intended applications. Some of the key quality parameters for Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 include:
Penetration: Penetration is a measure of the hardness or consistency of the bitumen. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 has a penetration value of 160-220 dmm (decimillimeters) at 25°C, which represents the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specific conditions.
Softening Point: Softening Point is the temperature at which the bitumen softens enough to allow a standard needle to penetrate a certain distance. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 typically has a softening point range of 50-60°C.
Ductility: Ductility is the ability of the bitumen to stretch without breaking. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 usually has a minimum ductility of 75 cm at 25°C.
Flash Point: Flash Point is the lowest temperature at which the bitumen can ignite and produce a flame when exposed to a flame or spark. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 typically has a flash point above 230°C.
Solubility: Solubility is the percentage of bitumen that dissolves in a particular solvent, such as trichloroethylene. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 usually has a minimum solubility of 99% in trichloroethylene.
Other parameters: Other important quality parameters for Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 include ash content, water content, loss on heating, drop in penetration after heating, and spot test results.
Overall, the quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is characterized by its consistent and reliable performance in various applications, including road construction, waterproofing, and roofing. It is important for customers to ensure that they source the bitumen from reputable suppliers who can provide a certificate of analysis and meet the required international standards.
History of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
The history of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can be traced back to the early 20th century when bitumen was first used in road construction. Initially, bitumen was used in its natural form, which was obtained from oil sands or naturally occurring deposits. However, the quality and consistency of natural bitumen varied widely, which led to the development of refining processes to produce bitumen with specific properties.
The modern production of Penetration Grade Bitumen began in the 1920s with the introduction of the penetration grading system. The penetration grading system was developed to classify bitumen based on its consistency or hardness, which was measured by the depth of penetration of a standard needle into the bitumen sample under specific conditions. This system allowed bitumen to be produced with consistent properties, which improved the quality and performance of roads.
Over time, various grades of penetration bitumen were developed to meet specific performance requirements for different types of roads and climates. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 was developed to provide a bitumen with intermediate hardness and consistency, which is suitable for use in both high and low-temperature environments. It has since become a popular grade of bitumen for road construction and waterproofing applications.
Today, Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is produced by refining crude oil through a process of fractional distillation, which separates the different components of crude oil based on their boiling points. The resulting bitumen is then tested and classified according to international standards such as ASTM, AASHTO, and EN to ensure its quality and consistency.
Usages of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is a popular grade of bitumen that has various applications in the construction industry. Some of the common uses of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 include:
Road Construction: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is widely used in road construction for the asphaltic pavement. It is used as a binder to hold the aggregates together and provide a smooth and durable surface. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is suitable for use in both high and low-temperature environments, making it ideal for use in different climates.
Waterproofing: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is also used in waterproofing applications. It can be applied as a protective coating to concrete surfaces to prevent water ingress and damage. It is also used in the construction of roofs, basements, and foundations.
Emulsions: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is used to produce bitumen emulsions, which are used in surface dressing and tack coat applications. Bitumen emulsions are a mixture of bitumen, water, and emulsifying agents that are used to provide a stable and homogenous mixture that can be applied to the road surface.
Adhesives: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is used as an adhesive in various construction applications. It is used to bond roofing materials, floor tiles, and other building materials.
Pipe Coating: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is used for the external coating of steel pipes. It provides corrosion resistance and thermal insulation to the pipes, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
Overall, Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is a versatile and widely used grade of bitumen that provides excellent performance in a variety of applications. Its consistent quality and reliable performance make it a popular choice for construction projects around the world.
Packing of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is commonly packed and transported in the following ways:
Bulk Shipment: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is commonly transported in bulk shipments using tankers. The bitumen is loaded into the tanker and transported to the destination. This is a cost-effective and efficient method of transportation for large volumes of bitumen.
Steel Drums: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 is also packed in steel drums of various sizes, ranging from 150 kg to 180 kg. The drums are usually lined with a plastic bag to prevent the bitumen from sticking to the inside of the drum. This packing method is suitable for smaller quantities of bitumen.
Flexitanks: Flexitanks are large, flexible containers that can hold up to 24,000 liters of bitumen. Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can be transported in flexitanks, which are easy to install and require less storage space compared to drums.
Bulk Bags: Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can be packed in bulk bags or FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers). These bags can hold up to 1 tonne of bitumen and are suitable for transportation by trucks or container ships.
The choice of packing method depends on the quantity of bitumen required, the transportation method, and the destination. It is important to ensure that the packing method used is suitable for the specific application and meets the safety and environmental requirements for the transportation of bitumen.
Prices of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
The prices of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can vary depending on various factors such as the location, demand, and supply. The prices can also vary based on the packaging, transportation, and other related costs.
As of March 2023, the price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 in the global market ranges from $500 to $650 per metric ton FOB (Free on Board) for bulk shipments. However, the prices can vary based on the destination, the quantity ordered, and other factors.
The price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 packed in steel drums can range from $580 to $700 per metric ton, including the cost of the drum and the packaging. The price of bitumen packed in flexitanks can range from $550 to $700 per metric ton, including the cost of the flexitank.
It is important to note that the prices of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors. Therefore, it is important to obtain the latest prices from reliable sources before making any purchase decisions.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
The delivery time and readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 can vary depending on various factors such as the quantity ordered, the location, and the transportation method.
For bulk shipments, the delivery time can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the destination and the availability of the product. The bitumen needs to be loaded onto the tanker and transported to the port of shipment before it can be loaded onto the vessel for transportation.
For packaged bitumen such as steel drums, flexitanks, or bulk bags, the delivery time can be shorter, typically ranging from a few days to a week. The bitumen needs to be packed, loaded onto the truck, and transported to the port of shipment before it can be loaded onto the vessel for transportation.
The readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220 depends on the availability of the product. Bitumen refineries produce bitumen throughout the year, and the product is usually readily available. However, the availability can be affected by maintenance shutdowns, unplanned outages, and other factors.
It is important to plan ahead and place orders in advance to ensure timely delivery of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220. The supplier should be able to provide information on the delivery time and readiness of the product based on the specific requirements and location.
Analysis Table of Penetration Grade Bitumen 160/220
| Property | Specification |
| Penetration at 25°C | 160-220 dmm |
| Softening Point (R&B) | 45-52°C |
| Flash Point | >230°C |
| Solubility in CS2 | 99.5% min |
| Loss on Heating | 0.2% max |
| Ductility at 25°C | 100 cm min |
| Density at 25°C | 1.01-1.06 g/cm³ |
| Spot Test | Negative |
| Wax Content | 2% max |
| Fraass Breaking Point | -15°C max |
| Solubility in TCE | 99.5% min |
| Particle Charge | Negative |
| Water Content | 0.2% max |