Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
What is Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50?
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is a type of bitumen that falls under the penetration grade bitumen category. It is a semi-solid, black, and viscous material that is produced by refining crude oil.
The "35/50" in the name refers to the penetration range of the bitumen measured in tenths of a millimetre. Specifically, Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 has a penetration range of 35 to 50 at 25°C, which means that a standard needle penetrates the bitumen to a depth of 35 to 50 tenths of a millimetre under specific testing conditions.
This type of bitumen is commonly used in road construction and maintenance, as well as in the manufacturing of asphalt mixtures for paving and surfacing applications. It offers good resistance to deformation and cracking at high temperatures and provides adequate stiffness and flexibility at low temperatures.
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is similar to other penetration grade bitumen types, such as Penetration Grade Bitumen 30/45, but has a slightly higher penetration value. The specific properties of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 may vary depending on the crude oil source and refining process used to produce it.
Quality of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is a type of bitumen commonly used in road construction and waterproofing applications. It is a standard penetration grade bitumen, which means it is graded based on its penetration value, or the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specific conditions.
In general, Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is considered a good quality bitumen for road construction and waterproofing applications. It has a penetration value of 35-50 at 25°C, indicating a moderate hardness and good durability.
Some of the key characteristics and advantages of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 include:
High resistance to deformation: This type of bitumen has a high resistance to deformation, which means it can maintain its shape and properties under heavy loads and traffic.
Good adhesion: It has good adhesion properties, which allows it to bond well with other materials and provide a strong and durable surface.
Good water resistance: It is resistant to water penetration, making it ideal for use in waterproofing applications such as roof membranes, damp-proofing, and underground structures.
Easy to apply: It is easy to apply and handle, which makes it a popular choice among contractors and builders.
Overall, Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is a good quality bitumen that provides a range of benefits for road construction and waterproofing applications. However, it is important to use it in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications to ensure optimal performance and durability.
History of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
The history of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 dates back to the early 20th century when the penetration grading system was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Prior to this, bitumen was classified based on its origin, such as Trinidad Lake Asphalt or Venezuelan Asphalt.
The ASTM developed the penetration grading system as a way to standardize the classification of bitumen based on its physical properties, such as viscosity and hardness. This allowed for a more consistent and reliable method of specifying and selecting bitumen for various applications, including road construction and waterproofing.
The penetration grading system is based on the depth to which a standard needle penetrates the bitumen sample under specific conditions of time, temperature, and load. Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is one of the grades established under this system, with a penetration value of 35-50 at 25°C.
Over the years, Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 has become a popular choice for road construction and waterproofing applications due to its moderate hardness, good durability, and other favorable properties. It is widely used in many countries around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The production and use of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 continue to evolve with ongoing research and development aimed at improving its performance and sustainability.
Usages of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is a commonly used grade of bitumen in the construction industry and has a wide range of applications. Some of the primary uses of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 include:
Road construction: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is used as a binder in asphalt mixtures for road construction. It provides the necessary adhesive properties to hold the aggregate materials together and forms a durable and stable pavement surface.
Waterproofing: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is used in the construction of roofing materials, waterproofing membranes, and other protective coatings to provide water resistance and prevent leakage.
Pavement preservation: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is also used as a sealant and binder for pavement preservation applications, such as crack sealing and chip sealing, to extend the service life of existing pavements.
Industrial applications: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is used in the manufacturing of insulation materials, such as roofing felt and sound insulation products.
Marine construction: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is used in marine construction as a waterproofing material for seawalls, jetties, and other coastal structures.
Airport runways: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is used in the construction of airport runways and taxiways due to its excellent durability and resistance to deformation under heavy traffic loads.
Packing of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is typically packed and transported in the following ways:
Bulk Tankers: The most common mode of transportation for Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is in bulk tankers, which are specialized tanker trucks that can transport large quantities of liquid bitumen. The bitumen is pumped into the tanker from a storage tank and transported to the destination.
Drums: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can also be packed in drums, typically made of steel or plastic. These drums usually have a capacity of 180 kg to 200 kg and are stacked on pallets for easy handling and transportation.
Bagged: Another option for packing Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is in bags. The bitumen is packed in 25 kg to 50 kg bags made of high-quality polypropylene and stacked on pallets for easy handling and transportation.
Bulk shipments: Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can also be shipped in bulk quantities in specialized containers. These containers usually have a capacity of 20 feet or 40 feet and are designed to transport large volumes of bitumen.
The choice of packing method will depend on the transportation requirements, storage conditions, and handling requirements of the end-user. It is essential to ensure that the packing material is of high quality and can withstand the handling and transportation stresses without damaging the bitumen.
Prices of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
The price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can vary depending on several factors, such as:
Location: The price can vary depending on the location of the buyer and the distance from the source of the bitumen.
Quantity: The price per metric tonne may vary depending on the quantity of the order. Generally, larger orders can lead to lower prices.
Market conditions: The price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can also vary depending on market conditions, such as supply and demand, fluctuations in crude oil prices, and changes in exchange rates.
Packaging: The type of packaging chosen by the buyer can also impact the price.
As of March 2023, the price of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 ranges from approximately $450 to $600 per metric tonne, depending on the above factors. However, it is important to note that prices can fluctuate frequently and may vary based on the specific circumstances of each transaction. It is advisable to consult with a reputable bitumen supplier to get accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
The delivery time of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the buyer, the quantity of the order, and the availability of the bitumen. Generally, the delivery time can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the supplier's stock and transportation arrangements.
However, before placing an order, it is important to ensure that the buyer has the necessary storage facilities and handling equipment to receive and store the bitumen safely. Additionally, the buyer should ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are in place for the transportation and storage of bitumen.
Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 is typically ready for use upon delivery, provided that it has been stored and handled correctly. However, it is recommended to conduct quality checks to ensure that the bitumen meets the required specifications before use.
In summary, the delivery time of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50 can vary, but it is important to ensure that the necessary storage and handling arrangements are in place and that the bitumen has been properly tested for quality assurance before use.
Analysis Table of Penetration Grade Bitumen 35/50
| Parameter | Specification |
| Penetration at 25°C | 35-50 |
| Softening Point | 50-60°C |
| Ductility at 25°C | 100 min. |
| Solubility in CS2 | 99.5% min. |
| Flash Point (COC) | 225°C min. |
| Specific Gravity | 1.01-1.05 |
| Drop in Penetration after heating | 20% max. |