Penetration Grade Bitumen 40/50
What is Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50?
Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is a type of bitumen commonly used in road construction and paving. Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky substance that is derived from crude oil. The grade of bitumen is determined by its hardness or softness, which is measured by the penetration test. The penetration test measures the depth in millimeters that a standard needle will penetrate the bitumen sample under specified conditions of temperature, load, and time.
Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 means that the bitumen has a penetration value of 40 to 50 decimillimeters (dmm) when tested at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius with a load of 100 grams and a time of 5 seconds. This grade of bitumen is intermediate between the soft and hard grades and is commonly used in areas with moderate climatic conditions.
In road construction, Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used as a binder to hold the asphalt mix together and provide the necessary strength and durability to the road surface. It is also used as a waterproofing material for roofs, bridges, and other structures
Quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
The quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is determined by several factors, including its chemical composition, physical properties, and performance characteristics. Here are some of the key quality indicators of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50:
Penetration Value: As mentioned earlier, the penetration value of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 should be between 40 and 50 dmm. This indicates the hardness or softness of the bitumen.
Ductility: The ductility of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 should be at least 100 cm at 25 degrees Celsius. Ductility is the ability of the bitumen to be stretched without breaking.
Softening Point: The softening point of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 should be between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature at which the bitumen softens and becomes pliable.
Flash Point: The flash point of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 should be at least 225 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature at which the bitumen gives off flammable vapors.
Solubility: The solubility of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 should be less than 0.3% in trichloroethylene. This indicates the purity of the bitumen.
In addition to these physical and chemical properties, the quality of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is also determined by its performance characteristics, such as its resistance to deformation, fatigue, and temperature changes. The quality of the bitumen can be further enhanced by adding additives such as polymers or rubber to improve its properties.
History of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
Bitumen has been used for thousands of years as a waterproofing and adhesive material. However, the modern use of bitumen for road construction and paving began in the 19th century.
The first use of bitumen in road construction dates back to the early 1800s when a Scottish engineer named John Loudon McAdam developed a new method of road construction that used layers of crushed stones and gravel bound together with a thin layer of bitumen. This method, known as macadamization, revolutionized road construction and led to the widespread use of bitumen in road building.
Over time, the quality and performance of bitumen have been improved through the development of new refining techniques and the addition of polymers and other additives. This has led to the creation of different grades of bitumen, including Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50, which is a relatively new grade that was developed in the 20th century.
Today, Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is widely used in road construction and paving projects around the world. Its popularity is due to its intermediate hardness, which makes it suitable for use in moderate climatic conditions, and its relatively low cost compared to other grades of bitumen.
Usages of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is a popular grade of bitumen that is used for various applications in the construction industry. Here are some of the common uses of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50:
Road Construction: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is widely used as a binder in the construction of roads and highways. It is used to hold the asphalt mix together and provide the necessary strength and durability to the road surface.
Waterproofing: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used as a waterproofing material for roofs, foundations, and basements. It is also used to seal joints and cracks in concrete structures.
Industrial Flooring: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used as a base for industrial flooring systems. It provides a smooth and level surface that can withstand heavy traffic and chemical exposure.
Emulsions: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used to produce bitumen emulsions, which are used for surface treatments, dust suppression, and tack coating.Paints and Coatings: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used as a base for paints and coatings that are used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
Pipe Coatings: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is used as a coating for pipelines to protect them from corrosion and abrasion.
Packing of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is typically packed in drums, bags, or bulk shipments, depending on the quantity and destination of the product. Here are the common packing options for Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50:
Drums: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is commonly packed in steel drums of 150 kg or 180 kg capacity. The drums are tightly sealed to prevent any leakage during transportation.
Bags: Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 can also be packed in bags of 25 kg or 50 kg capacity. The bags are made of polypropylene or polyethylene material and are heat-sealed to ensure they are airtight.
Bulk Shipments: For larger quantities, Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 can be transported in bulk shipments. The bitumen is loaded into tanker trucks or shipping containers and transported to the destination.
The packing of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is important to ensure the quality and integrity of the product during transportation and storage. Proper handling and storage are also important to maintain the quality and performance of the bitumen.
Prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
The prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 can vary depending on various factors such as the location, quantity, and market conditions. Here are some of the factors that can affect the prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50:
Crude Oil Prices: Bitumen is derived from crude oil, and the prices of crude oil can have a direct impact on the prices of bitumen. If crude oil prices increase, the cost of producing bitumen also increases, which can lead to higher prices for Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50.
Supply and Demand: The supply and demand of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 can also affect its prices. If there is a high demand for the product and the supply is limited, the prices can increase. Conversely, if there is an oversupply of the product and low demand, the prices can decrease.
Transportation Costs: The cost of transporting Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 from the production site to the destination can also affect its prices. If the transportation costs are high, it can add to the overall cost of the product and lead to higher prices.
Currency Exchange Rates: The exchange rates between different currencies can also affect the prices of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 in international markets. If the local currency of the producer country strengthens against the currency of the buyer country, it can lead to lower prices for the product.
As of March 2023, the price of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 ranges from approximately $350 to $500 per metric ton FOB (Free on Board) in the international market. However, it is important to note that the prices can vary significantly depending on the above-mentioned factors.
Delivery time and Readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50
The delivery time and readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 can vary depending on the quantity, location, and availability of the product. Here are some of the factors that can affect the delivery time and readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50:
Production Capacity: The production capacity of the manufacturer can affect the readiness of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50. If the manufacturer has a high production capacity, they may be able to produce and deliver the product faster than a manufacturer with a lower production capacity.
Transportation: The availability of transportation can also affect the delivery time of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50. If the transportation infrastructure is efficient and well-developed, it can help in faster delivery of the product.
Quantity Ordered: The quantity of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 ordered can also affect the delivery time. Smaller quantities may be available for immediate delivery, while larger quantities may require some lead time for production and delivery.
Location: The location of the buyer and the production site can also affect the delivery time. If the buyer is located far away from the production site, it may take longer to deliver the product.
Typically, Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/50 is readily available in the market, and delivery times can range from a few days to a few weeks depending on the above factors. It is important to confirm the delivery time and readiness with the supplier or manufacturer before placing an order to avoid any delays or issues.
Analysis Table of Penetration Bitumen Grade 40/5
| Property | Specification | Test Method |
| Penetration @ 25°C | 40-50 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | 52-60°C | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 25°C | 100 min | ASTM D113 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | 100 min | ASTM D2042 |
| Flash Point | 250°C min | ASTM D92 |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 1.01-1.06 | ASTM D70 |