What is Oxidized Bitumen?
Oxidized Bitumen or Blown bitumen grades are produced by passing air through the penetration grades. This process gives the bitumen more rubbery properties than its original formula and they are simply harder bitumen. Hard bitumen under controlled temperature conditions is widely used as an anti-slip layer compound in the piling industry, for the manufacture of roofing felts, the roofing and waterproofing industries, for sound dampening felts and under carriage sealant in the automotive industry.
Oxidized Bitumen ,Blown Asphalt or Blown Bitumen is produced by either Continuous or Staggered Blowing Process. Heated Penetration Grade Bitumen under controlled environment is blown with air which controls the Oil Content in the Bitumen while it is oxidized. The different grades for suited applications that produced are designed by two numbers to indicat.
The most popular grades are; grades 95/25, 85/25, 90/40, and 115/15. We are also capable of producing other grades of Oxidized bitumen upon request by our customers. Oxidized Bitumen high softening temperatures qualify them as the excellent sealant for prevention from bleeding in high-temperature applications. Blown Grade Bitumen shall be broken up into small pieces (for the blown grade in molded cake form) and heated slowly to the application temperature of 220ºC to 230ºC.
Some of the major advantages of Oxidized Bitumen are that it is completely water resistant, highly flexible and durable. Further, it is chemically very stable. Oxidized bitumen is a very flexible compound that is not only chemically stable but also a very durable compound apart from being completely water resistant. Lastly, Oxidized Bitumen has some very prominent technical advantages that make it a very sought after compound in various applications.
How to produce Oxidized Bitumen?
Oxidized bitumen manufacturing involves heating and transferring bitumen from a furnace to an oxidation unit, with air blowing increasing the bitumen volume up to 70%. The process stiffens the bitumen, causing changes in its softening point, penetration value, and viscosity. To control the temperature, a water jacket or water spray facility can be placed on the reactor head, reducing the oxygen content and cooling the bitumen. The oxidation process affects chemical properties, such as molecule weight and polarity.
Engineers often add a catalyst to increase the speed of the reaction in the oxidation unit. Bitumen properties, such as viscosity, penetration degree, softening point, and reactivity, affect the rate of oxidation reaction. Operational parameters like temperature, pressure, air flow rate, degree of agitation, ratio of air to feed stock, and type of catalyst also affect the rate of oxidation reaction. After sampling and testing the obtained bitumen properties, oxidized bitumen manufacturing stops when parameters like softening point and penetration degree are within the defined range.
If you are interested in seeing the complete process of producing bitumen and getting to know its steps, please click on the link below. This link will lead you to a comprehensive and detailed experience that presents all its details and steps clearly and clearly.
[Oxidized Bitumen Process]
Oxidized Bitumen Applications
Waterproofing and Roofing
One of the most common uses of oxidized bitumen is in waterproofing systems and roofing materials. Its excellent resistance to water and weather makes it ideal for manufacturing roofing felts, shingles, and other waterproofing membranes. It forms a durable, protective layer that protects buildings from moisture and environmental damages.
Construction and Pavement
In construction, oxidized bitumen has been used for adhesives and sealants in various ways. Examples of where oxidized bitumen is usually applied are joint fillers in concrete pavements, expansion joints in bridges, and lining works in tunnels and reservoirs. Its wear and tear-resistant nature increases the durability of such projects.
Pipe Coating and Corrosion Protection
Owing to the anti-corrosive nature of oxidized bitumen, the material finds extensive applications in coating pipelines, especially those used for water and oil carriage. The material acts as a shield for metal pipes against moisture, chemicals, and environmental elements, thereby considerably increasing the lifecycle of the same.
Industrial Applications
Oxidized Asphalt is applied as an essential ingredient in the manufacturing process of various industrial products, such as paints, lacquers, and adhesives. The capability for blending with polymers and other materials makes it very suitable for the manufacture of high-performance coatings and insulation materials.
Soundproofing and Insulation
Blown Bitumen is dense and elastic, hence it is a good soundproofing and insulating material. It can be used in car manufacturing to build construction, and even in manufacturing materials that provide resistance to vibration.
Cable Coating
In electrical industries, oxidised bitumen is used as insulation and protective coating for cables laid underground. It is used to resist extreme temperature and different environmental conditions to ensure safety and efficiency in electrical systems.
Packaging and Wrapping
Oxidized bitumen serves in the wrapping or packaging of goods in certain industries for the purpose of achieving waterproof or durable covers. In such cases, its strong and water-repellent coating qualities have made it really valued.
In conclusion, Blown Bitumen is a very important commodity in industries ranging from construction to manufacturing. Its unique properties, such as durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors, make it indispensable for innumerable applications.
Packing of Oxidized Bitumen
Oxidized Bitumen in various packing, is available in 20 & 50 Kg Kraft Paper Bags 25 Kg Carton box & 200 Kg Steel Drums:
25kg mold packing:
It is most expensive packing since there is mold on and with same mold, we can ship out. The mold is carton and at destination you can remove the mold easily.
25Kg Polyamide bag:
It is a heat resistance bag and filling directly in water to cool down fast. It is firstly use not possible to take out the Polyamide from the bitumen and then use.
25kg craft bag:
Craft bag is recycle packing and inside is special material to prevent sticking the bitumen to bag. This grade is also possible to load on pallet or without pallet for customer.
Oxidized Bitumen Specifications
Among these bitumen, the most commonly used oxidized or blown bitumen in the market is 85/25, which has a softening point of 85 and penetration grade of 25.
Oxidized bitumen 85/40 is popular in several European nations, including Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
The usual test procedures for obtaining each property are as follows:
Specific Gravity: ASTM D70.
Penetration: ASTM D5.
Softening Point: ASTM D36.
Loss on heating: ASTM D6
Flash point: ASTM D92
Solubility: ASTM D4.
Ductility: ASTM D113.
Spot test: AASHTO T 102