Bitumen 60/70 Dubai UAE: Properties, Uses, and Applications
Bitumen 60/70 is a semi-hard penetration grade bitumen that is widely used in road and pavement construction. With its excellent binding properties, Bitumen 60/70 plays a significant role in the development of long-lasting and stable surfaces, especially in areas with a moderate climate. It is extensively used in road construction, manufacturing of asphalt pavement, and many industrial applications. This type of bitumen is particularly ideal for the production of asphalt mixtures that can withstand fluctuating temperatures, from very cold to very hot.
What is Bitumen Penetration Grade 60/70?
Bitumen 60/70, as the name suggests, has a penetration of between 60 and 70 under normal test conditions. This is the depth to which a standard needle will penetrate into the bitumen sample when maintained at 25°C. The 60/70 grade is also referred to as “Paving Grade” due to the fact that it is utilized in road construction and maintenance. The penetration test is critical in determining bitumen’s consistency and workability, and this grade offers an equilibrium hardness that is appropriate for various uses.
Bitumen 60/70 Composition and Production Process
Bitumen 60/70 is produced from crude oil distillation residue. Blowing is used to treat the resulting residue, where hot air is added to expel the lighter hydrocarbons. This treatment helps control the penetration grade of the bitumen and produces a product with desirable characteristics. The end product is a complicated mixture of hydrocarbons with:
Asphaltenes: Responsible for bitumen color and hardness.
Resins: Provide for adhesion to aggregates.
Maltenes: Allow for flexibility.
These factors give Bitumen 60/70 its unique properties, which make it suitable for application in road construction, asphalt production, and industrial use.
Applications of Bitumen 60/70
Bitumen 60/70 is widely used across various industries due to its versatile properties. It serves as a binder in road construction, enhancing the stability, durability, and resistance of asphalt mixtures to weather and traffic. It is essential in producing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) for durable, flexible pavements and in pavement preservation techniques like chip sealing and micro-surfacing to extend pavement life.
Additionally, it is employed in waterproofing for roofing and foundation structures to prevent water ingress, in industrial applications such as soundproofing, corrosion protection, and electrical cable jointing, and as a key component in asphalt emulsions for surface treatments and prime coats. Bitumen 60/70 is also used to produce Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), which enhances bitumen properties for specialized applications.
Role of Bitumen 60/70 in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Bitumen 60/70 is a staple in the manufacture of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), a critical component in road construction. Bitumen acts as a binder in the mix, binding the aggregates together and imparting strength and flexibility to the pavement. Some benefits of Bitumen 60/70 application in HMA are:
Improved Pavement Performance: Resists cracking, rutting, and fatigue, improving road durability.
Cost-Effective: The life of roads that are built with this bitumen reduces the frequency of maintenance.
Sustainability: Bitumen 60/70 is being used as a renewable resource, and the recycled content can be incorporated into its production process.
This grade of bitumen is specially preferred to maintain hardness and softness in balance, ease it for mixing, and ensure that the end product is efficient under varied environmental conditions.
Bitumen 60/70 Challenges from the UAE
Although Bitumen 60/70 has many benefits, there are also challenges in its application, particularly when it is from the UAE. These include:
Environmental Impact: Production and usage of bitumen result in air pollution and environmental degradation due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates.
Temperature Sensitivity: Bitumen may be too viscous in cold weather, and additional energy would be required to heat and transport it.
Storage Problems: Storage has to be carried out with utmost caution to prevent contamination and preserve the quality of bitumen.
Tests for Asphalt 60/70
There are several tests conducted to ascertain the quality of Bitumen 60/70, including:
Penetration Test: Determines the hardness and consistency of bitumen.
Softening Point Test: Determines the temperature at which bitumen becomes soft and whether it can be used in specific environments.
Ductility Test: Determines the ability of bitumen to stretch without rupture, implying flexibility.
Viscosity Test: Tests the resistance of bitumen towards flow, affecting its ability to mix and spread.
Where to Buy Bitumen 60/70 in Dubai, UA
Bitukim Co., which is UAE-based, is a leading exporter of high-quality Bitumen 60/70. The company provides reliable service and technical support, both to the local market and international markets. Bitukim is known for its commitment to quality, and all exports comply with international specifications such as ASTM.
Packing and Delivery of Bitumen 60/70
Bitumen 60/70 is available in all types of packaging according to different transportation needs. The most common packaging types are:
1 MT Jumbo Bag with Steel Cage: 20 MT in one 20 ft container.
1300 Kg Jumbo Bag: 26 MT in one 40 ft container.
180 Kg New Steel Drums: 110 drums in one 20 ft container.
Bulk in Vessel: 2000 to 20,000 MT in bitumen carrier.
Conclusion
Bitumen 60/70 is an important product in road construction and the production of asphalt due to its superior characteristics. Knowing its make-up, applications, and problems will enable companies and businesses to make the correct decision when making a selection of this class of bitumen for use in their companies. Regardless of whether you require making roads more durable or pavements more elastic, Bitumen 60/70 is the ideal solution. Contact Bitukim Co. for more information and to place an order for Bitumen 60/70 in the UAE.
Specification of Asphalt Penetration 60/70
| Bitumen 60/70 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25°C | ASTM D70 | Kg/cm3 | 1.01/1.06 |
| Penetration @ 25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 60/70 |
| Softening point °C | ASTM D36 | °C | 49/56 |
| Ductility @25 °C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 min |
| Loss on heating(wt) % | ASTM D6 | wt % | 0.2 max |
| Drop in penetration after heating % | ASTM D5-D6 | % | 20 max |
| Flashpoint °C | ASTM D92 | °C | 232 min |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | wt % | 99 min |
| Spot test | A.A.S.H.O.T102 | Negative |
