داریا

Bitumen is a solid or viscous non-crystalline material derived from petroleum, by natural or refinery processes, and is substantially soluble in carbon disulfide. This asphalt is solid and mineral bitumen is semi-liquid, and its color is brown or black. Bitumen is a substance found in asphalt and is a hydrocarbon obtained from the partial distillation of crude oil. It contains 87% carbon, 11% hydrogen and 2% oxygen.

The main component of petroleum is a yellowish oily substance, an excess of which causes the bitumen to melt at low temperatures, and asphaltenes, a hard black substance which in excess makes the bitumen brittle and non-plastic. Bitumen alone is not affected by light, air or water, but in combination they can make it brittle, porous and prone to oxidation and blisters and cracks. It softens at temperatures between 30 and 100°C (no high melting point) and should therefore be protected from heat exposure. It is insoluble in water and completely resistant to most acids. Although bitumen is combustible, composite products such as asphalt putty do not ignite easily.

After extraction, the crude oil goes to the refinery, where it is processed in two or more stage plants. In the first step, it is distilled after heating under atmospheric pressure. In this process. Gasoline and middle distillate evaporate and condense. In the second stage, vacuum distillation, other components are removed from the first stage under reduced pressure. What remains is bitumen, which is divided into the following:

1- Distilled bitumen

Distilled bitumen is obtained by distilling oil in several stages under reduced pressure at a temperature of 350 to 380 degrees Celsius. Soft to medium-hard bitumen 80/100 is produced, which is mainly used in road construction.

2- High vacuum bitumen

During further processing or further distillation of vacuum-distilled bitumen, the so-called high-vacuum bitumen 60/70 is created, which is mainly used in the production of mastic asphalt, layer, paint and insulation due to its hardness.

3- oxidized bitumen

These are created at 250°C by blowing air into distilled bitumen, which, depending on the product, temperature and blowing time, improves the properties of the bitumen in terms of heat and cold resistance. They are used to produce adhesives, pipe insulation and roofing and waterproofing membranes.

4- bitumen modified with polymer

Polymer bitumen is produced by chemically cross-linking bitumen and distilled polymers, in which the thermal and elastic behavior of bitumen is changed. It is used for high stress traffic areas in the construction of roads and airports, as well as for the production of high quality roofing and sealing membranes.

Bitumen types and their use

1- bitumen emulsion

It is a liquid product that mainly contains bitumen in an aqueous medium. Bitumen, which is very finely divided (balls with a diameter of approximately 2 microns), is kept suspended in an aqueous environment with the help of some suitable stabilizing agents. Depending on the stability of the protective coating of the emulsifying agent, the emulsions are set to two modes of fast, medium and slow setting. These emulsions are always stored in air-tight drums.

2- Bitumen blowing

It is obtained by passing pressurized air at a higher temperature through bitumen. It can be used as a moisture-resistant roof and felt, in the construction of pipe asphalt and joint filler, as thermal insulation, etc.

3- Bitumen has decreased

Asphalt bitumen is obtained from coal bitumen or petroleum bitumen by the flow of asphaltic bitumen in the presence of suitable liquid distillates. It is mainly used in road construction and soil stabilization (2-4). Trimmings are commercially produced in the following three groups:

1- Fast regulator cuttings containing gasoline or gasoline

2- medium cuttings containing kerosene

3- Slow reductions containing light oils as lubricating agents

4- Plastic bitumen

It consists of thin bitumen and a suitable inert filler. The amount of inert filler is about 40 to 45%. It is used to fill cracks in masonry structures, prevent leakage, waterproof wrapping paper, asphalt for pipes, joint filler, bituminous filler compounds for cable boxes and for sealing batteries.

5- Linear bitumen

It is bitumen that is distilled without additional treatment without defined viscosity or penetration.

Sale of export bitumen

The sale of exported bitumen is one of the most profitable products in Iran"s oil field, which are usually exported in barrels. In this regard, many companies operate in this field inside Iran. Bitumen is mostly used in the fields of construction and asphalt, so the demand for export bitumen depends on the economy of a country and the construction industry and oil fluctuations.

Bitumen, a black, sticky, and highly viscous material, finds application in various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some common industries where bitumen is widely used:

1. Road Construction and Infrastructure: Bitumen is extensively used in road construction and infrastructure projects. It is the primary binder in asphalt mixes used for constructing roads, highways, runways, parking lots, and driveways. Bitumen provides durability, waterproofing, and resistance to heavy traffic loads, making it an ideal choice for road surfaces.

2. Roofing and Waterproofing: Bitumen is used in the roofing industry for manufacturing waterproofing membranes, roofing felts, and shingles. It acts as a protective layer, providing resistance against water seepage and protecting buildings from moisture damage.

3. Civil Engineering and Waterproofing: Bitumen is utilized in civil engineering projects for waterproofing applications. It is used to waterproof foundations, basements, tunnels, and retaining walls to prevent water infiltration.

4. Construction and Insulation: Bitumen-based products, such as bituminous paints and coatings, are used for corrosion protection and insulation purposes. Bitumen coatings are applied to steel structures, pipelines, and tanks to prevent corrosion and increase their lifespan.

5. Automotive Industry: Bitumen is used in the automotive industry for manufacturing sound-deadening materials, underbody coatings, and sealing compounds. These products help reduce noise, vibration, and provide protection against corrosion.

6. Electrical and Cable Industry: Bitumen compounds are used in the electrical and cable industry for manufacturing high-voltage cable insulation. Bitumen"s high dielectric strength and thermal stability make it suitable for electrical applications.

7. Paints and Sealants: Bitumen-based paints and sealants are used for various applications, including protective coatings for concrete structures, bridge decks, and metal surfaces. They provide protection against water, chemicals, and weathering.

8. Agriculture: Bitumen is used in agriculture for manufacturing mulch films that aid in weed control and moisture retention in soil. These films help improve crop yield and reduce water usage.

These are just a few examples of the diverse applications of bitumen in various industries. Bitumen"s versatility, durability, and waterproofing properties make it a valuable material in infrastructure development, construction, and industrial sectors.

ATDM CO is a manufacturer and exporter of bitumen 60/70, offering three different quality grades in drums, bags and bulk quantities. Our products are classified into premium, second and third types, each with different costs and production facilities. We offer a wide range of options to meet different customer needs and higher volume needs in Panama, Dubai and Singapore.