How Oxidized Bitumen is Produced?

How Oxidized Bitumen is Produced? Its Uses, Applications, Benefits & Price Factors

Oxidized bitumen, also known as blown asphalt or oxidized asphalt, is a versatile and essential material widely used in various industrial applications. Its unique properties make it a preferred choice in construction, waterproofing, and other sectors. This blog delves into the detailed aspects of oxidized bitumen, including its production process, uses, applications, benefits, and price factors, with Peak Universal Business as a leading supplier.

What is Oxidized Bitumen?

Oxidized bitumen is a type of bitumen that has undergone an oxidation process to enhance its properties, such as increased softening point and reduced penetration. This makes it more suitable for applications requiring high temperature resistance and durability. It is commonly referred to as blown asphalt due to the air blowing process used in its production.

Key Characteristics:

• Increased Softening Point: Higher resistance to deformation under high temperatures.
• Reduced Penetration: Enhanced hardness and durability.
• Elasticity: Improved flexibility, making it ideal for various applications.
• Chemical Resistance: Superior resistance to chemicals, acids, and alkalis.

Production Process of Oxidized Bitumen

The production of oxidized bitumen involves the air blowing process, which alters the physical properties of the bitumen. Here’s a detailed look at the production process:

Step-by-Step Production Process

1. Selection of Base Bitumen:
   • The process begins with the selection of high-quality base bitumen, which serves as the raw material. The quality of the base bitumen significantly impacts the properties of the final product.
2. Heating the Bitumen:
   • The selected base bitumen is heated to a temperature between 240°C and 300°C. This ensures that the bitumen is in a fluid state, facilitating the oxidation process.
3. Air Blowing:
   • The heated bitumen is subjected to air blowing, where air is introduced into the bitumen through a series of nozzles. The air reacts with the bitumen, causing oxidation. This process increases the softening point and reduces the penetration of the bitumen.
4. Control of Process Parameters:
   • The oxidation process is carefully controlled by monitoring parameters such as temperature, air flow rate, and duration of air blowing. These parameters are adjusted to achieve the desired properties in the final product.
5. Cooling and Packaging:
   • After the air blowing process, the oxidized bitumen is cooled to a manageable temperature and then packaged for distribution. It can be stored in solid blocks, drums, or other suitable containers.

Quality Control

Quality control is a crucial aspect of the production process. Samples of the oxidized bitumen are tested at various stages to ensure that the final product meets the required specifications. Tests include:

• Penetration Test: Measures the hardness of the bitumen.
• Softening Point Test: Determines the temperature at which the bitumen softens.
• Ductility Test: Assesses the flexibility of the bitumen.
• Solubility Test: Ensures the bitumen is soluble in specific solvents.

Uses and Applications of Oxidized Bitumen

Oxidized bitumen’s enhanced properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some of its primary uses and applications:

Construction Industry

1. Roofing:
   • Roofing Felts: Used in the manufacture of roofing felts, providing waterproofing and durability.
   • Roof Coatings: Applied as a protective coating on roofs to enhance weather resistance.
2. Waterproofing:
   • Basement Waterproofing: Used to prevent water ingress in basements and underground structures.
   • Foundation Coatings: Applied to foundations to protect against moisture and chemical attacks.

Road Construction

1. Road Maintenance:
   • Crack Sealing: Used in sealing cracks on pavements to prevent water infiltration and extend the life of the road.
   • Joint Fillers: Employed as joint fillers in concrete pavements to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.
2. Asphalt Mixes:
   • Hot Mix Asphalt: Enhances the properties of asphalt mixes, providing better performance under high temperatures.

Industrial Applications

1. Pipe Coatings:
   • Corrosion Protection: Used as a coating for pipelines to prevent corrosion and extend their lifespan.
2. Adhesives and Sealants:
   • Industrial Adhesives: Acts as a binder in adhesives used in various industrial applications.
   • Sealants: Provides excellent sealing properties in construction and industrial sealants.
3. Electrical Applications:
   • Insulation: Used as an insulating material in electrical components due to its dielectric properties.

Other Applications

1. Paints and Coatings:
   • Protective Coatings: Used in industrial paints and coatings to provide durability and chemical resistance.
   • Marine Coatings: Employed in coatings for ships and marine structures to protect against saltwater corrosion.
2. Printing Inks:
   • Ink Production: Used as a component in printing inks to enhance gloss and adhesion.

Benefits of Oxidized Bitumen

Oxidized bitumen offers several benefits that make it a preferred choice in various industries. Here are some of its key advantages:

1. High Temperature Resistance:
   • Oxidized bitumen has a higher softening point compared to regular bitumen, making it suitable for applications exposed to high temperatures.
2. Durability:
   • The reduced penetration and increased hardness enhance the durability and longevity of the material.
3. Flexibility:
   • Despite its hardness, oxidized bitumen retains a degree of flexibility, allowing it to withstand thermal expansion and contraction.
4. Chemical Resistance:
   • Superior resistance to chemicals, acids, and alkalis ensures long-term performance in harsh environments.
5. Waterproofing Properties:
   • Excellent waterproofing properties make it ideal for applications requiring moisture protection.
6. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • Provides a cost-effective solution for various industrial applications, offering long-term savings due to its durability.

Price Factors of Oxidized Bitumen

The price of oxidized bitumen can vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help in making informed purchasing decisions:

1. Quality and Specifications:
   • The quality and specific properties of the oxidized bitumen, such as softening point and penetration, can influence the price. Higher quality bitumen with superior properties typically commands a higher price.
2. Production Costs:
   • The cost of production, including raw material costs, energy consumption, and labor, affects the final price of the product. Efficient production processes can help in reducing costs.
3. Supply and Demand:
   • Market dynamics, including the supply and demand of oxidized bitumen, can impact prices. High demand and limited supply can drive prices up.
4. Geographic Location:
   • The location of the supplier and the cost of transportation can affect the price. Proximity to the production site can reduce transportation costs and lower the overall price.
5. Packaging and Storage:
   • The type of packaging and storage requirements can also influence the price. Specialized packaging for ease of handling and storage may add to the cost.
6. Market Conditions:
   • Economic factors, including inflation, exchange rates, and market trends, can impact the price of oxidized bitumen.

Peak Universal Business: Your Trusted Supplier of Oxidized Bitumen

Peak Universal Business is a leading supplier of high-quality oxidized bitumen. Here’s why you should choose us:

1. Quality Assurance:
   • We adhere to strict quality control standards to ensure that our oxidized bitumen meets the highest industry standards.
2. Wide Range:
   • We offer oxidized bitumen in various grades and specifications to meet diverse industrial needs.
3. Expertise:
   • With extensive experience in the industry, we provide expert advice and support to help you select the right product for your application.
4. Competitive Pricing:
   • We offer competitive prices without compromising on quality, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
5. Customer Support:
   • Our dedicated customer support team is always ready to assist with any queries or special requirements.

Conclusion

Oxidized bitumen, also known as blown asphalt or oxidized asphalt, is a versatile and valuable material with a wide range of industrial applications. Its unique properties, including high temperature resistance, durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance, make it an ideal choice for construction, road maintenance, waterproofing, and various other sectors. Despite its advantages, understanding the price factors and selecting a reliable supplier like Peak Universal Business can help in making the most of this essential material.

With Peak Universal Business as your trusted supplier, you can be assured of high-quality oxidized bitumen that meets your specific needs. Whether you require oxidized bitumen for roofing, waterproofing, industrial applications, or any other purpose, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional products and services.

You can Read More about this product Here: Oxidized Bitumen

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