At Nanjing Xing Yi Chen Industrial Materials Co., Ltd., we provide a diverse range of bitumen products suitable for numerous applications, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in both supply and application. Our company prides itself on its ability to meet the needs of various industries by providing high-quality materials and a reliable supply chain. Whether it’s for construction, manufacturing, or any other industrial need, Nanjing Xing Yi Chen Industrial Materials stands ready to deliver with excellence.
Bitumen and Oil products
Bitumen is a dense, highly viscous substance that is part of the petroleum family. It can be found naturally in deposits such as oil sands and pitch lakes, or it can be obtained as a residue from the distillation of crude oil. Bitumen is primarily used for road construction, where it acts as a binder to aggregate particles like gravel to form asphalt concrete, commonly known as asphalt. It’s also used in waterproofing products, including roofing felt and sealant.
In terms of its physical state, bitumen can be a sticky, black liquid or an apparently solid mass that behaves like a liquid over very long time scales. Its composition includes various mixtures of hydrocarbons and their nonmetallic derivatives. The term “bitumen” comes from Latin, which traces back to the ancient Greek word “ásphaltos,” referring to natural bitumen or pitch. The largest natural deposit of bitumen is the Pitch Lake in southwest Trinidad, while Canada’s Athabasca oil sands hold most of the world’s reserves of natural bitumen
Bitumen production is a complex process that involves several steps to transform crude oil into the sticky, black substance used in construction and other industries. Here’s an overview of the process:
Distillation
The production of bitumen begins with the distillation of crude oil. During this process, the oil is heated, and its components are separated based on their boiling points. The lighter fractions, such as naphtha and kerosene, are removed, leaving behind a heavier residue.
Vacuum Distillation
The heavy residue from atmospheric distillation undergoes further refinement in a vacuum distillation unit. This step uses reduced pressure to lower the boiling temperatures, preventing the thermal cracking of molecules and producing a more stable bitumen.
Solvent De-Asphalting
In some cases, solvents like propane or butane are used to extract bitumen from the heavier fractions. This method helps to produce bitumen with specific properties, such as varying levels of penetration, without altering the chemical structure.
Oxidation
Air is blown through bitumen at high temperatures to alter its physical properties. This process, known as oxidation, increases the stiffness and softening point of bitumen, making it suitable for applications like roofing.
Blending
Finally, different grades of bitumen can be produced by blending various types of bitumen with different physical properties. This allows manufacturers to create products that meet specific technical specifications for various applications. The production of bitumen is a carefully controlled process that ensures the material’s quality and suitability for its intended use. By adjusting the production methods and conditions, manufacturers can produce a wide range of bitumen products to meet the diverse needs of the construction industry and other sectors.
Road Construction:
Bitumen acts as a binding material in asphalt, making it an integral component of road construction. It provides durability, flexibility, and resistance to varying temperature conditions and traffic loads.
Roofing:
Bitumen has excellent waterproofing properties, making it widely used for roofing products. It helps protect buildings from moisture and weathering.
Paints and Coatings: Bitumen is used in certain types of paint, such as emulsion paints. It also serves as a protective coating for various surfaces.
Soundproofing:
Due to its dense and viscous nature, bitumen is used for soundproofing
applications. It helps reduce noise transmission.
Waterproofing:
Bitumen is commonly used for waterproofing basements, foundations, and other structures. It forms a reliable barrier against water infiltration.
Insulation:
Bitumen-based materials are used for thermal insulation in buildings and industrial applications.
Pipe Coating:
Oxidized bitumen is used for coating pipes, providing corrosion resistance and extending their lifespan.
Electrical Cable Joint Protection:
Oxidized bitumen is also applied to protect electrical cable joints from moisture and environmental factors.
Tack Coats:
Emulsified bitumen is widely used as a tack coat in road construction to improve adhesion between layers of asphalt.
Soil Stabilization:
Emulsified bitumen is used for soil stabilization, enhancing the loadbearing capacity of soil in construction projects.
Airport Runways:
Polymer-modified bitumen is used in airport runways due to its high durability and resistance to heavy traffic and extreme temperature variations.
Industrial Flooring:
Bitumen-based materials are used for industrial flooring, providing a durable and wear-resistant surface.
Remember that bitumen’s versatility extends to various applications across different industries, making it a valuable material in construction, infrastructure, and beyond
Bitumen comes in several forms, each suited for different applications:
Penetration Grade Bitumen
This is the most common type and is widely used in road construction. It’s categorized based on its penetration depth under specific conditions, indicating its hardness.
Viscosity Grade Bitumen
Another type used in road construction, viscosity-grade bitumen is characterized by its viscosity at a specific temperature. It helps determine its suitability for different climates and traffic conditions.
Cutback Bitumen
Cutback bitumen is a mixture of bitumen and a volatile solvent (such as kerosene or diesel). It’s used for surface treatments and patching.
Bitumen Emulsion
Bitumen emulsion consists of bitumen particles dispersed in water. It’s commonly used for surface treatments, tack coats, and soil stabilization.
Oxidized Bitumen
This type results from the partial oxidation of bitumen. It’s harder and more resistant to temperature changes, making it suitable for roofing and industrial applications.