Gilsonite India

 

What is Gilsonite (Natural Bitumen)?

Gilsonite is a type of Natural Bitumen (asphaltite) that occurs naturally in mines and resembles hard, black asphalt. This substance is composed of hydrocarbon compounds and differs from petroleum-based bitumen in its chemical and physical properties.

Characteristics of Gilsonite:

  • Color: Shiny black
  • Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents such as toluene and benzene
  • High resistance: Resistant to water, heat, and chemicals
  • Density: Lower than petroleum-based bitumen

Applications of Gilsonite:

  • Oil and gas drilling industry: Used as an additive in drilling mud to reduce fluid loss.
  • Asphalt production: Enhances the quality and durability of asphalt, reducing cracking.
  • Ink and paint manufacturing: Used due to its high solubility and coloring properties.
  • Casting and foundry industry: Added to molding sands to improve the quality of cast parts.
  • Rubber and plastic industries: Enhances the mechanical properties of products.
  • Insulation and waterproofing materials: Used in construction and waterproofing applications.

Major Gilsonite Mines:

Iran: The provinces of Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan have some of the richest Gilsonite reserves.
USA: The state of Utah is the world’s largest producer of Gilsonite.
Other countries: China, Venezuela, Colombia, and Canada also have Gilsonite deposits.

Conclusion:
Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, Gilsonite is widely used across various industries. It serves as an excellent alternative to some petroleum-based products and is increasingly utilized in modern industries.

Gilsonite India

The Importance of Gilsonite in India

Gilsonite, a naturally occurring solid hydrocarbon, plays a crucial role in India’s infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors. Due to its unique properties, it is widely used across various industries, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

  1. Road Construction and Asphalt Industry
    With India’s growing infrastructure development, Gilsonite is an essential additive in asphalt and bitumen mixes, offering:
    Enhanced durability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
    Better resistance against wear, moisture damage, and rutting.
    Improved adhesion and flexibility, ensuring longer-lasting roads and highways.
  2. Oil & Gas Drilling Applications
    India’s energy sector benefits from Gilsonite in oil and gas drilling operations:
    Used as an additive in drilling fluids, preventing fluid loss and improving wellbore stability.
    Enhances cementing applications, strengthening well casings in deep drilling operations.
  3. Waterproofing and Construction Materials
    Gilsonite is a key ingredient in waterproofing products like sealants, protecting buildings from humidity and moisture damage.
    Improves the performance of concrete in bridges, tunnels, and industrial structures.
  4. Paints, Coatings, and Printing Inks
    Used as a high-performance binder in paints and industrial coatings, offering better adhesion, UV resistance, and durability.
    Enhances printing ink formulations, improving drying speed and color stability.
  5. Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainable Alternative
    Gilsonite is a natural and cost-efficient alternative to synthetic petroleum-based materials.
    Its low environmental impact makes it a preferred choice for sustainable industrial applications.
  6. India’s Role as a Growing Importer of Gilsonite
    India imports significant volumes of Gilsonite, mainly from Iran, Turkey, and the USA, to meet its industrial demands. The country’s expanding construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors continue to drive demand for high-quality Gilsonite.

Local and main suppliers of Gilsonite India

In India, several companies specialize in the manufacturing and supply of Gilsonite, catering to industries such as oil drilling, construction, and paints. Notable suppliers include:​

  • Yogi Intermediates Pvt. Ltd.
    Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    One of the oldest manufacturers of specialty Gilsonite, oil drilling fluids, and mud chemicals for oilfield applications. They emphasize the benefits of Gilsonite in drilling fluids and cementing operations.
  • Ashahi Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd.
    Gujarat
    Produces ‘ASHA GILSONITE,’ a synthetic substitute for natural Gilsonite, used in oilfield applications, particularly as a shale stabilizer in water-based mud systems.
    Bhilai Cement
    Bhilai, Chhattisgarh
    A leading manufacturer and exporter of Gilsonite in India, offering products for applications in printing inks, paints, asphalt modification, and drilling muds.

International Suppliers Serving India

*Zumrut Kimya: A Leading Supplier of Gilsonite in India*

Introduction
Zumrut International Kimia is a premier global supplier of Gilsonite, serving industries across India. With a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation, the company has established itself as a trusted provider of this valuable natural bitumen, catering to diverse industrial applications.
Zumrut Kimia’s Presence in India
With a strong global distribution network, Zumrut Kimia ensures the seamless supply of high-quality Gilsonite to India.

Packaging of Gilsonite India

Jumbo bags of 1Mt or 500Kgs -Which we advise for lambs shipment.
25-50 Kgs bags -Which we advise for powdered shipment.
Spiciall packing for Europe markets 25Kgs sand paper bags , palletised and shriked.

Key ports for Gilsonite India discharge

For importing Gilsonite into India, the key ports of discharge include:

  1. 1. Mundra Port (Gujarat)
    Largest private port in India, handling bulk and liquid cargo efficiently.
    Ideal for Iranian and Middle Eastern Gilsonite shipments due to its strategic location.
  2. Kandla Port (Deendayal Port, Gujarat)
    Major hub for bitumen and petroleum-based imports, including Gilsonite.
    Proximity to Gujarat’s industrial zone makes it a preferred choice for bulk shipments.
  3. Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Maharashtra)
    India’s busiest container port, near Mumbai.
    Suitable for Gilsonite imports from the Middle East, USA, and Europe.
  4. Chennai Port (Tamil Nadu)
    The largest port in South India, well-equipped for handling bulk minerals and petrochemical cargo.
    Best for imports destined for Southern and Eastern Indian industries.
  5. Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh)
    A deep-water port handling bulk and liquid cargo, including drilling chemicals and construction materials.
    Convenient for industries in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.
  6. Kolkata Port (West Bengal)
    Crucial for imports serving Eastern India and Bangladesh.
    Handles petroleum-based products, making it a viable option for Gilsonite shipments.
  7. Cochin Port (Kerala)
    Major South Indian port, handling bitumen, petrochemicals, and construction materials.
    Suitable for Gilsonite imports from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

General Specification of Gilsonite India

 

Specification unit results Test Method
Ash Content %Wt 2.0 – 10.0 ASTM D-3174
Moisture Content %Wt 1.0 – 3.0 ASTM D-3173
Volatile Matter %Wt 63 ASTM D-3175
Fixed Carbon %Wt 29 ASTM D-3172
Solubility in CS2 %Wt 81 ASTM D-4
Specific Gravity at 25°C —– 1.01 – 1.06 ASTM D-3289
Normal Hepthan Insolubles %Wt 79 ASTM D-3279
Color in Mass —– Black —–
Color in Streak or Powder —– Brown —–
Softening Point °C 180 – 205 ASTM D-36
Penetration at 25°C 0.1MM 0 ASTM D-5

 

Gilsonite India

General Specification of Gilsonite