Bitumen Supplier in Zimbabwe

 

Bitumen and Its Different Grades

What is Bitumen?

Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky petroleum-based material primarily used in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications. It is produced through the distillation of crude oil and is known for its waterproofing, adhesive, and durability properties.

Different Grades of Bitumen

Bitumen is classified based on its penetration value, viscosity, or performance under specific conditions. The most common types include:

1. Penetration Grade Bitumen (Most Common for Roads)
   Classified by penetration value (hardness level) measured in 0.1 mm units.
   The lower the penetration number, the harder and more durable the bitumen.
   Common grades & uses:
   – Bitumen 40/50 → Heavy-duty roads, airport runways
   – Bitumen 60/70 → Highways, expressways (best for tropical climates)
   – Bitumen 80/100 → Provincial & city roads, waterproofing
2. Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG)
   Classified by viscosity at 60°C (better for temperature variations).
   Used in hotter climates and industrial applications.
   Common grades:
   – VG-10 → Low-traffic roads, spraying applications
   – VG-30 → Highways & urban roads (widely used in India & hot climates)
   – VG-40 → Heavy-duty pavements & industrial use
3. Performance Grade (PG) Bitumen
   Designed to withstand specific temperature ranges.
   Used in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.
   Example: PG 64-22 (can handle +64°C max and -22°C min temperatures).
4. Oxidized (Blown) Bitumen
   Produced by blowing air into hot bitumen, making it harder & more resistant to aging.
   Used for roofing, waterproofing, and industrial coatings.
   Grades: Ranging from Bitumen 85/25 to 115/15.
5. Cutback Bitumen
   Bitumen mixed with solvents (kerosene, diesel) for cold weather applications.
   Used for road repair & spray sealing.
6. Emulsified Bitumen
   Bitumen mixed with water & emulsifiers for cold applications.
   Used in pothole repairs, surface treatments, and rural roads.

Choosing the Right Bitumen Grade

• Highways & heavy traffic roads → 60/70 or VG-30
• Urban roads & general paving → 80/100 or VG-10
• Roofing & waterproofing → Oxidized bitumen
• Cold weather construction → Cutback or Emulsified bitumen

Which grade of bitumen is most important in Zimbabwe

Primary Bitumen Grades in Zimbabwe

1. Penetration Grade Bitumen 60/70
   This is the most commonly used grade in Zimbabwe.​
   It offers a balance of hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for the country’s moderate to warm climate.​
   Ideal for highways, urban roads, and general paving applications.​
2. Viscosity Grade Bitumen (VG-30)
   Used in areas with higher temperatures or heavier traffic loads.​
   Provides better resistance to deformation and rutting compared to penetration grades.​
   Suitable for high-stress roads and highways.​
3. Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB)
   Employed in premium infrastructure projects requiring enhanced durability.​
   Offers superior resistance to cracking and rutting.​
   Ideal for areas with heavy rainfall or intense traffic

Jumbo Bag and Drum Packaging for Bitumen Grades 60/70 and 80/100 for Zimbabwe

Bitumen 60/70-80/100 in 1 MT Jumbo Bag with a steel cage and pallet: Loading 20 MT in 20 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 1200 KG Jumbo Bag : Loading 24 MT in 40 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 1300 Kg Jumbo Bag: Loading 26 MT in 40 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70 in 300 Kg BituBag: Loading 24 MT in 20 ft Container
Bitumen 60/70-80/100 in 180kg New Steel Drum: Loading 110 Drum in 20 ft = 20 Ton

Key Ports for Bitumen Grades Zimbabwe Discharge

1. Port of Beira (Mozambique)
   Location: Beira, Mozambique​
   Role: Primary port for Zimbabwe’s imports, including bitumen​
   Advantages: Shortest distance to Zimbabwe, reducing transportation time and costs​
   Direct rail and road links to Zimbabwe​
   Usage: Handles a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s bitumen imports​
2. Port of Durban (South Africa)
   Location: Durban, South Africa​
   Role: Major port for imports when Beira is congested or for sourcing from South African suppliers​
   Advantages: Well-established infrastructure and logistics services​
   Usage: Alternative route for bitumen imports, especially from South African producers​
3. Port of Maputo (Mozambique)
   Location: Maputo, Mozambique​
   Role: Secondary option for imports, depending on logistical considerations​
   Advantages: Proximity to southern Zimbabwe​
   Improved port facilities in recent years​
   Usage: Used occasionally for bitumen imports, depending on supply routes

Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Zimbabwe

Domestic Bitumen Suppliers in Zimbabwe

• Bitumen World (Pvt) Ltd
  Location: Harare & Bulawayo​
  Services: Civil engineering, road surfacing, supply of bulk and drummed bitumen​
  Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001​
• Ellionex Inc. (Pvt) Ltd
  Location: Harare​
  Products: Penetration Grade Bitumen (50/70, 70/100), Polymer Modified Bitumen, Cutback Bitumen (MC-30), Emulsions (CRS 60, SS 60%)​

International Bitumen Supplier Zimbabwe

International supplier of bitumen from Zimbabwe By choosing Zumrut International Kimya, you benefit from lasting quality, professional service, and unparalleled expertise in bitumen supply. We are committed to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, continuously striving to deliver cutting-edge solutions in the bitumen industry.

🔹 Zumrut International Kimya  is fully prepared to supply and deliver various grades of bitumen on CIF and CFR terms to various Zimbabwe ports, .🔹

Bitumen penetration grade specifications 60/70, 80/100, 40/50 for Zimbabwe