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

Bitumen Supplier Nigeria

Which grade of bitumen is most commonly used in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the most commonly used grade of bitumen is:

60/70 Penetration Grade Bitumen
Here’s why it’s popular:

  • Ideal for tropical climates: Nigeria’s high ambient temperatures require a bitumen grade that remains stable and doesn’t soften too easily—60/70 provides a good balance.
  • Widely specified in road construction: Most Nigerian road authorities (like FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works) specify 60/70 for asphalt paving.
  • Readily available from imports: Nigeria imports bitumen from suppliers in Iran, UAE, India, and Turkey, most of whom offer 60/70 as a standard grade.
  • Cost-effective: Compared to harder or modified grades, 60/70 is more economical and widely used for highways and regional road projects.

Other grades used (though less frequently) include:

  • 80/100 – in cooler highland regions or for surface dressing.
  • 40/50 or 30/40 – used for heavy-duty applications like airport runways.
  • Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) – used in select large-scale or premium infrastructure projects.

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

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 Unloading Bitumen Supplier Nigeria

  1. Apapa Port (Lagos)
    Type: Major seaport, container and bulk cargo
  2. Tin Can Island Port (Lagos)
    Type: Container and RORO port
  3. Port Harcourt Port (Rivers State)
    Type: Bulk and general cargo
  4. Onne Port (Near Port Harcourt)
    Type: Modern industrial port
  5. Warri Port (Delta State)
    Type: Smaller than Lagos ports but strategic

Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Nigeria

  • Vistapointe Integrated Services Ltd.
  • Delmar Petroleum Company Ltd.
  • Candid Oil Ltd.
  • Danbel Bitumen Company
  • Hydrocarbon Engineering Ltd.

International Bitumen Supplier Nigeria

International supplier of bitumen from Nigeria 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 Nigeria ports, .🔹

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

 

Property Bitumen 40/50 Bitumen 60/70 Bitumen 80/100 Test Method
Penetration (25°C, 100g, 5s) (0.1 mm) 40 – 50 60 – 70 80 – 100 ASTM D5
Softening Point (°C) 50 – 58 48 – 56 45 – 52 ASTM D36
Ductility (25°C, cm) >100 >100 >100 ASTM D113
Specific Gravity @ 25°C 1.01 – 1.06 1.01 – 1.06 1.01 – 1.06 ASTM D70
Flash Point (°C, min) 250 230 225 ASTM D92
Loss on Heating (% max) 0.5 0.5 0.5 ASTM D6
Solubility in Trichloroethylene (% min) 99 99 99 ASTM D2042
Viscosity @ 135°C (cSt) 400 – 600 200 – 400 150 – 300 ASTM D2170
Spot Test Negative Negative Negative AASHTO T102