Bitumen Penetration grade 160/220

 

Bitumen Penetration grade 160/220 Description

Bitumen Penetration Grade 160/220 is a standard penetration grade Bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen suitable for road construction and for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties. This grade of Bitumen is mainly used in the manufacture of hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses. Penetration Grade Bitumen supplied by ZUMRUT Co is petroleum grade bitumen, manufactured from fractional / vacuum distillation of crude oil. The Bitumen supplied by ZUMRUT is produced from the vacuum residue (short residue) feedstock. Penetration Grade bitumens are specified by the penetration and softening point test. The designation is by penetration range only. The penetration grade bitumens have a thermoplastic property which causes the material to soften at high temperatures and to harden at lower temperatures. This unique temperature/ viscosity relationship is important when determining the performance parameters such as the adhesion, rheology, durability and application temperatures of bitumen.

Penetration Grade Bitumen is a standard bitumen usually used as a Paving Grade Bitumen essential for road construction and for the production of asphalt pavements with superior properties, and it’s very important once it bounds the aggregates and creates a unique cohesion and stability to the bituminous mix.

Properties of Bitumen 160/220

Bitumen Penetration Grade 160/220 is characterized by its relatively high penetration value, indicating that it is softer and more flexible compared to harder grades. Here are the key properties of Bitumen 160/220:

        Properties

1. Penetration Value :
   –  Range : 160 to 220 (measured in tenths of a millimeter)
   –  Description : Indicates the softness of the bitumen. Higher penetration values mean the bitumen is softer and more pliable.
2. Softening Point :
   –  Typical Value : 32 to 42°C
   –  Description : The temperature at which bitumen reaches a particular level of softness. Lower softening points suggest greater susceptibility to temperature changes.
3. Ductility :
   –  Typical Value : Greater than 100 cm
   –  Description : Measures the extent to which bitumen can be stretched before breaking. High ductility is essential for flexibility and resistance to cracking.
4. Viscosity :
   –  Typical Value : 100 to 2500 Poise at 60°C
   –  Description : Indicates the bitumen’s resistance to flow. This property ensures the bitumen can be applied and worked with at the required consistency.
5. Flash Point :
   –  Typical Value : Above 230°C
   –  Description : The temperature at which bitumen vapors ignite. A high flash point indicates safety in handling and application.
6. Solubility in Trichloroethylene :
   –  Typical Value : Minimum 99%
   –  Description : Represents the purity of the bitumen by measuring the amount that can be dissolved in trichloroethylene. High solubility indicates fewer impurities.
7. Specific Gravity :
   –  Typical Value : 1.01 to 1.06
   –  Description : The ratio of the density of bitumen to the density of water, important for calculating the required quantities for construction.
8. Loss on Heating :
   –  Typical Value : Less than 0.5%
   –  Description : The percentage of weight lost when bitumen is heated at 163°C for 5 hours. Lower values suggest better thermal stability and resistance to aging.

         Importance of These Properties

• Penetration and Softening Point : Ensure the bitumen remains flexible and effective under varying temperature conditions, crucial for preventing brittleness in cold climates.
• Ductility : Ensures the bitumen can withstand deformation without cracking, important for long-term durability.
• Viscosity : Aids in the appropriate application thickness and coating during construction, ensuring the bitumen performs as intended.
• Flash Point : Indicates the safety level during handling and application, reducing the risk of fire hazards.
• Solubility : Reflects the purity and quality of the bitumen, ensuring consistent performance.
• Specific Gravity : Helps in accurate measurement and planning of bitumen quantities for construction projects.
• Loss on Heating : Indicates the bitumen’s resistance to high temperatures and its longevity in service.

Bitumen Penetration grade 160/220 Application

Bitumen Penetration Grade 160/220 is a softer grade of bitumen compared to other penetration grades, such as 100/150. The higher penetration value (160 to 220) indicates that this bitumen is softer and more flexible. Here are the primary applications and considerations for using Bitumen Penetration Grade 160/220:

         Applications

1. Cold Climate Road Construction :
   –  Description*: This grade is suitable for areas with colder climates where lower temperatures can make bitumen hard and brittle. The softer nature of 160/220 helps maintain flexibility and prevents cracking.
2. Surface Dressing :
   –  Description : Used in surface dressing, which involves spraying bitumen on the road surface and then covering it with aggregate. This process helps to waterproof the road and improve skid resistance.
3. Grouting :
   –  Description : It can be used in grouting applications where it fills and seals cracks and voids in pavements, helping to extend the life of the road.
4. Repair and Maintenance :
   –  Description : This grade is effective for road repair and maintenance activities, particularly in colder climates where flexibility and adhesion are critical for durable repairs.
5. Flexible Pavements :
   –  Description : Ideal for constructing flexible pavements that require a higher degree of pliability to accommodate temperature variations and traffic loads without cracking.
6. Emulsion Production :
   –  Description : Suitable for producing bitumen emulsions, which are used in various road construction and maintenance applications, including tack coats, priming, and slurry seals.

         Considerations

1. Temperature Sensitivity :
   –  Description : Due to its softer nature, Bitumen 160/220 is more temperature-sensitive and may not perform well in high-temperature regions where it can become too soft and lead to rutting.
2. Handling and Storage :
   –  Description : Proper handling and storage are essential to prevent contamination and degradation. It should be stored in heated tanks to maintain a consistent temperature.
3. Application Techniques :
   –  Description : Application methods must ensure proper distribution and compaction to achieve desired performance. The softer bitumen requires careful control of application temperatures and techniques.
4. Adhesion Properties :
   –  Description : Ensuring good adhesion to aggregates and existing pavements is crucial, especially in repair and maintenance applications. Proper surface preparation is necessary.

       Benefits

• Flexibility*: Provides enhanced flexibility, reducing the risk of cracking in cold climates.
• Adhesion*: Offers good adhesion properties, making it effective in surface dressing and repair applications.
• Durability*: Contributes to the longevity of pavements by accommodating thermal and traffic-induced stresses.

Packing of Bitumen 160/220

Paving Bitumen 160/220 is commonly packed in new steel drums, 150, 180 & 220 Kg barrels.
Likewise, the rest of the grades are ready to load Ex-work bulk ZUMRUT by truck.

Guaranty and safety of bitumen 160/220

ZUMRUT Company guaranty the quality of bitumen penetration grade 160/220 with the arrangement of the international inspector to check quality and quantity during the loading to the vessel and controlling the production by QC by batch test report before shipping. ZUMRUT Company guarantees the quality to meet with European Standard DIN EN 12591:99.

Bitumen Penetration grade 160/220 Specifications

 

Bitumen Penetration grade 160.220 Specifications