Bitumen Supplier DRC Congo

 

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 Gabon

Which grade of bitumen is most important in Gabon

in Gabon, the most important and commonly used grade of bitumen for road construction is Penetration Grade 60/70. This grade offers a balanced combination of hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for Gabon’s tropical climate, which features high temperatures and humidity. Penetration Grade 60/70 is widely utilized in road construction across various regions due to its durability and adaptability to moderate climates .​

Additionally, Penetration Grade 80/100 is sometimes employed in cooler or less trafficked areas. This softer grade is ideal for humid conditions, preventing cracking and maintaining flexibility .​

For specific applications such as surface treatments and maintenance, bitumen emulsions like CRS-1 or K1-60 are also used. These emulsions are particularly effective in humid environments, as they can be applied without heating and provide good adhesion to wet surfaces .​
If you’re planning to source or resell bitumen in Gabon, focusing on Penetration Grades 60/70 and 80/100, along with relevant emulsions, would align with the country’s infrastructure needs.

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

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 Gabon Discharge

  1. Port of Owendo (Libreville)
    Location: Situated just south of Libreville, the capital city.​
    Role: Serves as Gabon’s main commercial port, handling a wide range of cargo, including oil, timber, minerals, and manufactured goods.​
    Facilities: Equipped with specialized terminals for bulk cargo and containerized goods, supporting both imports and exports.​
    Infrastructure: Recent developments include the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) Port project, enhancing cargo handling capacities and storage facilities.​
  2. Port of Port-Gentil
    Location: Located on the Atlantic coast, Port-Gentil is Gabon’s second-largest city.​
    Role: Primarily functions as an oil and gas port, but also handles various other cargo types.​
    Facilities: Features terminals suitable for general cargo, including bitumen, although its primary focus remains on petroleum products.

Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Gabon

  1. ERES Gabon (Subsidiary of Rubis Énergie)
    Based in Owendo, near Libreville.
    Manages import, storage, and distribution of bitumen.
    Supplies major infrastructure and road construction projects.
    Operates under Rubis’ extensive West African logistics network.
  2. PetroGabon
    Local distributor of petroleum products.
    Sometimes acts as a middle-agent or reseller for imported bitumen.
    May not refine bitumen locally but helps in national distribution.

International Bitumen Supplier Gabon

International supplier of bitumen from Gabon 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 Gabon ports, .🔹

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

 

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