Bitumen Supplier in Namibia

 

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 Namibia

In Namibia, the most important and widely used bitumen grade for road construction is Penetration Grade 60/70. This grade offers a balance of hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for the country’s warm climate and varying traffic conditions. Its performance characteristics make it ideal for constructing durable roads that can withstand temperature fluctuations and moderate to heavy traffic loads. ​
Additionally, Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), such as the S-E1 grade, is utilized in Namibia for specific applications requiring enhanced performance. PMB is particularly effective in areas with heavy traffic or where the road surface is subjected to significant stress, as it offers improved elasticity and resistance to deformation.
Furthermore, Bitumen Rubber (e.g., S-R1 and S-R2 grades) has been extensively incorporated into Namibia’s road resealing programs. Between 2016 and 2019, approximately 700 km of roads were surfaced using bitumen rubber, which provides enhanced durability and resistance to cracking, especially in regions experiencing extreme temperature variations. ​
In summary, while Penetration Grade 60/70 remains the primary bitumen grade for general road construction in Namibia, the use of Polymer Modified Bitumen and Bitumen Rubber is significant for specialized applications requiring higher performance standards.

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

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 Supplier Grades Namibia Discharge

1. Port of Walvis Bay
   Liquid Bulk Handling: The port features two liquid bulk jetties, each capable of accommodating vessels up to 90,000 DWT. These facilities are essential for the efficient unloading of bitumen and other petroleum products. ​
2. Port of Lüderitz
   While the Port of Lüderitz is smaller and primarily serves the fishing and mining industries, it has been considered for expansion to support the country’s growing oil and gas sector. However, its current infrastructure is limited compared to Walvis Bay, making it less significant for large-scale bitumen imports.

Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Namibia

1. NAMCOR (National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia)
   As Namibia’s state-owned oil company, NAMCOR plays a pivotal role in the petroleum sector. While its primary focus is on fuels and lubricants, NAMCOR’s extensive infrastructure, including the National Oil Storage Facility (NOSF) in Walvis Bay, positions it as a key player in the storage and distribution of petroleum products. Their capabilities include bulk deliveries to customer storage facilities and supply via port facilities. ​
2. Colas Namibia (Pty) Ltd
   Colas Namibia specializes in the production of bituminous products, including emulsions and road binders. With a focus on road construction, they offer a range of bitumen products tailored to the country’s infrastructure needs. ​
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3. Bitumen Supplies and Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd
   Based in Windhoek, this company is a significant player in the bitumen supply chain, offering various grades suitable for diverse construction projects.

International Bitumen Supplier Namibia

International supplier of bitumen from Namibia 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 Namibia ports, .🔹

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