Bitumen Supplier in Zambia

 

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 commonly used in Zambia?

In Zambia, the most commonly used grade of bitumen is Penetration Grade 60/70.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Penetration Grade 60/70 is widely used for road construction and asphalt paving in Zambia because it balances flexibility and hardness, suitable for the country’s moderate to hot climate.
• In some major highway projects, Penetration Grade 80/100 is also used, especially in cooler regions (like the highlands) or for light traffic areas.
• Cutback Bitumen (like MC-30 or MC-70) is used for priming and surface dressing before the final asphalt layer is applied — especially in rural or secondary roads.
• Bitumen Emulsions are increasingly used for maintenance works like pothole patching and light surface treatments.

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

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 Zambia

Zambia, being a landlocked country, relies on several regional ports for the importation of bitumen. These ports serve as critical entry points, facilitating the transportation of bitumen to Zambia via road and rail networks.​

Key Ports Facilitating Bitumen Imports into Zambia

• Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  This port is a primary import and distribution hub for bitumen in East Africa. Companies like Bitumen Africa utilize it to receive shipments from international suppliers, distributing them efficiently to various project sites across the region. ​
• Port of Beira, Mozambique
  Serving as a significant gateway for imports into Zambia, the Port of Beira offers access via the Beira Corridor. This corridor connects Mozambique to Zambia through Zimbabwe, facilitating the movement of goods.​
• Port of Walvis Bay, Namibia
  Located on the Atlantic coast, Walvis Bay provides an alternative route for imports into Zambia. The Trans-Caprivi Corridor links this port to Zambia, offering a strategic path for transporting bitumen and other goods.

Domestic and foreign Bitumen Supplier Zambia

Total Energies Zambia: Offers the AZALT® range of bitumen products, suitable for hot mix asphalts and mastic asphalts. These products are manufactured through straight-run distillation of selected crude oils.

International Bitumen Supplier Angola

International supplier of bitumen from Zambia 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 Zambia ports, .🔹

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