Petroleum bitumen

BITUMEN 60/70

Refinery Bitumen 60/70: The Backbone of Road Construction and Waterproofing

Introduction:
Among the various types of bitumen, Refinery Bitumen 60/70 holds a special place. Classified by its penetration value, this grade of bitumen has become an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, especially in road construction and waterproofing projects in temperate climates, due to its balanced hardness and flexibility. Let’s take a deeper look at this widely used product.

What is Bitumen 60/70?​​​​​​​

Bitumen 60/70 is a grade of Penetration Grade Bitumen. The numbers “60/70” refer to the range of penetration of a standard needle into the bitumen sample. This means that a standard needle, under a load of 100 grams at 25 degrees Celsius, penetrates between 60 to 70 tenths of a millimeter into the bitumen sample. This penetration range indicates a medium hardness for the bitumen, meaning it is neither too stiff to be brittle nor too soft to flow excessively at high temperatures.

Why is Bitumen 60/70 Popular?​​​​​​​

Medium Viscosity: This property allows the bitumen to be easily pumped and mixed with aggregates at operating temperatures, while providing the necessary resistance once cooled.

Balanced Softening Point and Penetration: Its softening point typically ranges from 49 to 56 degrees Celsius, with a penetration of 60 to 70 dmm. This balance enables the bitumen to exhibit good resistance to seasonal temperature variations.

Excellent Adhesion: Bitumen 60/70 possesses high adhesive properties to aggregates, which is essential for creating a stable and durable asphalt mix.

Water Resistance: Like other bitumens, this grade is waterproof, making it suitable for waterproofing applications.

Road Base and Surfacing: The primary and most extensive application of Bitumen 60/70 is as a binder in Hot Mix Asphalt production for the construction and repair of roads, highways, streets, and airport runways.

Waterproofing Membranes (Izogam) and Bitumen Felting (Ghirgouni): Used as the main component in the production of prefabricated waterproofing membranes (like Izogam in Iran) and in the traditional method of bitumen felting for waterproofing roofs, bathrooms, foundations, and retaining walls.
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Conclusion:​​​​​​​

Key Characteristics of Bitumen 60/70:​​​​​​​

Applications and Uses of Bitumen 60/70:
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Due to its desirable characteristics, Bitumen 60/70 is utilized in a wide array of projects

1.Road Construction and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Production:​​​​​​​

Binder and Wearing Course: It is used in various asphalt layers, including the Binder Course, which transmits loads, and the Wearing Course, which is directly exposed to traffic.​​​​​​​

Temperate Regions: It is particularly ideal for areas with temperate climates that do not experience extreme temperature fluctuations. In these regions, the balanced hardness and softness of Bitumen 60/70 help prevent rutting in hot summers and cracking in cold winters.

2.Waterproofing and Sealing:

Protective Coatings: Used to coat steel pipes and other buried structures to protect them against corrosion and moisture.

3.Other Industries and Applications:​​​​​​​

Mastic and Adhesive Production: In the formulation of various bitumen-based joint sealants and industrial adhesives.​​​​​​​

Battery Manufacturing: In some battery production processes as an insulator or binder.​​​​​​​

Paint Manufacturing: As one of the raw materials in the production of certain paints and protective coatings.​​​​​​​

Economical and Accessible: Due to a relatively simpler production process compared to modified bitumens, it is usually more cost-effective and readily available.​​​​​​​

Balanced Performance: It offers excellent performance for most road construction projects in temperate regions.​​​​​​​

Extensive Technical Knowledge: Contractors and engineers are well-versed in working with this grade.​​​​​​​

When purchasing Bitumen 60/70, it is crucial to ensure the product’s quality and its conformity with relevant standards (such as ASTM D946 or EN 12591 for penetration grade bitumens). Requesting a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the seller will guarantee that the bitumen’s specifications match your requirements.​​​​​​​

Important Notes for Buyers:​​​​​​​

Refinery Bitumen 60/70, with its balanced properties and wide range of applications, is a key component in infrastructure development and the preservation of structural integrity worldwide. The correct selection and appropriate use of this bitumen grade will ensure the durability and efficiency of your projects.​​​​​​​

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Description: Incoterms are different as Exwork delivered factory or Fob.​​​​​​​

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