Oxidized Bitumen:

Oxidized Bitumen, also known as Blown Bitumen, is a specialized type of bitumen produced by passing air through penetration grade bitumen. This process imparts unique properties to the bitumen, making it harder and more rubbery compared to its original form. Oxidized bitumen finds diverse applications across various industries due to its distinctive characteristics.

Applications:

1. Anti-Slip Layer Compound: Oxidized bitumen, with its increased hardness, is widely used as an anti-slip layer compound in the piling industry. It provides traction and safety in challenging environments.
2. Roofing and Waterproofing: It is a key ingredient in the manufacture of roofing felts, making it an essential component in the roofing and waterproofing industries.
3. Sound Dampening Felts: Oxidized bitumen’s properties make it suitable for use in sound dampening felts, helping to reduce noise in various applications.
4. Undercarriage Sealant: In the automotive industry, it serves as an undercarriage sealant, providing protection and sealing in vehicles.
5. Electric Cable Joint Protection: Oxidized bitumen is used to protect electric cable joints, enhancing their longevity and reliability.
6. Joint Filling Compound and Sealant: It is employed as a joint filling compound and sealant in construction and various industrial applications.
7. Saw Cuts and Joints Sealing: Used for sealing saw cuts and joints in situations where minimal movement is expected.
8. Bituminous Marine Mastic: Oxidized bitumen is a crucial component in the manufacturing of bituminous marine mastic, which is utilized for sealing oil and gas pipeline joints.

Popular Grades:

The most commonly used grades of oxidized bitumen include 95/25, 85/25, 90/40, and 115/15. These grades cater to different requirements in various industries.

Advantages:

Oxidized Bitumen offers several advantages:

• Water Resistance: It is completely water-resistant, making it suitable for applications where exposure to moisture is a concern.
• Flexibility: Despite its hardness, it remains highly flexible, adapting to different conditions and movements.
• Durability: Oxidized bitumen is known for its durability, ensuring a long service life in various applications.
• Chemical Stability: It exhibits chemical stability, maintaining its properties even in challenging environments.
• Technical Advantages: It possesses technical advantages that make it a sought-after material for specialized applications.

In addition to the mentioned grades, Oxidized Bitumen can be customized to meet specific client specifications, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability across industries.

Production of Oxidized Bitumen:

The production process of oxidized bitumen, also known as blown bitumen, involves several steps to transform regular bitumen into a harder, rubbery substance suitable for various applications. Here is a detailed overview of the production process:

1. Bitumen Heating:

• The process begins by heating regular bitumen to a temperature range of 230-270°C. This step is essential to prepare the bitumen for further processing.

2. Transferring to Blowing Towers:

• The melted bitumen is then transferred to blowing towers. These towers are specially designed for the oxidation process.

3. Blowing Air:

• Air is blown into the bitumen in the blowing towers. This introduces oxygen to the bitumen, which triggers the oxidation process, resulting in the desired properties of oxidized bitumen.

4. Cooling:

• After the oxidation process is complete, the oxidized bitumen is cooled using water. This cooling step is crucial to stabilize the product for packaging.

5. Packing:

• The final oxidized bitumen product is packed and prepared for distribution to various industries.

Production Procedures:

There are two main procedures for producing oxidized bitumen:

1. Continuous Blowing Procedure:

• This procedure involves a continuous flow of bitumen and air through the blowing towers. It is suitable for large-scale production and offers ease in changing blowing conditions for different grades of oxidized bitumen.

2. Discontinuous Blowing Procedure:

• In this procedure, bitumen and air are introduced intermittently into the blowing towers. It provides flexibility in production conditions and is often chosen for its simplicity and lower investment costs.

Catalysis and Anti-Catalysis:

• Catalysis involves the addition of chemical materials during the process to decrease the blowing reaction time. This can help control the oxidation process and achieve specific product properties.

Operating Conditions and Considerations:

• Blowing should be initiated from the bottom of the blowing tank to ensure efficient mixing.
• The heat generated during the oxidation reaction is controlled by injecting water.
• The volume and admixture of air are critical factors in the blowing process.
• The suitable temperature for the production operation typically ranges from 265-270°C to prevent uncontrolled reactions or explosions.
• Bitumen should not stay in the blowing tower for an extended period; it should be transferred to drums or tankers promptly.
• To prevent ignition due to excess air in empty spaces, additional material should be added if the liquid surface in the blowing tower is low.
• Blowing towers should be filled up to around 70% of their capacity.
• The final blowing point is determined through sampling and testing of bitumen properties.
• Oxidized bitumen is usually stored and transported at temperatures between 150-165°C to maintain its properties.

Overall, the production of oxidized bitumen involves precise control of temperature, air injection, and other parameters to achieve the desired product characteristics, which are crucial for its various applications.

Applications of Oxidized Bitumen:

Oxidized Bitumen, with its unique properties, finds a wide range of industrial applications across various industries. Here are some of the key applications:

1. Bonding Bitumen for Roofing Sheet Membranes:
   • Oxidized bitumen is used as a bonding agent in the manufacturing of roofing sheet membranes, providing adhesion and waterproofing properties.
2. Hot-Applied Waterproofing Layer:
   • It is utilized as a hot-applied waterproofing layer in construction and roofing applications, ensuring water resistance and protection.
3. Carpet Tile Manufacture:
   • In the production of carpet tiles, oxidized bitumen is used to bind the materials together and create a durable product.
4. Raw Material for Liquid Bitumen Coatings:
   • Oxidized bitumen serves as a fundamental raw material for the formulation of liquid bitumen coatings, widely used for various protective and waterproofing purposes.
5. Production of Bituminous Paint and Mastic:
   • It is a key component in the manufacturing of bituminous paint and mastic, offering protective and sealing properties.
6. Rust-Proof Pipe Coatings:
   • Oxidized bitumen is used in the production of coatings for pipes to prevent rust and corrosion, extending their lifespan.
7. Anti-Slip Layer Compound in the Piling Industry:
   • In the piling industry, it serves as an anti-slip layer compound, enhancing safety and traction in challenging environments.
8. Roofing and Sound Dampening Felts:
   • It is a crucial material for the production of roofing felts, providing waterproofing and durability. Additionally, it is used in sound dampening felts to reduce noise.
9. Undercarriage Sealant in the Automobile Industry:
   • In the automotive industry, oxidized bitumen acts as an undercarriage sealant, protecting vehicles from environmental factors and wear.
10. Electric Cable Joint Protection:
    • Oxidized bitumen is employed to protect electric cable joints, ensuring insulation and longevity.
11. Joint Filling Compound and Sealant Compound:
    • It is used as a joint filling compound and sealant compound in construction, industrial, and household applications.
12. Various Day-to-Day Uses:
    • Oxidized bitumen finds its way into our daily lives, contributing to a wide range of applications that require sealing, protection, and adhesion.

The versatility and diverse range of properties of oxidized bitumen make it an essential material in various industries, ensuring the durability, safety, and performance of numerous products and structures.

Product Benefits:

BituPlus Company offers a range of advantages with its Oxidized Bitumen products:

1. Weatherproof Packaging for Storage Flexibility:
   • Our products come in weatherproof packaging, ensuring their durability and flexibility during storage, even in challenging environmental conditions.
2. High Capacity and Quality Assurance:
   • We provide high-capacity manufacturing and quality assurance to meet the demands of our customers, delivering consistent and reliable products.
3. Conforms to ASTM Standards:
   • Our Oxidized Bitumen adheres to ASTM standards, particularly in terms of softening point and penetration, guaranteeing quality and performance.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Our packaging is designed for convenience. The wrapping can be melted in conventional boilers without the need for removal, streamlining the application process.

BituPlus Company is a trusted manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of Oxidized Bitumen (Blown Asphalt) available in various packaging options, including Melt-Able Polyamide bags, Carton Boxes, Kraft Bags, and Drums. Our commitment to quality and user-friendly solutions ensures that our products meet the needs of a wide range of applications.