Bitumen

Bitumen is derived from the distillation of crude oil and also occurs naturally. It consists of complex hydrocarbons and contains elements such as calcium, iron, sulfur, and hydrogen. The production process involves distillation, which removes lighter components like gasoline and diesel, leaving the heavier bitumen behind. The price of bitumen is influenced by the same factors that affect crude oil prices, including supply and demand and geopolitical stability in crude-producing regions. Another factor that impacts bitumen prices is the price differential between heavy and light crude.

Uses:

Road Construction: Bitumen is extensively used in the construction of asphalt roads and bituminous membrane products. It is commonly used for building highways, motorways, and rail networks.
Waterproofing: Due to its excellent waterproofing properties, bitumen is widely used in roofing products and various household and industrial applications, including emulsion paints and soundproofing.
Railway Tracks: Penetration Bitumen and Bitumen Emulsions are used for constructing railway tracks. Special types like Polymer Modified Bitumen help reduce vibration and noise due to their dampening effect.
Airfield Surfaces: Bitumen is effective for surfacing airfield runways, airstrips, and taxiways.
Marine Construction: In the marine construction industry, bitumen is used for hydraulic applications such as canal lining, underwater tunnels, riverbank protection, dam construction, and sea defenses.
Industrial Applications: Bitumen is used in numerous industrial applications, including roofing felt material, printing inks, packaging paper, linoleum, electrical cable/junction box insulation, mastic for terrace roofing, and duplex paper manufacture.

Gazprom Neft Bitumen Variants:

Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB):

PMB is a group of road bituminous binders specifically designed to enhance the durability of asphalts and increase road traffic safety through the addition of specific polymers.

Viscosity Grade Bitumen:

Available in four types: VG10, VG20, VG30, and VG40. The higher the number, the harder the bitumen in the viscosity grading system.

Advantages of Viscosity Grade Bitumen:

Wide Temperature Range: VG bitumen is suitable for a range of temperatures, from 25°C for fatigue cracking to 135°C for construction. Temperature susceptibility can also be determined.
Durability: Pavements made from VG Bitumen have better performance due to the sufficient viscosity value at 135°C, which provides a good indication of mixing and compaction temperature, resulting in improved pavement life.
Construction Benefits: The minimum specified kinematic viscosity value at 135°C helps minimize the potential of tender mixes during construction.
High Traffic Loads: VG bitumen is suitable for areas with high traffic loads.

Grade Viscosity Range at 60°C (Absolute Viscosity) and Typical Applications:

VG-10 Bitumen: 800-1200

Recommended for road construction in cold regions.
Ideal for spraying.
Used in the production of bitumen emulsion.

VG-20 Bitumen: 1600-2400

Used in cold regions for road construction.

VG-30 Bitumen: 2400-3600

Maximizes asphalt performance in hot regions.
A more reliable choice than bitumen pen 60/70.

VG-40 Bitumen: 3200-4000

Suitable for areas with high traffic loads.
Ideal for road construction in hot weather.