Blown bitumen 90/40 (also known as oxidized bitumen, oxidized asphalt, or oxidized asphalt) is a semisolid grade of petroleum bitumen which is produced by blowing air through asphalt flux. In the construction business, its physical properties can be used for a diverse range of applications. Blown asphalt 90/40 is made of petroleum bitumen, which is made by blowing asphalt 60/70 by very hot air. Based on the material’s midpoint, the numbers indicate the softening and penetration points, respectively. As determined by ASTM D36, the softening point value is measured in degrees Centigrade using the Ring and Ball method. As determined by IP49 or ASTM D5, penetration values are expressed in 1/10 mm.
When the softening point of the Blown Bitumen is 90 c the penetration would be about 20 and only those factories who have experience and skills on bitumen production and have good facilities will be able to make it with a penetration of 40 in a normal position.
It is hard like penetration bitumen as well as flexible like other grades of blown bitumen.
Oxidized Bitumen 90/40 Usage:
- Foundation damp-proofing
- Built-up roofing systems.
- Roll and pour application of bitumen felts.
- Bonding of SBS modified membranes by hot mop method.
- Sealing of laps and joints of various bituminous felts and membranes.
- Wet area waterproofing.
- Bonding of wooden boards insulation panels.
- Road resurfacing and repair.
Storage of oxidized bitumen 90/40
Bitumen should be stored in tanks specifically designed for that purpose. Certain aspects of the tank design should be considered in order to minimise the possibility of the oxidized bitumen 90/40 hardening during storage. In order to prevent the need to dip manually for a reading, bitumen storage tanks should be fitted with automatic level indicators and alarms. In this way, the hot heater tubes are not exposed to a potentially combustible or explosive atmosphere should the bitumen level drop below the heater tubes. The automatic level control also prevents the tank from being overfilled. A maximum fill level for the tank, taking into account the effects of thermal expansion of the bitumen in it, should be established regardless of whether a high level alarm is installed. In order to order additional bitumen, ensure that the ullage in the tank is capable of taking the delivery without exceeding the maximum safe working level. Tanks should be clearly labelled with the grade of bitumen they contain. Whenever the grade of bitumen in a tank is changed, it is important to make certain that the tank is empty and relabelled before the new grade is delivered.
Blown Asphalt has several usages in the industry
- Oil and Gas industries: Coating materials for pipelines and pipe joints of Oil Also Gas Pipelines.
- Electrical industries: The sealant of wire coating
- Waterproofing industries: Building roofing felts in factories and first materials components who are producing waterproofing roofing felt sheets
- Bitumen and Asphalt: Road paving, Asphalt, construction. Making Sound insulation layers. Car tires and lining.
Applications of oxidized bitumen 90/40
The oxidized bitumen 90/40 should be heated double temperature against the softening point to support have flow and viscosity. To use oxidized bitumen 90/40, surfaces must be dry, clean and after loose particles, formwork, curing products, irregularities, slurries, etc.
Technical Advantages of Oxidized Bitumen 90/40
- Durability
- Flexibility
- Water Resistant
- Chemical Stability
Compared to paving grade bitumen:
- Reduced temperature susceptibility
- Exhibits a more ‘solid’ nature at ambient temperatures
- High penetration index
Packing of oxidized bitumen 90/40
Several types of packaging are available for the customer’s convenience and purpose. It includes Kraft bags, meltable plastic bags, drums, and bulk. A hot air blowing process produces oxidized bitumen 90/40, which is a penetration-grade bitumen.Oxidized bitumen supplied in any grade is identified by two numbers showing the softening point and penetration range. Bitumen grade 90/40 means it softens at 90 °C and penetrates at 40 desi millimeters. They are produced in compliance and conformity with ASTM standard and meet the following specifications.
Specifications of oxidized bitumen 90/40
| Bitumen 90/40 | Test method | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @25/25°C | ASTM D70 | (kg/m³) | 1.05 approx. |
| Penetration @25°C | ASTM D5 | mm/10 | 35/45 |
| Softening point | ASTM D36 | °C | 85/95 |
| Ductility @25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 5.5 min |
| Loss on heating | ASTM D6 | Wt. % | 0.2 max |
| Flashpoint | ASTM D92 | °C | 250 min |
| Solubility in CS2 | ASTM D4 | Wt. % | 99.5 max |
| Spot test | AASHOT102 | --- | Negative |
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