Petroleum Bitumen or simply Bitumen is a petroleum derivative commonly referred to as asphalt, is a black, viscous, and sticky liquid or semi-solid. Bitumen is derived from crude oil through a process called fractional distillation. It is the heaviest fraction separated from the crude oil during refining. It is an essential feature of many infrastructure and construction projects, especially those involving road paving and waterproofing
Key elements of bitumen are as follows:
It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, with high molecular weight and a substantial proportion of carbon and hydrogen.
Due to its high viscosity, bitumen is often heated during transport and handling to make it more workable. Bitumen undergoes changes in viscosity with temperature, which can affect its handling and application.
Various standards and specifications exist for different grades of bitumen, ensuring quality and performance in specific applications.