Emulsion Bitumen
Emulsion bitumen is a waterproofing material created through the process of forcing air into liquid bitumen. This results in a substance with a high penetration value, which indicates its hardness, making it ideal for use in cold climates and for heavy traffic areas where its low viscosity offers additional benefits. Hot mix bitumen products normally contain this form of the product which acts as a binder for increased durability.
Bitumen (often referred to as asphalt) is categorized using the penetration grade system according to how hard or viscous it is. The depth to which a standard needle (with a 1/10 inch2 circular cross-section) penetrates into a sample of bitumen at a certain temperature (usually 25 or 60 degrees Celsius over a specified period of time) determines the penetration grade (typically 5 or 10 seconds).
The amount of tenths of a millimeter that the needle penetrates the bitumen is used to describe the penetration grade. For instance, a penetration grade of 40 indicates that the needle penetrates the bitumen by 40 tenths of a millimeter. The bitumen becomes softer and more viscous as the penetration grade increases.
what’s in a bitumen emulsion?
How is bitumen emulsion made?
The process for making bitumen emulsion typically involves the following steps:
- Heating the bitumen: The bitumen is heated to a temperature of around 170-180°C to make it more fluid and easier to mix.
- Mixing the bitumen with the emulsifying agent: The heated bitumen is mixed with the emulsifying agent in a high-speed colloid mill or a continuous mixer. The emulsifying agent helps to disperse the bitumen droplets in the water, creating a stable emulsion.
- Adding water: Water is added to the mixture to provide the necessary liquidity to make the emulsion easier to apply. The amount of water used will depend on the specific requirements of the application and the type of emulsifying agent being used.
- Mixing: The mixture is mixed thoroughly to ensure that the bitumen is evenly dispersed in the water.
- Aging: The emulsion is then allowed to age, which helps to improve its stability and performance.
- Packaging: Finally, the bitumen emulsion is packaged in containers or drums for transportation and storage.
In summary, bitumen emulsion is made by heating bitumen, mixing it with an emulsifying agent and water, and aging the mixture to improve its stability and performance. The specific process for making bitumen emulsion will depend on the type of bitumen being used, the type of emulsifying agent, and the intended application.
The varies types of Emulsion Bitumen
Typically employed in hot areas, this kind of bitumen emulsion is excellent for waterproofing, insulation,
