What is Cutback Bitumen?
Types of Cutback Bitumen
What are the applications of Cutback Bitumen?
Bitumen, being of high viscosity, is a semi-solid. Since it is extremely hard to employ it in this state on highways, it needs to be heated so that it is turned into an operative liquid. Another method of applying bitumen without the necessity for heat is through cutback bitumen. It is mixed with petroleum solvents such as kerosene, gasoline, or diesel fuel, which decreases its viscosity and renders it fluid and usable.
The percentage of cutback bitumen composition is different based on the application, type, grade, and amount of solvent. In a majority of instances, pure bitumen makes up 55–85%, and petroleum solvents make up 15–45%. Cutback bitumen depends upon the type of solvent to have three grades:
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Types of Cutback Bitumen:
•Rapid Curing (RC): Gasoline is employed as the solvent. It is more expensive and is mostly utilized in cold regions.
•Slow Curing (SC): Solvent used is diesel fuel.
These are the characteristics of the different grades of cutback bitumen.
According to international ASTM and AASHTO standards, the following is the composition by percentage of bitumen and solvents along with their performance.
Applications of Cutback Bitumen:
Because of its ease of application in very low temperatures, this bitumen is widely used. It can be utilized as a tack coat in road construction, as a prime coat between two courses of asphalt, and in the oil and gas industry for coating and for corrosion protection of steel pipelines.
Where is Cutback Bitumen most used?
Asia:
The largest market share of cutback bitumen is in Asia, and the production also takes place here in a big way. The major consumers are the UAE, China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Europe:
Due to the very cold and long winters of Europe, cutback bitumen finds extensive application here. Sweden, Finland, and Norway are the major consumers.
North America:
This area also has high demand for cutback bitumen. Belize and Mexico are major consumers.
Africa:
Africa also has a high demand for cutback bitumen. Tanzania and Kenya are major importers, importing primarily from the UAE, Iran, South Africa, and India.
World's Largest Producers of Cutback Bitumen:
•ExxonMobil – United States
•Sinopec – China
•Marathon Petroleum – United States
•Shell – Netherlands/UK
•PetroChina – China
•Jey Oil Refining Company – Iran
•Asphalt & Bitumen west Co– Iran
•Back Gold Iran – Iran
•Hormozan Oil – Iran
Following are some of the world's top cutback bitumen producers along with links:
https://blackgold-bitumen.com/
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