Natural bitumen
Natural bitumen is as important as asphalt, bitumen, and oil. As you may know, all bitumen types have a high variety of applications in the world. Nowadays petrochemical products are mainly used in the industries in many countries. Some countries such as Kenya, Iran, Tanzania, Somalia, Russia, Italy, and India have more petrochemical consumption than the other countries. Moreover, these countries export petrochemicals in high volume each year. So, as the global reports indicate, bitumen, oil, and other petrochemicals are ruling the global industry. Mostly, some people mistake the natural and asphalt together. Therefore, we will discuss them in the following.
What is the difference between natural bitumen and asphalt?
As a matter of fact, Bitumen is a liquid material that holds asphalt together. For instance, a bitumen-sealed road has a layer of bitumen sprayed and then covered with an aggregate. This is then repeated to make a two-coat seal. On the other hand, asphalt plant heats, dries, and mixes aggregate, bitumen, and sand into a composite mix and produces asphalt.
Is natural bitumen the same as tar?
Tar is a viscous black fluid that is derived through the process of adverse distillation. Refineries can naturally make bitumen while they are processing tar. Additionally, bitumen happens in both solid and liquid forms while tar is usually a liquid with a high viscosity.
Which is better asphalt or natural bitumen?
Asphalt pavements are strong; with a layer depth of 25-40 mm and a life measure of 20+ years. On the other hand, bitumen pavements are strong but not as the asphalt pavings are. Moreover, bitumen pavings have a layer depth of 10-20 mm and a lifetime of 15-20 years. Surface made of asphalt is smoother and more skid-resistant, ensuring the driver’s safety and minimum noise.
What is the difference between natural bitumen and oxidized bitumen?
Refineries produce oxidized or blown bitumen by passing air through the penetration grades. This process gives the bitumen more viscosity than its original formula and they become simply harder.
Which countries have natural deposits of bitumen?
Natural deposits of bitumen include lakes such as the Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Bitumen also occurs in “oil sands” in Alberta, Canada, and the United States. There might be some natural deposits in other countries, but the above mentioned countries are more famous. So, natural type of bitumen is different from tar, asphalt, and oxidized bitumen. They may have some similarities, but they have also some differences.