Bitumen Viscosity – whether you need to measure the viscosity of bitumen during the manufacturing process, or in very small sample sizes, we have it covered.
Our process viscometer (Model 491) – for measuing bitumen viscosity in-line (L), and the NuLine Cone & Plate Viscometer, for measuring small sample sizes at your preferred temperature (R).
Bitumen Viscosity – Why is it important?
Bitumen is a constituent of petroleum that just happens to be sticky. And I really mean sticky. For those familiar with it, bitumen is an incredibly viscous product.
We are usually most familiar with it from the roads we drive on. In some parts of the world – mainly the USA – it is referred to as asphalt. Often, it is referred to as pitch. Either way, two-thirds of all bitumen is used for our road surfaces, thanks in part to its highly viscous nature.
Of course, being a petroleum product, it requires some refining. Natural bitumen may be almost solid when extracted, whilst other sources may be a very viscous liquid. Depending on its final use, it needs processing, and its viscosity is an important element in its applications. In road surfaces, it is used to bind aggregates. It is also used in roofing construction as it is a useful waterproofing agent. In some cases, it is used to encapsulate waste radioactive materials.
However it is used – to do the job successfully – it needs to have just the right viscosity.
Bitumen Viscosity – How to measure it?
Bitumen can be a by-product in petroleum processing, but it is often found naturally in Oil or Tar Sands. As a result, it needs processing to remove unwanted materials and to provide a product that is consistent with the desired application.
Very often, it is processed with oxygen in a process known as ‘blowing’. This ensures that it becomes even more viscous. But measuring the bitumen viscosity can be done during the refining process in one of two ways.
In-line viscosity measurement is possible using a process viscometer such as the ATAC 491 (pictured above, left). This measures the viscosity as bitumen flows through the viscometer and gives a real-time reading. The 491 is a wide-bore viscometer designed to measure highly viscous liquids such as bitumen, waxes, lube-oils and residual fuels.
Small sample viscosity measurement is possible using the NuLine benchtop viscometer (pictured above, right). This allows for small samples to be removed during processing, and the bitumen viscosity can be determined using the Cone & Plate methodology. The NuLine is designed with a heating plate, allowing the bitumen to be maintained at the correct analysis temperature. The tungsten carbide components of the Cone & Plate viscometer are chemically resistant and suitable for abrasive and difficult substances such as bitumen.
Contact Us today
Whether you require in-line process analysis of bitumen viscosity, or whether you require small sampling viscometry, we have the solution for you.
As always, the best thing to do is to talk to our experts. You can visit the relevant product pages by clicking the links below. Otherwise, email us at sales@atacgroup.com or by phoning +44 (0)1380 818411. We look forward to speaking to you.
Feature image courtesy of Brendan Steeves
