Properties of paving asphalt, made by Sulfur

Improving the properties of paving asphalt by adding sulfur to blown bitumen was the main stimulant to start this research. But by the result of some experiences, the way changed to produce paving asphalt by sulfunation and no aeration. Obviously by changing Air as a reactant to sulfur, the total fluid process would be changed to a semi-solid process, so cost of operation, maintenance and finally production cost would be decreased. Also increscent of product's specific gravity, will have some effects on incomes earned by production. Generally, steps took in this project could be explained as follow: 1- Adding Sulfur to blown bitumen (60/70) and observing the properties of mixture. 2- Using Asphalt Production Unit's feed (Vacuum Bottom), instead of blown bitumen. 3- Finding a proper test due to identification of reaction balance. 4- Reaching to bitumen 60/70 by changing the percentage of sulfur. 5- Study the effect of mixing duration and finding the optimum temperature for reaction. 6- Compare the test results, after omitting the probable effectives. 7- Investigate the environmental effects of the product. The summary of this research is that, there is no reaction between sulfur and bitumen under 180 ºC. This could be obviously seen by inspecting the flash point of mixture, very close to pure sulfur flash point (188 ºC).In this situation, not only there is no sign of improvement in bitumen properties, but also damaging some basic characteristics, like Ductility.In these types of reactions, by mixing about 5-6%(w/w) sulfur with Vacuum Bottom(V.B) with viscosity in range of 600-700 CSt. you may produce 40/50 bitumen. With due attention to the experiments done in Q.C. and R&D laboratory of Jey Oil Co. in Isfahan, to obtain 60/70 bitumen, best percentage amount of sulfur to be mixed with V.B. is in range of 4-5%(w/w).Bitumen produced with this method is completely standard to use for paving or roofing. Also with a bit of change in relationship between Penetration point and Softening point, Specific gravity would be increased. Final reaction temperature is 230 ºC reached in about 4 hours .

Properties of paving asphalt, made by Sulfur Keywords:

Paving asphalt , Bitumen , Sulfur