Bitumen emulsion manufacturers

Types of bitumen emulsion

According to the scientific article Bitumen Emulsions: A Review, bitumen emulsion can be divided into three main categories based on the electrical charges and structure of the dispersed and continuous phases: anionic emulsion, cationic emulsion, and non-ionic emulsion.

• Anionic bitumen emulsion: Anionic bitumen emulsions are asphalt emulsions with negative charges. In anionic bitumen, the water is the continuous phase, and the bitumen is the dispersed phase. This type of emulsion is sensitive to pH and works well on alkaline soils. They often serve as binders in road construction and surface treatments. Anionic bitumen emulsion manufacturers may produce different grades based on viscosity and stability, including RS-1, which is used for surface dressing and seal coats, and SS-1, which is suitable for priming."), Anionic bitumen emulsions typically work well on alkaline soils and may not be appropriate for all substrate conditions. On the other hand, they can offer excellent adhesion and bonding for surfaces that have an alkaline composition. Anionic bitumen emulsions are generally more affordable than emulsion types and are suitable.
• Cationic bitumen emulsion: Cationic bitumen emulsions have a positive charge and are used as binders in asphalt mixes and surface treatments. The situation is reversed from anionic emulsions: the bitumen is the continuous phase, and water is the dispersed phase. Cationic bitumen emulsions are more widely used than anionic emulsions because they can work in a broader range of pH conditions. For example, they can be used on acidic soils or neutral soils. They also break up quickly in the presence of water, allowing faster drying times.
• Non-ionic bitumen emulsion: Non-ionic bitumen emulsions are bitumen emulsions without any electrical charge. Non-ionic bitumen emulsions are stable in a wide range of pH conditions. Non-ionic bitumen emulsions can be used in many applications. Including penetrating binders for soil stabilization and prime coat binders for granular bases. The non-ionic bitumen emulsion may offer some advantages in specific substrate conditions but is less commonly used than anionic and cationic emulsions.

Specification and maintenance of bitumen emulsion

Specification

• Storage tanks: the storage tank capacity should be at least 50,000L to prepare for stable supply and feedstock tank needs. Equip vertical storage tanks with level gauges, thermal insulation, heat supplies, and recirculation pumps.
• Pump and flow meters: choose suitable pumps that can maintain a consistent emulsion circulation and flow meters so that they can measure the precise emulsification output.
• Pre-heater: pre-heaters are used to pre-warm the bitumen to ensure that it has a suitable temperature before emulsification.
• Shear mixer: it is the critical equipment for emulsifying bitumen and water, which is called the emulsifier. The shear mixer is designed to provide strong shear forces that disperse the bitumen into tiny droplets within the aqueous phase.
• Cooling system: it helps cool emulsion products quickly to stabilize the emulsion and prevent the re-coalescence of bitumen droplets.
• Contaminant filtration system: this system can filter and remove any contaminants to guarantee the purity of the emulsion bitumen.
• Control panel: the control panel regulates and controls the entire process of bitumen emulsion manufacturing.

Maintenance

• Daily inspection and maintenance: check all bits of emulsion machines to determine whether there are loose, damaged, or leaking parts; ensure that the working environment is clean and tidy; remove residual bitumens that are not easy to clean up; cultivate a good habit of cleaning tools, and equipment, and emulsion machines, and oil storage tanks for bitumen to prevent pollution and faults.
• Regular maintenance and repair: perform regular maintenance and repair based on the use frequency; inspect key components such as motors, pumps, valves, shear emulsifiers, heating systems, cooling systems, control systems, etc. Besides, lubricating the moving parts and replacing the lubricants that used to emulsify bits of oil are critical to keeping them operating smoothly.
• During operation, avoid sudden movements such as sudden drops, speeds, or reversals; reduce the impact on the equipment by gradually speeding it up and subsequently slowing it down.
• Regularly calibrate and adjust the operating parameters of the equipment according to the specified bitumen emulsion manufacturing formula to ensure the stability and quality of the bitumen emulsions.
• Maintain proper ventilation and temperature control in the bitumen emulsion manufacturing area to prevent fire hazards and ensure the safety of bitumen emulsion equipment.

Usage scenarios of bitumen emulsion

• Construction and maintenance of roads

  Bitumen emulsions have a large application in road construction and maintenance. They serve as binders for bituminous materials, providing effective adhesion and enabling the task of spreading and compacting. Bitumen emulsion is mainly used in surface dressing, pothole filling, and crack sealing. Besides, bitumen emulsions can serve as rejuvenators for aged asphalt pavements, improving their functional properties and extending their lifetime.

• Waterproofing and sealing

  Bitumen emulsions are prevalent in waterproofing and sealing applications. They function as effective waterproofing agents for roofs, foundations, and underground structures, preventing water penetration and protecting against leakage and dampness. Moreover, they can be used to seal cracks, joints, and pores in concrete or asphalt surfaces, enhancing the impermeability and durability of the materials.

• Industrial applications

  Bitumen emulsions may also be used in some industrial applications. For example, in the rubber industry, they can serve as adhesives or bonding agents for rubber products and asphalt, among other things. Furthermore, bitumen emulsions may fulfill certain functional roles in chemical, textile, and packaging industries, such as acting as coatings, sealants, or additives.

• Road marking and adhesion

  Bitumen emulsions are the primary material for road marking and sticking. They offer a precise and highly visible marking method for road traffic, increasing safety and efficiency. Bitumen emulsions possess excellent adhesion properties and can bond road marking materials strongly, ensuring the permanence and stability of the markings.

How to choose bitumen emulsion manufacturers

There are many factors to consider when selecting the right bitumen emulsion manufacturer for specific business needs.

• Quality of products

  It is crucial to partner with a manufacturer that offers a wide range of bitumen emulsions. Choose a manufacturer devoted to quality, and whose products meet international standards. The bitumen will be derived from high-quality raw materials. The manufacturer will use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to create products.

• Production capacity

  For businesses that need to order large quantities, the bitumen emulsion manufacturer will have a high production capacity. This way, the business won’t run out of stock. It also helps if the supplier has a consistent and reliable bitumen supply.

• Customizations

  A good emulsion bitumen manufacturer will have the ability to create custom products. They will also have different choices of emulsions to meet unique needs. Look for a manufacturer who is open to working together on formulations and specifications. Also, consider those willing to change their production processes to meet specific requirements.

• Technical support

  Bitumen emulsions can be complex products. Thus, it helps if the manufacturer offers good technical support. Consider one who has ready product catalogs, application guides, and data sheets. Depending on the specific needs, they should be able to send technicians and experts to give solutions and advice.

• Global Reach

  The manufacturer’s distribution network reach will affect how quickly and efficiently products get to the business. Choose one with a strong network, so the products get to customers fast without delay.

• Good Customer Service

  A good bitumen manufacturer provides great customer service. Check to see if the bitumen supplier has responsive customer support. They should be able to handle inquiries, complaints, and orders quickly and professionally. A look at supplier reviews can showcase their strengths and weaknesses regarding service.

Bitumen emulsion manufacturers Q&A

Q: How do buyers find reputable bitumen emulsion suppliers?

A: Buyers can find suppliers by using search engines to look for suppliers. They can also use B2B platforms like Alibaba.com to find suppliers. Consider looking at the suppliers' reviews to gauge their reputation. Looking at recommendations and ratings from other buyers can also help one find a reputable supplier.

Q: What are the trends in the bitumen emulsion market?

A: The market is moving towards niche products that meet specific needs. For instance, the demand for polymer-modified emulsions is on the rise due to their improved performance. There's also a growing preference for environmentally friendly products. This has led to an increased demand for bio-based emulsions and bitumen recycling.

Q: What is the future of bitumen emulsion?

A: The future of bitumen is bright. The demand for bitumen emulsion in the construction and road development industry will continue to grow. Furthermore, the innovation and advancement of technology in bitumen emulsion production are likely to result in more efficient, high-performing, and sustainable emulsions.

Q: What are the main factors affecting the bitumen emulsion market?

A: Several factors influence the market, including industrial demand, construction activities, oil production and refinement technology. The road construction sector largely influences the bitumen emulsion market, given that bitumen is a key component in the development and maintenance of roads.