Bitumen Penetration Grade 60/70

Bitumen Penetration Grade 60/70

Bitumen penetration grade 60/70 refers to a paving-grade bitumen with a penetration value ranging from 60 to 70, measured under standardized conditions. This range indicates a semi-hard consistency, making it widely suitable for hot mix asphalt (HMA) production, road construction, and pavement repair. This grade of bitumen is produced by aerating vacuum residue (also known as vacuum bottom)—a heavy product obtained during the vacuum distillation process in oil refineries. The result is a bitumen with thermoplastic properties, meaning it softens at high temperatures and hardens at lower temperatures, adapting to varying climatic and operational conditions.

Penetration grade 60/70 is one of the most commonly used bitumen types and serves as the base material for many bituminous products. It is primarily used in asphalt mixes for base and wearing courses, providing optimal performance in terms of adhesion, durability, flexibility, and rheological behavior. Bitumen is characterized by two key parameters :

  • Penetration value – determines the material’s hardness

  • Softening point – indicates the temperature at which bitumen softens

The penetration test measures the depth (in tenths of a millimeter) to which a standard needle vertically penetrates a bitumen sample in 5 seconds, under a 100g load at 25°C. For grade 60/70, the needle penetrates between 6.0 and 7.0 mm, reflecting a medium-hard consistency ideal for paving applications. This grade’s temperature-viscosity behavior is strongly influenced by the type of crude oil used and the refining method applied, making it essential to select the appropriate grade based on local climate and performance expectations.

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Packaging Types and Loading Specifications :

Bitumen grade 60/70 can be packaged in several formats depending on the quantity, destination, and physical properties of the bitumen itself. Since each grade has specific levels of stiffness and viscosity, the choice of packaging must also align with the bitumen’s handling requirements and transport conditions. Below are the most common packaging methods for bitumen 60/70 :

  • Bitutainer :

    • Loaded : 25 MT per unit.

    • Rare due to high equipment cost; mostly used for short-distance round trips.

    Tanker Truck :

    • Loaded : 24–25 MT

    • Ideal for regional and cross-border deliveries.

    Bulk Carrier (Bitumen Vessel) :

    • Loaded : 2,000–40,000 MT

    • Best suited for customers with storage tanks at destination port.

    • Highly cost-effective for large-scale and long-distance shipments.

  • 1 MT Jumbo Bag with Steel Cage & Pallet :

    • Loaded : 20 bags per 20-ft container = 20 MT

    • Popular for East Asia and South America.

    1.2 MT Jumbo Bag :

    • Loaded : 20 bags per 40-ft container = 24 MT

    • Common in Southeast Asia.

  • 300 kg Bitubag :

    • Loaded : 80 bags per 20-ft container = 24 MT

    • Containers must be sent to the factory for loading, incurring an extra fee.

    • Offers flexible packaging for export customers.

  • 180 kg New Steel Drum :

    • Loaded : 110 drums per 20-ft container = 19.8–20 MT.

    • Widely used in East Asia and African countries.

    150 kg New Steel Drum :

    • Loaded : 110 drums per 20-ft container = 16.5 MT.

    • Preferred in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indonesia.

Applications of Bitumen Penetration Grade 60/70 :

Bitumen 60/70 is a semi-hard penetration grade bitumen ideally suited for road construction and the production of hot mix asphalt used in both base and wearing courses. Its properties make it particularly effective in mild climatic regions, where moderate air-blowing and medium penetration levels offer optimal performance in terms of durability, flexibility, and resistance to deformation.

  • 🛣 Road Construction (highways, urban roads, rural networks)

    🔄 Pavement Rehabilitation and Resurfacing

    🏠 Roofing and Waterproofing Membranes

    🧱 Pipe Coating and Corrosion Protection

    🔇 Soundproofing and Vibration Damping

    🧪 Bitumen Emulsions and Sealants

    🚗 Automotive Industry Components

    🌉 Bridge Deck Waterproofing

    ✈️ Airport Runways and Taxiways

    🏟 Sports Surfaces and Recreational Grounds

Quality Assurance and Safety :

Hydolys Group ensures the quality of its penetration grade 60/70 bitumen through:

  • Batch testing and QC inspection before shipment

  • Supervision by independent international inspectors during loading

  • Compliance with ASTM standards

This guarantees both the quality and quantity of the product delivered to customers worldwide.

Applications of Bitumen 60/70 :

This grade is produced through the oxidation process of vacuum residue in specialized bitumen production units. Its versatility allows it to be used across a wide range of industrial and infrastructure applications.

Performance and Benefits :

  • Excellent binding strength for aggregate cohesion

  • Enhances mix stability and pavement durability

  • Suitable for high-stress environments and industrial pavements

Engineered for Performance