Bitumen emulsion is a water-bitumen combination. As you already know that bitumen is an oil substance that cannot be combined with water. That is why, before adding bitumen, we add an emulsifier (a surface active agent). The addition of an emulsifier to water allows bitumen to be broken down into minute particles and kept scattered in suspension.
As a result, a bitumen emulsion is a liquid product composed of three components (water + emulsion + bitumen) in which bitumen particles are suspended in water.
Types of Bitumen based on Speed of setting
When bitumen emulsions are put on aggregates, water begins to evaporate, resulting in bitumen separation from water. The bitumen then spreads across the surface of the aggregate, acting as a binding substance and gradually gaining strength.
It is divided into three categories based on the pace at which water evaporates and bitumen particles separate from water. From Rapid setting bitumen emulsion to slow setting bitumen emulsion, here is everything you need to know about bitumen.
Rapid Setting bitumen emulsion degrades quickly when it comes into touch with aggregate, aiding in fast setting and curing. Bitumen is meant to break quickly in the case of a rapid setting emulsion. As a result, this form of emulsion sets and cures quickly.
- Medium Setting Bitumen Emulsion (MS)
When applied on aggregate, this form of bitumen emulsion does not break. When the fine mineral dust is blended with the aggregate emulsion mix, the evaporation process begins.
- Slow Setting Bitumen Emulsion (SS)
A unique sort of emulsifier is utilized in this form of emulsion to delay the process of water evaporation. This emulsifier is relatively stable.
Note: The term “setting” does not refer to the strength of the bitumen; rather, it refers to the time it takes the bitumen to separate from water.
Rapid setting bitumen emulsion Manufacturing
The manufacture of rapid setting bitumen emulsion is accomplished in the following easy steps:
- The water is first combined with the required emulsifier and other chemical agents. The ionic nature of the combination influences the emulsifier choice.
- In a colloidal mill, a water emulsifier mixture is combined with bitumen. The amount of bituminous to be added is determined by the purpose of the bitumen emulsion. If it is employed for crucial tasks, the percentage might vary from 60 to 70%.
- The usual bitumen mixture ranges from 40 to 70%. The colloidal mill reduces the bitumen to very small droplets. Bitumen droplets have an average size of roughly 2 microns. However, the droplets attempt to unite with one another and settle down.
- However, the emulsifier added generates a coating of surface charge around each droplet of bitumen, which serves to keep the droplets apart while also keeping them distributed and suspended. The colloidal mill mix is collected and kept in storage tanks until being utilized as needed.
Bitumen emulsion is widely utilized in the building of bituminous roads. Rapid setting bitumen emulsions are employed for quick maintenance and repair without impacting huge traffic on the roads. Even if it is pouring, emulsions can be utilized in rainy conditions. It is environmentally beneficial because it is water-based. Bitumen emulation is also utilized in arid soil stabilization.
About US:
Bedrock Chem Infra LLP is a significant bitumen supplier in Maharashtra, offering a variety of bitumen-based road materials for use in road building. Our in-house professional staff ensures that you only get the finest. As the leading bitumen supplier in Maharashtra, we offer the highest quality bitumen emulsion and other goods such as micro-surfacing emulsion.
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