Bitumen Viscosity Grade
Another prominent method of grading bitumen is the viscosity grading system, which leads to the classification of bitumen into four categories, VG 10, VG 20, VG 30, and VG 40.
Bitumen VG 10
Although bitumen VG10 and bitumen pen 80/100 have some similar properties, they do not have the same performance. Due to its better resistance to changes in temperature, particularly in cold regions, VG10 achieves higher efficiency in road projects, compared to bitumen 80/100.
Bitumen VG 30
Bitumen VG30 is similar to bitumen 60/70 in terms of appearance; however, these two grades have different capabilities. First of all, a high-quality vacuum bottom is used in the production of VG30 bitumen. Secondly, VG 30 bitumen is proven to work more efficiently than pen grade bitumen 60/70, because it is tested more carefully.
Bitumen VG 40
Refineries produce VG 40 bitumen for being used in countries with higher temperatures. This grade of bitumen efficiently improves a pavement’s resistance to problems associated with higher temperatures and heavy traffic loads, due to its higher viscosity.
Bitumen Penetration Grade
Bitumen penetration grades are ideal for paving roads and other surfaces. They are named after their method of grading. For classifying bitumen after production, we use a device named penetrometer. The device has a standard needle that penetrates the sample of bitumen and helps us measures the hardness level of bitumen. If the needle goes easily into the bitumen sample in a given time, the bitumen is softer, but if it struggles to enter the sample, it is harder. The softest grade of bitumen penetration is called 100/120, and the hardest grade of bitumen penetration is called 30/40. Other grades of bitumen penetration are 40/50, 50/70, 60/70, 80/100, and 85/100.
Bitumen Penetration 60/70
The most conventional grade of bitumen that performs well in the majority of road projects, is bitumen penetration 60/70. This grade of bitumen is the best option for coating and adhesion of aggregates in a wide range of temperatures (from -22 to +76).
Although this grade of bitumen is less processed in comparison to other grades of bitumen, its quality is acceptable. To ensure that bitumen 60/70 will stand up to various temperatures, we do a number of tests on it, right after production. Among these tests are penetration, softening point, ductility, and flash point.
Bitumen Penetration 80/100
Another widely used grade of penetration is bitumen 80/100. This bitumen’s level of hardness makes it ideal for paving roads in India and Central African countries.
The popularity of bitumen pen 80/100 lies also in the fact that it can reduce the costs of road construction substantially. With an affordable price, this grade of bitumen helps traders with increasing their margins and end users with extending the service life of the roads.