Bitumen is a hydrocarbon-based, black or dark brown, viscous material obtained primarily through the distillation of crude oil. It can occur naturally or be produced as a by-product in petroleum refineries. During the distillation process, lighter fractions are separated, leaving behind high-density bitumen at the bottom, which is then collected for further processing and distribution.
Bitumen is characterized by its high adhesive properties, flexibility, durability, and resistance to water and various environmental factors. These characteristics make it a key material in road construction (asphalt production), waterproofing applications in civil engineering, and a range of industrial uses.
Due to its thermoplastic behavior and viscoelastic nature, bitumen performs effectively under varying load and temperature conditions. Historically, bitumen has been used since ancient times, with archaeological evidence of its application in the Mesopotamian region, marking some of the earliest known uses in human history.
Explore the most commonly used types of bitumen in industrial and infrastructure applications. Each type has its own physical characteristics, application methods, and performance benefits.
Pure bitumen is a refined product obtained directly from the distillation of crude oil. It is mainly used in the production of asphalt for road construction. Classified by physical properties such as softening point and penetration value, pure bitumen is available in various grades including:
50/70
70/100
100/150
160/220
These grades determine the bitumen's performance in different climates and pavement structures.
Bitumen emulsion is a mixture of pure bitumen, water, acid, and emulsifying agents, homogenized in controlled proportions using a bitumen emulsion plant. It is used in:
Tack coating during hot mix asphalt applications
Waterproofing in construction
Bituminous membrane production
There are two main types of bitumen emulsions:
Cationic Emulsion – commonly used in road construction
Anionic Emulsion – typically used in building applications
Cutback bitumen is produced by blending bitumen with solvents such as kerosene to reduce its viscosity. It was widely used before the introduction of bitumen emulsions, especially in:
Road repair works
Surface treatments
Cold-weather paving
While still in use, bitumen emulsion is now preferred due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental safety.
Modified bitumen is formulated by mixing pure bitumen with performance-enhancing polymers such as SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) or Elvaloy. This type of bitumen is highly resistant to deformation and is used in:
Wearing courses in asphalt pavements
Membrane production for waterproofing systems
Modified bitumen is especially preferred in applications requiring high durability and flexibility. In membrane production, additives such as calcite are used to reinforce the material. Compared to bitumen emulsion, modified bitumen is applied at higher temperatures.
Bitumen is supplied in liquid or solid form depending on the transportation method and project requirements.
Liquid bitumen is transferred and delivered at temperatures above 110°C. Within domestic markets, bitumen is commonly sold in liquid form. For local procurement, refineries are the main suppliers of liquid bitumen. In Turkey, TÜPRAŞ is the primary provider — you can contact them for pricing and supply conditions.
For liquid bitumen transportation, roley tanks are used. These tanks are equipped with thermal insulation, allowing bitumen to be transported over distances without significant temperature loss.
Solid bitumen is generally purchased through international trade. It is supplied in big bags or steel drums (barrels). If you are planning to use solid bitumen, you will need a bitumen melting plant to convert it into liquid form before application.
Solid bitumen can be transported via:
Truck trailers for inland delivery
Containers for overseas shipments
Whether you purchase liquid or solid bitumen (big bag or drum), the following cost factors are critical:
Heating requirements
Transport logistics
Storage conditions
At your construction site, bitumen should be stored in a bitumen storage tank designed to maintain proper temperature and volume.
For more information about:
Bitumen melting systems
Bitumen storage tanks
Big bag or drum bitumen supply
👉 Please feel free to contact us.
Bitumen equipment refers to the range of machinery and systems used for processing, storing, and transferring bitumen in various forms. These units play a critical role in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications.
Below is a list of commonly used bitumen equipment:
Designed to store liquid bitumen at high temperatures. Equipped with insulation and heating systems to maintain the desired viscosity.
An open or semi-covered large-volume storage area used for holding bitumen in bulk, often used in high-capacity production facilities.
Used to melt solid bitumen (in big bags or drums) into liquid form for further processing or application. Ideal for projects using imported solid bitumen.
A fully integrated system for producing bitumen emulsion by blending bitumen, water, acid, and emulsifying agents. Used in tack coating, waterproofing, and membrane production.
A specialized system for producing polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) by mixing bitumen with additives such as SBS or Elvaloy. Commonly used in high-performance asphalt and bituminous membranes.
Used to produce cutback bitumen by mixing bitumen with solvents like kerosene. It is used in cold mix applications and surface treatments.
A mobile, insulated tank designed for the safe transportation of hot liquid bitumen over long distances without temperature loss.
A vehicle-mounted system that uniformly sprays hot bitumen or emulsion onto the road surface before asphalt laying or chip sealing.
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