Introduction to Gilsonite (Natural Bitumen)
Gilsonite, also known as natural bitumen, is a unique hydrocarbon resin extracted from mines in lump form. It naturally occurs with varying ash content and is widely used in multiple industries due to its versatile properties.
AC Grade Bitumen vs AR Grade Bitumen
Gilsonite lumps can be applied directly in industrial processes, but to ensure faster and more efficient use, they are often processed into micronized powder. Infinity Galaxy, as a trusted global supplier, offers Gilsonite in both lump and powder forms based on customer requirements.
Its primary applications include road construction, drilling mud, and the printing industry. For more insights on Gilsonite, keep exploring with Infinity Galaxy.
Production of Micronized Gilsonite Powder
After extraction, Gilsonite lumps are transported from the mines in irregular sizes. These lumps are first crushed in hoppers and then processed in specialized mills to achieve smaller particle sizes. The final stage ensures the material reaches the required mesh size, producing micronized powder.
A higher mesh number corresponds to finer grains, resulting in superior quality powder.
Types of Micronized Gilsonite Powder
The classification of micronized Gilsonite powder is based mainly on ash content percentage and mesh size. Infinity Galaxy supplies powder with the following ash content grades:
- Less than 5% ash content
- Less than 10% ash content
- Less than 15% ash content
- Less than 20% ash content
Mesh size is another critical factor. According to ASTM E-11 standards, mesh numbers range from 35 to 635 (equivalent to 500–20 microns). Among these, 200 mesh (74 microns) is the most commonly ordered size by customers.
Applications of Gilsonite
- Road Construction: When blended with bitumen, Gilsonite enhances asphalt performance, improves resistance to heavy traffic, reduces cracking in cold weather, prevents deformation in hot climates, and protects against moisture.
- Drilling Engineering: In the oil and gas sector, it acts as an effective additive in drilling mud, providing wellbore stability, minimizing fluid loss, and improving drilling efficiency.
- Printing Industry: Gilsonite, combined with carbon black, is an essential raw material for inks. It serves as a cost-effective substitute for synthetic resins, offering excellent adhesion, gloss, and stability.
- Other Industries: It is also used in paints, coatings, cable insulation, waterproofing, construction materials, cosmetics, rubber products, and metallurgy casting. With further refinement, Gilsonite even has applications in pharmaceuticals.
Below are the detailed specifications for gilsonite
| Specifications | Test Method | Drilling | Asphalt & Road | Isolation | Paint & Ink | Foundry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Content, WT% | ASTM D3174 | 7-13 | 10-15 | 10-20 | 7-10 | 10 |
| Mesh Size | ASTM D546 | 200 | 100-200 | 100 | 200 | 100-200 |
| Moisture Contentment, WT% | ASTM D3173 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Volatile Matter, WT% | ASTM D3175 | 65-85 | 65-85 | 65-85 | 65-85 | 65-85 |
| Solubility in CS2, WT% | ASTM D4 | 75-85 | 70-80 | 70-80 | 80-90 | 75-85 |
| Specific Gravity, at 25 °C | ASTM D3289 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 1.05 |
| Color | – | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | 180-220 | 180-220 | 180-220 | 180-220 | 180-220 |
The Benefits of Gilsonite
- Excellent adherence
- Long durability
- High resistance in environments with very high temperature
Factors Affecting the Price of Gilsonite
- Percentage of ash content
- Mesh size
- Percentage of solubility
- Percentage of carbon
- Moisture of bitumen
- Form: powder or lump
- Gilsonite packaging
- Order season
The Quality of Gilsonite
- Solubility: A higher solubility level indicates better quality. Although solubility may vary depending on the solvent, Gilsonite is generally soluble in most petroleum-based products.
- Ash Content: Lower ash content means higher purity and therefore better quality Gilsonite.
- Mesh Size: In micronized Gilsonite powder, a larger mesh number means smaller particles, which enhances the quality and performance of the powder.
Gilsonite Packaging Options
- Kraft bags stacked on pallets
- AD Star bags stacked on pallets
- AD Star bags packed inside jumbo bags (palletized option)
- Micronized powder packed in jumbo bags
- Standard 25 kg bags placed on pallets
- Standard 25 kg bags packed inside jumbo bags (palletized option)
Rajasi Oil, the International Gilsonite Supplier
Rajasi Oil is a bitumen supplier in Dubai with over a decade of experience in bitumen exporting. Transparency, reliability, and providing high-quality products are our missions. Our professional sales specialist will assist you in every step of your purchase.
If you have any orders or queries related to AC Bitumen, contact us via WhatsApp or fill out the form below. We will respond to you within 12 hours.
