Evaluation of bitumen fractional composition depending on the crude oil type and production technology

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the analysis of the bitumen quality which can be a relevant issue in the performance of road surfacing. Using bitumen from different producers with the same physical characteristics can be significantly different in fractional composition. Crude oil selection and processing play an important role in bitumen properties. Changes in processing and crude sources even within a market may also lead to variability in bitumen fractional composition. The aim of this study is to determine to which extend the type of crude oil and the production technology influence the bitumen fractional composition. Bitumen samples were selected based on the origin crude oil and different producers. In order to obtain information about bitumen chemistry, IATROSCAN MK 6S chromatography was used. The results showed that recommendations of bitumen fractional composition provide a better quality of bitumen according to crude oil type and processing.