Gilsonite

What is Gilsonite?

Gilsonite, also known as natural asphalt resinous and brittle and glossy shape found in southern Turkey since the 1930. It is a hard hydrocarbon and is often referred to as a Gilsonit, natural hydrocarbon, asphaltite, uintaite, or asphaltum. It is soluble in both aromatic and aliphatic solvents, as well as petroleum asphalt.

Turkey Gilsonite

In Turkey, where Gilsonite mines are found, it is known locally as Bitumkaya or Kaya Asfalt, meaning bitumen stone. Its molecular weight is about 1500, and its softening temperature varies from 200 to 450 F, depending on the age and composition of the mine. Its composition is about 86% carbon, 11% hydrogen, and 3% nitrogen.

American Gilsonite

History of finding

It is dates back to the early 1860 when it was first discovered. However, it was not until the mid-1880s that Samuel H. Gilson began to promote it as a waterproof coating for wooden pilings, insulation for wire cable, and a unique varnish. His promotion was so successful that in 1888, he and a partner formed the first company to mine and market it on a commercial scale.

Gilsonite powder

We are a Gilsonite powder factory and mine owner with a monthly capacity of 10,000MT of lump and 3,000MT of powder ranging from 10 mesh to 200 mesh and up to 600 based on API EN ASTM standard. Our accurate packing machine ensures that our products are properly packaged in 50LBS multi-pager bags, 25Kg, 300Kg, 500Kg, and 1-ton jumbo bags, which are ideal for use in fluid loss control in oil well drilling mud additives.

Gilsonite Select

Originally, Gilsonite was sold as Selects and Fines with Selects commanding a higher price due to its better purity, good solubility, and usefulness in the paint, stain, and varnish industries. However, processing now removes most of the inert contaminants, and newer, more powerful solvents make the higher softening point grades more attractive to users. Today, It is graded by softening point and particle size, with all grades carrying a degree of quality far superior to those first marketed in the 1880s.

Compatibility

The Gilsonite is a versatile natural resource that has numerous applications across different industries. It is compatible with Microcrystalline and Paraffin Waxes, Petroleum Resins and Oils, Rosins, Tall Oil Pitch, Vegetable Oils (Linseed, Soya, etc.), Petroleum Process Oils, and Petroleum Asphalts.

Applications

• Asphalt and Pavement: Special grade of Gilsonite is used in the production of asphalt and pavement to improve its strength, durability, and resistance to water and chemicals.
• Oil and Gas Drilling: It is used as an additive in drilling fluids to control viscosity, prevent fluid loss, and reduce friction during drilling.
• Foundry and Steel Industry: It is used as a carbon additive in the production of iron and steel to improve the quality and strength of the material.
• Ink and Paint Industry: It is used as a black pigment in the production of ink and paint due to its unique color and ability to resist heat and chemicals.
• Adhesives and Sealants: It is used as a binder in the production of adhesives and sealants due to its ability to provide high adhesion and resist water.
• Carbon Products: It is used as a raw material in the production of carbon products such as carbon black, electrodes, and battery anodes due to its high carbon content.
• Concrete Industry: It is used as a plasticizer in the production of concrete to improve its workability and durability.
• Agriculture Industry: It is used as a soil amendment and plant nutrient to improve soil quality and increase crop yields.

 API mesh size

+35  (500 MICRONS)                             = 0.1

+65  (212 MICRONS)                             = 2.0

+100  (150 MICRONS)                           = 8.0

+200  (74 MICRONS)                             = 25.0

Gilsonite price

The price of Gilsonite is affected by various factors. One of the major factors is weather conditions, such as rainfall, which can impact mining operations and affect the supply , leading to changes in its price. In addition, the international market prices of petroleum commodities like crude oil and bitumen can also have an impact on the price of Gilsonite, as they are closely related products. Market conditions, such as supply and demand, production costs, and competition, also play a significant role in determining the price.

Packing of Gilsonite

With special machinery our tolerance of  packing weight in  packing of Gilsonite powder is in recyclable bags, such as 25Kg or 50lbs multi-paper bags on pallets that are shrink-wrapped with plastic or wooden pallets. Each pallet can carry up to 34 bags, and there are typically 20 pallets per 20ft container, with a maximum weight of 28.8MT per 40ft container. Other packaging options include jumbo bags of 1000Kg or 25 and 50Kg polypropylene bags. The craft bags are recyclable and preferred by most oil companies.

Physical Specification

Naturally occurring mineral that is initially in a chunk form and then pulverized into various mesh sizes using machines. Due to its fragile nature, the material shatters easily, and the best particle distribution is obtained by rolling the material between two drums. This pulverized form of Gilsonite is used as a raw material in various industrial sectors.

Solubility of Gilsonite

This product is a hydrocarbon and has moderate solubility in solvents. It is more soluble in kerosene and naphtha and also in crude oil. When Gilsonite is mixed with cement, the effect of crude oil on the set cement is negligible beyond the dissolution of exposed particles. It has a melting point of 385°F, and some softening occurs above 240°F, causing particles to fuse together. It can be used in wells with a static bottom-hole temperature of 300°F or slightly higher due to the temperature reduction during circulation.

Ash content

Impurity of Gilsonite called ash and the content showing density and solubility which can vary depending on the source and processing method, but typically ranges from 5% to 26%. Ash content is the inorganic residue that remains after the organic matter in Gilsonite has been burned off. It can consist of minerals and other impurities that are present in the original rock material from which the Gilsonite was formed, as well as any contaminants that may have been introduced during mining or processing.

Liquid Gilsonite

Water base drilling mud services companies needs liquid Gilsonite which is specially formulated to be used in most water-based systems and is highly effective in lignosulfonate, potassium, and PHPA polymer mud systems. The product is readily dispersible, allowing for easy addition of high concentrations to the mud system.

Gilsonite analysis and data sheet TDS

Download specification of Gilsonite

Download MSDS of Gilsonite