How to test water content of bitumen
Basekim: Ensuring Premium-Quality Bitumen with Strict Water Content Control
At Basekim, we fully understand that bitumen quality plays a vital role in asphalt performance, durability, and efficiency. That is why we take every possible step to ensure that our Bitumen 40/50, Bitumen 60/70, and Bitumen 80/100 meet the highest industry standards. Since water content significantly affects bitumen workability and long-term performance, we use advanced testing methods to keep it well within the required limits.
Why Water Content in Bitumen Matters
Water content is a key factor that directly impacts the stability, durability, and usability of bitumen. When bitumen contains too much water, several serious issues can arise. Therefore, controlling water content is absolutely essential for ensuring high-performance bitumen.
Foaming During Heating – When bitumen is heated above the boiling point of water, any excess water content causes severe foaming. This not only disrupts the application process but also weakens the asphalt’s final structure.
Poor Adhesion to Aggregates – Since bitumen and water do not mix well, excess moisture reduces adhesion strength. As a result, the bond between bitumen and aggregates weakens, leading to premature failures in asphalt pavements.
Formation of Air Voids – Water trapped within bitumen can create air voids, which further lead to cracking, rutting, and early deterioration of asphalt. Because of this, bitumen with excessive water content often fails to meet performance expectations.
At Basekim, we recognize that preventing these problems is critical. That is why we maintain strict control over water content, ensuring our bitumen remains highly effective and exceptionally durable.
Basekim’s Rigorous Water Content Testing Process
Since precision is key to quality control, we use a highly accurate testing method to determine the exact water content in bitumen. Our process includes several important steps to guarantee accuracy, reliability, and consistency in every batch.
Sample Preparation – First, we carefully select a known weight of bitumen specimen for testing. This ensures that our results are accurate and fully representative of the entire batch.
Mixing with a Water-Free Petroleum Distillate – Next, we mix the sample with a pure petroleum distillate that is completely free from water. This helps separate any moisture trapped within the bitumen.
Heating and Distillation – The sample is then heated under controlled conditions. As the temperature increases, any water present in the bitumen vaporizes and separates from the material.
Water Collection and Measurement – Once the water vapor condenses, we carefully collect and measure it. The total amount is then expressed as a percentage of the original bitumen sample.
Strict Compliance with Industry Standards – To maintain exceptional quality, we ensure that the maximum water content in our Bitumen 40/50, Bitumen 60/70, and Bitumen 80/100 never exceeds 0.2% by weight. This strict limit guarantees that our bitumen is stable, efficient, and highly reliable.
Why Choose Basekim for High-Quality Bitumen?
At Basekim, we fully understand that high-performance asphalt starts with high-quality bitumen. That is why we follow strict quality control measures to ensure that our bitumen consistently meets or even exceeds industry standards.
By keeping water content well below the maximum allowable limit, we ensure that our bitumen:
- Heats smoothly without excessive foaming, allowing for easier and more efficient application.
- Adheres strongly to aggregates, ensuring long-lasting and highly durable asphalt pavements.
- Prevents structural defects, such as cracking, rutting, and premature wear.
- Maintains stability and strength, even under harsh weather conditions.
Because every project demands reliable and high-quality materials, we remain committed to delivering bitumen that enhances asphalt longevity, strength, and overall performance. Whether you need bitumen for road construction, waterproofing, or industrial applications, Basekim provides the perfect solution for all your needs.
Contact Basekim Today
If you are looking for premium-quality bitumen with strictly controlled water content, Basekim is your trusted supplier. Our Bitumen 40/50, Bitumen 60/70, and Bitumen 80/100 offer exceptional quality, outstanding reliability, and superior performance for all asphalt applications.
Contact us today to learn more about our testing methods, product availability, and competitive pricing. With Basekim, you can always expect unmatched quality, precision, and consistency in every batch of bitumen you use!