« Back to Dictionary Index
Bitumen is a naturally occurring, highly viscous mixture primarily composed of hydrocarbons that are heavier than pentane. It can also contain sulfur compounds. In its natural state, bitumen is thick and sticky, and it is not typically recoverable at a commercial rate through conventional oil wells.
Key Characteristics:
- Viscosity: Bitumen is very thick and sticky, making it difficult to pump or move without heating or dilution.
- Composition: Mainly consists of heavy hydrocarbons and may include various sulfur compounds and other impurities.
- Occurrence: Found in natural deposits, often in the form of tar sands or oil sands. It can also be produced through the distillation of crude oil.
Uses:
- Paving: Widely used in the production of asphalt for road construction and maintenance.
- Roofing: Employed as a waterproofing material in roofing products.
- Industrial Applications: Used in various industrial processes and as a binder in construction materials.
Extraction and Processing:
- Extraction: Due to its high viscosity, bitumen is often extracted from the ground through techniques like surface mining or in-situ methods, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD).
- Processing: Once extracted, bitumen is typically processed and upgraded to make it more suitable for use in products like asphalt or as a feedstock for further refining.
Bitumen’s properties make it valuable for a range of industrial and construction applications, particularly where durability and waterproofing are required.
« Back to Dictionary Index