BITUMEN'S CHARACTERISTICS 120/150
Pure petroleum-grade Bitumen 120/150 supplied by Raha Oil is produced from vacuum bottom residue through controlled processing with hot air. Its softening point ranges between 38°C and 45°C, with a penetration value between 120 and 150 (0.1 mm).
Like other penetration grades, Bitumen 120/150 has a thermoplastic property similar to synthetic resin — softening when heated and hardening when cooled. Compared to other grades, it has a relatively strong viscosity.
BITUMEN PENETRATION 120/150 USES
Bitumen Penetration 120/150 is well-suited for road and airport construction, and for producing asphalt pavements with superior performance characteristics. It is primarily used in hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses, along with several other applications:
Road Construction: Widely used as a binder in asphalt mixes, providing the necessary cohesion and flexibility for durable, stable road surfaces.
Asphalt Emulsions: Used to produce water-based bitumen dispersions applied in road maintenance, including chip seals, surface treatments, and tack coats.
Roofing: Used in manufacturing roofing felt, shingles, and other roofing materials, offering waterproofing and weatherproofing protection.
Waterproofing: Applied to foundations, basements, and other structures, forming a durable, impermeable layer against water ingress.
Pipe Coating: Used in the oil and gas sector as a protective coating for pipes, providing corrosion resistance and insulation.
Pavement Sealants: Applied to existing asphalt surfaces to extend pavement life and protect against weathering and aging.
Adhesives and Binders: A key component in adhesives and binders, providing bonding strength across various industrial applications.
Soundproofing: Used in soundproofing materials for buildings and infrastructure, helping absorb sound and reduce noise transmission.
Construction Mastics: Used in flexible, adhesive compounds for sealing joints and cracks in construction projects.
Due to its relatively soft grade, Bitumen 120/150 is also well-suited to specialized applications such as airport runways and heavy-traffic roads in coastal, high-temperature regions where added flexibility is needed.
The specific use of Bitumen 120/150 can vary based on regional specifications, climate conditions, and project requirements, with its penetration value influencing hardness, consistency, and suitability for different applications.
THE 4 MAJOR TESTS OF BITUMEN 120/150
- Penetration Test: Measures the hardness or softness of bitumen by the depth, in tenths of a millimeter, that a standard loaded needle penetrates vertically in 5 seconds under standard test conditions. A grade of 120/150 means the penetration value falls between 120 and 150. In hot climates, a lower penetration grade is generally preferred.
- Softening Point Test: Identifies the temperature at which bitumen reaches a specified degree of softening, measured using the Ring and Ball apparatus. Temperature is recorded when the softened bitumen touches a metal plate at a specified distance below. A higher softening point generally indicates lower temperature susceptibility, which is preferred in hot climates.
- Ductility Test: Measures bitumen’s ability to undergo deformation or elongation without breaking, expressed as the distance in centimeters a standard sample can be stretched.
- Viscosity Test: Measures bitumen’s resistance to flow at application temperature. This property significantly influences the strength of paving mixes both low and high viscosity during compaction or mixing can reduce mix stability.
GUARANTY OF BITUMEN 120/150
Raha Oil guarantees the quality of Bitumen Penetration Grade 120/150 through international inspection arrangements that verify quality and quantity during vessel loading, alongside internal QC batch testing before shipment. Our company guarantees that Bitumen 120/150 is produced in compliance with international standards such as AASHTO M20-70 and ASTM D946, meeting all specified requirements.
PACKING OF BITUMEN GRADE 120/150
Bitumen packaging is a real concern, especially for export shipments — proper packaging guarantees safer delivery of the cargo. Packaging options vary depending on tonnage, type, and grade, since different bitumen grades have different levels of stiffness and viscosity. Bitumen 120/150 is commonly packed in new steel drums (150, 180, and 220 kg barrels), Jumbo Bags, or 300 kg Bitubags.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ
Bitumen 120/150 is a soft penetration grade used mainly in hot mix asphalt for bases and wearing courses. It is also used in roofing, waterproofing, pipe coating, and specialized applications such as airport runways and coastal high-temperature roads.
Bitumen 120/150 has a penetration value of 120–150 (0.1 mm) and a softening point starting at 38°C, as confirmed by ASTM D5 and ASTM D36 testing.
Yes. As a soft penetration grade, Bitumen 120/150 remains flexible at low temperatures, making it well-suited for cold-climate paving and roofing applications.
Raha Oil regularly exports Bitumen 120/150 in drums, jumbo bags, and bulk to markets including China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Bitumen 120/150 — Technical Data Sheet
ASTM Standard| Property | Test Method | Unit | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | ASTM D70 | kg/cm³ | 1.000 | 1.050 |
| Penetration at 25°C | ASTM D5 | 0.1 mm | 120 | 150 |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 | °C | 38 | – |
| Ductility at 25°C | ASTM D113 | cm | 100 | – |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 | °C | 218 | – |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 | % | 99 | – |
| Spot Test | AASHTO T102 | – | Negative | |
| After Heating Test | ||||
| Loss on Heating (wt) | ASTM D6 | % | – | 0.5 |
| Drop in Penetration After Heating | ASTM D5-D6 | % | – | 20 |
GET BITUMEN 120/150 EXPORT QUOTE
Looking for a reliable Bitumen 120/150 supplier in UAE?
RAHA Oil provides competitive FOB and CFR export prices for Bitumen 120/150 with worldwide shipment support from Jebel Ali ports.
- Steel Drum Packing
- Jumbo Bag Packing
- Bitutainer Shipment
- Bulk Vessel Supply
- SGS Inspection Available
- Worldwide Export Support
Contact our export team today for updated prices and shipment schedules.
