Bitumen 20/30 Penetration Grade in Drum, Jumbo Bag, and Bulk

Bitumen 20/30 sits at the harder end of the penetration-grade spectrum, yet it still offers enough workability for waterproofing, industrial insulation, and specialty asphalt mixes. Because it blends high stiffness with reliable thermoplastic behavior, engineers choose this grade when they need a binder that resists rutting, high service temperatures, and aggressive chemical exposure.

Typical Applications and Market Demand

Because of its hardness and durability, bitumen 20/30 commands premium pricing in:

• Heavy-duty road bases and high-volume intersections where lower grades might deform.

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• Waterproofing membranes for tunnels, foundations, and cut-and-cover metro lines.

• Industrial flooring that must resist oil, chemical spills, and forklift abrasion.

• Bituminous mastics that require a high-viscosity binder for crack sealing and expansion-joint compounds.

In regions such as the Gulf, North Africa, and South Asia, governments continue to raise performance specs for expressways and infrastructure, which in turn sustains year-round demand for this grade.

Specification of Bitumen 20/30

Quality-control labs typically verify the following benchmarks for every production batch:

• Specific gravity @ 25 °C: 1.01 – 1.06

• Penetration @ 25 °C: 20 – 30 dmm

• Softening point (Ring & Ball): 55 – 63 °C

• Ductility @ 25 °C: ≥ 100 cm

• Flash point (Cleveland Open Cup): ≥ 250 °C

• Solubility in CS₂: ≥ 99.5 %

• Spot test: Negative

Meeting or exceeding these limits ensures the binder will not crack under thermal stress, bleed under traffic loads, or ignite during hot-mix production.

HS Code and CAS Code of Bitumen 20/30

To support accurate international trade and customs documentation, bitumen 20/30 falls under HS Code 27132000 (Petroleum Bitumen). Additionally, its universal chemical identifier is CAS Number 8052-42-4, the same number assigned to petroleum asphalt. Quoting these codes on invoices, material safety data sheets, and shipping documents minimizes delays at ports and aligns with global regulatory frameworks.

Penetration and Softening Point—Why They Matter

First, penetration shows how deep a needle goes into bitumen under fixed conditions. For bitumen 20/30, the range is 20 to 30 dmm. This means it is thick and strong. Next, the softening point tells when bitumen starts to melt with heat. For this grade, it is between 55°C and 63°C. These two values show that bitumen 20/30 is tough. That’s why it is used in hot places like the Middle East and tropical areas.

Manufacturing Process From Vacuum Bottom to Finished Binder

First, refineries make bitumen 20/30 by vacuum-distilling crude oil. Then, they separate the heavy part called vacuum bottom. After that, they blow hot air through it. This step increases the thickness without adding extra materials. As a result, the bitumen stays pure and strong. Finally, it meets the ASTM D946 and EN 12591 standards.

Thermoplastic Behavior of Bitumen 20/30

Although the binder feels rigid at ambient temperatures, bitumen 20/30 softens predictably when heated and rehardenes on cooling—the hallmark of a thermoplastic material. Consequently, mixers can heat it to achieve homogenous blends with aggregates, yet once the pavement or membrane cools, it regains formidable stiffness. That cycle delivers three key benefits:

1. High rutting resistance on heavy-load pavements.

2. Superior water impermeability in roofing and tank-lining systems.

3. Extended service life because the binder resists flow at summer surface temperatures.

Quality Assurance, Warranty, and Third-Party Inspection

Reputable suppliers back bitumen 20/30 with batch-specific certificates of analysis and invite third-party inspectors—SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Cotecna—to witness loading. They also issue performance warranties stating that every shipment conforms to ASTM/EN limits. Therefore, buyers can benchmark incoming lots against the data sheet and quickly reject non-conforming material before it affects downstream production.

Packaging, Logistics, and Storage Tips

Finally, you can order bitumen 20/30 in new or reconditioned steel drums, 1-ton jumbo bags, or bulk tanker loads. First, drums stack safely in 20-foot containers. Then, each container can hold 80 to 110 drums, based on their size. Next, jumbo bags make unloading quicker at mixing plants. After that, store all drums upright on wooden pallets. Also, keep them away from direct sunlight for long-term storage. Finally, label each drum with the grade, batch number, and weight.