Bitumen Packaging
The packaging of bitumen is crucial due to its high viscosity and various considerations, including cost, environment, storage, and shipping. There are three main types of bitumen packaging: new steel drums, jumbo bags, and bulk. The choice of packaging depends on factors such as specification, bitumen volume, and weight. To learn more about these packaging options, we invite you to read this article.
Bitumen Drum Packaging
Drums are commonly used for packaging bitumen due to their safety and consistent quality. The drums vary in specifications such as bitumen volume, height, thickness, and lid. The body thickness of the drum is 6 mm. These steel drums are designed for transporting and packing liquids and pasty materials like bitumen. While new steel drums are preferred for bulk trade, they are generally more expensive compared to jumbo bags due to the higher cost of steel compared to plastic. Here are the specifications for four different types of drums:
|
Specification |
Long new steel drum 180 kg |
Short new steel drum 150 kg |
Short new steel drum with a big lid 156 kg |
Long new steel drum 200 kg |
|
Height (mm) |
980 |
860 |
890 |
980 |
|
Diameter (mm) |
500 |
500 |
500 |
500 |
|
Top/Base thickness (mm) |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Net weight (kg) ± 2.5 |
182 |
150 |
156 |
210 |
|
Gross weight (kg) ±2.5 |
192 |
158 |
164 |
220 |
|
Empty drum weight ±1 |
9.5 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
10 |
|
Lid |
11 |
11 |
17 |
11 |
|
Color |
Black |
Black |
Black |
Black |
|
Workmanship |
Drums supplied will be of good workmanship and are sufficiently leak-proof when filled with hot bitumen. |
These drums are leak-proof when filled with hot bitumen… |
It has a high resistance to leakage |
Resistant and anti-leak |
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Bitumen Jumbo Bag Packing
Jumbo bags, also known as bitu-plast, bitu-bag, polybag, or poly cube, are large flexible multi-layer bags. They are considered one of the best types of bitumen packaging due to their high quality and resistance. Jumbo bags have gained popularity in industries due to their reasonable price and ease of use. In recent times, bitumen exporters have started using jumbo bags instead of steel drums. Compared to drums, jumbo bags reduce bitumen waste by approximately 3 to 4%. Unlike drums, which require heating to discharge the bitumen, with jumbo bags, it is sufficient to tear the outer layer and throw the bag into the molten furnace along with the inner layer.
Bitumen Bulk Packing
In bulk trade, bitumen is transported using specialized trucks from the refinery to the bulk vessel, known as a bitumen tanker, at the port. At the destination, the bitumen is transferred to another truck and delivered to the construction site or specific bitumen warehouses. Bulk packing is a cost-effective option compared to other packaging methods. The price of bulk packing is influenced by factors such as the capacity of the bulk shipment, loading duration time, and exchange rate fluctuations. Overall, it offers a low-cost solution for bitumen transportation.
In addition to the mentioned bitumen packings, solid and dry bitumen, specifically Oxidized Bitumen, is packed in various ways, including:
- Cartoon: This packaging has a capacity of 25 kg and a size of 60*40*20 cm.
- Cartoon pallet shrink: Cartons are arranged on a pallet and covered with nylon shrink wrap. The pallet dimensions are 110*110 cm.
- Polyamide: These bags have a size of 35*80 and require draining in cold water after filling with oxidized bitumen.
- Polyester: It is a thin plastic layer with high thermal tolerance that can be placed inside a cartoon.
Cost of Bitumen Packing; General Comparison
When comparing the cost of bitumen packing, several factors come into consideration. While bulk bitumen may have the cheapest packing cost as it is unpacked, the transportation and storage at the destination can be expensive. Specialized tankers, vessels, and trucks are required for its transportation, leading to high operating costs and maintenance expenses.
On the other hand, Jumbo Bags and New Steel Drums are more cost-effective options. Ordinary trucks can handle the delivery, and the storage cost is significantly lower compared to bulk bitumen. It’s important to note that new steel drums may be slightly more expensive than jumbo bags due to the higher cost of steel compared to plastic.
The environmental impact of bitumen packing varies depending on the type of packaging used, such as bulk bitumen, jumbo bags, and new steel drums.
Bulk bitumen, due to its heating process, emits a significant amount of carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, some countries, like Australia, have restrictions on importing bitumen in new steel drums because the residue of bitumen in drums can potentially pollute the surrounding area.
On the other hand, jumbo bags have a more favorable environmental profile. These multi-layer bags are considered environmentally friendly as they have a consumable inner layer and a recyclable outer layer. This design helps reduce waste and promotes recycling practices.
Overall, while bulk bitumen has a higher environmental impact due to carbon emissions, jumbo bags offer a more environmentally friendly option for bitumen packaging.
here is a textual comparison of different bitumen packings based on various factors:
|
Bulk Shipment (Bulk Vessel) |
Drum |
Jumbo Bag |
|
|
Advantages |
No effect on bitumen quality, suitable size and dimension, high safety against UV, easily placed in containers |
Low weight, ease of loading, protects the bitumen from moisture, occupies a little space |
Easy and immediate decanting, suitable for loose cargos with high volume |
|
Applications |
Packing different liquids and pasty materials |
Petrochemical and chemical products, construction industries, food industries |
Suitable for loose cargos with high volume |
|
Cost |
Cost-effective |
Cost-effective |
The bulk bitumen has the cheapest packing since it is unpacked, but its transportation and storage may be more expensive. Overall, it’s cost-effective |
|
Wastage |
3-5% of bitumen |
100% of transported cargo is consumed |
It has a direct loss that remains in the vessel |
|
Environmental impact |
The bitumen residue in the vessel may pollute the ground and storage |
The drum is environmentally friendly, with the inner lining being 100% consumable |
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with a multi-layered technology that prevents leakage |
What Type of Bitumen Packages does Qatran Pars Suggest You?
Qatran Pars provides the bitumen in various packaging at the client’s request. When you are buying bitumen, consider the cost, logistics, and environment. We generally suggest jumbo bags because they are more economical than new steel drums and bulk shipments; regardless of expenses, jumbo bags are more convenient in shipment and storage and compatible with regulations.
We will be very happy to help you to choose the right packing of your bitumen. You can contact us through “Contact Qatran Pars” link at the menu or fill out the Inquiry Form Top Menu. We show our heartfelt appreciation for your attention.