Transformation of oil dispersed systems during operation

Abstract: Using the example of oil road bitumen grades BND 100/130, BND 130/200 and BND 70/100, this article studies the transformation of oil dispersed systems under various logistic schemes of operation. This research focuses on the influence of the conditions for storing road bitumens of different grades on their physical and mechanical properties and group hydrocarbon composition during transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. The results show that a change in the physical and mechanical properties of road bitumens during high-temperature storage is related to the changes in the group hydrocarbon composition due to the hydrocarbons autooxidation and destabilization of the colloidal structure of dispersal systems. The conditions for storing bitumen with a minimum change in its quality indicators have been determined. It has been established that storage of bitumen under atmospheric conditions allows preserving its original properties without significant changes. There is evidence that nitrogen purging significantly reduces the effect of homolytic processes leading to the transformation of oil dispersed systems during further transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. Experimental data confirm that of all basic physical and mechanical properties of bitumen, “the depth of penetration of needle” is the most sensitive index, while the “softening temperature” index, frequently used for quality control of bitumen, is inertial. Determining the change in penetration, depending on the duration of storing bitumen, has required formulating a special equation. It has been established that when storing road bitumen at a temperature of 180 ºС, for each hour the index of the penetration depth of the needle at 25 º decreases by 0.8 units. Organizational and technical measures have been determined to ensure the stability of the road bitumen quality during manufacture, storage and transportation to consumers.