Product overview
Bitumen is a thermoplastic material: solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature and fluid when heated, which is how it is handled and applied. It is produced from the vacuum residue of crude distillation and is specified chiefly by penetration and softening point.
Penetration grades such as 60/70 and 80/100 indicate hardness, with the lower range being harder. Grade selection depends on climate and traffic loading, so the required grade is confirmed per project and per cargo.
Typical specifications
| Grade basis | Penetration grade (e.g. 60/70, 80/100) |
|---|---|
| Penetration at 25 °C | 60–70 or 80–100 (0.1 mm), per grade |
| Softening point | approx. 46–56 °C, per grade |
| Flash point | 230 °C min |
| Ductility at 25 °C | 100 cm min |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene | 99% min |
| Loss on heating | limited per specification |
| Packing | bulk (heated), new steel drums or bitutainers |
Indicative typical values shown for orientation only. Exact quality is cargo-dependent and the final contractual specification, as confirmed in the sales agreement and verified by independent inspection, prevails.
Commercial relevance and typical uses
The dominant use of bitumen is in asphalt for road construction and maintenance, where it binds mineral aggregate into a durable surface. It is also used in roofing felts, waterproof membranes and various industrial coatings and sealants.
Penetration grade is matched to the climate and expected traffic: harder grades for hot climates and heavy loading, softer grades where lower temperatures prevail. The required grade is therefore project-specific.
Quality and independent inspection
An independent inspector samples bitumen and tests penetration, softening point, ductility and related parameters against the agreed grade, issuing a certificate of quality, and verifies the loaded or packed quantity. 3FB coordinates the appointment; SGS and Intertek are named only as examples of inspection companies used in the trade rather than partners.
For drummed or bitutainer cargoes, packing condition and net weights are also checked. See inspection and how independent inspection works.
Shipping and logistics
Bulk bitumen is carried in heated bitumen tankers and discharged hot, while drummed or bitutainer cargoes move in standard containers. 3FB trades on FOB terms, where the buyer arranges carriage, and on CIF terms, where 3FB arranges freight and insurance to the discharge port, as set out in FOB versus CIF.
A delivery window is agreed as a laycan, and temperature control is planned for bulk parcels so the cargo remains workable. See shipping and logistics.
Trade documentation
A bitumen shipment carries the bill of lading, certificate of origin, certificate of quality and certificate of quantity or weight from the inspector, a packing list for drummed or bitutainer cargoes, and the commercial invoice, with payment commonly under a documentary letter of credit.
See the bill of lading and trade documents explainers.
Buyer inquiry process
To request an indication, state the penetration grade, the volume, the packing (bulk, drums or bitutainers), the delivery terms (FOB or CIF with the port), the laycan and the payment instrument. The desk reviews feasibility and responds with an indicative offer, subject to confirmation.
KYC and compliance review precede any definitive agreement. Begin at the trading desk.