Gilsonite
This natural asphalt is similar to a hard petroleum asphalt and is often called a natural asphalt, asphaltite, uintaite, or asphaltum. Gilsonite is soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents, as well as petroleum asphalt. Due to its unique compatibility, gilsonite is frequently used to harden softer petroleum products. Gilsonite in mass is a shiny, black substance similar in appearance to the mineral obsidian. It is brittle and can be easily crushed into a dark brown powder. Gilsonite is soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents, as well as petroleum asphalt and it is frequently used to harden softer petroleum products. Natural Gilsonite is non-hazardous and non-toxic. It is a very pure resinous rock, formed of a complex combination of different kinds of hydrocarbons. This unique natural combination, rich in nitrogen and beta-carotenes and low in sulfur, is what makes it so special. Its unique chemical and physical properties make Gilsonite a high-performance, multipurpose additive that is also a cost-effective solution.
Gilsonite is found below the earth’s surface in vertical veins or seams that are generally between two and six feet in width, but can be as wide as 28 feet. The veins are nearly parallel to each other and are oriented in a northwest to southeast direction. They extend many miles in length and as deep as 1500 feet. The vein will show up on the surface as a thin outcropping and gradually widen as it goes deeper.
General specifications Table
| Test | Unit | Results | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Content | %Wt | 2.0 - 10.0 | ASTM D-3174 |
| Moisture Content | %Wt | 1.0 - 3.0 | ASTM D-3173 |
| Volatile Matter | %Wt | 63.0 | ASTM D-3175 |
| Fixed Carbon | %Wt | 29.0 | ASTM D-3172 |
| Solubility in CS2 | %Wt | 81.0 | ASTM D-4 |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | 1.01 - 1.06 | ASTM D-3289 | |
| Normal Hepthan Insolubles | %Wt | 79.0 | ASTM D-3279 |
| Color in Mass | Black | ||
| Color in Streak or Powder | Brown | ||
| Softening Point | °C | 180 - 205 | ASTM D-36 |
| Penetration at 25°C | 0.1MM | 0.0 | ASTM D-5 |
| Carbon | %Wt | 74.0 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Hydrogen | %Wt | 9.1 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Nitrogen | %Wt | 1.67 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Oxygen | %Wt | 3.1 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Sulphur | %Wt | 0.5 | Leco(S) Analyzer |
Oil Drilling
Gilsonite is used to control API and HTHP fluid loss in the oil base drilling fluid. when mixed with organophilic clays, it is particular grind size and softening point are ideal for reducing whole mud losses to the formation .Gilsonite pulverized is only partially soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons.
Gilsonite Pulverized is relatively stable and of low hazard. however, it should not be stored or used near strong oxidizing agents such as chlorates, nitrates or peroxides. Excessive dust is subject to combustion upon contact with spark or open flame and should be minimized. use good industrial hygiene practice to avoid eye and excess skin contract. Wear a protective dust mask and goggles when handling and mixing.
Roofing
Gilsonite is used as a performance-enhancing agent for asphalt mixes. Gilsonite-modified paving mixes achieve higher PG grades and incorporate perfectly into the asphalt blend with no need for high shear milling as is the case with many other modifiers. Gilsonite can partially or totally replace, or complement, the use of SBS polymers in modified asphalts at a fraction of the cost. Gilsonite-modified asphalts have higher stability, reduced deformation, reduced temperature susceptibility and increased resistance to water stripping than non-modified asphalts. Gilsonite is also used to make both solvent-based and emulsion pavement sealers with superior appearance and weathering properties.
Asphalt & Paving
Gilsonite is used in roofing materials primarily as an agent to lower the penetration of petroleum asphalt without aging or oxidizing the base asphalt. Lowering the penetration of the base asphalt in this way allows the base asphalt to maintain some of its flexibility while at the same time maximizing the asphalt’s ability to withstand high temperatures without softening. Gilsonite is also used as a modifier to reach roofing specifications when air-blowing facilities are not available.
Gilsonite is also used by a number of manufacturers producing patching materials for roofing. Gilsonite is used to modify the patching materials and is distributed in containers to retail customers. Using Gilsonite as a modifier allows the product to remain pliable until applied, after which it permanently attaches to the treated surface
Ink, Paint & Coat
In the paint applications, Gilsonite is usually used in combination with bitumen (asphalt). In most cases, if Gilsonite is used alone, the final paint will be very hard and brittle after drying. If normal straight-run bitumen is used alone, the finished paint is too soft and tacky. Therefore, a combination of Gilsonite and bitumen is used to achieve the desired hardness (penetration) and drying time of the finished paint. In addition to imparting hardness to the paint, Gilsonite is also increasing the paint’s: (1) adhesion; (2) gloss; (3) chemical resistance; (4) water resistance; and (5) body. For hardness, Gilsonite has a zero (0) penetration (at 25°C; 100 gm, 5 sec.) compared to the 60-70 pen, 80-100 pen or softer bitumens commonly available from petroleum companies or asphalt manufacturers. Approximately 90% of all bitumen is used for road construction and these hardness grades are acceptable for that purpose. However, they are too soft by themselves for the manufacture of paint and surface coatings which require hardness values around 5 penetration for acceptable paint drying. Paint films composed of bitumen alone are tacky if the penetration is more than 10, and are brittle if less than 4.
Chemicals
Gilsonite combines with many other chemicals and materials that take advantage of its unique physical and chemical properties. Binder and coating applications in metallurgical, wood product, refractary and other industries further demonstrate the versatility and usefulness of this remarkable material. Gilsonite has many industrial applications, including metal alloy processing, refractory, steel desulfurization, friction products, wood products, waterproof pipe coatings, and adhesives. It is a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic alternative to coal tar pitch as well as an economical alternative to mineral rubber. Gilsonite is used as a binder and mixing agent in steel desulfurization products. It has consistent volatile that promote mixing of the other desulfurization chemicals like magnesium and hydrated lime. It will also add carbon content to the steel and will provide a reductive atmosphere as it oxidizes at high temperatures. Gilsonite is used to make waterproof coatings for water pipes. It is a natural non-toxic resin with excellent adhesion properties. A corrosion-resistant, chemically inert pipe coating can be made from Gilsonite. The wood products industry also uses Gilsonite as a binder. It has excellent waterproofing and weather resistant properties. Because Gilsonite is a hard resin it will make a very hard particleboard.
Foundry Sector
Gilsonite is combined with coal and other ingredients as an additive in foundry sands to insure the quality of the molded part by improving mold release and the overall finish of metal castings.
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