How and how to dissolve bitumen?

Bitumen is widely used in many construction processes. In the composition of such a mixture, various resins, peat and even oil with coal are observed. Because of this content, the use of bitumen must be treated very carefully and carefully. This is especially true of the process of its correct dissolution.

Bitumen must be dissolved and brought to a liquid state correctly. An important rule is the choice of a suitable container in which the direct dissolution process will take place. To make all procedures as safe and harmless to humans as possible, you can use the following containers:

• specialized bitumen-smelting plants;
• high-strength boilers made of dense steel;
• special thermoses.

Bituminous mastic, dissolved in such tanks, will always be prepared for quick transportation, as well as for no less quick practical use.

There are several basic rules for dissolving bitumen, which must be followed. Let's get acquainted with them.

• It is required to comply with all fire safety requirements as much as possible.
• It is necessary to actively use all kinds of personal protective equipment. We are talking about special clothing, respirators, goggles, as well as special shoes, gloves, and a helmet.
• If certain deviations from the norms of the technological process were made, this must be immediately reported to the boss or another responsible person.
• The place where work is carried out to dissolve bitumen should be inaccessible to unauthorized people.

Compliance with these simple rules will not only ensure you get the results you want, but will also avoid any adverse consequences.

Bitumen is used in many works. For example, a very effective and high-quality waterproofing is obtained from this mixture. Bitumen is the only material of its kind that has such high hydrophobic and adhesive properties. Due to such relevant parameters, bitumen-based solutions have found very wide application in construction.

Basically, the material in question is used in the following areas of activity:

• seamless waterproofing of the foundation and roof;
• repair of leaking roof structures;
• gluing waterproofing materials in rolls;
• internal waterproofing in a private house.

The main feature of bituminous materials is that with their help it is possible to form smooth coatings that do not have seams. The resulting coating film protects the materials very well from the negative effects of groundwater. Plastic mastic with a thickness of 2 mm is able to provide reliable protection against water with a hydrostatic head of at least 2 m.

The heating process can be carried out without problems in special smelters. However, not all users have them at their disposal, therefore, improvised structures are usually used. These can be metal barrels. An open fire is usually used as a direct heater. During the heating process of the bitumen composition, it is very important to observe the utmost care, because even residual oil products are flammable substances. When heated, bitumen always starts to sizzle and foam strongly.

The bituminous mixture will be fully ready only after its surface becomes perfectly smooth and glossy. There should be no signs of overheating. Decomposition of the material can be detected by the emission of intense and pungent green-yellow smoke. In order to prepare a really high-quality product with the required level of elasticity, it is very important to prevent overheating, since as a result it will provoke high indicators of the fragility of the material.

Bitumen can be melted using various compositions. High efficiency in these cases is demonstrated by ordinary kerosene, white spirit, as well as gasoline with a low octane number. Each of the options has its own characteristics and nuances. Let's get to know them better.

Most users at home melt bitumen compositions with ordinary kerosene. This is a very effective and uncomplicated method. It should be borne in mind that kerosene is the most resistant to heating, but it evaporates very slowly. When heating bitumen mastic, you should wait until it acquires a more liquid consistency. After that, the container in which it was on fire must be removed from it and the bitumen diluted with a small amount of kerosene. Pour the latter in a thin stream, while constantly stirring the solution. You need to prepare such a mixture quickly, without tightening.

It is possible to dilute bitumen with the use of white spirit. For example, it is permissible to finely chop the bitumen and fill it with the specified agent. Some users claim that this process is much easier than heating. This method is simple, but quite effective.

Low-octane gasoline dissolves bitumen mastic very well. For example, to prepare a primer mixture, solid pieces of bitumen are melted in the composition under consideration under the influence of a temperature of 180 to 200 degrees Celsius. The finished mixture is gradually cooled, and then laid directly on the insulated base.

Rubber-technical gasoline "Galosha" is an organic agent, with the help of which it is possible to dilute bitumen to obtain the desired consistency. A similar tool is sold in many stores, has a very low cost. But we must not forget that "Galosha" is a fire hazardous, flammable composition consisting of a mixture of light hydrocarbons. By itself, industrial rubber gasoline is a product of the petrochemical industry.

It is not difficult to dissolve bitumen on your own at home. The most important thing here is compliance with safety measures. It also makes sense to listen to some helpful tips and tricks to get the desired results from the process.

• In order to heat bitumen on your own, it is important to provide an ideal ecological environment around. We must not forget that when bitumen dissolves, such hazardous components as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxides can get into the surrounding atmosphere. The concentration of these components in the air should not be increased. Only in this case can we talk about a safe process of dissolving bitumen.
• Even if the dissolution of bitumen occurs at home, you still need to use suitable utensils for this. Many people use more than just barrels for this.A small amount of the composition can be prepared in a bucket.
• If the hardened bits of bitumen are found on some solid base, for example, on the body of a car, then in no case should you try to scrape them off while they are in a solid state. In such a situation, you can seriously harm the surface on which the frozen mastic is located.
• If you decide to melt the bitumen composition yourself and correctly, then you should act as carefully as possible. Excessive haste in this matter is not welcome. Try to heat the mastic carefully.
• During preheating of bitumen, it can burst out unexpectedly. Such situations arise when the product overheats over too high a heat. You should not be afraid of such events. It is necessary to take the lid, carefully cover the container with bitumen with it and be sure to knock down the flame. The main thing is not to panic.
• If you decide to prepare bituminous mastic for repair and insulation work (for example, for waterproofing filling of various bases), then you should think about the advisability of holding such events. Many people decide not to waste extra time, but to purchase such a product ready-made. Each user decides for himself what to do best for him.
• By introducing solvents or gasoline into the heated bitumen, it is necessary to constantly stir the composition. To do this, use the most convenient device, for example, a long stick. It is necessary to introduce additional funds and compositions into the bituminous mastic gradually, in a thin stream. Do not pour out solvents abruptly.
• Heating of bitumen can be repeated. It can be reheated and reheated, but it is very important to keep in mind that the mixture will turn out to be even more flammable. If it suddenly ignites, then you will need to immediately isolate it, bring down the flame and quickly remove it from the fire. That is why it is so important to use protective equipment so as not to get serious injuries during such actions.
• The finished mastic must be correctly applied to the selected substrates. To do this, you can turn to both manual and mechanical application. When choosing the second option, a special technique should be used. It is recommended to use the manual method if the amount of planned work is minimal. For large areas, the use of special equipment is ideal.

For information on how to make bituminous mastic with your own hands, see the next video.