Gilsonite
Gilsonite is a highly valuable product that plays a crucial role in the road construction and insulation industries worldwide. It can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States and, notably, Iran. While Natural Bitumen is also present in other regions of our country, its production is primarily concentrated in Kermanshah.
The utilization of bitumen in industries such as oil and gas, construction, and casting has elevated the significance of Gilsonite production in Iran. As a result, Iran has emerged as a key player in the global production and supply of this product. Among the prominent producers of Natural Asphalt in Iran is the Asia Gilsonite company.
What Is Gilsonite natural Bitumen?
Gilsonite, also known as Natural Asphalt or Natural Bitumen, is a type of Bitumen-impregnated rock called Asphaltite. It is primarily found in Utah and Colorado in the United States, as well as in the Kermanshah province of Iran. This naturally occurring solid hydrocarbon bitumen has been discovered in various other regions around the world, but its large-scale production is mainly observed in Kermanshah, Iran.
Gilsonite, or Uintahite, is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin that possesses properties that enhance the performance of critical applications in various industries. These industries include, but are not limited to, oil and gas, ink, paint, construction, asphalt, and foundry. The mining process for Natural Bitumen involves extracting it from underground shafts, resulting in shiny black obsidian-like rocks.
It was initially discovered in the 1860s, and about twenty-five years later, in the mid-1880s, Samuel H. Gilson promoted it as a varnish, electrical insulator, and waterproofing compound. Revised: Natural Asphalt, also referred to as Natural Asphalt or Natural Bitumen, is a unique type of rock known as Asphaltite that contains Bitumen. It is primarily found in the United States, specifically in Utah and Colorado, as well as in the Kermanshah province of Iran. While natural bitumen has been discovered in other parts of the world, its large-scale production is mainly concentrated in Kermanshah, Iran.
About Asia Gilsonite
Asia Gilsonite Company has been exporting Natural Bitumen from Middle East for over a decade now and it is the companies honor to be well known in 21 countries such as Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Germany, UAE … ,for its high quality and standard service.
Asia Gilsonite is the main Natural Bitumen, Natural Asphalt and Gilsonite powder wholesaler Supplier from Middle East with ownership of more than 5 mines .
Gilsonite Price
- The first and most important factor is its purity. Their impurity ratio is divided into 5%, 15% and 20% maximum.
- The second factor is the grading, which changes from mesh 30 to mesh 300.
- The third factor is the type of Natural Bitumen packaging, the lowest amount starts from 25 kg bags in bulk and the most expensive is the 25 kg bags on pallets that are shirinked and strapped.
- The type of transportation and the country of destination are other factors that determine the price of Natural Bitumen.
- The amount of humidity is also an important and influencing factor on the price.
- The application season is also involved, and in the cold seasons of the year, the supply of this product is more expensive. During the winter season, when precipitation levels are high, the mines become filled with rainwater. This leads to a shortage in the market, causing the price of Natural Bitumen to increase. Consequently, the months of March to October generally offer the lowest prices for Natural Bitumen.
- Another factor that affects the price is the amount of demand. In instances where large mines require additional drilling and stratification, the demand for Gilsonite rises. This increased demand directly impacts the price, resulting in a different pricing structure.
- Quality:Each mine contains a substantial layer of natural asphalt, with varying percentages of Gilsonite in different layers. In certain veins, the natural asphalt is of exceptionally high quality, consisting of 100% pure Natural Asphalt. In Middle Eastern mines, the Natural Asphalt ash content ranges from 0 to 25 percent. The most popular type of natural asphalt typically contains 5 to 15 percent ash.
- Time of Receiving : Occasionally, customers place great importance on the prompt delivery of the product. In such cases, the mining and manufacturing operations intensify to meet the demand. The price of Gilsonite is also influenced by the delivery time. If customers desire faster delivery, they must be willing to pay a higher price. Additionally, the size of the Natural Asphalt shipment affects its price. Bulk purchases generally result in lower prices. Conversely, if the demand for Natural Asphalt is in the form of granules, the price tends to be higher.
- Furthermore, Natural Asphalt has numerous applications that require it to be in powder form. Consequently, the price of Natural Asphalt is influenced by its size.
Gilsonite Price per Ton
The price of Gilsonite varies based on its grade, granulation, and packaging. At Asiagilsonite factory, the price range falls between $300 and $600. However, it is important to note that Gilsonite prices can vary from country to country. In certain nations, sellers may offer it at a higher price, while in others, it may be available at a lower cost.
The price of Natural Bitumen is contingent upon its specific type and the region in which it is sourced. For instance, the price of natural asphalt in America differs from that in Iran.
Nevertheless, countries with their own Gilsonite mines generally offer it at a lower price. Interestingly, some countries purchase natural asphalt and subsequently sell it at a higher price after making modifications. Moreover, certain nations engage in stronger marketing strategies to sell the same Gilsonite they have acquired.
Iran holds the first position in terms of Natural Asphalt reserves, accounting for 40% of the total. These reserves are primarily located in the cities of Kermanshah, Gialangreb, Somar, Ilam, and East Lorestan.
Additionally, America is the second supplier of gilsonite after Iran .
The demand for Natural Bitumen is projected to soar to $6,310 million by 2024, marking a significant 5.3% increase over the next five years. By 2026, this demand is expected to reach a staggering 1.381 million dollars.
Natural bitumen, on the other hand, is formed as a result of crude oil migrating from oil reservoirs to the earth’s surface layers. The crude oil within these reservoirs is constantly subjected to hydrostatic pressures, which compel it to seek an outlet. Consequently, it migrates towards the earth’s surface through seams, cracks, and faults in the reservoir rock.
Gilsonite is a substance that can be dissolved in oily solutions like 2CS or TCE (trichloroethylene). It is a crucial component of carbon gilsonite. Additionally, it contains nitrogen, sulfur, and various volatile compounds. Asphaltite, on the other hand, is a solid and hard mineral composed of natural bitumen. Its primary compounds, known as asphaltenes, consist of large molecules. The color of asphaltite ranges from dark brown to black. Unlike Natural Bitumen , it cannot be dissolved in naphtha solution, a derivative of petroleum.
Instead, heat is required to extract the petroleum content. Although Natural Asphalt and asphaltite are related, they differ chemically and physically. Asphaltites typically lack minerals, while asphalts may contain higher percentages of these materials. Furthermore, asphaltites do not easily boil, unlike asphalt. Gilsonite is typically found in underground mines, appearing as a black and hard substance with a shiny surface. Due to its fragile nature, it is often used in powder form, which has a dark brown to black color.
By utilizing Natural Bitumen , various industries can benefit from its versatile properties and contribute to the improvement of their respective products and processes.
Gilsonite powder
In 1888, the initial promotion of Gilsonite took place, marking the beginning of a new era. It was during this time that a visionary named Gilson, along with his partner, established the first company dedicated to extracting and marketing Gilsonite on a large scale. Initially, this remarkable product was available in the form of granules (Selects) and powder (Fines). However, as time progressed, advancements in technology revolutionized the production of Gilsonite powder, introducing modern and innovative methods.
The process of manufacturing Gilsonite powder is remarkably straightforward. After extraction, Natural Bitumen is transported to the desired plant. Once it arrives at the factory production line, the lumps undergo a series of crushing and grinding processes, expertly executed by specialized machines. Subsequently, the granulation operation is carried out using state-of-the-art screens, ensuring the highest quality product. Finally, the resulting masterpiece, known as Gilsonite powder, is meticulously packaged and made available to the market.
This streamlined process not only guarantees the production of superior Gilsonite powder but also showcases the remarkable synergy between human ingenuity and technological advancements. As a result, customers can confidently rely on the consistent quality and reliability of Gilsonite powder, a testament to the dedication and expertise of the individuals involved in its production.Gilsonite, a solvent derived from bitumen, possesses the unique ability to dissolve in aromatic, aliphatic, and asphalt petroleum solutions. This versatile substance is widely employed to enhance the hardness of softer petroleum products. Resembling the glossy, black appearance of obsidian, a volcanic rock, Gilsonite exhibits a brittle nature that allows for its effortless transformation into a dark brown powder.it serves as an excellent additive for asphalt cement, hot mix asphalt, and the production of stable asphalt mixtures. Composed of natural hydrocarbon resin, Gilsonite’s striking black hue and delicate composition facilitate its conversion into a brown powder, thus earning it the name Gilsonite.
Gilsonite is used in several industries here are some well-known applications for Natural Asphalt
Drilling Mud
In oil drilling industry it is used to enhance drilling hole stability and to improve efficiency in drilling operations. Gilsonite is used in water based oil drilling muds .
Gilsonite In Rubber
In Rubber industry Gilsonite is used alongside carbon black to provide a much better finish color to the product and at the same time provides coherency to the finished material.
Gilsonite In Paint / Ink
Natural Bitumen is used to manufacture ink, principally as a carbon black dispersing agent or wetting agent. Gilsonite itself is a hard, high softening point resin.
Asphalt Paving
In road construction, it is used as an additive to Bitumen. When Gilsonite and Bitumen are mixed with asphalt rocks the pavement will have more resistance to corrosion and climate effects.
Gilsonite In Foundry
In Foundry due to the high carbon content present in Gilsonite, it would perform excellently alongside coal to achieve a well finished molded product.
Gilsonite In Pipe Coating
In pipe coating Gilsonite is mixed with bitumen and membrane to significantly increase the waterproofing nature of the coated surface, so pipes could perform in all-weather environments for years.
Sulfonated Asphalt
psulphonated asphalt is a type of asphalt that has been chemically modified with sulfonic acid to enhance its performance. Gilsonite is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon that is generally used as an additive to modify asphalt.
The Advantages of Using Gilsonite Over Other Materials
If you are still not convinced about how useful this magical material could be, then let’s see what advantages this valuable mineral could have:
- Gilsonite is soluble in most chlorinated and aromatic solvents without the need for heating
- This material contains a large amount of asphaltene molecules
- It’s highly soluble in organic and natural solvents
- It contains so many high weight molecules
- It’s highly pure and consistent
- It contains large amount of nitrogen and resin in its content
