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Herman Marais introduces emerging technologies in bitumen modification including polymer modification (PMB), crumb rubber, micro filler and nanotechnologies. He concludes that PMB is the most popular modifier with exciting future prospects, crumb rubber use is expected to increase as storage stability risks are reduced and new blends are developed, micro filler shows promise, and nanotechnologies will become less expensive with increased production.

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A brief overview of this exciting new technology that is capable of modifying feedstock bitumen to produce multigrade bitumen, how it works and the results it achieves. What is multigrade bitumen and why is it so important to the industry? As with all new technology, there are also key learning points and future plans to be shared.

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Sound HSE practices are essential in the handling of bitumen and bituminous products and this presentation gives us a good overview. Learn about safe and responsible handling of bitumen, hazards to watch for, procedures to follow, how to plan for transportation and storage, and how to carry out drum decanting successfully. Not forgetting quality control, you will also get the basics of the all-important sampling and testing procedures.

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In this second presentation of the series, Jacques van Heerden continues with a definition of bitumen and explains classifications of bituminous binders and traditional bitumen testing. The meaning of rheology is clarified, and our understanding of bitumen improves with details of its chemistry, ageing and bitumen blowing. Readers will also discover that bitumen is a versatile product with many uses outside the asphalt industry.

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Jacques van Heerden takes us through all the background we need to know about bitumen. Starting with the history of bitumen including ancient uses and deposits, he brings us up to date with the sources, properties, composition and chemistry of crude oil, as well as an overview of crude oil exploration and refining. The presentation concludes with a synopsis of bitumen production in SA and the differences between bitumen and tar.

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Find out how an understanding of the complex geological aspects of aggregates can help you meet the required specifications. Robert Leyland breaks the discussion down into rocks and minerals and the geology of South Africa. Then there are the specifications where geological aspects such as durability, strength, shape, water absorption and bitumen affinity of rock types all make a difference. This paper gets to the heart of the subject.

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