Morne Labuschagne, AECI Much Asphalt
PAPER
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Abstract
With the global implementation of IMO 2020 regulations for marine fuels, as well as the move to green energy, international bitumen supply has been negatively impacted. In South Africa this is also true, with all but one crude oil refinery having closed due to the high capital cost of upgrading to comply with low sulphur limits imposed on marine fuels. The heavy crudes that have good bitumen residues are not fit for the manufacture of low sulphur marine fuel unless the refineries are upgraded to extract excess sulphur.
The move towards more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes to reduce emissions has necessitated the development of alternative binders for flexible pavements that have less impact on the environment, lower emissions, and capture CO2.
"Instant Bio Bitumen" is a carbon-negative alternative to bitumen derived from refining crude oil. It combines asphaltenes extracted from naturally occurring hydrocarbon resins with a maltene component derived from waste cashew nut shells. “Instant Bio Bitumen” can be produced by either blending these components or by individually introducing them during the asphalt manufacturing process. Apart from providing a convenient solution for the use of bitumen in remote locations, "Instant Bio Bitumen" dramatically reduces the SHEQ risks associated with bitumen traditionally derived from crude oil as well as total CO2 emissions.
The test results produced during a preliminary laboratory study by AECI Much Asphalt indicated that the properties of an asphalt mixture prepared using a traditional 50/70 penetration grade bitumen (using the wet blend process), were comparable to that of an asphalt mixture prepared from "Instant Bio Bitumen" (using the dry blend process).
Although limited laboratory work has been conducted to date, this research publication aims to create awareness and share AECI Much Asphalt's experience.
Keywords: Instant Bio Bitumen, IMO 2020, Asphaltenes, Maltene, SHEQ, Asphalt
About the Author
Morne Labuschagne holds a Chemical Engineering qualification and started his career in Colas South Africa’s Central Laboratory in Cape Town in 2004. He spent 14 years testing, evaluating and developing bitumen emulsions, polymer modified binders, slurry- and micro surfacing seals and related bituminous road binders. During the last five years of his career at Colas, Morne headed the Research and Development Department and was also responsible for all technical and related matters within the group in the Southern and East Africa region. In 2018 Morne joined AECI Much Asphalt, where he holds the position of Technical Manager. He is at the helm of the Central Laboratory and oversees Research and Development activities within the organisation. Morne’s key responsibilities include bituminous binder- and hot mix asphalt related research and product development.
