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Decreasing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emission from bitumen using alternative bitumen production process
Y Rasoulzadeh1, S B Mortazavi, A A Yousefi
1Department of Occupational Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 5166614711, Tabriz, Iran.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 16, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a novel bitumen production process using additives to reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions by 50%. The modified bitumen also demonstrates improved performance grade (PG) for wider climate suitability and better deformation resistance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Bitumen fumes are recognized as potential occupational carcinogens by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- Traditional bitumen production involves air-blowing, which can lead to harmful emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an alternative bitumen production process to reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions.
- To develop modified bitumen with enhanced performance grade (PG) characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A novel process using post-consumer latex and natural bitumen (NB) as additives to produce 60/70 modified bitumen directly from vacuum bottom (VB).
- Laboratory fume generation rig simulating emissions, analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-Mass) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) per NIOSH method 5515.
- Performance Grade (PG) testing to evaluate resistance to deformation and suitability for various climatic conditions.
Main Results:
- The novel process successfully produced modified bitumen with approximately 50% reduction in total PAH emissions compared to conventional bitumen (100.2619 ng/g vs. 197.696 ng/g).
- The modified bitumen exhibited an improved Performance Grade (PG), indicating enhanced resistance to deformation and suitability for a broader range of climates.
- The production method avoided the need for air-blowing, a process linked to increased harmful emissions.
Conclusions:
- A viable alternative bitumen production method exists that significantly lowers PAH emissions.
- Modified bitumen produced via this novel process offers superior performance characteristics compared to conventional bitumen.
- This approach presents a safer and more effective method for producing high-quality paving bitumen.
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