Method and pellets for transporting bituminous materials in dry bulk, method for obtaining bituminous pellets and transport container

Abstract

A solid asphalt pellet comprising a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture. Optionally, the pellet comprises a protective shell. A method and pellets for dry bulk transportation of asphalt materials, a method for obtaining asphalt pellets and a transport container.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 2017800282495, application date February 17, 2017, and invention name “Method and system for transporting solidified asphalt”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and systems for transporting asphalt. Background Art

[0003] Bitumen from the oil sands has traditionally been transported overland using trucks, pipelines or trains, and over water using tankers. Each mode of transportation presents its own economic or technical challenges.

[0004] Trucking may not be able to sustain the oil industry's growing need to move bitumen to market. For example, when moving large quantities of bitumen over long distances, trucking is subject to seasonal restrictions, is relatively inefficient, and is expensive compared to other modes of transportation.

[0005] Pipeline transportation also faces some challenges. Bitumen is too viscous at ambient temperature to flow through pipelines by itself, so it must be diluted with diluents (usually natural gas condensate and / or natural gasoline) to fully improve its fluidity so that it can be transported over long distances in pipelines. Depending on the characteristics of the bitumen and diluent, pipeline specifications, operating conditions, and refinery requirements, the mixing ratio of the diluent can be 25% to 55% by volume. Diluents are expensive and reduce the delivery volume of bitumen, but they are accepted in the industry due to the "cost" of transporting the product to the refinery. The diluent must then be transported back to the oil sands to dilute the next batch of bitumen, which further increases the cost of the process.

[0006] The use of rail tank cars to transport bitumen has increased rapidly over the past few years. Although less or no diluent is required when transporting bitumen in rail cars, which means significant savings in diluent costs compared to pipelines, producers still transport diluted bitumen (i.e., dilbit). This is because most oil producers use pipelines and therefore use pipelines to transport dilbit to intermediate transportation points where pipeline capacity is no longer available. In order to transport the bitumen to its destination, the dilbit is loaded onto rail cars at these intermediate transportation points. Since diluent recovery units (DRUs) are not available at these intermediate transportation points to remove the diluent from the bitumen, the dilbit is loaded directly into rail cars. The cost of installing a DRU is higher than the marginal cost increase in safety or economic efficiency of transportation, which explains why no DRUs have been built so far.

[0007] In terms of water transport, bitumen is transported by tanker. However, Canada is currently enacting the West Coast tanker moratorium, which effectively prohibits all natural bitumen from passing through the waters off the northern coast of British Columbia by sea. This tanker ban makes it impossible for bitumen mined in Canada to be transported by sea to Western countries.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a different asphalt management and transportation technology that can alleviate at least some of the above-mentioned deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0009] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 1 meter.

[0010] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 5 meters.

[0011] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 10 meters.

[0012] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 20 meters.

[0013] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 30 meters.

[0014] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 40 meters.

[0015] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in a compression test when the pellets are loaded to a height of 50 meters.

[0016] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 1 meter.

[0017] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 5 meters.

[0018] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 10 meters.

[0019] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 20 meters.

[0020] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 30 meters.

[0021] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 40 meters.

[0022] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, each of which has a probability of failure of no more than 0.25 in an impact resistance test when dropped from a height of 50 meters.

[0023] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a pile of solid asphalt pellets having an angle of repose in the range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0024] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides solid asphalt pellets comprising asphalt and an emulsion of a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0025] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that: when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0026] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that: when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0027] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that: when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of each pellet in the compression resistance test does not exceed 0.15, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile includes controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0028] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that: when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0029] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile whose height does not exceed H.

[0030] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile whose height does not exceed H.

[0031] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile whose height does not exceed H.

[0032] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pellet pile, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile whose height does not exceed H.

[0033] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and delivering the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 1 meter, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0034] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 5 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0035] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 10 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0036] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and delivering the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 20 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0037] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 30 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0038] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and delivering the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 40 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0039] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and delivering the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 50 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0040] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 1 meter, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0041] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 5 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0042] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 10 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0043] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 20 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0044] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 30 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0045] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 40 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0046] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 50 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0047] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 1 meter, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0048] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 5 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0049] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 10 meters, the probability of failure of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0050] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 20 meters, the probability of failure of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0051] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load contains 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 30 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0052] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 40 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0053] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of shipping container contamination caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 50 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0054] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides solid asphalt pellets comprising a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0055] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method of making solid asphalt pellets comprising mixing asphalt with an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0056] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an apparatus for making solid asphalt pellets including an inlet for receiving asphalt and a shell forming station for forming a shell around an asphalt core, wherein the asphalt core is formed from the asphalt introduced at the inlet.

[0057] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an asphalt material recovered from solid asphalt pellets, the asphalt material being suitable for processing in a refinery to separate the asphalt material into components that can be used as fuels, lubricants, and feedstocks in petrochemical processes, the asphalt material containing a hydrocarbon-containing polymer component, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer does not exceed about 0.5 weight % of the asphalt.

[0058] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for reducing the risk of fire during transportation of asphalt, the method comprising transporting an emulsion of asphalt and an additive, wherein the emulsion is provided having a flash point greater than the flash point of the asphalt without the additive.

[0059] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method of recovering bitumen from solid bitumen pellets, the pellets comprising bitumen and a material that helps maintain the pellets in solid form, the method comprising at least partially separating the material from the bitumen.

[0060] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for recovering asphalt from solid asphalt pellets, the pellets comprising an asphalt core and a shell protecting the core, the method comprising processing the pellets to recover asphalt from the pellets under certain conditions so that the asphalt is suitable for processing in a refinery to separate the asphalt material into components that can be used as fuels, lubricants, and raw materials in petrochemical processes, the processing of the pellets including the step of separating the shell from the asphalt core.

[0061] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for facilitating the recovery of solid asphalt pellets spilled on a track during transportation through the track, the method comprising providing the pellets with a color indicia configured to make the pellets visually distinguishable from the track environment.

[0062] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides a pellet having an outer shell that exhibits a decrease in strength at elevated temperatures. Shells of this nature are advantageous in that moderate increases in temperature are sufficient to weaken the shell, thereby reducing the energy required to remove the shell to expose the asphalt core.

[0063] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an asphalt pellet comprising an asphalt core surrounded by an outer shell. The asphalt core comprises a mixture of asphalt and a first polymeric material, the first polymeric material being effective to increase the viscosity of the asphalt. The shell comprises a second polymeric material, which is the same as or different from the first polymeric material.

[0064] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides asphalt pellets with color markings designed to visually communicate a property of the pellet to an observer. An example of a property is the presence of the pellet; more advantageously, making the pellet more visible in a certain environment. For example, if the pellet is being transported and a spill occurs, the color marking makes the pellet easier to identify so that the pellet can be picked up. The color marking can be adjusted according to the environment. In a snowy environment, the color marking is a signal to make the pellet darker so that it can be more easily identified against a white background. In a marine environment, the color marking is selected so that the pellet appears lighter in color so that it is more visible against a dark background. In addition, the color marking can also convey other information, such as the grade of the asphalt, flammability characteristics, and the source of the pellet (trademark information), etc. In a specific embodiment, the color marking is provided by adding a dye to the shell of the pellet. For example, the dye can be added to the polymer material used to prepare the shell.

[0065] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides asphalt pellets having a non-stick surface. The benefit of the non-stick surface is that the pellets will not stick to each other or to the surface during bulk transportation of the pellets or when the pellets come into contact with shipping / handling equipment.

[0066] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides an additive (single material or a combination of different materials) for mixing with asphalt to increase the viscosity of a mixture containing asphalt, wherein the additive is characterized by a melting point of at least about 50°C.

[0067]

[0013] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides an additive for mixing with asphalt to increase the viscosity of the mixture, the mixture comprising the asphalt, the additive comprising a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0068] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a solid asphalt pellet comprising an asphalt core and a shell encapsulating the core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases.

[0069] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides solid asphalt pellets including an asphalt core and a shell encapsulating the core, the shell being configured to reduce exposure of the asphalt core to ambient oxygen.

[0070] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 1 meter, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0071] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 5 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0072] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 10 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0073] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 20 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0074] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 30 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0075] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 40 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0076] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during the process of unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 50 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0077] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 1 meter.

[0078] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 5 meters.

[0079] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 10 meters.

[0080] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 20 meters.

[0081] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 30 meters.

[0082] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 40 meters.

[0083] As specifically expressed and broadly described herein, the present invention also provides a method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test not exceeding 0.25 when the drop height is 50 meters.

[0084] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides an additive material recovered from solid asphalt pellets, the additive material comprising an ingredient that, when mixed with asphalt, serves to increase the viscosity of the asphalt, and the additive material further comprises an asphalt material.

[0085] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for preparing solid asphalt pellets, the method comprising mixing asphalt with an additive material, the additive material comprising an ingredient that, when mixed with the asphalt, serves to increase the viscosity of the asphalt, and the additive material further comprising an asphalt material.

[0086] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides a solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell protecting the core and an inner asphalt core, the pellet having a burst pressure of greater than 0.5 psi.

[0087] The present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, also provides bitumen recovered from a load of solid bitumen pellets having introduced therein a non-zero weight percent of an additive for increasing the viscosity of the bitumen in the pellets.

[0088] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a shipping container for transporting a load of solid asphalt pellets, the shipping container including a sensor for monitoring the occurrence of pellet softening, which can compromise the structural integrity of the pellets. In a non-limiting embodiment of implementation, the sensor is a temperature sensor capable of detecting an increase in temperature within the shipping container above a threshold temperature at which the pellets begin to soften. Optionally, the shipping container is provided with a cooling device to reduce the temperature and prevent the pellets from softening. The cooling device may be an active cooling device utilizing a refrigeration cycle. Alternatively, the cooling device may include vents to circulate air within the shipping container and cool the load of asphalt pellets.

[0089] The following statements describe other non-limiting embodiments of implementing the present invention:

[0090] 1. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 1 meter, the probability of failure of the compression test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0091] 2. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 5 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in the group in the compression test does not exceed 0.25.

[0092] 3. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 10 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0093] 4. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 20 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0094] 5. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 30 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0095] 6. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 40 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0096] 7. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when the pellet loading height is 50 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0097] 8. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0098] 9. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 8, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0099] 10. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150 ° C.

[0100] 11. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0101] 12. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0102] 13. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 8, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0103] 14. The group consisting of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0104] 15. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0105] 16. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0106] 17. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 13, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0107] 18. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1% to about 20% by weight.

[0108] 19. The group of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0109] 20. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 18, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 8% to about 10% by weight.

[0110] 21. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein each pellet comprises an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core.

[0111] 22. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 21, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0112] 23. The set of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the housing is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0113] 24. The group of pitch pellets according to embodiment 23, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0114] 25. The group of pitch pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the shell includes flashes extending outwardly.

[0115] 26. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the shell has an irregular outer surface to reduce the smoothness of the pellet.

[0116] 27. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the shell includes a crimp seal.

[0117] 28. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0118] 29. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the shell includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0119] 30. The set of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0120] 31. The set of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 30, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell facing each other.

[0121] 32. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 27, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0122] 33. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 22, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0123] 34. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 33, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150 ° C.

[0124] 35. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150 ° C.

[0125] 36. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150 ° C.

[0126] 37. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150 ° C.

[0127] 38. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 33, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0128] 39. The group consisting of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0129] 40. The group consisting of pitch pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0130] 41. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0131] 42. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 38, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0132] 43. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 38 to 42, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is from about 1% to about 20% by weight.

[0133] 44. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 43, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is from about 1% to about 5% by weight.

[0134] 45. The group of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 38 to 42, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0135] 46. ​​The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than one quarter inch.

[0136] 47. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than one-half inch.

[0137] 48. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

[0138] 49. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 2 inches.

[0139] 50. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 3 inches.

[0140] 51. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 4 inches.

[0141] 52. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 5 inches.

[0142] 53. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 45, wherein each pellet has a maximum length of less than 12 inches.

[0143] 54. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 1 meter, the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0144] 55. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 5 meters, the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0145] 56. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 10 meters, the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0146] 57. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 20 meters, the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0147] 58. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 30 meters, the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25.

[0148] 59. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 40 meters, the probability of failure of each pellet in the impact resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0149] 60. For a group of 100 solid asphalt pellets, when dropped from a height of 50 meters, the probability of failure of each pellet in the impact resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0150] 61. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 60, wherein the pellets comprise a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0151] 62. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 61, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0152] 63. The group consisting of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the solubility of the additive in bitumen is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0153] 64. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0154] 65. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0155] 66. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 61, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0156] 67. The group consisting of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0157] 68. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0158] 69. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0159] 70. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 66, wherein the polyethylene comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or any combination thereof.

[0160] 71. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 63 to 70, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1% to about 20% by weight.

[0161] 72. The group of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 63 to 70, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0162] 73. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 71, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 8% by weight to about 10% by weight.

[0163] 74. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 60, wherein each pellet comprises an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, the shell being used to protect the core.

[0164] 75. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 74, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0165] 76. The set of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is greater than the ambient pressure, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0166] 77. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 76, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0167] 78. The group of pitch pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the shell includes outwardly extending barbs.

[0168] 79. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the shell has an irregular outer surface to reduce the smoothness of the pellet.

[0169] 80. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the shell includes a crimp seal.

[0170] 81. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0171] 82. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0172] 83. The group of pitch pellets according to embodiment 82, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell facing each other.

[0173] 84. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 80, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0174] 85. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the shell includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0175] 86. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 75, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0176] 87. The group of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0177] 88. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0178] 89. The group consisting of bitumen pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0179] 90. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0180] 91. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0181] 92. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 88, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0182] 93. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 88 to 92, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is from about 1% to about 20% by weight.

[0183] 94. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 93, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is from about 8% to about 10% by weight.

[0184] 95. The group of bitumen pellets according to any one of embodiments 88 to 92, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0185] 96. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than one quarter inch.

[0186] 97. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than one-half inch.

[0187] 98. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

[0188] 99. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 2 inches.

[0189] 100. The set of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 3 inches.

[0190] 101. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 4 inches.

[0191] 102. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 5 inches.

[0192] 103. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 95, wherein each pellet has a maximum length of less than 12 inches.

[0193] 104. A pile of solid asphalt pellets having an angle of repose in the range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0194] 105. The pile of asphalt pellets of embodiment 104, having an angle of repose in the range of about 25 degrees to about 40 degrees.

[0195] 106. The pile of asphalt pellets of embodiment 104, having an angle of repose in the range of about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees.

[0196] 107. The pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to 106, wherein each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0197] 108. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 107, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0198] 109. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 108, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0199] 110. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 108, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0200] 111. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 108, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0201] 112. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 108, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0202] 113. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 107, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0203] 114. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 113, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0204] 115. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 113, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0205] 116. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 113, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0206] 117. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 113, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0207] 118. The pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 113 to 117, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %.

[0208] 119. A pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 113 to 117, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0209] 120. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 118, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 8 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0210] 121. The pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 104 to 106, each pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, the shell being used to protect the core.

[0211] 122. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 121, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0212] 123. The pile of asphalt pellets of embodiment 122, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0213] 124. The pile of asphalt pellets of embodiment 123, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0214] 125. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 122, wherein the shell includes outwardly extending barbs.

[0215] 126. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 122, wherein the shell has an irregular outer surface to reduce the smoothness of the pellets.

[0216] 127. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 122, wherein the shell comprises a crimped seal.

[0217] 128. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 127, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0218] 129. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 127, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0219] 130. The pile of asphalt pellets of embodiment 129, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell facing each other.

[0220] 131. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 127, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0221] 132. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 122, wherein the shell comprises a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0222] 133. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 122, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[0223] 134. The asphalt pellet pile according to embodiment 133, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0224] 135. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 133, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0225] 136. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 135, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0226] 137. The pitch pellet pile according to embodiment 135, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0227] 138. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 135, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0228] 139. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 135, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0229] 140. The pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 135 to 139, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0230] 141. A pile of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 135 to 139, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the core relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0231] 142. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum size of each pellet is less than one quarter inch.

[0232] 143. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than one-half inch.

[0233] 144. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

[0234] 145. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than 2 inches.

[0235] 146. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than 3 inches.

[0236] 147. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than 4 inches.

[0237] 148. The pile of asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than 5 inches.

[0238] 149. The asphalt pellet pile of any one of embodiments 104 to 141, wherein the maximum dimension of each pellet is less than 12 inches.

[0239] 150. A solid asphalt pellet comprising a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0240] 151. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 150, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0241] 152. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 150, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0242] 153. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 150, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0243] 154. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 150, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0244] 155. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 150, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0245] 156. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 150 to 155, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0246] 157. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 156, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0247] 158. The pitch pellets according to embodiment 156, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0248] 159. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 156, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0249] 160. The pitch pellets of embodiment 156, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0250] 161. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 156, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0251] 162. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 156, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0252] 163. The asphalt pellet according to any of embodiments 150 to 162, wherein the pellet comprises an outer shell.

[0253] 164. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 163, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0254] 165. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0255] 166. The pitch pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising polyethylene.

[0256] 167. The pitch pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising cross-linked polyethylene.

[0257] 168. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0258] 169. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt % relative to the asphalt.

[0259] 170. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the content of hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt % relative to the asphalt.

[0260] 171. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 170, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive.

[0261] 172. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0262] 173. The pitch pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0263] 174. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 164, wherein the shell is substantially free of asphalt.

[0264] 175. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 163 to 174, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than about 5 mm.

[0265] 176. The pitch pellet of embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0266] 177. The pitch pellet of embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0267] 178. The pitch pellet of embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0268] 179. The pitch pellet of embodiment 175, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0269] 180. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 175 to 179, wherein the shell comprises outwardly extending barbs.

[0270] 181. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 174, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0271] 182. The pitch pellet of embodiment 181, wherein the shell comprises a crimp seal.

[0272] 183. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0273] 184. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0274] 185. The pitch pellet of embodiment 184, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell facing each other.

[0275] 186. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 182, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0276] 187. The pitch pellet of embodiment 181, wherein the shell comprises a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from one another.

[0277] 188. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 164 to 174, wherein the shell is in the form of a film.

[0278] 189. The pitch pellet of any one of embodiments 164 to 174, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is greater than ambient pressure, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0279] 190. The pitch pellet of embodiment 189, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0280] 191. According to the asphalt pellets described in any one of embodiments 163 to 188, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0281] 192. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one quarter inch.

[0282] 193. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one-half inch.

[0283] 194. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 1 inch.

[0284] 195. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 2 inches.

[0285] 196. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 3 inches.

[0286] 197. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 4 inches.

[0287] 198. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 5 inches.

[0288] 199. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 163 to 188, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 12 inches.

[0289] 200. A group of 100 asphalt pellets, each of which has the structure defined in embodiment 150, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25 when the pellet loading height is 5 meters.

[0290] 201. A group of 100 asphalt pellets, each of which has the structure defined in embodiment 150, wherein the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25 when the drop height is 5 meters.

[0291] 202. A pile of asphalt pellets, wherein each pellet has the structure defined in embodiment 150, wherein the angle of repose of the pile is in the range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0292] 203. A solid asphalt pellet comprising asphalt and an emulsion of a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0293] 204. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 203, wherein the emulsion comprises discrete droplets of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer dispersed throughout the asphalt.

[0294] 205. The pitch pellets of embodiment 204, wherein the pellets are subjected to a recovery process comprising a coalescence step such that at least a portion of the discrete droplets of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer are melted.

[0295] 206. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0296] 207. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0297] 208. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0298] 209. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 205, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0299] 210. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 209, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.%.

[0300] 211. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 203 to 209, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0301] 212. The asphalt pellet of any of embodiments 203 to 211, wherein the pellet comprises an outer shell.

[0302] 213. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 212, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core, the emulsion being located in the core.

[0303] 214. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0304] 1. The asphalt pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, which includes polyethylene.

[0305] 2. The asphalt pellet according to embodiment 213, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising cross-linked polyethylene.

[0306] 215. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0307] 216. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt % relative to the asphalt.

[0308] 217. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the content of hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt % relative to the asphalt.

[0309] 218. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 213 to 219, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive.

[0310] 219. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0311] 220. The pitch pellet of embodiment 213, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0312] 221. The asphalt pellet according to any of embodiments 212 to 222, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than about 5 mm.

[0313] 222. The pitch pellet of embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0314] 223. The pitch pellet of embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0315] 224. The pitch pellet of embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0316] 225. The pitch pellet of embodiment 223, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0317] 226. The pitch pellet of any one of embodiments 223 to 227, wherein the shell comprises outwardly extending barbs.

[0318] 227. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 213 to 222, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0319] 228. The pitch pellet of embodiment 229, wherein the shell comprises a crimp seal.

[0320] 229. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0321] 230. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0322] 231. The pitch pellet of embodiment 232, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell that are facing each other.

[0323] 232. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 230, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0324] 233. The pitch pellet of embodiment 229, wherein the shell comprises a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from one another.

[0325] 234. The pitch pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 222, wherein the shell is in the form of a flexible membrane.

[0326] 235. The pitch pellet of any one of embodiments 212 to 222, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is greater than ambient pressure, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0327] 236. The pitch pellet of embodiment 237, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0328] 237. According to the asphalt pellets described in any one of embodiments 212 to 236, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0329] 238. The asphalt pellets of any of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum size of less than one quarter inch.

[0330] 239. The asphalt pellets of any of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum size of less than one-half inch.

[0331] 240. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

[0332] 241. The asphalt pellets of any of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum size of less than 2 inches.

[0333] 242. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum size of less than 3 inches.

[0334] 243. The asphalt pellets of any of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum size of less than 4 inches.

[0335] 244. The asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum length of less than 5 inches.

[0336] 245. The asphalt pellets of any one of embodiments 212 to 239, having a maximum length of less than 12 inches.

[0337] 246. A group of 100 asphalt pellets, each of which has a structure as defined in any one of embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25 when the pellet loading height is 5 meters.

[0338] 247. A group of 100 asphalt pellets, each of which has a structure as defined in any one of embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet in the group does not exceed 0.25 when the drop height is 5 meters.

[0339] 248. A pile of asphalt pellets, wherein each pellet has a structure as defined in any one of embodiments 203 to 247, wherein the angle of repose of the pile is in the range of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0340] 249. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0341] 250. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.20, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0342] 251. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.15, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0343] 252. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the loading height of the pellets is H meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.10, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the height of the pile so that it does not exceed H.

[0344] 253. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 254, wherein each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0345] 254. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0346] 255. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0347] 256. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0348] 257. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0349] 258. The method according to embodiment 255, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0350] 259. A method according to any one of embodiments 255 to 260, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0351] 260. The method of embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0352] 261. A method according to embodiment 261, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0353] 262. A method according to embodiment 261, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 to about 20 weight percent.

[0354] 263. A method according to embodiment 261, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0355] 264. A method according to embodiment 264, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 8 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0356] 265. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 254, wherein each pellet includes an outer shell.

[0357] 266. A method according to embodiment 267, wherein each spherule has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0358] 267. The method according to embodiment 268, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0359] 268. A method according to embodiment 268, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0360] 269. According to the method of embodiment 268, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0361] 270. The method of embodiment 271, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0362] 271. The method of embodiment 268, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0363] 272. According to the method of embodiment 273, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped and any combination thereof.

[0364] 273. The method according to embodiment 273, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0365] 274. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0366] 275. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0367] 276. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0368] 277. The method according to embodiment 275, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 4 mm.

[0369] 278. A method according to any one of embodiments 275 to 279, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0370] 279. A method according to embodiment 273, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0371] 280. The method of embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0372] 281. A method according to embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0373] 282. A method according to embodiment 283, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0374] 283. The method according to embodiment 281, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt

[0375] 284. A method according to embodiment 273, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0376] 285. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the failure probability of each pellet in an impact resistance test does not exceed 0.25, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile with a height not exceeding H.

[0377] 286. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the failure probability of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile with a height not exceeding H.

[0378] 287. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the failure probability of each pellet in an impact resistance test does not exceed 0.15, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile with a height not exceeding H.

[0379] 288. A method for storing asphalt, the method comprising discharging solid asphalt pellets to form a pile of pellets, the pile comprising 100 solid asphalt pellets, characterized in that when the pellets fall from a height H, the failure probability of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10, and the step of discharging the solid asphalt pellets to form a pile comprises controlling the falling height of the pellets to form a pile with a height not exceeding H.

[0380] 289. According to any one of embodiments 287 to 290, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0381] 290. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0382] 291. A method according to embodiment 291, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0383] 292. The method of embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0384] 293. A method according to embodiment 293, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0385] 294. A method according to embodiment 293, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0386] 295. A method according to embodiment 293, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0387] 296. A method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 290, wherein each pellet includes an outer shell.

[0388] 297. A method according to embodiment 298, wherein each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0389] 298. A method according to embodiment 299, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0390] 299. A method according to embodiment 299, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0391] 300. The method of embodiment 299, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0392] 301. A method according to embodiment 302, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0393] 302. The method of embodiment 299, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0394] 303. According to the method of embodiment 304, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0395] 304. A method according to embodiment 304, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than about 5 mm.

[0396] 305. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0397] 306. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0398] 307. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0399] 308. The method according to embodiment 306, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0400] 309. A method according to any one of embodiments 306 to 310, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0401] 310. A method according to embodiment 304, wherein the housing includes a crimp seal.

[0402] 311. The method of embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0403] 312. The method of embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0404] 313. A method according to embodiment 314, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0405] 314. The method according to embodiment 312, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt

[0406] 315. A method according to embodiment 304, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0407] 316. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point, and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 1 meter, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0408] 317. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 5 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0409] 318. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 10 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0410] 319. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 20 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0411] 320. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 30 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0412] 321. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 40 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0413] 322. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, wherein the load contains 100 solid asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 50 meters, the failure probability of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.25.

[0414] 323. A method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, comprising unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.

[0415] 324. The method of any one of embodiments 318 to 324, comprising loading the pellets into the shipping container using an automatic loading device at the starting point.

[0416] 325. The method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 326, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[0417] 326. The method of any one of embodiments 318 to 326, wherein the transport container is a rail car.

[0418] 327. According to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0419] 328. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0420] 329. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0421] 330. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0422] 331. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0423] 332. The method according to embodiment 329, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0424] 333. A method according to any one of embodiments 329 to 334, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0425] 334. A method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0426] 335. A method according to embodiment 335, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0427] 336. A method according to embodiment 335, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0428] 337. A method according to embodiment 335, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0429] 338. A method according to embodiment 338, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is from about 8 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0430] 339. According to any one of embodiments 318 to 324, each pellet comprises an outer shell.

[0431] 340. According to the method of embodiment 341, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0432] 341. The method according to embodiment 342, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0433] 342. A method according to embodiment 342, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0434] 343. According to the method of embodiment 342, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0435] 344. A method according to embodiment 345, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0436] 345. The method of embodiment 342, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0437] 346. According to the method of embodiment 347, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0438] 347. A method according to embodiment 347, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0439] 348. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0440] 349. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0441] 350. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0442] 351. The method according to embodiment 347, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0443] 352. A method according to any one of embodiments 347 to 353, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0444] 353. A method according to embodiment 347, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0445] 354. A method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0446] 355. A method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0447] 356. A method according to embodiment 357, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0448] 357. A method according to embodiment 355, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0449] 358. A method according to embodiment 347, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[0450] 359. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 1 meter, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0451] 360. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 5 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0452] 361. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 10 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0453] 362. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 20 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0454] 363. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 30 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0455] 364. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 40 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0456] 365. A method for reducing environmental hazards during asphalt transportation, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in a transport container at a starting point and sending the transport container containing the load to a destination, the load containing 100 pellets, and when the pellets fall from a height of 50 meters, the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0457] 366. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 367, comprising unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.

[0458] 367. The method of any one of embodiments 361 to 368, comprising loading the pellets into the shipping container using an automatic loading device at the starting point.

[0459] 368. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 369, wherein the shipping container is a rail car.

[0460] 369. The method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 369, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[0461] 370. According to any one of embodiments 361 to 367, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0462] 371. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0463] 372. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0464] 373. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0465] 374. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0466] 375. The method according to embodiment 372, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0467] 376. A method according to any one of embodiments 372 to 377, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0468] 377. A method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0469] 378. A method according to embodiment 378, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0470] 379. A method according to embodiment 378, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0471] 380. A method according to embodiment 378, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0472] 381. According to any of the methods described in embodiments 361 to 367, each pellet includes an outer shell.

[0473] 382. According to the method of embodiment 383, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0474] 383. A method according to embodiment 384, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0475] 384. A method according to embodiment 384, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0476] 385. According to the method of embodiment 384, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0477] 386. A method according to embodiment 387, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0478] 387. The method of embodiment 384, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0479] 388. According to the method of embodiment 389, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0480] 389. A method according to embodiment 389, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0481] 390. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0482] 391. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0483] 392. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0484] 393. The method according to embodiment 389, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0485] 394. A method according to any one of embodiments 389 to 395, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0486] 395. A method according to embodiment 389, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0487] 396. A method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0488] 397. A method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0489] 398. A method according to embodiment 399, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0490] 399. A method according to embodiment 397, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0491] 400. A method according to embodiment 389, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0492] 401. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the wall of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 1 meter, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0493] 402. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the wall of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 5 meters, the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0494] 403. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 10 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0495] 404. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 20 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0496] 405. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 30 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0497] 406. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 40 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0498] 407. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a shipping container caused by the transfer of asphalt material to the walls of the shipping container during the transportation of asphalt, the method comprising placing a load of solid asphalt pellets in the shipping container, wherein the load comprises 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 50 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0499] 408. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, further comprising unloading the pellets from the shipping container at the destination.

[0500] 409. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 410, comprising loading the pellets into the shipping container using an automatic loading device at the starting point.

[0501] 410. The method of any one of embodiments 403 to 411, wherein the shipping container is a rail car.

[0502] 411. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 411, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[0503] 412. The method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, wherein each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0504] 413. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0505] 414. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0506] 415. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0507] 416. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0508] 417. The method according to embodiment 414, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0509] 418. A method according to any one of embodiments 414 to 419, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0510] 419. A method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0511] 420. A method according to embodiment 420, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0512] 421. A method according to embodiment 420, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0513] 422. A method according to embodiment 420, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0514] 423. A method according to embodiment 423, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 8 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0515] 424. According to any one of embodiments 403 to 409, each pellet comprises an outer shell.

[0516] 425. According to the method of embodiment 426, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0517] 426. The method according to embodiment 427, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0518] 427. A method according to embodiment 427, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0519] 428. According to the method of embodiment 427, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0520] 429. A method according to embodiment 430, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0521] 430. The method of embodiment 427, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0522] 431. According to the method of embodiment 432, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0523] 432. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0524] 433. A method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0525] 434. A method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0526] 435. The method according to embodiment 432, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0527] 436. A method according to embodiment 432, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0528] 437. A method according to any one of embodiments 432 to 438, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0529] 438. A method according to embodiment 432, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0530] 439. A method according to embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0531] 440. The method of embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0532] 441. A method according to embodiment 442, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0533] 442. A method according to embodiment 440, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0534] 443. A method according to embodiment 432, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0535] 444. A method according to embodiment 426, wherein the shell is in the form of a flexible film.

[0536] 445. A method of making solid asphalt pellets, the method comprising mixing asphalt with an additive, the additive being used to provide such a mixture having a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the asphalt before the introduction of the additive.

[0537] 446. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0538] 447. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0539] 448. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0540] 449. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0541] 450. A method according to any one of embodiments 447 to 451, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0542] 451. A method according to embodiment 452, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0543] 452. A method according to embodiment 452, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0544] 453. A method according to embodiment 452, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0545] 454. A method according to embodiment 455, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0546] 455. The method according to embodiment 452, comprising heating the asphalt and the polymer to liquefy the polymer, and mixing while the polymer is in a liquid state.

[0547] 456. The method according to embodiment 457, wherein the heating is carried out at a temperature in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0548] 457. A method according to embodiment 457, comprising extruding the mixture.

[0549] 458. The method of embodiment 457, comprising shaping the mixture.

[0550] 459. The method according to embodiment 457, comprising forming a shell around a core made from the mixture.

[0551] 460. The method of embodiment 461, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is a first hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the method comprising coextruding the mixture with a material comprising a second hydrocarbon-containing polymer to form the shell.

[0552] 461. The method according to embodiment 461, comprising spraying the mixture with a material that forms a shell when cured.

[0553] 462. The method of embodiment 461, comprising enclosing the mixture in a sheath forming the shell.

[0554] 463. The method according to embodiment 464, comprising extruding the foreskin and filling the foreskin with the mixture.

[0555] 464. The method according to embodiment 465, comprising sealing the foreskin filled with the mixture.

[0556] 465. The method of embodiment 466, which is a blow-fill-seal process.

[0557] 466. The method of embodiment 464, comprising providing a sheet material and forming the sheath from the sheet material around the core.

[0558] 467. A method according to embodiment 468, comprising forming a tube from the sheet material and depositing the core on the tube.

[0559] 468. A method according to embodiment 469, comprising sealing the longitudinal edges of the sheet material to form a longitudinally extending crimp seal on the tube.

[0560] 469. The method of embodiment 469, comprising making spaced apart crimp seals to close the tube.

[0561] 470. The method of embodiment 471, which is a fill-form-seal process.

[0562] 471. The method according to embodiment 468, comprising providing opposing sheets and sealing the opposing sheets to each other, thereby enclosing the core between the sheets.

[0563] 472. A method according to any of embodiment 447, wherein the pellet includes an outer shell.

[0564] 473. A method according to embodiment 474, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0565] 474. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0566] 475. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0567] 476. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0568] 477. A method according to embodiment 478, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0569] 478. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0570] 479. The method of embodiment 475, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0571] 480. According to the method of embodiment 481, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0572] 481. A method according to embodiment 481, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0573] 482. The method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0574] 483. A method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0575] 484. A method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0576] 485. A method according to embodiment 481, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0577] 486. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0578] 487. A method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0579] 488. A method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0580] 489. A method according to embodiment 490, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0581] 490. A method according to embodiment 488, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0582] 491. A method according to embodiment 475, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal relative to each other.

[0583] 492. An apparatus for making solid asphalt pellets comprising an inlet for receiving asphalt and a shell forming station for forming a shell around an asphalt core, wherein the asphalt core is made from asphalt introduced at the inlet.

[0584] 493. An apparatus according to embodiment 494, comprising a mixer for mixing asphalt with an additive that acts as a thickener to produce an asphalt mixture.

[0585] 494. An apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0586] 495. An apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein the mixer is in communication with the shell forming station to supply the mixture under pressure to the shell forming station.

[0587] 496. An apparatus according to embodiment 497, wherein the mixer includes a heater to heat the asphalt and additives.

[0588] 497. An apparatus according to embodiment 498, wherein the mixer comprises a feed screw.

[0589] 498. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 497 to 499, wherein the apparatus comprises an extruder to extrude the mixture and pass it through an extrusion die.

[0590] 499. An apparatus according to embodiment 500, wherein the shell forming station is part of an extruder to co-extrude the shell onto the core.

[0591] 500. An apparatus according to embodiment 498, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0592] 501. An apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0593] 502. An apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0594] 503. An apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0595] 504. An apparatus according to embodiment 502, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0596] 505. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 502 to 506, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer has a melting point temperature of at least 50°C.

[0597] 506. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 502 to 506, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0598] 507. The apparatus of embodiment 507 or 508, wherein the heater maintains the temperature of the mixer within the range of the melting point temperature.

[0599] 508. An apparatus according to embodiment 495, wherein the shell forming station comprises equipment for forming a shell from a hydrocarbon-containing polymer and filling the shell with the asphalt mixture.

[0600] 509. An apparatus according to embodiment 510, wherein the shell forming station includes an extruder for extruding the shell.

[0601] 510. An apparatus according to embodiment 511, wherein the shell forming station includes a device for sealing the shell immediately after the shell is filled.

[0602] 511. The device according to embodiment 512, wherein the device is a blow-fill-seal device.

[0603] 512. Apparatus according to embodiment 510, wherein the shell forming station comprises equipment for forming the shell from the polymer film and filling the shell with the bituminous mixture.

[0604] 513. An apparatus according to embodiment 514, wherein the shell forming station includes equipment for forming the membrane into a tube.

[0605] 514. An apparatus according to embodiment 515, wherein the shell forming station includes equipment for forming a longitudinal crimp seal.

[0606] 515. An apparatus according to embodiment 516, wherein the shell forming station includes equipment for forming a transverse crimp seal on the tube.

[0607] 516. The device of embodiment 517, wherein the device is a form-fill-seal device.

[0608] 517. Asphalt material recovered from solid asphalt pellets, the asphalt material suitable for processing in a refinery to separate the asphalt material into components that can be used as fuels, lubricants and raw materials in petrochemical processes, the asphalt material containing a hydrocarbon-containing polymer component, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer does not exceed about 0.5 weight percent of the asphalt.

[0609] 518. The asphalt material according to embodiment 519, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer does not exceed about 0.3% by weight of the asphalt.

[0610] 519. The asphalt material according to embodiment 519, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer does not exceed about 0.1% by weight of the asphalt.

[0611] 520. The asphalt material according to any one of embodiments 519 to 521, wherein the asphalt material is an emulsion comprising droplets of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer dispersed in the asphalt.

[0612] 521. The asphalt material according to embodiment 522, wherein the diameter of most of the droplets is in the range of 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0613] 522. An asphalt material according to embodiment 522, wherein the majority of the droplets have a diameter less than 10 μm.

[0614] 523. A method of reducing the risk of fire during transportation of asphalt comprising transporting an emulsion of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to provide the emulsion with a flash point that is higher than the flash point of the asphalt without the additive.

[0615] 524. A method according to embodiment 525, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0616] 525. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0617] 526. The method according to embodiment 526, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0618] 527. A method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0619] 528. A method according to embodiment 526, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0620] 529. A method according to any one of embodiments 526 to 530, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0621] 530. A method according to any one of embodiments 526 to 530, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0622] 531. A method according to any one of embodiments 525 to 532, wherein the emulsion of asphalt is in the form of asphalt pellets including an outer shell.

[0623] 532. A method according to embodiment 533, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0624] 533. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0625] 534. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, which includes polyethylene.

[0626] 535. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, which includes cross-linked polyethylene.

[0627] 536. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, which includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or any combination thereof.

[0628] 537. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the content of hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt.

[0629] 538. A method according to embodiment 534, wherein the content of hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt.

[0630] 539. A method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 540, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive.

[0631] 540. The method according to embodiment 534, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0632] 541. The method of embodiment 534, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0633] 542. A method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0634] 543. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 4 mm.

[0635] 544. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0636] 545. The method according to embodiment 544, wherein the shell has a thickness of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0637] 546. A method according to embodiment 544, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0638] 547. A method according to any one of embodiments 544 to 548, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0639] 548. A method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0640] 549. A method according to embodiment 550, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0641] 550. The method of embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0642] 551. A method according to embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0643] 552. A method according to embodiment 553, wherein the crimp seal is sealed at its opposite end portions.

[0644] 553. A method according to embodiment 551, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0645] 554. A method according to embodiment 550, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0646] 555. A method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the shell is in the form of a membrane.

[0647] 556. A method according to any one of embodiments 534 to 543, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0648] 557. A method according to embodiment 558, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0649] 558. According to any one of the methods described in embodiments 544 to 557, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0650] 559. A method according to any one of embodiments 533 to 560, wherein the maximum size of each pellet is less than one quarter inch.

[0651] 560. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than one-half inch.

[0652] 561. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 1 inch.

[0653] 562. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 2 inches.

[0654] 563. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 3 inches.

[0655] 564. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 4 inches.

[0656] 565. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 5 inches.

[0657] 566. According to any of the methods of embodiments 533 to 560, the maximum size of each pellet is less than 12 inches.

[0658] 567. A method of recovering asphalt from solid asphalt pellets, the pellets comprising asphalt and a material that helps maintain the pellets in solid form, the method comprising at least partially separating the material from the asphalt.

[0659] 568. A method according to embodiment 569, wherein the material comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0660] 569. The method according to embodiment 570, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is mixed with asphalt.

[0661] 570. The method according to embodiment 571, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer forms an emulsion.

[0662] 571. A method according to embodiment 571 or 572, wherein the pellets comprise a mixture of asphalt and a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0663] 572. The method of embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0664] 573. A method according to embodiment 573, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0665] 574. A method according to embodiment 573, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0666] 575. A method according to embodiment 573, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0667] 576. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the solubility of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0668] 577. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the solubility of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the bitumen is less than 1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0669] 578. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the solubility of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the bitumen is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0670] 579. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the solubility of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the bitumen is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0671] 580. The method according to embodiment 573, wherein the solubility of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0672] 581. The method of embodiment 570, wherein the pellet comprises an outer shell.

[0673] 582. A method according to embodiment 583, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0674] 583. A method according to embodiment 584, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0675] 584. A method according to embodiment 584, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0676] 585. A method according to embodiment 584, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0677] 586. A method according to embodiment 587, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0678] 587. The method of embodiment 584, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0679] 588. A method according to embodiment 589, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0680] 589. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0681] 590. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0682] 591. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0683] 592. The method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0684] 593. According to the method of embodiment 589, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0685] 594. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

[0686] 595. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

[0687] 596. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

[0688] 597. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

[0689] 598. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

[0690] 599. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

[0691] 600. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

[0692] 601. According to the method of embodiment 589, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

[0693] 602. A method according to embodiment 589, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0694] 603. A method according to embodiment 589, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0695] 604. A method according to embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0696] 605. The method of embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0697] 606. A method according to embodiment 607, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0698] 607. A method according to embodiment 605, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0699] 608. A method according to embodiment 589, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0700] 609. A method according to any one of embodiments 569 to 610, comprising heating the pellets to convert the pellets into liquid.

[0701] 610. The method according to embodiment 611 comprises at least partially removing the material in the liquid.

[0702] 611. The method according to embodiment 612, comprising removing the material by gravity separation.

[0703] 612. The method of embodiment 584, comprising processing the pellet to separate the shell from the core material.

[0704] 613. According to the method of embodiment 614, the processing includes heating the pellets.

[0705] 614. According to the method of embodiment 615, the processing also includes separating the shell from the core material by mechanical means.

[0706] 615. A method for recovering asphalt from solid asphalt pellets, the pellets comprising an asphalt core and a shell protecting the core, the method comprising processing the pellets to recover asphalt from the pellets under certain conditions so that the asphalt is suitable for processing in a refinery to separate the asphalt material into components that can be used as fuels, lubricants and raw materials in petrochemical processes, the processing of the pellets including the step of separating the shell from the asphalt core.

[0707] 616. According to the method of embodiment 617, the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, the additive acting as a thickener.

[0708] 617. A method according to embodiment 618, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0709] 618. A method according to embodiment 619, wherein the pellets include a mixture of asphalt and a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0710] 619. A method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0711] 620. A method according to embodiment 620, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0712] 621. A method according to embodiment 620, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0713] 622. A method according to embodiment 620, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0714] 623. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0715] 624. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0716] 625. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0717] 626. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0718] 627. The method according to embodiment 620, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0719] 628. A method according to embodiment 617, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0720] 629. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0721] 630. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0722] 631. A method according to embodiment 632, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0723] 632. A method according to embodiment 633, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0724] 633. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0725] 634. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0726] 635. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0727] 636. The method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0728] 637. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0729] 638. According to the method of embodiment 630, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0730] 639. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum size of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

[0731] 640. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

[0732] 641. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

[0733] 642. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

[0734] 643. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

[0735] 644. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

[0736] 645. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

[0737] 646. According to the method of embodiment 630, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

[0738] 647. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0739] 648. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0740] 649. A method according to embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0741] 650. The method of embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0742] 651. A method according to embodiment 652, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0743] 652. A method according to embodiment 650, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0744] 653. A method according to embodiment 630, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0745] 654. A method according to any one of embodiments 617 to 655, comprising heating the pellets to convert them into liquid.

[0746] 655. The method of embodiment 656, comprising at least partially removing the material from the liquid.

[0747] 656. The method of embodiment 657, comprising removing the material by gravity separation.

[0748] 657. A method for facilitating the recovery of solid asphalt pellets spilled on a track during transport through the track, the method comprising providing the pellets with a color marking configured to visually distinguish the pellets from the track environment.

[0749] 658. A method according to embodiment 659, wherein the environment includes a body of water, the method comprising providing a pellet having a colored marking that is visually distinct from the body of water when the pellet is floating on the body of water.

[0750] 659. The method according to embodiment 660, wherein each pellet comprises an asphalt core and a shell protecting the core.

[0751] 660. The method of embodiment 661, comprising applying a colored marking to the shell.

[0752] 661. The method of embodiment 662, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0753] 662. A method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0754] 663. A method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0755] 664. A method according to embodiment 665, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0756] 665. A method according to embodiment 666, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0757] 666. A method according to embodiment 663, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0758] 667. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0759] 668. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0760] 669. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0761] 670. The method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0762] 671. According to the method of embodiment 663, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0763] 672. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

[0764] 673. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

[0765] 674. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

[0766] 675. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

[0767] 676. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

[0768] 677. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

[0769] 678. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

[0770] 679. According to the method of embodiment 663, the maximum limit of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

[0771] 680. A method according to embodiment 663, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0772] 681. The method of embodiment 663, wherein the housing comprises a crimped seal.

[0773] 682. A method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0774] 683. A method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0775] 684. A method according to embodiment 685, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0776] 685. A method according to embodiment 683, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0777] 686. A method according to embodiment 663, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal positioned spaced apart from each other.

[0778] 687. A method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317, wherein the pellets in the pile are substantially identical to each other.

[0779] 688. A method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the pellets in the load are substantially identical to each other.

[0780] 689. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the pellets in the load are substantially identical.

[0781] 690. A method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the pellets in the load are substantially identical.

[0782] 691. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the pellets in the pile are substantially identical to each other.

[0783] 692. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an asphalt core and a shell encapsulating the core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, thereby at least partially offsetting the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases.

[0784] 693. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0785] 694. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 695, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0786] 695. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 695, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0787] 696. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 695, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0788] 697. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 695, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0789] 698. The asphalt pellet according to embodiment 695, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0790] 699. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 695 to 700, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0791] 700. The asphalt pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0792] 701. The asphalt pellet according to embodiment 701, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0793] 702. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 701, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0794] 703. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 701, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0795] 704. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 701, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %.

[0796] 705. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 701, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0797] 706. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0798] 707. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising polyethylene.

[0799] 708. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising cross-linked polyethylene.

[0800] 709. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0801] 710. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt.

[0802] 711. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt.

[0803] 712. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 695 to 713, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive.

[0804] 713. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0805] 714. The pitch pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0806] 715. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 694, wherein the shell is substantially free of asphalt.

[0807] 716. The asphalt pellet according to any of embodiments 694 to 717, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than about 5 mm.

[0808] 717. The pitch pellet of embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0809] 718. The pitch pellet of embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0810] 719. The pitch pellet of embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0811] 720. The pitch pellet of embodiment 718, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0812] 721. The pitch pellet of any one of embodiments 718 to 722, wherein the shell comprises outwardly extending barbs.

[0813] 722. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 723, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0814] 723. The pitch pellet of embodiment 724, wherein the shell comprises a crimped seal.

[0815] 724. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0816] 725. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0817] 726. The pitch pellet of embodiment 727, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0818] 727. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 725, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0819] 728. The pitch pellet of embodiment 724, wherein the shell comprises a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from one another.

[0820] 729. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 717, wherein the shell is in the form of a film.

[0821] 730. According to the asphalt pellets described in any one of embodiments 694 to 731, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0822] 731. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one quarter inch.

[0823] 732. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one-half inch.

[0824] 733. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 1 inch.

[0825] 734. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 2 inches.

[0826] 735. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 3 inches.

[0827] 736. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 4 inches.

[0828] 737. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 5 inches.

[0829] 738. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 694 to 731, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 12 inches.

[0830] 739. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 0.5 psi.

[0831] 740. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 1 psi.

[0832] 741. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 2 psi.

[0833] 742. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 3 psi.

[0834] 743. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 5 psi.

[0835] 744. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 7 psi.

[0836] 745. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 694 to 740, having a fracture pressure of at least 10 psi.

[0837] 746. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an asphalt core and a shell encapsulating the core, the shell being configured to reduce exposure of the asphalt core to ambient oxygen.

[0838] 747. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture.

[0839] 748. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 749, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0840] 749. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 749, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0841] 750. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 749, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0842] 751. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 749, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0843] 752. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 749, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0844] 753. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 749 to 754, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0845] 754. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 755, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[0846] 755. The asphalt pellets according to embodiment 755, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[0847] 756. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 755, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0848] 757. The pitch pellets of embodiment 755, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0849] 758. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 755, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt %.

[0850] 759. The asphalt pellets of embodiment 755, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is at least 10% by weight.

[0851] 760. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0852] 761. The pitch pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising polyethylene.

[0853] 762. The pitch pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising cross-linked polyethylene.

[0854] 763. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0855] 764. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt.

[0856] 765. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the shell is from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt.

[0857] 766. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 749 to 767, wherein the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive.

[0858] 767. The pitch pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0859] 768. The pitch pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0860] 769. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 748, wherein the shell is substantially free of asphalt

[0861] 770. The asphalt pellet according to any of embodiments 748 to 771, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0862] 771. The pitch pellet of embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0863] 772. The pitch pellet of embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0864] 773. The pitch pellet of embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0865] 774. The pitch pellet of embodiment 772, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0866] 775. The pitch pellet of any one of embodiments 772 to 776, wherein the shell comprises outwardly extending barbs.

[0867] 776. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 771, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0868] 777. The pitch pellet of embodiment 778, wherein the shell comprises a crimped seal.

[0869] 778. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0870] 779. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0871] 780. The pitch pellet of embodiment 781, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0872] 781. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 779, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0873] 782. The pitch pellet of embodiment 778, wherein the shell comprises a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from one another.

[0874] 783. The asphalt pellet according to any one of embodiments 748 to 778, wherein the shell is in the form of a membrane.

[0875] 784. According to the asphalt pellets described in any one of embodiments 748 to 785, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0876] 785. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one quarter inch.

[0877] 786. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one-half inch.

[0878] 787. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 1 inch.

[0879] 788. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 2 inches.

[0880] 789. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 3 inches.

[0881] 790. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 4 inches.

[0882] 791. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 5 inches.

[0883] 792. The asphalt pellet of any one of embodiments 748 to 786, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 12 inches.

[0884] 793. A group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 9, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 0.1% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0885] 794. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 34, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 0.1% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0886] 795. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 62, wherein the solubility of the additive in asphalt is less than 0.1% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0887] 796. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0888] 797. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0889] 798. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0890] 799. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 86, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0891] 800. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 133, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1 wt % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0892] 801. A pile of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 133, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0893] 802. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 133, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0894] 803. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 133, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0895] 804. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0896] 805. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0897] 806. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[0898] 807. The method according to embodiment 291, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0899] 808. The method according to embodiment 447, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0900] 809. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 1 meter, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0901] 810. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 5 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0902] 811. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 10 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0903] 812. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 20 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0904] 813. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 30 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0905] 814. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 40 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0906] 815. A method for reducing the risk of contamination of automatic unloading equipment, the contamination being caused by adhesion of asphalt material to the unloading equipment during unloading of asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising using the unloading equipment to unload a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the loading height of the pellets is 50 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[0907] 816. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 817, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[0908] 817. The method according to embodiment 818, wherein the marine vessel is a bulk carrier.

[0909] 818. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 819, wherein the unloading equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a grab bucket or a mechanical bucket.

[0910] 819. The method of embodiment 820, wherein the shipping container includes a cargo hold, wherein the unloading device maneuvers through the cargo hold of the shipping container to pick up the load of pellets.

[0911] 820. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 819, wherein the unloading equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic conveying system, or a gravity loading system.

[0912] 821. According to any one of embodiments 811 to 822, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0913] 822. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0914] 823. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0915] 824. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0916] 825. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0917] 826. The method according to embodiment 823, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0918] 827. A method according to any one of embodiments 823 to 828, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0919] 828. A method according to embodiment 829, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0920] 829. A method according to embodiment 829, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0921] 830. A method according to any one of embodiments 829 to 831, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 to about 20 weight percent.

[0922] 831. A method according to any one of embodiments 829 to 831, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0923] 832. According to any of the methods described in embodiments 823 to 833, each pellet includes an outer shell.

[0924] 833. According to the method of embodiment 834, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0925] 834. A method according to embodiment 835, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0926] 835. A method according to embodiment 835, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0927] 836. According to the method of embodiment 835, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0928] 837. A method according to embodiment 838, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0929] 838. A method according to embodiment 839, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0930] 839. According to the method of embodiment 840, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0931] 840. A method according to embodiment 840, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0932] 841. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the thickness of the shell is in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0933] 842. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0934] 843. A method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0935] 844. The method according to embodiment 840, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0936] 845. A method according to any one of embodiments 840 to 846, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0937] 846. A method according to embodiment 840, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0938] 847. A method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0939] 848. A method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0940] 849. A method according to embodiment 850, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0941] 850. A method according to embodiment 848, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0942] 851. A method according to embodiment 840, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0943] 852. A method according to embodiment 834, wherein the shell is in the form of a flexible film.

[0944] 853. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test being no more than 0.25 when dropped from a height of 1 meter.

[0945] 854. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 5 meters.

[0946] 855. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 10 meters.

[0947] 856. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 20 meters.

[0948] 857. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 30 meters.

[0949] 858. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 40 meters.

[0950] 859. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and the probability of failure of an impact resistance test of each pellet not exceeding 0.25 when dropped from a height of 50 meters.

[0951] 860. The method of any one of embodiments 855 to 861, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[0952] 861. The method according to embodiment 862, wherein the marine vessel is a bulk carrier.

[0953] 862. A method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 863, wherein the unloading equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a grab bucket or a mechanical bucket.

[0954] 863. The method of embodiment 864, wherein the shipping container includes a cargo hold, and wherein the unloading device is maneuvered through the cargo hold of the shipping container to pick up the load of pellets.

[0955] 864. A method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 863, wherein the unloading equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic conveying system, or a gravity loading system.

[0956] 865. According to any one of embodiments 855 to 866, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[0957] 866. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0958] 867. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[0959] 868. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0960] 869. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0961] 870. The method according to embodiment 867, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[0962] 871. A method according to any one of embodiments 867 to 872, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0963] 872. A method according to embodiment 873, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0964] 873. A method according to embodiment 873, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0965] 874. A method according to any one of embodiments 873 to 875, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 to about 20 weight percent.

[0966] 875. A method according to any one of embodiments 873 to 875, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[0967] 876. According to any of the methods described in embodiments 867 to 877, each pellet includes an outer shell.

[0968] 877. According to the method of embodiment 878, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[0969] 878. A method according to embodiment 879, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[0970] 879. A method according to embodiment 879, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[0971] 880. According to the method of embodiment 879, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[0972] 881. A method according to embodiment 882, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[0973] 882. The method of embodiment 878, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[0974] 883. According to the method of embodiment 884, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[0975] 884. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[0976] 885. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[0977] 886. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[0978] 887. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[0979] 888. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[0980] 889. A method according to any one of embodiments 884 to 890, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[0981] 890. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[0982] 891. A method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0983] 892. A method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[0984] 893. A method according to embodiment 894, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[0985] 894. A method according to embodiment 892, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[0986] 895. A method according to embodiment 884, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[0987] 896. A method according to embodiment 878, wherein the shell is in the form of a flexible film.

[0988] 897. An additive material recovered from solid asphalt pellets, the additive material comprising an ingredient which, when mixed with asphalt, serves to increase the viscosity of the asphalt, and the additive material further comprising asphalt material.

[0989] 898. The additive material of embodiment 899, wherein the content of the asphalt material does not exceed about 70% by weight of the additive material.

[0990] 899. An additive material according to embodiment 899, wherein the content of asphalt material does not exceed about 60% by weight of the additive material.

[0991] 900. The additive material of embodiment 899, wherein the content of the asphalt material does not exceed about 40% by weight of the additive material.

[0992] 901. The additive material of embodiment 899, wherein the content of the asphalt material does not exceed about 30% by weight of the additive material.

[0993] 902. An additive material according to any of embodiments 899 to 903, wherein the component comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[0994] 903. An additive material according to embodiment 904, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[0995] 904. An additive material according to embodiment 904, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[0996] 905. The additive material of any one of embodiments 899 to 906, in the form of beads or pellets.

[0997] 906. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 0.5 psi.

[0998] 907. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 5 psi.

[0999] 908. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 10 psi.

[1000] 909. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 30 psi.

[1001] 910. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 40 psi.

[1002] 911. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 50 psi.

[1003] 912. A solid asphalt pellet comprising an outer shell and an inner asphalt core, wherein the shell is used to protect the core, and the pellet has a bursting pressure of more than 75 psi.

[1004] 913. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 914, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[1005] 914. A pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes outwardly extending burrs.

[1006] 915. A pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has an irregular outer surface to reduce the smoothness of the pellet.

[1007] 916. A pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes a crimped seal.

[1008] 917. A pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1009] 918. A pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal spaced apart from each other.

[1010] 919. A pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1011] 920. A pellet according to embodiment 921, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[1012] 921. A pellet according to embodiment 918, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt

[1013] 922. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the core comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt.

[1014] 923. Pellets according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[1015] 924. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[1016] 925. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1017] 926. The pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the solubility of the additive in the bitumen is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1018] 927. A pellet according to embodiment 924, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[1019] 928. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is at least 50°C.

[1020] 929. The pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the melting point temperature of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[1021] 930. A pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[1022] 931. A pellet according to embodiment 929, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[1023] 932. The pellet according to any one of embodiments 929 to 933, wherein in the core, the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.%.

[1024] 933. A pellet according to any one of embodiments 929 to 933, wherein in the core, the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[1025] 934. According to embodiment 915, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped and any combination thereof.

[1026] 935. A pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than about 5 mm.

[1027] 936. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[1028] 937. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[1029] 938. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[1030] 939. The pellet according to embodiment 915, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[1031] 940. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum size of less than one quarter inch.

[1032] 941. A pellet according to any of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum size of less than one-half inch.

[1033] 942. The pellets of any of embodiments 908 to 941, wherein each pellet has a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

[1034] 943. The pellets of any of embodiments 908 to 941, wherein each pellet has a maximum length of less than 2 inches.

[1035] 944. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum dimension of less than 3 inches.

[1036] 945. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum dimension of less than 4 inches.

[1037] 946. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum dimension of less than 5 inches.

[1038] 947. The pellet of any one of embodiments 908 to 941, having a maximum length of less than 12 inches.

[1039] 948. A method of making solid asphalt pellets, the method comprising mixing asphalt with an additive material, the additive material comprising an ingredient that, when mixed with the asphalt, serves to increase the viscosity of the asphalt, and the additive material further comprising an asphalt material.

[1040] 949. According to the method of embodiment 950, the content of asphalt material in the additive does not exceed 70% by weight of the additive material.

[1041] 950. According to the method of embodiment 950, the content of asphalt material in the additive does not exceed 60% by weight of the additive material.

[1042] 951. According to the method of embodiment 950, the content of asphalt material in the additive does not exceed 40 weight percent of the additive material.

[1043] 952. According to the method of embodiment 950, the content of asphalt material in the additive does not exceed 30% by weight of the additive material.

[1044] 953. A method according to any one of embodiments 950 to 954, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[1045] 954. A method according to embodiment 955, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[1046] 955. The method according to embodiment 955, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1047] 956. The method according to embodiment 955, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1048] 957. A method according to any one of embodiments 950 to 958, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[1049] 958. A method according to embodiment 959, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[1050] 959. A method according to embodiment 959, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[1051] 960. A method according to embodiment 959, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is from about 1 weight % to about 20 weight %.

[1052] 961. A method according to embodiment 962, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10% by weight.

[1053] 962. The method of embodiment 959, comprising heating the asphalt and the polymer to liquefy the polymer, and mixing while the polymer is in a liquid state.

[1054] 963. The method according to embodiment 964, wherein the heating is carried out in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C.

[1055] 964. The method of embodiment 964, comprising extruding the mixture.

[1056] 965. The method of embodiment 964, comprising shaping the mixture.

[1057] 966. The method of embodiment 964, comprising forming a shell around a core made from the mixture.

[1058] 967. A method according to embodiment 968, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is a first hydrocarbon-containing polymer, and the method includes co-extruding the mixture with a material comprising a second hydrocarbon-containing polymer to form a shell.

[1059] 968. The method according to embodiment 968, comprising spraying the mixture with a material that forms a shell when cured.

[1060] 969. The method of embodiment 968, comprising enclosing the mixture in a sheath forming the shell.

[1061] 970. The method according to embodiment 971, comprising extruding the foreskin and filling the foreskin with the mixture.

[1062] 971. The method according to embodiment 972, comprising sealing the foreskin filled with the mixture.

[1063] 972. The method of embodiment 973, which is a blow-fill-seal process.

[1064] 973. A method according to embodiment 971, comprising providing a sheet material and forming the sheath around the core from the sheet material.

[1065] 974. A method according to embodiment 975, comprising forming a tube from the sheet material and depositing the core on the tube.

[1066] 975. A method according to embodiment 976, comprising sealing the longitudinal edges of the sheet material to form a crimped seal extending longitudinally on the tube.

[1067] 976. The method of embodiment 976, comprising making spaced apart crimp seals to close the tube.

[1068] 977. The method of implementation scheme 978, which is a fill-form-seal process.

[1069] 978. The method according to embodiment 975, comprising providing opposing sheets and sealing the opposing sheets to each other, thereby enclosing the core between the sheets.

[1070] 979. A method according to any of embodiment 950, wherein the pellet includes an outer shell.

[1071] 980. A method according to embodiment 981, wherein the pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[1072] 981. The method of embodiment 982, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[1073] 982. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[1074] 983. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the internal pressure of the pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[1075] 984. A method according to embodiment 985, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[1076] 985. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[1077] 986. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[1078] 987. According to the method of embodiment 988, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[1079] 988. A method according to embodiment 988, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[1080] 989. A method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[1081] 990. The method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[1082] 991. A method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[1083] 992. A method according to embodiment 988, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[1084] 993. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[1085] 994. A method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1086] 995. A method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1087] 996. A method according to embodiment 997, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[1088] 997. A method according to embodiment 995, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[1089] 998. A method according to embodiment 982, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal relative to each other.

[1090] 999. The method of embodiment 973, comprising enclosing the foreskin within a second foreskin.

[1091] 1000. The method of embodiment 1001, comprising sealing the second foreskin to form a nested foreskin.

[1092] 1001. The method of embodiment 465, comprising enclosing the foreskin within a second foreskin.

[1093] 1002. The method of embodiment 1003, comprising sealing the second foreskin to form a nested foreskin.

[1094] 1003. A method according to embodiment 612, wherein the pitch comprises droplets of the material, the method comprising inducing coalescence of the droplets and removing the material by gravity separation.

[1095] 1004. A method according to embodiment 657, wherein the pitch comprises droplets of the material, the method comprising inducing coalescence of the droplets and removing the material by gravity separation.

[1096] 1005. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 1 meter, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1097] 1006. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 5 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1098] 1007. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 10 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1099] 1008. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 20 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1100] 1009. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 30 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1101] 1010. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 40 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1102] 1011. A method for unloading asphalt from a transport container, the method comprising unloading a load of solid asphalt pellets from a transport container using an automatic unloading device and piling the pellets on a pile of material, the load comprising at least 100 asphalt pellets, and when the pellet loading height is 50 meters, the probability of failure of a compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.25.

[1103] 1012. The method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1013, wherein the transport container is a marine vessel.

[1104] 1013. The method according to embodiment 1014, wherein the transporting marine vessel is a bulk carrier.

[1105] 1014. A method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1015, wherein the unloading equipment includes a mechanized conveyor, a grab bucket or a mechanical bucket.

[1106] 1015. The method of embodiment 1016, wherein the shipping container includes a cargo hold, wherein the unloading device maneuvers through the cargo hold of the shipping container to pick up the load of pellets.

[1107] 1016. A method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1015, wherein the unloading equipment includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic conveying system, or a gravity loading system.

[1108] 1017. According to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1018, each pellet comprises a mixture of asphalt and an additive for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.

[1109] 1018. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150°C.

[1110] 1019. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 1 wt % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1111] 1020. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.5 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1112] 1021. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.1 wt% at a temperature of 150°C.

[1113] 1022. The method according to embodiment 1019, wherein the solubility of the additive in the asphalt is less than 0.05 wt. % at a temperature of 150°C.

[1114] 1023. A method according to any one of embodiments 1019 to 1024, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

[1115] 1024. A method according to embodiment 1025, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene.

[1116] 1025. A method according to embodiment 1025, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[1117] 1026. A method according to any one of embodiments 1025 to 1027, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the asphalt is about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[1118] 1027. A method according to any one of embodiments 1025 to 1027, wherein the relative content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to the bitumen is at least 10 weight percent.

[1119] 1028. According to any of the methods described in embodiments 1019 to 1029, each pellet includes an outer shell.

[1120] 1029. According to the method of embodiment 1030, each pellet has a core and a shell surrounding the core.

[1121] 1030. The method according to embodiment 1031, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core.

[1122] 1031. The method of embodiment 1031, wherein the shell partially surrounds the core.

[1123] 1032. According to the method of embodiment 1031, the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than the ambient pressure, and the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

[1124] 1033. A method according to embodiment 1034, wherein the internal pressure is up to about 15 psi above ambient pressure.

[1125] 1034. The method of embodiment 1030, wherein the shell is harder than the core.

[1126] 1035. According to the method of embodiment 1036, the shape of the shell is selected from: roughly spherical, roughly diamond-shaped, roughly cylindrical, roughly disc-shaped, roughly flat, roughly elliptical, roughly flake-shaped, roughly needle-shaped, roughly oval, roughly pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

[1127] 1036. A method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the thickness of the shell is less than about 5 mm.

[1128] 1037. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

[1129] 1038. A method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

[1130] 1039. The method of embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

[1131] 1040. The method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

[1132] 1041. A method according to any one of embodiments 1036 to 1042, wherein the shell includes burrs extending outwardly.

[1133] 1042. A method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the housing includes a crimped seal.

[1134] 1043. A method according to embodiment 1044, wherein the crimp seal extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1135] 1044. A method according to embodiment 1044, wherein the crimp seal extends along the longitudinal axis of the pellet.

[1136] 1045. A method according to embodiment 1046, wherein the crimp seal is formed by heat sealing the walls of the shell relative to each other.

[1137] 1046. A method according to embodiment 1044, wherein the crimp seal is substantially free of asphalt.

[1138] 1047. A method according to embodiment 1036, wherein the housing includes a first crimp seal and a second crimp seal that are spaced apart from each other.

[1139] 1048. A method according to embodiment 1030, wherein the shell is in the form of a flexible film.

[1140] 1049. The group of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 21, wherein the pellets include a nested shell configuration, the nested shell configuration including an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1141] 1050. The group consisting of asphalt pellets according to embodiment 74, wherein the pellets include a nested shell configuration, the nested shell configuration including an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1142] 1051. The asphalt pellet pile of embodiment 121, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell configuration comprising an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1143] 1052. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 163, wherein the pellet comprises a nested shell configuration comprising an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1144] 1053. The asphalt pellet of embodiment 212, wherein the pellet comprises a nested shell configuration comprising an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1145] 1054. A method according to embodiment 267, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell structure, wherein the nested shell structure comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1146] 1055. A method according to embodiment 298, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell structure, wherein the nested shell structure comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1147] 1056. A method according to embodiment 341, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell configuration, wherein the nested shell configuration comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1148] 1057. A method according to embodiment 383, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell configuration, wherein the nested shell configuration comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1149] 1058. A method according to embodiment 426, wherein each pellet comprises a nested shell configuration, wherein the nested shell configuration comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1150] 1059. A method according to embodiment 474, wherein the pellet includes a nested shell structure, wherein the nested shell structure includes an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1151] 1060. A method according to embodiment 533, wherein the pellet comprises a nested shell configuration, wherein the nested shell configuration comprises an inner shell and an outer shell.

[1152] 1061. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, 795 and 796, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in the compression resistance test does not exceed 0.20.

[1153] 1062. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, 795 and 796, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in the compression resistance test does not exceed 0.15.

[1154] 1063. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, 795 and 796, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in a compression resistance test does not exceed 0.10.

[1155] 1064. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103 and 797 to 801, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in the impact resistance test does not exceed 0.20.

[1156] 1065. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103 and 797 to 801, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test does not exceed 0.15.

[1157] 1066. The group of asphalt pellets according to any one of embodiments 54 to 103 and 797 to 801, wherein the probability of failure of each pellet in an impact resistance test does not exceed 0.10.

[1158] 1067. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1159] 1068. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1160] 1069. A method according to any one of embodiments 251 to 286, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1161] 1070. A method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to 809, wherein the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1162] 1071. A method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to 809, wherein the failure probability of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1163] 1072. A method according to any one of embodiments 287 to 317 and 806 to 809, wherein the probability of failure of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1164] 1073. A method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1165] 1074. A method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1166] 1075. A method according to any one of embodiments 318 to 360, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1167] 1076. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the failure probability of each pellet in the impact resistance test does not exceed 0.20.

[1168] 1077. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the failure probability of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1169] 1078. A method according to any one of embodiments 361 to 402, wherein the failure probability of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1170] 1079. A method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1171] 1080. A method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1172] 1081. A method according to any one of embodiments 403 to 446, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1173] 1082. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1174] 1083. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1175] 1084. A method according to any one of embodiments 811 to 854, wherein the probability of failure of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1176] 1085. A method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the failure probability of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1177] 1086. A method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the failure probability of the impact resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1178] 1087. A method according to any one of embodiments 855 to 898, wherein the failure probability of each pellet in the impact resistance test does not exceed 0.10.

[1179] 1088. A method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.20.

[1180] 1089. A method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.15.

[1181] 1090. A method according to any one of embodiments 1007 to 1050, wherein the failure probability of the compression resistance test of each pellet does not exceed 0.10.

[1182] All the features of the embodiments described in this disclosure are not mutually exclusive, but can be combined with each other. The elements in one embodiment can be used in other embodiments without further enumeration. When reading the following description of the specific embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[1183] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which:

[1184] Figure 1A general flow chart of an asphalt processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[1185] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A variant comprising the additional step of applying a shell to the pellet;

[1186] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specific implementation scheme of the method shown in;

[1187] Figure 4 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another specific embodiment of the method shown in;

[1188] Figure 5 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another specific embodiment of the method shown in;

[1189] Figure 6 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another specific embodiment of the method shown in;

[1190] Figure 7 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another specific embodiment of the method shown in;

[1191] Figure 8 For implementation Figures 4 to 6 Specific examples of the operation of the step of increasing the viscosity of asphalt in the method;

[1192] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a general method of processing and transporting asphalt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[1193] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A specific implementation example of the general method;

[1194] Fig.11 Shown is a method for implementing Fig.10 Common infrastructure for methods where the transport chain is land transport;

[1195] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A variation of this, where the transport chain is maritime transport;

[1196] Fig.13 for Fig.11 A variation of , where the transport chain is land transport and sea transport;

[1197] Fig.14Ashows a cross-sectional view of an asphalt pellet having a shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[1198] Fig. 14B for Fig.14A A variation of this in which the shell is non-uniform and has a variable thickness.

[1199] Fig. 14C for Fig.14A A variation of the present invention comprising a void within the housing;

[1200] Fig.14D for Fig. 14C A variation of which includes an additional surface covering to seal voids that open at the surface;

[1201] Fig.15 For use Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the device for the granulation process step;

[1202] Fig.16 Shows Fig.15 Variations of the device shown;

[1203] Fig.17 For use Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for a granulation step and a shell application step in a method;

[1204] Fig.18 for Fig.17 A variation of the device shown, wherein the housing is applied by spraying;

[1205] Fig.19 for Fig.17 Another variation of wherein the shell is applied by encapsulating an asphalt core between polymer films;

[1206] Fig. 20 for Fig.15 Yet another variation of, wherein the shell is applied by bagging the asphalt core in a separate pouch made of a polymeric material;

[1207] Fig.21 is a flow chart of a general method for storing asphalt pellets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[1208] Fig. 22 is a flow chart of a general method for storing asphalt pellets according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[1209] Fig.23 is a high-level flow chart of a method for recovering asphalt from asphalt pellets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[1210] Fig.24 To show in detail Fig.23A flow chart of the steps of recovering asphalt from pellets;

[1211] Fig.25 for Fig.24 Flowcharts of variations of the methods;

[1212] Fig.26 For implementation Fig.23 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for the method;

[1213] Fig. 27 For implementation Fig.24 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for the method;

[1214] Fig.28 For implementation Fig.25 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for the method;

[1215] Fig.29 for Fig. 9 A flowchart of another specific embodiment of the method shown in;

[1216] Fig.30 Implementation of a method for loading / unloading asphalt pellets using conventional bulk material handling equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[1217] Fig.31 for Fig.30 Variations of

[1218] Fig.32 for Fig.30 Another variation of ;

[1219] Fig.33 Still Fig.30 Another variation of ;

[1220] Fig.34 Still Fig.30 Another variation of ;

[1221] Fig.35 A rail car for transporting asphalt pellets is shown, the rail car including a protective liner;

[1222] Fig.36 A railcar for transporting asphalt pellets is shown, the railcar having a temperature monitoring system;

[1223] Fig.37 A railcar for transporting asphalt pellets is shown, the railcar having a cooling system for cooling the railcar;

[1224] Fig.38 Shown is a microscopic image of a cross section of the bottom phase after sedimentation of 5 wt% of polymer contained in an asphalt mixture at 100°C for 30 minutes.

[1225] Fig.39 The boiling point distributions of the original bitumen and the bitumen in the polymer phase (after correction) were plotted.

[1226] Fig.40A shows a microscopic image of emulsified polymer droplets (light color) in bitumen (dark background) for a prepared sample with a polymer content of 0.5 wt%. Fig.40B Shown is a microscopic image of emulsified polymer liquid (light color) in bitumen (dark background) after the sample has passed through a roll screen pack at 120°C.

[1227] Fig.41 The boiling point distributions (corrected) in the original bitumen and polymer phase (30 wt% polymer) are plotted.

[1228] Fig.42A , Fig.42B and Fig.42C Schematic diagrams of the patterns of layers of columns adjacent to each other are shown separately to illustrate how the shape affects the filling volume of the container.

[1229] Fig.43 A flow chart showing a general method of applying a shell by using a blow molding method, wherein the blow molding is performed by inflating a parison using liquid bitumen.

[1230] Fig.44 Shows Fig.43 A variation of the method in which blow molding is performed by expanding the parison with pressurized gas.

[1231] Fig.45 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a blow molding system, wherein an open mold receives a parison from an extruder head;

[1232] Fig.46 Shows a closed Fig.45 A blow molding system in which the base of the parison is squeezed between two mold halves;

[1233] Fig.47 Shows Fig.46 A blow molding system in which pressurized gas is injected into a molten parison, causing the parison to expand toward an inner surface of a mold;

[1234] Fig.48 Shows Fig.46 a closed mold wherein liquid bitumen (or bitumen / additive mixture) is injected into the formed parison;

[1235] Fig.49A and Fig.49B Shows Fig.47 or Fig.48 How the shell is closed to prevent asphalt spills;

[1236] Fig.50 Shown by Fig.43 or Fig.44 A cross-sectional view of a spheroid with a shell obtained by the method;

[1237] Fig.51 Shows Fig.50 A variation of wherein the pellet has an internal mesh structure that substantially divides the interior space in the shell into two or more chambers;

[1238] Fig.52 A flow chart of a method for forming a shell by using a form-fill-seal process using a polymer sheet material unrolled from a roll instead of extruding the polymer directly into a mold cavity in each forming cycle;

[1239] Fig.53 is a perspective view of a form-fill-seal system for forming a pellet shell using a polymer sheet;

[1240] Fig.54 To pass Fig.52 Methods and Fig.53 A perspective view of a pellet with a shell obtained by using a device;

[1241] Fig.55 is a schematic diagram of a pellet manufacturing system for forming a pellet shell by shaping a polymer sheet using vacuum-assisted rollers;

[1242] Fig.56 Schematic diagram of the test equipment for carrying out the compression test;

[1243] Fig.57 For implementation Fig.25 A schematic diagram of a variation of the apparatus of the method;

[1244] Fig.58A and Fig.58B Shows Fig.13 Specific practical implementation of the common infrastructure 1100c.

[1245] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments are shown by way of example. It should be clearly understood that the description and the accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate certain embodiments and are intended to facilitate understanding. They are not meant to limit the definition of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[1246] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same features.

[1247] Reversible curing asphalt

[1248] Figure 1Flowchart of a general method 100 for treating asphalt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 100 includes a step 10 of providing a viscous asphalt. The viscous asphalt is then pelletized in step 20, thereby producing solid asphalt pellets (or "pellets"). In step 90, the asphalt is recovered from the pellets by processing the pellets to restore them to a coherent mass of asphalt. In other words, the method 100 is capable of achieving reversible solidification of the asphalt, which is shown by the arrow returning from step 90 to step 10.

[1249] In this specification, "asphalt" refers to crude oil intended for processing in a downstream refinery, where it is separated into high-value fractions. For greater clarity, "asphalt" includes heavy crude oil feedstock as well as upgraded crude oil. Without intending to be limited to a particular definition of the meaning of "upgrading", the process is generally understood in the industry to include processing heavy crude oil feedstock to improve its quality. Examples of steps that may be involved in an upgrading operation include:

[1250] a) Removal of water, sand, physical waste and light products;

[1251] b) reducing the viscosity to improve fluidity, for example by dilution with one or more light petroleum products (Dilbit, Synbit);

[1252] c) catalytic purification by hydrodemetallation (HDM), hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN);

[1253] d) hydrogenation by decarbonization or catalytic hydrocracking (HCR);

[1254] e) converting the heavy part of the bitumen into light hydrocarbons by fractionation, distillation and / or cracking;

[1255] f) blending the different fractions to obtain the desired synthetic crude oil specifications;

[1256] g) Processes carried out for transportation purposes such as visbreaking, solvent deasphalting (SDA), hydrotreating, thermal cracking and olefin alkylation.

[1257] A specific example of a crude oil that may be treated with the methods and apparatus disclosed herein is crude oil extracted from oil sands.

[1258] For the purpose of this specification, the expression "viscous asphalt" refers to asphalt having a density generally between 8 degrees API and 17 degrees API. API gravity as used herein refers to the American Petroleum Institute specific gravity, or API gravity, which is understood to be a measure of the lightness or heaviness of a petroleum liquid compared to water: if the API gravity is greater than 10, it is light and floats on water; if the API gravity is less than 10, it is heavy and will sink. Thus, API gravity is an inverse measure of the density of a given petroleum liquid relative to the density of water (also called specific gravity). It is used to compare the densities of petroleum liquids. For example, if the density of one petroleum liquid is less than the density of another petroleum liquid, it has a greater API gravity.

[1259] For the purposes of this specification, the expression "solidification" means that the bitumen has such properties that it actually behaves as a solid material. For the sake of clarity, "solidification" does not mean a phase change between a liquid phase and a solid phase as conventionally understood in science. "Solid" bitumen pellets are further defined as a bitumen-containing structure that does not flow to take the shape of a container and that maintains structural integrity (i.e., resists breakage) during handling with mechanized dry bulk processing equipment or during bulk transportation.

[1260] Generally, there are several options for solidifying asphalt. The first option is to solidify the asphalt by increasing its viscosity to the point where it behaves as a solid. This can be achieved by introducing additives into the asphalt, which form a mixture that has a viscosity much higher than the viscosity of the asphalt without the additives. For example, when a mass of the mixture is placed on a solid surface at room temperature, the mass is able to stand on its own and maintain its shape. In other words, the asphalt mixture will not flow and spread on the surface as the asphalt without the additives usually behaves. In addition, the solidified asphalt forms a structure that resists deformation when subjected to external loads.

[1261] Lowering the temperature of the bitumen can also help increase the bitumen’s viscosity. This approach can be used in applications where the bitumen is kept at a constant low temperature so that its flow characteristics become similar to those of a solid.

[1262] The second option for solidifying the asphalt is to enclose it in a shell. The shell constitutes a mechanism to hold the asphalt so that it does not flow out. The shell can be a hard shell, which constitutes a structure that resists deformation when subjected to external loads. Alternatively, the shell can be a soft shell, which has sufficient tensile strength to maintain its integrity even when subjected to external loads.

[1263] The different options for curing the asphalt described above each have their own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered depending on the specific application of the curing method. When the application is to cure the asphalt to make it suitable for long-distance transportation, the second option is preferred because the shell will form a non-sticky outer surface. In this way, when the asphalt is pelletized, the pellets will not adhere to each other and / or the surface of the shipping container, and can be handled using conventional mechanized equipment used for loading and unloading bulk commodities.

[1264] In the most preferred embodiment, the first and second options are combined. A solid pellet having a core is provided, the core being a mixture of bitumen and an additive that increases the viscosity of the mixture. In this case, the core is hard enough to minimize movement of the core when the shell is damaged or leaking, but the core is not hard enough to resist deformation when the pellet is subjected to external loads during the various stages of handling / storage / transportation, in which case the core preferably has a shell that, in addition to being provided with a non-adhesive surface, also has higher resistance to compression, impact and wear. Alternatively, in the case where the core is hard enough to minimize movement of the core when the shell is damaged and leaking, and the core is hard enough to resist significant / reversible deformation when the pellet is subjected to external loads during the various stages of handling / storage / transportation, the core may have a soft shell that is provided with a non-adhesive surface and is able to resist wear and diffusion of bitumen, thereby minimizing exposure of the core.

[1265] Advantageously, asphalt pellets according to the present disclosure may have one or more properties that facilitate the handling (e.g., loading / unloading), transportation, and / or storage of the asphalt. For example, the asphalt pellets may be loaded into rail cars, containers, cargo ships, or trucks using a pellet or granular cargo loading system (e.g., but not limited to: conveyor belts, conventional pneumatic conveying systems, conventional gravity loading systems, mechanical sprayers, etc.).

[1266] Alternatively or additionally, transporting pelletized bitumen does not require any diluent, thereby saving diluent costs and enabling more bitumen to be transported by volume. In the event of a spill, pelletized bitumen is easier to recover because it is easier to pick up pelletized bitumen than to recover liquid bitumen. Furthermore, rail transportation does not require special tank cars, and existing conventional freight rail cars such as bins, hopper cars or shipping containers can be used, thereby avoiding the need for expensive tank car upgrades. Furthermore, sea transportation does not require double-hulled tankers, but rather bulk carriers can be used to transport pelletized bitumen.

[1267] Alternatively or in addition, the storage of the pelletized asphalt need not be stored in expensive heated asphalt tanks, but may simply be stored in storage silos, or stored outdoors with minimal weather protection and / or sealing measures, depending on (for example) the properties of the pelletized asphalt, such as pellet hydrophobicity, pellet compression resistance, etc.

[1268] Apply shell

[1269] Figure 2 The steps of method 200 are shown. Figure 1 As a specific example of the general method 100 in the method 200, the method 200 is characterized by the optional step 30 of applying a shell on the pellet, thereby obtaining an asphalt pellet having a shell. As such, the method 200 enables the asphalt to be reversibly cured. Examples of methods for applying the shell include coextrusion, spraying, dipping, blow molding, form-fill-seal, injection stretch packaging, and shrink packaging, which will be further described herein.

[1270] Advantageously, the application of a shell to the pelletized asphalt provides the pellet with greater structural strength, thereby enabling the use of a less viscous mixture in the core of the pellet while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the pellet. In other words, although the less viscous mixture itself does not actually behave as a solid, by applying a shell to the less viscous mixture, the resulting pellet has sufficient structural strength to behave as a solid.

[1271] Alternatively or in addition, applying a shell to the pelletized asphalt can affect the adhesion of the asphalt pellets, for example, reducing the self-adhesion of the pellets (e.g., thereby avoiding or minimizing the formation of intractable asphalt cakes), and / or minimizing the adhesion of foreign matter to the pellets, and / or minimizing the adhesion of the pellets to equipment.

[1272] Alternatively or additionally, a shell applied to the pelletized asphalt may act as an oxygen barrier, thereby increasing the asphalt's resistance to degradation due to oxidation.

[1273] The outer shell may be crust-like, or flexible but of sufficiently high tensile strength to prevent exposure of the core during handling / transportation of the pellets. Preferably, the shell completely encapsulates the asphalt core. Shells that only partially encapsulate the asphalt core may also be used.

[1274] Alternatively or in addition, applying a shell to the pelletized asphalt can make the asphalt pellet more hydrophobic (water resistant), thereby enabling (for example) the pellet to be stored in an outdoor facility without the asphalt dissolving in nature when the asphalt is exposed to water. Advantageously, the higher hydrophobicity of the asphalt pellet can also minimize or prevent water absorption when the pellet is exposed to water, thereby maintaining the quality of the asphalt. Advantageously, when the asphalt pellet falls into water, its higher hydrophobicity can minimize or prevent water absorption, thereby reducing the dissolution of some components of the asphalt in water, reducing possible asphalt cracking, and reducing the dispersion of asphalt on the surface of the water body. Advantageously, when the asphalt pellet falls into water, its higher hydrophobicity can minimize or prevent the adhesion of particles (such as fragments) to the pellet, thereby maintaining buoyancy. Therefore, if dropped into water, the asphalt pellet with a shell will maintain its buoyancy for a considerable period of time.

[1275] Alternatively or additionally, application of a shell to the asphalt pellets may provide the asphalt with a higher resistance to UV degradation, such as by adding one or more UV blocking compounds to the shell. Advantageously, the addition of one or more UV blocking compounds to the shell enables the asphalt pellets to be stored in outdoor facilities with minimal UV protection while avoiding or minimizing damage to the asphalt caused by photochemicals.

[1276] Alternatively or in addition, application of a shell to the pelletized asphalt may introduce one or more color markers into the asphalt pellets by adding one or more color markers to the shell. Advantageously, the addition of one or more color markers to the pellets enables one skilled in the art to visually distinguish specific physical properties of the asphalt. For example, the asphalt pellets may have color markers on at least a portion of the pellet surface that are associated with specific physical properties of the asphalt, such as (but not limited to) the proportion of asphaltene, diluent and / or solids in the pellet; the ignition point, flash point and / or melting temperature of the pellet; and the like. Thus, the color markers may be used to convey the properties / risk levels associated with a particular asphalt / additive product. Advantageously, the use of color markers may make the pellets more visible and facilitate recycling when scattered in a lush vegetation environment, a marine environment, or scattered in the snow. Advantageously, the application of color markers may convey trademark / property information.

[1277] It should be noted that although Figure 2The step of applying the shell 30 is shown to be performed after the pelletizing step 20, but it is intended to illustrate only one possible order of events. As will be described later, a method of making asphalt pellets can use the order shown: that is, first forming the pellets and then applying the shell to the existing pellets. A method is also discussed in which the shell is formed first and then the asphalt pellets are formed only when the asphalt is placed in the shell. Finally, a method of forming the pellets and the shell simultaneously can be used, in which steps 20 and 30 are performed simultaneously.

[1278] Granulation step

[1279] Figures 3 to 7 They are shown respectively Figure 1 A specific embodiment of the granulation step 20 of the method 100.

[1280] Figure 3 A method 300 is described, wherein the step 20 of pelletizing the asphalt includes a step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt, followed by a step 40 of extruding the asphalt to obtain asphalt pellets having a predetermined shape. For example, the extrusion step may be performed in an extruder operating in an intermittent manner, or there may be a gate mechanism at the outlet of the extruder, which is capable of temporarily closing its outlet, thereby producing discrete pellets. Specifically, the pellets having a predetermined shape may be produced by extruding through a rotating die, thereby producing discrete drops that solidify upon cooling; extruding a continuous stream of material that is cooled and solidified in the extruder and then cut or formed into discrete pieces at the outlet; or injecting a hot mixture into a die, followed by cooling and releasing the formed pellets.

[1281] The method 300 then includes a step 52 of cooling and solidifying the asphalt, thereby maintaining the predetermined shape of the extruded asphalt. Optionally, the method includes a step 30 of applying a shell to the pellets. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, steps 48, 40, 52 and 30 together constitute an example of an asphalt curing / granulation operation.

[1282] See also Figure 4 , shows a method 400, wherein the step 20 of pelletizing the asphalt includes a step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt, followed by a step 50 of forming an asphalt layer, which can be performed by spreading the asphalt material on a flat surface to form a layer of approximately constant thickness. The method 400 then includes a step 52 of cooling the asphalt layer, thereby obtaining a substantially solid asphalt layer. Then, in step 54, the solidified asphalt is separated into discrete pellets of predetermined shape. Optionally, the method also includes applying a shell to each pellet in step 30. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, steps 48, 50, 52, 54 and 30 together constitute different examples of an asphalt curing / granulation operation.

[1283] See also Figure 5 , shows a method 500 in which the asphalt pelletizing step 20 includes a step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt, followed by molding the asphalt into discrete pellets in step 60, and then cooling the pellets to solidify them in step 52. The molded pellets are then demolded in step 62. Optionally, the method also includes applying a shell to the pellets in step 30. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, steps 48, 60, 52, 62 and 30 together constitute another example of an asphalt solidification / granulation operation.

[1284] See also Figure 6 , a method 600 is shown, wherein the asphalt pelletizing step 20 includes a step 48 of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt, followed by the production of asphalt lumps in step 72, and the asphalt lumps are cooled by placing the asphalt lumps in a cooling fluid bath. For example, the cooling fluid is water or other fluid. Alternatively, the cooling fluid can be an air stream. Optionally, the cooling fluid is used as a carrier in step 74 to transport the pellets to a remote location. Figure 6 is an example of a curing / pelletizing operation in which no shell is applied to the asphalt pellets. In this example, steps 48 and 72 together constitute a curing / pelletizing operation.

[1285] See also Figure 7 , a method 700 is shown in which the curing / pelletizing operation is adjusted according to the environment in which the asphalt pellets are ultimately used. The asphalt pelletizing step 20 includes determining the expected transportation or storage temperature of the pelletized asphalt in step 80. The method 700 then includes a pelletizing step 82 of the asphalt so that its viscosity is within a desired range, which is selected based on the expected transportation or storage temperature. Optionally, the method also includes applying a shell to the pellets in step 30. The reader will readily appreciate that step 82 can utilize any of the asphalt pelletizing steps 20 described herein, while specifically adding a viscosity adjustment step that adjusts the viscosity to a viscosity value suitable for maintaining the structural integrity of the pellets at the expected transportation or storage temperature.

[1286] See also Figure 8 , showing Figure 3 , 4, 5 and 6 in step 48. In general, there are two mechanisms that can trigger the solidification of asphalt. One mechanism is to reduce the temperature of the asphalt. For example, hot asphalt extrudates will become solid and no longer flow when it drops to a sufficiently low temperature (pour point). For applications where the asphalt will be kept at a sufficiently low temperature during transportation (for example, in winter), in principle, solidification can be carried out only by a cooling step, and the asphalt will naturally become solid because the asphalt is kept below its pour point. However, in most practical applications, the asphalt needs to be kept solid at room temperature, and the second mechanism is shown by optional step 820, in which the asphalt is mixed with an additive that is used to increase the viscosity of the asphalt within the following temperature range, which is the exposure temperature during the use of the asphalt. The amount and type of additive are selected so that the asphalt has a sufficiently high viscosity within the desired temperature range so as to behave as a solid. In general, increasing the additive content in the mixture has the effect of increasing the temperature at which a viscosity similar to the behavior of a solid material is obtained. Additive compounds suitable for this purpose will be further described below. In most practical implementations of step 820, since mixing of the additive with the asphalt is facilitated at elevated temperatures, an increase in viscosity will be apparent as the hot mixture cools to ambient temperature.

[1287] Transporting pelletized asphalt

[1288] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a general method 900 of processing and transporting asphalt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[1289] Method 900 includes a step 910 of providing asphalt pellets. The asphalt pellets are then transported to a remote location via a transport step 920. The solid asphalt pellets (optionally with a shell) are then processed at or near the remote location to recover the asphalt in step 90. Optionally, the asphalt is then processed in step 960 to further reduce its viscosity and density to a viscosity and density more suitable for pumping asphalt. For example, step 960 may be performed by adding a diluent and / or heating the asphalt to a temperature sufficient to obtain a desired viscosity value.

[1290] Fig.10 A flow chart of a method 1000 is shown. Fig. 9 A specific embodiment of method 900 in FIG.

[1291] The method 1000 includes a step 910 of providing asphalt pellets. In this specific embodiment, step 910 includes a sub-step 820 of providing an additive compound in the asphalt during the asphalt pelletizing step 20, wherein the additive compound is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture. A shell is then applied to the pellets during step 30, and the pelletized asphalt core with the shell is then transported to a remote location via a transporting step 920. The asphalt pellets with the shell are then processed at or near the remote location to recover the asphalt during step 90. The asphalt is then processed in step 1010 to remove at least a portion of the additive compound in the asphalt. Suitable processing details for removing at least a portion of the additive compound in the asphalt are further described herein.

[1292] General infrastructure

[1293] Fig.11 Shown is a method for implementing Fig. 9 General infrastructure 1100a of method 900.

[1294] The pelletizing step 20 and the optional shell application step 30 may be performed at the curing location 220. The asphalt is processed at the curing location 220 to obtain asphalt pellets (optionally with a shell). The asphalt pellets (optionally with a shell) are then transported to a remote location 260 via a transport chain 240. Fig.11 In the specific embodiment shown in , the transport chain 240 includes land transportation of rail cars 245, which may be (but not limited to) bins or hopper cars, or in intermodal containers. The reader will readily appreciate that trucks may be used instead of rail cars 245, or in addition to rail cars 245. Optionally, the asphalt pellets (optionally with shells) may be stored in containers (e.g., silos) or piled in the form of free standing piles before and / or after the transport chain 240. At or near the remote location 260, the asphalt pellets are processed in step 90 to restore them to a coherent asphalt-based core. The asphalt may then be refined at the refinery location 280. It should be noted that the operations performed at location 260 may be integrated into the refinery 280.

[1295] The general infrastructure 1100a is also suitable for implementing Fig.10 Method 1000.

[1296] The pelletizing step 20 and the shell application step 30 may be performed at the curing location 220. The asphalt is processed at the curing location 220 to obtain asphalt pellets with a shell by performing a step 820 of mixing the asphalt and an additive compound and applying the shell in step 30, wherein the additive compound is effective to increase the viscosity of the mixture. The asphalt pellets with the shell are then transported to the remote location 260 by the transport chain 240. Optionally, the asphalt pellets with the shell may be stored in a container (e.g., a silo) or piled up in the form of a free-standing stockpile before and / or after the transport chain 240. At or near the remote location 260, the asphalt pellets are processed in step 1010 to recover the asphalt in the pellets and remove at least a portion of the additive compound. The asphalt is then processed in step 960 to reduce its viscosity and density to a viscosity and density more suitable for pumping asphalt. The asphalt may then be refined at the refinery 280.

[1297] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 A variant 1100b of the generic infrastructure 1100a of FIG. 1 is shown, in which the transport chain 240 includes water transport, which is carried out by a marine vessel 345 (e.g., a bulk carrier) as an alternative. In other words, in the specific case where the curing location is located at or near a port, the transport chain 240 does not require a rail car 245, but instead uses a marine vessel 345 to transport the asphalt pellets to the remote location 260. As described above, the asphalt pellets with shells can be stored in containers (e.g., silos) or piled up in the form of independent stockpiles before and / or after the transport chain 240.

[1298] Fig.13 Shows Fig.11 1100c of the generic infrastructure 1100a in which, as an alternative, the transport chain 240 includes land transport and water transport, which are respectively carried out by rail cars 245 and offshore vessels 345 (i.e., bulk carriers). As described above, the asphalt pellets with shells can be stored in containers (e.g., silos) or piled up in the form of independent stockpiles before and / or after the transport chain 240. In the specific case where the curing location 220 is far away from the port, the transport chain 240 may include rail cars 245 and offshore vessels 345 to transport the asphalt pellets to the remote location 260. The reader will readily understand that trucks can be used instead of rail cars 245, or in addition to rail cars 245.

[1299] With respect to the previously mentioned concept that asphalt pellets with shells may be stored in containers (e.g., silos) or in freestanding stockpiles before and / or after a transportation step, the concept illustrates a method for implementing a management system in which storage locations may constitute a buffer zone that is capable of reducing differences between pellet handling / processing rates along a supply chain. Fig.58A and Fig.58B It is shown how storage locations can be used to implement such a management system when transporting goods by land and water.

[1300] exist Fig.58A In the embodiment of the present invention, the pelletizing step 20 and the shell applying step 30 are performed at the curing position 220. The shelled pellets are then transported from the curing position 220 to the storage position 335 by the conveyor belt 7205, where the shelled pellets fall from a predetermined height and form a stockpile. When a railcar 245 is available at the railcar loading station 7215, the shelled pellets can be transported from the storage position 335 to the loading position 7215 by the conveyor belt 7210, where the shelled pellets are loaded into the railcar 245 using an automatic loading device. Thus, the presence of the storage position 335 constitutes a buffer zone that enables the curing position 220 to operate at a given speed without being limited by the maximum loading capacity of the railcar loading station 7215, and the excess shelled pellets generated can be stored in the storage position 335 while waiting for the next railcar to enter the railcar loading station 7215, and / or the railcar loading can be performed at different speeds.

[1301] The pellets with shells are then transported to the seaport by railcar 245, where they are unloaded at railcar unloading station 7220 using automatic unloading equipment. The unloaded pellets with shells are then transported from unloading station 7220 to storage location 335' by conveyor belt 7225, where the pellets with shells fall from a predetermined height and form a stockpile. When an offshore vessel 345 is available at offshore vessel loading station 7235, the pellets with shells are transported from storage location 335' to offshore vessel loading station 7235 by conveyor belt 7230, where the pellets with shells are loaded into offshore vessel 345. Similar to the case of storage location 335, the presence of storage location 335' also constitutes a buffer zone, which provides similar benefits, namely, that the railcar unloading speed does not need to be limited by the maximum loading speed of the offshore vessel and / or the presence of the offshore vessel at offshore vessel loading station 7235.

[1302] The pellets with shells are then transported in the offshore vessel 345 to a remote destination, and at the destination, the pellets with shells are unloaded using automatic unloading equipment at the offshore vessel unloading station 7240. The unloaded pellets with shells are then transported from the unloading station 7240 to the storage location 335" by a conveyor belt 7245, where the pellets with shells fall from a predetermined height and form a stockpile. The pellets with shells are then transported to the location 260 by a conveyor belt 7250, where the pellets with shells are processed to recover asphalt. Similar to the case of storage locations 335 and 335', ​​the presence of the storage location 335" also constitutes a buffer zone, which provides a similar benefit, namely, that the unloading speed of the offshore vessel does not need to be limited by the maximum processing speed of the asphalt pellets at the location 260.

[1303] Although Fig.58A and Fig.58B Conveyors 7205, 7210, 7245, and 7250 are shown, however the reader will readily appreciate that any other equipment for handling bulk commodities may be used. In addition, although the pellets are shown as being stored in separate stockpiles at storage locations 335, 335', ​​and 335", the reader will readily appreciate that the pellets may be stored in a container (e.g., a silo).

[1304] The reader will readily appreciate that at the destination, the pellets may be unloaded using automated unloading equipment designed to handle bulk commodities. Examples of such unloading equipment include a mechanized conveyor, preferably a retractable grab or mechanical bucket, and which may be maneuvered through the hatch of a shipping container (e.g., truck, rail car, marine vessel, etc.) to automatically pick up a load of pellets.

[1305] Pellets Characteristics

[1306] Fig.14A A cross-sectional view of an asphalt pellet 300 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[1307] exist Fig.14A In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the asphalt pellet 300 includes a shell 320 positioned on an asphalt-based core 310. Although the asphalt-based core 310 may contain an asphalt mixture having a more or less viscous nature, the asphalt pellet 300 as a whole behaves as a solid pellet even though the core 310 may not be characterized as a solid.

[1308] For certain specific applications, the asphalt pellet 300 does not have a shell 320 (not shown). In this specific embodiment, the pellet 300 appears as a solid pellet, although its surface may be sticky.

[1309] Advantageously, the pellet 300 has buoyancy, with a specific gravity less than 1.0, thereby enabling the pellet to float when dropped into water.

[1310] The asphalt pellets 300 may be of different sizes and shapes. In certain embodiments, the maximum extent of the asphalt pellets 300 may be less than 1 / 4", less than 1 / 2", less than 1 inch, less than 2 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 4 inches, less than 5 inches, or less than 1 foot, or greater. As used herein, the maximum extent is the largest dimension that can be recorded from one end of the pellet to the opposite end (regardless of how it is measured). With the teachings of this disclosure, one skilled in the art will readily understand which maximum extent is more suitable for a given situation (for example, to obtain pellets suitable for handling by common solid loading transportation equipment). The desired maximum extent thus depends on the specifications of the transportation method, and the desired maximum extent is different when the pellets are transported in a fluid located in a pipeline or transported in a sluice-type system than when the pellets are transported by railcar. Another factor to consider when determining the maximum extent of the pellets is to reduce the possibility of the pellets being ingested by wildlife if the pellets are spilled, and the ease of recovery of the pellets.

[1311] In a non-limiting embodiment, the shape of the pellets can be selected from: approximately spherical, approximately diamond-shaped, approximately cylindrical, approximately disc-shaped, approximately flat, approximately elliptical, approximately flake-shaped, approximately needle-shaped, approximately ovoid, approximately pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof. The shape may depend on the specific transportation method, for example, the diamond shape increases and enables efficient conveyor handling in some rail car settings.

[1312] During in-plant applications and / or processing, conveyors such as belt conveyors are often used at large conveying angles. Such large angles in turn require that the bulk solid material has stability on the inclined belt conveyor during conveying, feeding and discharge, thereby minimizing the backward sliding and spilling of the pellets. In other words, the pellets 300 should have appropriate flowability to ensure that the bulk material has sufficient stability during movement along a combination of horizontal and vertical curves under various loading conditions, especially when the conveyor is started and stopped, thereby minimizing the backward sliding and spilling of the pellets.

[1313] There is a relationship between the shell 320 and the asphalt-based core 310, that is, the higher the viscosity of the asphalt-based core 310, the thinner the shell 320 required (i.e., the smaller the weight % of the shell, for example, 0.1 weight % to 1 weight % of the asphalt), and conversely, the lower the viscosity of the asphalt-based core 310, the thicker the shell required (i.e., the larger the weight % of the shell, for example, 1 weight % to 20 weight % of the asphalt) to obtain similar structural strength. The reader will readily appreciate that larger pellet sizes generally require lower amounts of shell material.

[1314] In a specific embodiment, the shell 320 has a thickness of less than 5 mm. Specific shell thickness ranges include about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm, about 20 μm to about 3 mm, about 20 μm to about 2 mm, and about 20 μm to about 1 mm. A shell having a thickness of about 10 μm to about 0.5 mm will have a membrane-like behavior, in other words, the shell has flexibility. Shells having a thickness greater than 0.5 mm tend to be less flexible and more similar to hard skin. In a specific non-limiting embodiment, a pellet having a maximum of about 2 inches may have a shell having a thickness of about 25 μm. In another specific non-limiting embodiment, a pellet having a maximum of about 3 inches may have a shell having a thickness of about 0.3 mm.

[1315] Fig. 14B A more realistic schematic diagram of the shell 320 of the pellet 300a is shown, illustrating the unavoidable thickness variations that are inherent in some shell application processes. Thickness variations 340 inherently constitute weak areas that need to be taken into account when designing the manufacturing parameters of the pellet to meet the strength requirements of the pellet. Therefore, the shell thickness values ​​mentioned above are average values ​​and do not refer to a constant thickness of the shell. In order to measure the shell thickness of the pellet, the shell is physically separated from the core and the thickness of the shell is measured at 10 randomly selected points and the results are averaged. Alternatively, the shell is manufactured separately on the same equipment as the pellet, but the step of loading the shell with asphalt is omitted. The latter method can be used when the removal of the asphalt will damage the shell, especially in situations where there is a great risk that the cutting and cleaning stages will make it impossible to perform thickness measurements.

[1316] for Fig. 14C , the shell 320 of pellet 300c may have a closed cell foam layer morphology. In other words, the shell may include pores 350 formed by injecting air / gas into the shell material. Advantageously, the closed cell foam layer morphology may require less material to prepare the shell due to the presence of void areas 350, and may increase the buoyancy of the resulting pellet 300c. The reader will recognize that higher buoyancy is a desirable property if there is any risk of the pellet falling into water during transportation. See Fig.14D , Fig. 14CThe shell 320 may further include an additional surface coating 330 to seal the pores open at the surface of the pellet 300d.

[1317] Alternatively, the shell may be composed of stacked layers of polymer sheets or films reinforced by a layered polymer mesh or woven polymer. Advantageously, the reinforced polymer may require less material to produce a shell with similar strength levels to a thicker polymer sheet because of the presence of void areas.

[1318] Preferably, the asphalt pellets 300 are compression and impact resistant, and these properties can be advantageously provided by the compressive strength properties of the shell 320 (when present). When the shell 320 is not present or when the thickness of the shell 320 is insufficient to resist the required pressure without deforming, the pellets 300 include sufficient additives to provide the structural strength required for the particular application.

[1319] A parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance of solid asphalt pellets having an inner asphalt-containing core enclosed in a shell is the burst resistance test. The burst resistance test is an indicator of the ability of the shell of the solid pellet to resist external forces during transportation and thus maintain its structural integrity. The burst resistance test will be described later in Chapter 7.2 of this article.

[1320] Another parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance of solid bitumen pellets is the compression test. The compression test will be further described later in this article in Chapter 7.3.

[1321] Another parameter that can be used to characterize the structural resistance of solid bitumen pellets is the impact resistance test. The impact resistance test will be further described later in this article in Chapter 7.4.

[1322] Advantageously, the impact, compression, and burst resistance of the asphalt pellets 300 minimize structural damage that could otherwise occur when the pellets are compressed by the weight of material in a stockpile during storage; or when they are compressed during transportation in rail cars or offshore vessel cargo holds, and when they are mechanically conveyed via elevators or screw conveyors, belt conveyors, or chain conveyors; and / or when the pellets are dropped from a relatively high height (e.g., from a conveyor) during handling.

[1323] As previously discussed, the shell 320 may provide the pellet with at least one of: greater structural strength, greater fire resistance, non-stickiness, surface hydrophobicity, greater UV resistance, greater resistance to oxidation-induced asphalt degradation, and the introduction of one or more color markings into the pellet.

[1324] The color signature of the pellets can be measured by the ASTM standard test method for reflective spectrophotometry. The three stimulus values ​​L*, a*, and b* are measured from the observation surface of the pellets. These L*, a*, and b* values ​​are recorded in the CIE 1976 color standard coordinate system. The color difference can be calculated according to the ASTM D2244-99 method "Standard Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates". Advantageously, when transported in winter, the color of the manufactured asphalt pellets is not white. In other words, the L* value of the colored cured asphalt pellets is selected to facilitate recovery when spilled in the snow, that is: L*=0 represents the darkest black, and L*=100 represents the lightest white.

[1325] Thus, by making the pellets a color that contrasts sharply with the snow, it is easier to locate a spilled pellet in the snow. Similarly, by making the pellets a color that contrasts sharply with the marine environment, it is easier to locate the pellets in the water. For example, the pellets can be made light-colored to be easily seen in dark waters. Another possible variation is to apply a material to the pellets that reflects an external source of illumination, such as ultraviolet light. This approach makes it easier to locate the pellets when there is no ambient light or only minimal ambient light; the ultraviolet light source will make the pellets visible in the dark.

[1326] Advantageously, the color mark is applied to the shell of the pellet. The color mark can be a die mixed with an additive (e.g., polymer) material used to make the shell. It should be noted that the color mark does not need to be applied uniformly to the pellet. It is contemplated that the color mark is applied to only a portion of the pellet, while the rest of the pellet is free of the color mark. Two or more color marks can also be applied to the pellet.

[1327] In a specific non-limiting embodiment, it has been found that color markings that are sufficient to create color contrast in a snowy environment are color markings with L* values ​​in the range of 0 to 50. Within this range, the parameters a* and b* can take any valid values ​​and the color marking can still create color contrast with the snow.

[1328] In different environments (eg, dark water), L* values ​​may range from 60 to 100 to create light colors that are clearly visible against a dark background.

[1329] Additive compounds

[1330] In one embodiment, the viscosity of the asphalt can be increased by mixing the asphalt with an additive, wherein the additive thickens the mixture. In a specific embodiment, the amount of additive mixed with the asphalt is selected so that the mixture exhibits a paste-like consistency at room temperature. If desired, a solid-like behavior can also be achieved at room temperature by further increasing the amount of additive.

[1331] In actual implementation, the additive includes a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, which is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture. The additive can be a single material, or a blend of different materials. Optionally, the addition rate of the additive in the asphalt can be adjusted according to the expected transportation or storage temperature.

[1332] Advantageously, the additives used in the present disclosure do not degrade the quality of the bitumen; in other words, the bitumen recovered from the solid pellets remains suitable for further processing, such as refining. For example, the additives have a lower tendency to adsorb low molecular weight hydrocarbons contained in the bitumen, thereby avoiding significant changes in the properties of the bitumen that has undergone the curing process.

[1333] As discussed elsewhere herein, the interaction between additives and asphalt is very important for economic and performance considerations. In general, it is desired that the physicochemical properties of the asphalt recovered from the solid asphalt pellets are substantially similar to the physicochemical properties of the asphalt before the introduction of the additives. One reason is to maintain compatibility with existing refining equipment. If the properties of the asphalt change too much, the product may no longer be suitable for processing in an existing refinery. Therefore, in a specific non-limiting embodiment, the additive is selected so that the amount of change in one or more of the following properties of the asphalt does not exceed the indicated value between the recovered asphalt and the asphalt before the addition of the additive, the properties being: flash point (not exceeding the reproducibility of the present invention), boiling point distribution (not exceeding about 5%°C), density (not exceeding about 1%), pour point (not exceeding about 3°C, which is the reproducibility of the standard measurement method).

[1334] In specific embodiments, when the additive is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, multiple factors need to be considered when evaluating the suitability of a specific polymer for asphalt curing from the perspective of maintaining compatibility with existing refining equipment. Examples of these factors include:

[1335] a) Solubility of polymer in bitumen.

[1336] Generally speaking, the lower the solubility, the better. If too much polymer is dissolved in the bitumen, it will contaminate the refining equipment, which is to be avoided. In addition, polymer dissolved in the bitumen is difficult to remove and therefore difficult to recycle, which is economically disadvantageous because some polymer is lost during the bitumen refining process.

[1337] Specific examples of polymers that are well able to cure asphalt when mixed with asphalt are found to exist in two distinct phases: one phase is a miscible phase that is soluble in the asphalt and the other phase is an immiscible phase in which discrete polymer droplets are dispersed in the bulk of the asphalt. To recover the asphalt from the solid pellets, the immiscible phase is removed, for example by gravity separation, as described below.

[1338] Advantageously, the polymer is selected so that its solubility in the bitumen measured at a temperature of 150° C. is less than 5% by weight, or less than 1% by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight, or less than 0.1% by weight, or less than 0.05% by weight, or less than 0.01% by weight. If the solubility of the polymer in the bitumen is found to be too high, the polymer may be removed from the solution to at least some extent by using an appropriate solvent extraction process. In practice, such processes are costly and complex and are to be avoided.

[1339] b) Bitumen retention in polymers

[1340] The inventors have found that after the above-mentioned immiscible polymer phase is removed by, for example, gravity separation, the immiscible phase of the polymer will retain asphalt. This is undesirable because it will result in the loss of valuable products, and from an economic point of view, it is desirable to reduce the asphalt retention. For example, the relative retention of asphalt materials in the polymer phase relative to the polymer phase does not exceed about 70% by weight, or does not exceed about 60% by weight, or does not exceed about 40% by weight, or does not exceed about 30% by weight, or does not exceed about 10% by weight, which varies depending on the extraction / cleaning parameters.

[1341] One option to reduce the economic impact of bitumen retention is to recycle the immiscible phase of polymer removed from the bitumen in a bitumen recovery operation. In this way, the entrained bitumen is effectively retained in a closed loop, resulting in very low overall bitumen losses over several cycles. However, this approach adds complexity because the bitumen-saturated polymer extracted from the bitumen needs to be transported back to the curing plant for reuse, which involves transportation costs and logistical considerations.

[1342] In a specific embodiment, the additive is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a melting point low enough to allow processing temperatures below about 180°C, preferably below about 160°C, such as, but not limited to, a melting point temperature of at least 50°C. For example, the melting point temperature may be from about 50°C to about 150°C.

[1343] In a specific embodiment, the pellets comprise an emulsion of asphalt and a hydrocarbon-containing polymer. The emulsion may include discrete droplets of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer dispersed in the asphalt. In one embodiment, when the pellets are subjected to an asphalt recovery process (including a coalescence step of the droplets), at least a portion of the discrete droplets of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer are caused to melt. Alternatively or in addition, the additive is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that advantageously has a relatively low solubility in asphalt at elevated temperatures, thereby minimizing the process required to separate the additive compound from the asphalt. For example, in a specific practical embodiment, the polymer may be a low density polyethylene (LDPE) having a solubility in asphalt at 150°C of less than 0.03 wt%.

[1344] Alternatively or additionally, the additive is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a low affinity for water, thereby ensuring the integrity of the cured asphalt when dispersed in a body of water and avoiding the absorption of water.

[1345] Alternatively or additionally, the additive is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a low density relative to water, thereby minimizing sinking of the cured asphalt in water when dispersed in a body of water.

[1346] For bitumen obtained from a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) production site, in most cases it is cleaned and separated from water by adding solvents. Preferably, the solvent is removed before the bitumen is processed to convert it into pellets. Therefore, in most cases, the feed to the solidification process comes from the diluent recovery unit, rather than the raw bitumen.

[1347] Generally, the bitumen from the diluent recovery unit is heated at a temperature of about 50°C to about 180°C, preferably about 80°C to about 180°C, which is sufficient to mix the bitumen and the additive compound.

[1348] In an advantageous non-limiting embodiment, a single hydrocarbon-containing polymer is added to the bitumen. This simplifies the curing of the bitumen. However, it is also contemplated that two or more different hydrocarbon-containing polymers are added to the bitumen, especially when other advantageous specific properties are to be obtained.

[1349] In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer comprises polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which may optionally be branched and / or substituted.

[1350] In one embodiment, the polyethylene (PE) may include high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

[1351] In one non-limiting embodiment, a hydrocarbon-containing polymer is mixed with asphalt to obtain an asphalt-based core, and the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is 1% to 20% by weight, such as 1% to 5% or 5% to 15% by weight, relative to the mixed amount of asphalt. For some asphalt types, the addition of hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to asphalt is about 1% to about 5% by weight, which will result in a mixture that behaves like a paste with low mobility at room temperature. When the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is added at a high ratio (e.g., higher than 10% by weight of asphalt), the resulting mixture behaves like a quasi-solid. The reader will readily appreciate that the amount of hydrocarbon-containing polymer required to obtain a certain behavior depends on the type of asphalt, the type of polymer, and the mixing method. Raising the temperature of the polymer / asphalt mixture reduces its viscosity and increases its mobility. Thus, the polymer / asphalt mixture exhibits liquid-like behavior at high temperatures. The temperature at which the mixture can flow easily depends on the type of polymer and asphalt and the addition ratio of the polymer.

[1352] In a practical embodiment, the pellet comprises an asphalt core and a shell 320 .

[1353] In particular embodiments, the shell comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is the same as the hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the asphalt core.

[1354] In a specific embodiment, the shell contains a hydrocarbon-containing polymer that is different from the additive contained in the asphalt core.

[1355] In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is included in the shell in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt, such as from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt.

[1356] In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer contained in the shell includes a cross-linked polymer. In this specific case, the content of the cross-linked polymer in the shell can be 0.3 wt% to 0.5 wt% relative to the bitumen, because the strength of the cross-linked polymer is much greater than that of the non-cross-linked polymer.

[1357] As discussed above, when a sufficient amount of hydrocarbon-containing polymer is mixed with asphalt to obtain a sufficiently high structural strength for handling / storage / transportation (e.g., the amount of hydrocarbon-containing polymer relative to asphalt is greater than 10% by weight), the shell can be made into a soft shell, and the content of hydrocarbon-containing polymer in the soft shell is 0.01% to 5% by weight of asphalt. For example, the content of polymer in the shell can be 2% to 5% by weight of asphalt, and the content of polymer in the core mixture can be about 10% by weight of asphalt.

[1358] The mechanical properties of the polymers used in the shell / asphalt-based core, such as stretch resistance (yield strength and tensile strength), hardness (yield modulus), toughness (tensile break energy, impact resistance) and tear resistance (flexural strength), can be tested using standard tests such as ASTM D882, which is a standard test method for testing the tensile properties of thin plastic sheets; ASTM D790, which is a standard test method for testing the flexural properties of reinforced and unreinforced materials and electrical insulating materials; ASTM D1922, which is a standard test method for measuring the tear propagation resistance of plastic films and thin sheets by the pendulum method; or ASTM F1306, which is a standard test method for testing the slow penetration resistance of flexible barrier films and laminates.

[1359] It should be noted that while it is preferred to have a shell to protect the asphalt-based core of the pellet, in some applications the shell is not present. As will be described below, the pellets can be transported without a shell in a fluid medium that isolates the pellets from each other and reduces the likelihood of pellet agglomeration. In addition, the pellets can be handled and transported at very low temperatures, which makes the asphalt-based mixture almost solid, eliminating the need for a shell.

[1360] Apparatus and method for industrial application of the invention

[1361] Fig.15 A system 1300 for pelletizing asphalt is shown. The system 1300 includes a mixing stage 405 and a curing stage 480. As described in more detail below, the purpose of the mixing stage 405 is to mix the asphalt and an additive together, wherein the additive is used to increase the viscosity of the mixture of the asphalt and the additive. The mixing stage 405 includes a mixer 410 having a first inlet 402 for receiving the asphalt and a second inlet 404 for receiving the additive. Although not shown in the figure, it is understood that a metering device is provided at the inlet 404 to adjust the amount of addition relative to the amount of asphalt 402. Optionally, one or more other elements can be added to the asphalt and / or the additive.

[1362] The asphalt and additive need to be heated to obtain a moderately uniform mixture. When the additive is in the form of a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, it is heated to its melting temperature or higher so that it becomes liquid and mixes well with the asphalt. One possible way is to heat the asphalt and introduce the polymer in the form of a powder or fine particles at the second inlet 404. The polymer is mixed with the asphalt and heated, melted, and evenly distributed throughout the asphalt-based core.

[1363] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the melting point of the polymer introduced at the second inlet 404 is at least 50°C, for example, in the range of 50°C to about 150°C. Therefore, the asphalt and the polymer are heated within the above temperature range (for example, at least 50°C) before being introduced into the mixture 410. Alternatively, the asphalt is heated within the temperature range and maintained during the mixing operation. The polymer is introduced in solid form, but when it contacts the hot asphalt, the polymer melts and is evenly distributed in the asphalt-based core under the action of mechanical stirring.

[1364] The mixing temperature is maintained above the melting temperature of the polymer to maintain the mixture at a viscosity that allows mixing operations. Advantageously, even higher mixing temperatures can be maintained to substantially reduce the viscosity of the bitumen and improve the pumpability of the mixture.

[1365] Apart from Fig.15 In addition to the in-vessel mixing shown in FIG. 1 , in-line mixing at elevated temperatures in combination with recirculation, or single and multiple pass in-line mixing, may also be used to mix the asphalt and additives.

[1366] The hot mixture exits the outlet of mixer 410 and is directed to the inlet of pump 420, which pumps the heated mixture through conduit 430. The mixture is discharged from conduit 430 into a curing stage 480. Examples of curing stages include:

[1367] 1. Inject the liquid into a prefabricated mold, then cool the material in the mold to below the melting point of the additive, preferably below 80°C, preferably below 50°C, and release the pellets from the mold.

[1368] 2. The liquid mixture is injected through a long hollow extrusion die (e.g., circular in cross-section), the liquid stream is cooled along the length of the extrusion die to below the melting point of the additive, preferably below 80°C, preferably below 50°C, and a continuous rod of hardened material exiting the end of the extrusion die is cut.

[1369] 3. The liquid mixture is injected into a water stream through a rotating mold, where it forms individual droplets and cools and hardens, and is then transported with the liquid.

[1370] Fig.16 A variation of the asphalt pelletizing system is shown. System 1400 includes a mixing stage 405, which is similar to the above-mentioned Fig.15The hot mixture is pumped through the pipeline 430 and enters the curing stage 580, which includes an extruder 530. The extruder 530 includes a screw, which further mixes the additives (e.g., polymer) and the asphalt, and extrude the mixture through a die 560. The die 560 has a predetermined cross-sectional shape so that the mixture discharged from the die obtains the cross-sectional shape. The gate device 540 is capable of operating to cut the length of the extruded mixture into individual pellets 310. The gate device 540 includes a pair of blades, wherein the pair of blades cooperate between a closed position (at which the blades close the die 560, thereby preventing the mixture from being pumped out) and an open position (at which the mixture can leave the die 560). The gate device 540 is cycled at a desired speed to obtain pellets 310 of a desired size. The faster the cycle speed, the smaller the pellets 310. Conversely, the slower the cycle speed, the larger the pellets 310.

[1371] The mold 560 has an internal passage through which the mixture is conveyed. The internal passage is surrounded by a cooling sleeve, which cools the mixture to below the solidification temperature. Therefore, the pellets discharged from the solidification stage 580 are solid. The cooling sleeve is a cavity through which a cooling medium such as water is pumped. The speed at which the cooling medium circulates through the cooling sleeve is selected according to the temperature of the mixture desired to be achieved at the outlet of the mold 560.

[1372] Optionally, a liquid bath may be provided to cool the pellets. The liquid bath has the advantage that it can be used as a transport medium to transport the pellets to a remote location.

[1373] Can Fig.16 The apparatus shown in Figure 5 can be modified to introduce additional additives, such as dyes, into the asphalt mixture prior to forming the pellets 310. The dye can be injected prior to introducing the mixture into the extruder 530. In this way, the additives can be fully dispersed in the mixture by the screw of the extruder 530 prior to forming the pellets 310.

[1374] Fig.17 Another variation of a system for asphalt pelletization is shown. A feature of system 2000 is the ability to provide pellets with an external shell. As discussed elsewhere herein, when handling of the pellets involves contact between the pellets or contact between the pellets and transport / handling equipment, the external shell can be used in these applications. The shell reduces the likelihood of the pellets adhering to each other or to the interior walls of the transport / handling equipment.

[1375] More specifically, the shell forms a non-adherent outer surface that physically protects the asphalt core located inside and prevents the pellets from being crushed when subjected to a certain weight. For example, when bulk pellets are transported in a freight rail car, the pellets at any depth in the stockpile in the car are subjected to the weight of the pellets located above them. In this mode of transportation, it is undesirable for the weight of the pellets to crush or deform the lowest layer of pellets. The risk is that if the pellets are crushed, the shell may break and the asphalt core may seep out and adhere to adjacent pellets or equipment, requiring cleaning. In addition, crushing can...

Claims

1. A method for transporting asphalt material in dry bulk, comprising: a) receiving in a dry bulk shipping container a pourable charge of discrete pellets comprising an asphalt material, the asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery stock and an additive, the additive being capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery stock being suitable for use as a feedstock to a refinery prior to being mixed with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery stock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery stock of less than 5 weight percent at a temperature of 150° C., such that after removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a crude oil refinery stock-rich phase recovered from the mixture remains compatible with the refinery to permit separation of the crude oil refinery stock-rich phase into the components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein each pellet comprises a core and a shell, the core comprising an asphalt material, the shell encapsulating the core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell of a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, the internal gas pressure increase being used to at least partially offset the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent the asphalt material from adhering to the walls of the container when the pellets are loaded into the container, thereby allowing the load to remain pourable when transported in the container; and b) transporting the dry bulk shipping container containing the pellets over a distance.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a rail car.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the railcar is a tank or hopper car.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the dry bulk transport container is a shipping container.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the dry bulk transport container is a marine vessel.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a truck. The method of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a non-adherent material.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

12. The method of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is above ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the shell is substantially free of the asphalt material.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the housing is less than 5 mm.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the shell has a thickness in a range from about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the shell has a thickness in a range from about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, rhombus, cylinder, disk, plate, ellipse, flake, needle, egg, pillow, and any combination thereof.

22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than one quarter inch.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than one-half inch.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than 1 inch.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than 2 inches.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than 4 inches.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than 5 inches.

30. A method for transporting asphalt material in dry bulk, comprising: a) receiving in a dry bulk shipping container a pourable charge of discrete pellets comprising an asphalt material, the asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery stock and an additive, the additive being capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery stock being suitable for use as a feedstock to a refinery prior to being mixed with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery stock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery stock of less than 5 weight percent at a temperature of 150° C., such that after removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a crude oil refinery stock-rich phase recovered from the mixture remains compatible with the refinery to permit separation of the crude oil refinery stock-rich phase into the components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein each pellet comprises a core and a shell, the core comprising an asphalt material, the shell encapsulating the core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell of a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, the internal gas pressure increase being used to at least partially counteract the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent agglomeration of the load when the pellets are loaded into the container; and b) transporting the dry bulk shipping container containing the pellets a distance wherein the load remains pourable after transport is complete.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a rail car.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the railcar is a tank or hopper car.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the dry bulk transport container is a shipping container.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the dry bulk transport container is a marine vessel.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a truck.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the housing comprises a non-adherent material.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

41. The method of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

43. The method of claim 30, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is above ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

44. The method of claim 30, wherein the shell is substantially free of the asphalt material.

45. The method of claim 30, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

50. The method of claim 30, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, rhombus, cylinder, disk, plate, ellipse, flake, needle, egg, pillow, and any combination thereof.

51. The method of any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than one quarter inch.

53. The method of claim 51 wherein the pellets have a maximum dimension of less than one-half inch.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

57. The method of claim 51, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

58. The method of claim 51, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

59. A method for obtaining asphalt pellets, comprising: a. providing a plurality of spherical cores, each of the plurality of spherical cores comprising an asphalt material, the asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery feedstock and an additive, the additive being capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery feedstock being suitable for use as a feedstock in a refinery prior to being mixed with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery feedstock into components that can be used as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery feedstock of less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150° C., such that after the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer is removed from the mixture, a crude oil refinery feedstock-rich phase recovered from the mixture remains compatible with the refinery to allow separation of the crude oil refinery feedstock-rich phase into the components that can be used as fuels and lubricants; b. applying a non-adherent outer surface to each pellet core, wherein applying the non-adherent outer surface to each pellet core comprises applying a shell, the shell encapsulating the pellet core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal air pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, the internal air pressure increase being used to at least partially offset the pressure, wherein as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the internal air pressure increases accordingly, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent agglomeration of the pellet load when the pellet load is loaded into a container.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the container is a rail car.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein the railcar is a tank or hopper car.

62. The method of claim 59, wherein the container is a shipping container.

63. The method of claim 59, wherein the container is a marine vessel.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein the container is a truck.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein the housing comprises a non-adherent material.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

68. The method of claim 66, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

69. The method of claim 66, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

70. The method of any one of claims 66 to 69, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

72. The method of claim 59, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is above ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

73. The method of claim 59, wherein the shell is substantially free of the asphalt material.

74. The method of claim 59, wherein the shell is formed on the pellet core, the pellet core being a solid or semi-solid pellet core.

75. The method of claim 59, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

77. The method of claim 75, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

78. The method of claim 75, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

79. The method of claim 75, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

80. The method of claim 59, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, rhombus, cylinder, disk, plate, ellipse, flake, needle, egg, pillow, and any combination thereof.

81. The method of any one of claims 59 to 64, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

83. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

84. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

85. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

86. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

87. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

88. The method of claim 81, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

89. The method of any one of claims 59 to 64, comprising configuring the bitumen pellets so that they form a dumpable load that can be transported as a dry bulk cargo.

90. A transport container comprising a pourable dry bulk load of discrete pellets, each discrete pellet comprising an asphalt material, the asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery feedstock and an additive, the additive being capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery feedstock being suitable for use as a feedstock in a refinery prior to mixing with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery feedstock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery feedstock of less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150° C., such that upon removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a crude oil refinery feedstock rich in Phases are maintained compatible with the refinery to allow phase separation of the crude oil-rich refinery feedstock into components that can be used as fuels and lubricants, wherein each pellet includes a core and a shell, the core including an asphalt material, the shell encapsulating the core, the pellets being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellets, the internal gas pressure increase being used to at least partially offset the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent the asphalt material from adhering to the walls of the transport container when the pellets are loaded into the container, thereby allowing the load to remain pourable when transported in the container.

91. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the container is a rail car.

92. The shipping container of claim 91, wherein the rail car is a tank or hopper car.

93. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the container is a shipping container.

94. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the container is a marine vessel.

95. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the container is a truck.

96. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the shell comprises a non-adherent material.

97. The shipping container of claim 96, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

98. The shipping container of claim 97, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

99. The shipping container of claim 97 wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

100. A shipping container according to claim 97, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

101. A transport container according to any one of claims 97 to 100, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

102. The shipping container of claim 101 wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

103. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is greater than ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

104. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein said shell is substantially free of said asphalt material.

105. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the shell is formed on the pellet core, the pellet core being a solid or semi-solid pellet core.

106. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

107. The shipping container of claim 106, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

108. The shipping container of claim 106, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

109. The shipping container of claim 106, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

110. The shipping container of claim 106, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

111. The shipping container of claim 90, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, diamond, cylindrical, disc-shaped, flat, elliptical, flake-shaped, needle-shaped, egg-shaped, pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

112. The shipping container of any one of claims 90 to 95, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

113. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

114. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

115. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

116. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

117. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

118. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

119. The shipping container of claim 112, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

120. A transport container comprising a pourable dry bulk load of discrete pellets, each discrete pellet comprising an asphalt material, the asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery feedstock and an additive, the additive being capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery feedstock being suitable for use as a feedstock in a refinery prior to being mixed with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery feedstock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture as at least an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery feedstock of less than 5% by weight at a temperature of 150° C., such that upon removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a rich The phase containing crude oil refinery feedstock remains compatible with the refinery to allow separation of the phase rich in crude oil refinery feedstock into the components that can be used as fuels and lubricants, wherein each pellet includes a core and a shell, the core including an asphalt material, the shell encapsulating the core, the pellets are capable of generating an internal gas pressure increase in response to an external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellets, the internal gas pressure increase being used to at least partially offset the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent the load from agglomerating when the pellets are loaded into the container, thereby allowing the load to remain pourable when transported in the container.

121. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the container is a rail car.

122. The shipping container of claim 121, wherein the rail car is a tank or hopper car.

123. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the container is a shipping container.

124. The transport container of claim 120, wherein the container is a marine vessel.

125. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the container is a truck.

126. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the shell comprises a non-adherent material.

127. The shipping container of claim 126, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

128. The shipping container of claim 127, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

129. The shipping container of claim 127, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

130. A shipping container according to claim 127, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

131. A transport container according to any one of claims 127 to 130, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

132. A shipping container according to claim 131, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

133. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is higher than ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

134. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein said shell is substantially free of said asphalt material.

135. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the shell is formed on the pellet core, the pellet core being a solid or semi-solid pellet core.

136. The shipping container of claim 120, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

137. The shipping container of claim 136, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

138. The shipping container of claim 136, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

139. The shipping container of claim 136, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

140. The shipping container of claim 136, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

141. The shipping container of claim 136, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, diamond, cylindrical, disc-shaped, flat, elliptical, flake-shaped, needle-shaped, oval-shaped, pillow-shaped, and any combination thereof.

142. The shipping container of any one of claims 120 to 125, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 12 inches.

143. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one quarter inch.

144. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than one-half inch.

145. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 1 inch.

146. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 2 inches.

147. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 3 inches.

148. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 4 inches.

149. The shipping container of claim 142, wherein the maximum extent of the pellets is less than 5 inches.

150. A pellet for dry bulk transportation of asphalt material, the pellet comprising: A pellet core comprising an asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery stock and an additive capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery stock being suitable for use as a feedstock to a refinery prior to mixing with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery stock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery stock of less than 5 weight percent at a temperature of 150° C., such that after removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a crude oil refinery stock-rich phase recovered from the mixture remains compatible with the refinery to permit separation of the crude oil refinery stock-rich phase into the components useful as fuels and lubricants; and A shell encapsulating the core, the pellets being capable of generating an increase in internal air pressure in response to an external pressure applied to the shell and having a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellets, the internal air pressure increase being used to at least partially offset the pressure, wherein the internal air pressure increases as the external pressure applied to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent the asphalt material from adhering to the walls of a dry bulk shipping container when a load including a plurality of the pellets is loaded into the container, thereby allowing the load to remain pourable when transported in the container.

151. The pellet of claim 150 wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a rail car.

152. The pellet of claim 151 wherein the rail car is a bin or hopper car.

153. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a shipping container.

154. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a marine vessel.

155. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a truck.

156. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the shell comprises a non-adherent material.

157. The pellet of claim 156, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

158. The pellet of claim 157, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

159. The pellet of claim 157, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

160. The pellet of claim 157, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

161. The pellet of any one of claims 157 to 160, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

162. The pellet of claim 161, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell is present in the shell in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

163. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is greater than ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

164. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the shell is substantially free of the asphalt material.

165. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

166. The pellet of claim 165, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

167. The pellet of claim 166, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

168. The pellet of claim 166, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

169. The pellet of claim 166, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

170. The pellet of claim 150, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, rhombus, cylinder, disk, plate, ellipse, flake, needle, egg, pillow, and any combination thereof.

171. The pellet of any one of claims 150 to 155, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 12 inches.

172. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one quarter inch.

173. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one-half inch.

174. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 1 inch.

175. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 2 inches.

176. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 3 inches.

177. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 4 inches.

178. The pellet of claim 171, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 5 inches.

179. A pellet for dry bulk transportation of asphalt material, the pellet comprising: A pellet core comprising an asphalt material comprising a mixture of a crude oil refinery stock and an additive capable of increasing the viscosity of the asphalt material, the crude oil refinery stock being suitable for use as a feedstock to a refinery prior to mixing with the additive to separate the crude oil refinery stock into components useful as fuels and lubricants, wherein the additive comprises a hydrocarbon-containing polymer, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer being present in the mixture at least as an immiscible phase, the hydrocarbon-containing polymer having a solubility in the crude oil refinery stock of less than 5 weight percent at a temperature of 150° C., such that after removal of the immiscible phase of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer from the mixture, a crude oil refinery stock-rich phase recovered from the mixture remains compatible with the refinery to permit separation of the crude oil refinery stock-rich phase into the components useful as fuels and lubricants; and a shell encapsulating the core, the pellet being capable of generating an increase in internal gas pressure in response to an externally applied pressure to the shell of a magnitude sufficient to deform the pellet, the internal gas pressure increase being used to at least partially counteract the pressure, wherein the internal gas pressure increases as the externally applied pressure to the shell increases, the shell forming a non-adherent outer surface, the non-adherent outer surface being configured to prevent agglomeration of the load comprising a plurality of the pellets when loaded into a dry bulk shipping container.

180. The pellet of claim 179 wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a rail car.

181. The pellet of claim 180, wherein the rail car is a bin or hopper car.

182. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a shipping container.

183. The pellets of claim 179, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a marine vessel.

184. The pellets of claim 179, wherein the dry bulk shipping container is a truck.

185. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the shell comprises a non-adherent material.

186. The pellet of claim 185, wherein the non-adherent material is a hydrocarbon-containing polymer.

187. The pellet of claim 186, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises polyethylene.

188. The pellet of claim 186, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises cross-linked polyethylene.

189. The pellet of claim 186, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or any combination thereof.

190. The pellet of any one of claims 186 to 189, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the asphalt material in the core.

191. The pellet of claim 190, wherein the content of the hydrocarbon-containing polymer of the shell present in the shell is in the range of about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the asphalt material in the core.

192. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the shell completely surrounds the core, wherein the internal pressure of each pellet is greater than ambient pressure, and wherein the shell is hermetically sealed to maintain the internal pressure of the pellet.

193. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the shell is substantially free of the asphalt material.

194. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the shell has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

195. The pellet of claim 193, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 4.5 mm.

196. The pellet of claim 193, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 3 mm.

197. The pellet of claim 193, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 2 mm.

198. The pellet of claim 193, wherein the shell has a thickness in the range of about 20 μm to about 1 mm.

199. The pellet of claim 179, wherein the shell has a shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, rhombus, cylinder, disk, plate, ellipse, flake, needle, egg, pillow, and any combination thereof.

200. The pellet of any one of claims 179 to 184, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 12 inches.

201. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one quarter inch.

202. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than one-half inch.

203. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 1 inch.

204. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 2 inches.

205. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 3 inches.

206. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 4 inches.

207. The pellet of claim 200, wherein the maximum extent of the pellet is less than 5 inches.

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