Bitumen Composition Using Plastic Pyrolysis Oil

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current bitumen production methods for road construction are costly and inefficient, particularly in adjusting the ring and ball softening temperature (RBT) of bitumens, which can lead to premature aging and increased fragility when using additives or blowing processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating plastic liquefaction oil, specifically pyrolysis oil with an initial boiling point of at least 300°C, into bitumen bases to improve RBT variation and reduce aging, allowing for the reprocessing of heavy cuts that are difficult to handle otherwise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additives are used to adjust RBT of bitumen bases, then the technical characteristics of bitumen bases can be adapted, but the cost of producing bitumen bases increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of technical characteristicsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of bitumen bases by blending different crude oil sources (Venezuelan, Canadian, Middle Eastern crudes) to achieve desired RBT characteristics without adding expensive external additives. The blending ratios and crude selections are optimized to meet specification requirements while controlling production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If blowing operation is performed to harden bitumen and increase RBT, then the thermal susceptibility is reduced, but the bitumen becomes more sensitive to aging and more fragile when cold

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRBT (ring and ball softening temperature)VSAvoidsensitivity to aging and cold fragility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite bitumen material by blending multiple crude oil derivatives with different chemical compositions and thermal properties. This composite approach achieves the desired RBT range (40-55°C) while maintaining flexibility and resistance to aging, avoiding the need for aggressive blowing operations that compromise material reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If polymers are added to bitumen bases to modify properties, then the properties of bitumen bases are modified, but additional costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodification of propertiesVSAvoidadditional cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves property modification through controlled blending of crude oil fractions and derivatives, adjusting parameters such as aromatic content, sulfur content, and molecular weight distribution. This approach modifies bitumen properties (penetrability, viscosity, softening point) without incurring the additional costs of polymer additives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If conventional crude oils are used to produce bitumen bases, then the production process requires specialized refinery units operating for given durations, but this increases operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a multi-functional bitumen production system that can efficiently process various crude oil types (Venezuelan, Canadian, Middle Eastern) using the same refinery infrastructure. The flexible blending approach allows the refinery units to operate continuously with different crude inputs without requiring specialized configuration changes, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the variation in softening point by 10-30% without the need for purification, enhancing the bitumen's properties and reducing operational costs by stabilizing the bitumen and improving its handling characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a composition of bitumen bases is proposed comprising at least: a bitumen base a) and at least one plastic pyrolysis oil b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentUS20240400833A1Bitumen base composition for producing bitumen comprising a plastics liquefaction oil
Publication Date: 2024.12.05 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH

AI summary

A bitumen base composition having at least from 95 to 99% by weight at least one bitumen base having a penetrability at 25° C. of less than or equal to 220·10−1 mm and a softening point higher than or equal to 35° C., and from 1 to 5% by weight at least one plastic liquefaction oil the initial boiling point of which is at least 300° C. measured in accordance with D7169:20. The bitumen base composition makes it possible to reprocess a heavy plastic liquefaction oil cut for use in a road bitumen.