Bitumen produced from crude oil is one of the most essential materials in modern construction and industrial use.
Known also as asphalt, pitch, or tar-like material, this dense petroleum derivative plays a significant role in road building,
roofing, and waterproofing. The production of bitumen is a complex refining process that transforms heavy crude oil residues
into a versatile product. To better understand what is bitumen and how it is processed, we must explore its raw materials, refining stages, and natural formation. In global markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other industrial regions, bitumen’s economic role is strongly linked to
bitumen price fluctuations.

What Are The Raw Materials of Bitumen?

Bitumen is primarily derived from crude oil. When crude oil undergoes fractional distillation in refineries,
lighter fuels such as gasoline and diesel are separated. The heavier residues are then further processed to obtain
bitumen. The main raw materials include:

• Heavy crude oil residues
• Vacuum residue
• Natural bitumen deposits

These raw materials form the base for producing different types of bitumen including
bitumen membrane and APP modified bitumen.

Bitumen Process Flow Diagram

The production of bitumen involves a systematic refining approach. Crude oil is first distilled to separate lighter fuels.
The remaining heavy residue enters a vacuum distillation unit where bitumen is extracted. To illustrate, here is a simplified
process diagram:

Crude Oil → Atmospheric Distillation → Residue → Vacuum Distillation → Bitumen Produced

This sequence highlights how how to use bitumen effectively
depends on its refining stage and intended purpose.

How is Bitumen Produced?

Bitumen is produced mainly through vacuum distillation. The residue obtained after initial distillation of crude oil is heated
under reduced pressure. This separates additional lighter components and leaves behind a dense, viscous product – the bitumen.
The refining process may also include air-blowing, where oxygen is introduced to alter bitumen’s physical properties.
This modification makes it suitable for roofing and waterproofing, such as in
solar roofing applications.

What Can Bitumen be Refined Into?

Bitumen can be further processed into specialized products tailored for construction and industrial uses. Examples include:

These refined products highlight the main purpose of bitumen
as a versatile binding and waterproofing material.

Where is Bitumen Refined?

Bitumen is refined in petroleum refineries across the world. Large-scale operations are found in the Middle East,
North America, and Asia. Saudi Arabia and the United States are among the leading countries in bitumen refining due
to their extensive oil reserves. The location of refineries often impacts global trade and
bitumen availability. Regional demand also influences
bitumen price trends.

How is Bitumen Formed Naturally?

Bitumen can also occur naturally in deposits known as oil sands or tar pits. Over millions of years, crude oil trapped in
sedimentary rock undergoes biodegradation, where lighter components evaporate, leaving behind heavy bitumen.
Natural bitumen is mined in regions like Canada and Venezuela. While this method avoids refinery processing, it requires
extensive upgrading before use. Environmental considerations, such as the
effects of bitumen on the environment,
make natural extraction a debated issue in sustainability discussions.