How is bitumen obtained from petroleum and what are its uses?

Bitumen is obtained from petroleum through a process called fractional distillation and is primarily used in road construction.

Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It is obtained from crude oil through a process known as fractional distillation. This process involves heating the crude oil to different temperatures, causing various components to evaporate and then condense at different levels in a distillation column. The bitumen remains at the bottom of the column as it has the highest boiling point.

The fractional distillation process begins with the crude oil being heated to around 350 degrees Celsius. This causes the oil to vaporise and enter the distillation column. As the vapour rises through the column, the temperature decreases. Different components of the crude oil condense at different levels in the column according to their boiling points. The lighter fractions, such as petrol and diesel, condense at the top of the column where the temperature is lower. The heavier fractions, such as lubricating oil and fuel oil, condense in the middle. Bitumen, being the heaviest fraction, remains at the bottom of the column where the temperature is highest.

Bitumen is primarily used in road construction, where it serves as a binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete. It is also used in other types of construction, for example in roofing to make the roof waterproof. Bitumen is also used in the production of water tanks, and in the automotive industry for soundproofing and anti-rust applications. Its waterproofing and adhesive properties make it a valuable material in a variety of industrial applications.