Bitumen, in its normal semi solid state at ambient temperature, is classified as a non-dangerous good. However, when heated above 100oC, it becomes an elevated temperature product and is classified as a dangerous good under Class 9.
Depending on the bitumen state, varying levels of equipment and personnel safety gear is required for transportation and handling.
The transport of bitumen can therefore be separated into two categories, ‘hot’ transport, where it is generally in a liquid state around 130-160oC, or ‘cold’ transport, where it sits at ambient temperatures, solid and packed. Almost 90% of bitumen is transported hot worldwide, with the remaining 10% transported cold. Of the hot bitumen transported, the majority of the journey consists of bulk ship or rail, transporting from refineries to storage or shipping terminals, or to the end-user. Cold bitumen is generally transported in bitumen containers, drums or bags.
The mode of transport in a hot condition affects the regulation code, for Europe ADR applies to road transport, RID is specifically for rail, ADNR for inland waterways, and IMDG for worldwide maritime transport.
The regulations surrounding bitumen transport can cause difficulties and complications in the supply chain, especially in cases where the bitumen is required to be transferred from one form of transport to another, e.g. truck to ship, to truck to rail in one logistic. Utilising TEC’s various transport Bitutainers™ can simplify this process, with one fully intermodal container being used for the whole logistic without the need for intermediary heating or transfers.
Our market-leading Shipper Bitutainer™ allows for long distance shipment of bitumen in a cold state, whereas our ADR/RID and IMDG BitutainerTM ranges are specially designed with all approvals to transport bitumen in a hot state via road, rail and even sea.
BitutainerTM range utilisation in transport logistics:
Get in touch today to discuss which one of our specialist Bitutainer™ models can best improve your bitumen logistic operations.
The regulations surrounding bitumen transport can cause various complications and added difficulties in the bitumen supply chain, but with TEC’s Bitutainer™ range, this process can be simplified. Contact us today to find out how TEC can improve your bitumen transport logistics.
