VG 30 bitumen is a popular grade of bitumen in India. Indian importers prefer this type of bitumen because its performance in Indian road construction is proved. VG 30 grade bitumen is also used for plastic roads in India.

Because of having good thermal susceptibility, we use VG30 in areas that have a higher temperature. VG-30 bitumen is also suitable for use in hot and rainy weather conditions instead of bitumen penetration grades. The more viscose the bitumen, the fewer the chance of being affected by water.

30 In VG 30 bitumen means the range of viscosity [(100 +- 20) * 30] in terms of Poise. For VG 30 grade bitumen, the minimum viscosity at 60°c is calculated like this: 80 * 30 = 2400 Poise. The maximum viscosity is also calculated by this formula 120 * 30 = 3600 poise.

The difference between VG10 and VG-30 bitumen is in their viscosity level. Bitumen VG30 is more viscose than bitumen VG 10 and as a result, performs better in road construction in hot regions.

VG 30 or 60/70?

VG30 bitumen seems just like penetration grade 60/70; however, its physical properties, viscosity range, and performance is completely different.

In many applications, particularly road construction, VG30 bitumen is proven to work more efficiently than pen grade bitumen 60/70 at various temperatures. VG30 bitumen can be recognized from bitumen penetration grade 60/70, only with reference to standardized test results. To make sure that you are not buying bitumen 60/70 instead of VG30 bitumen, we recommend you to control the test results carefully and see if the absolute viscosity and penetration value of your bitumen is in range (VG 30’s absolute viscosity should be 2400 poises and penetration value should be between 50 and 70). We not only control the test results of VG30 but also measure the properties of bitumen drums before loading. In cooperation with SGS inspectors, we do an extremely careful sampling and testing of VG30 bitumen and send the results to our clients.

Bitumen VG 30

No. Analysis Limit Test Method
1 Absolute Viscosity @60 ºC, Poises Min. 2400 IS 1206 (Part 2)
2 Kinematic Viscosity @135 ºC, cst Min. 350 IS 1206 (Part 3)
3 Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup) ºC Min. 220 IS 1209
4 Solubility in Trichloroethylene, % Min. 99 IS 1206
5 Softening Point (R&B), ºC Min. 47 IS 1205
6 Penetration @25ºC, 0.1mm 100g, 5 Sec. 50-70 IS 1203
Tests on Residue from Thin Film Oven Tests / RTFOT
7 Viscosity Ratio @60ºC Max. 4.0 IS 1206 (Part 2)
8 Ductility @25̊ ºC, Cm, after thin film oven test Min. 40 IS 1208
9 Specific Gravity@27/27 ºC Min 0.99 IS 1202

* Conforms to (IS 73:2006) Specifications.

Usage: Bitumen VG-30 is especially used to construct extra heavy duty bitumen pavements to tolerate heavy traffic loads. It is recommended for road construction where extra heavy traffic is expected.

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