Two new methods to process natural asphalts which are thermoplastic and coalescent in nature found in deposits worldwide, including those at La Brea, Trinidad, West Indies, and at Guanaco, Sucre State, Venezuela. Either with no additive, or with only water which is later removed, powders and pellets are processed which are neither thermoplastic nor coalescence, are of the same composition and performance as the refined asphalts, thereby gaining the decades of goodwill of refined asphalts.

摘要

Some natural asphalts deposits, like those in Trinidad and Venezuela, are thermoplastic and coalescent in nature. After removing the water content, the resulting refined asphalt flows, coalesces, and its mineral matter sediments in blends with refinery bitumen. Packaged in 250 kg coated kegs and barrels, specialized road-paving equipment are required for use. However, in this patent, two new methods are presented to solve these problems. In Method One, the natural asphalts are processed with or without additive so that the powders and pellets could be used on conventional equipment. In Method Two, the natural or refined asphalts are blended with water, producing powders and pellets which do not flow or coalesce. In all methods, the processed asphalts are packaged in bags, used on conventional road-paving equipment producing mixes without any additive, and with no adverse effect in performance.