Gilsonite, also known as Uintahite, is a natural, resinous hydrocarbon derived from the Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah. Recognized as a form of natural asphalt, asphaltite, uintaite, or asphaltum, this unique substance closely resembles hard petroleum asphalt. Its compatibility extends to aromatic and aliphatic solvents, as well as petroleum asphalt. Due to its exceptional characteristics, Gilsonite is frequently employed to enhance the hardness of softer petroleum products.
Appearing as a lustrous black material reminiscent of obsidian, Gilsonite is both brittle and easily crushable into a dark brown powder. Its soluble nature in various solvents and petroleum asphalt makes it a versatile component in different applications. When incorporated into asphalt cement or hot mix asphalt during production, Gilsonite contributes to the creation of paving mixes with significantly heightened stability.
Fluid Loss Control in Drilling Operations
Applications of Gilsonite
Gilsonite has been a staple additive in drilling fluids within the oilfield sector, addressing challenges such as borehole instability and enhancing lubricity, especially in highly deviated holes. It serves as a bridging agent to counteract differential pressure sticking and offers a low invasion coring fluid. Well-documented evidence supports the effectiveness of appropriately formulated Gilsonite products in minimizing hole collapse in formations with water-sensitive shales and mitigating stuck pipe problems.
Gilsonite products find widespread use in water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based mud systems globally. The integration of blended Gilsonite has proven highly effective in various water-based systems.
Oil and Gas Industry:
In the oil sector, Gilsonite plays a crucial role in drilling mud fluids and oil well cementing. Differing in softening points and particle sizes, Gilsonite is a standard component in oil-based drilling muds employed in challenging geological formations. Specially-treated Gilsonite added to water-based drilling fluids aids in stabilizing problematic shales, preventing hole washout, and sealing permeable sands, all while reducing torque and drag. In oil well cements, Gilsonite lowers slurry weight without sacrificing compressive strength and acts as a bridging and plugging agent to seal fractures during cementing.
Asphalt and Road Construction: Gilsonite serves as a performance-enhancing agent for asphalt mixes, leading to higher PG grades. Unlike many other modifiers, Gilsonite-modified paving mixes seamlessly incorporate into asphalt blends without the need for high shear milling. These modified asphalts exhibit superior stability, reduced deformation, lower temperature susceptibility, and increased resistance to water stripping compared to non-modified counterparts. Gilsonite is also utiliz in the production of solvent-based and emulsion pavement sealers, offering enhanced appearance and weathering properties.
Foundry Applications: In the foundry sector, Gilsonite is incorporate with coal and other ingredients as an additive in foundry sands. This improves mold release and enhances the overall finish of metal castings, ensuring the quality of molded parts.
Chemical Products
Gilsonite’s unique physical and chemical properties make it a valuable component in various chemical applications. It is employ in binder and coating applications across metallurgical, wood product, refractory, and other industries, showcasing its versatility.
Inks and Paints: Gilsonite Resin is widely utilize as the primary wetting agent for carbon black inks, competing favorably with petroleum-based hydrocarbon resins and phenolic resins. Different concentrations of Gilsonite Resin contribute to the production of news inks with superior gloss and tack properties. Special grades, known as Selects, are standard ingredients in black ink formulations and serve as additives in asphaltic paints and varnishes. Gilsonite supplier in Dubai
Gilsonite Specification Analysis
| Property | Unit | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Content | %Wt | 2.0 – 10.0 | ASTM D-3174 |
| Moisture Content | %Wt | 1.0 – 3.0 | ASTM D-3173 |
| Volatile Matter | %Wt | 63.0 | ASTM D-3175 |
| Fixed Carbon | %Wt | 29.0 | ASTM D-3172 |
| Solubility in CS2 | %Wt | 81.0 | ASTM D-4 |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | 1.01 – 1.06 | ASTM D-3289 | |
| Normal Heptane Insolubles | %Wt | 79.0 | ASTM D-3279 |
| Color in Mass | Black | – | |
| Color in Streak or Powder | Brown | – | |
| Softening Point | °C | 180 – 205 | ASTM D-36 |
| Penetration at 25°C | 0.1MM | 0.0 | ASTM D-5 |
Elemental Analysis
| Element | %Wt | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 74.0 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Hydrogen | 9.1 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Oxygen | 3.1 | ASTM D-5291 |
| Sulphur | 0.5 | Leco(S) Analyzer |