Bio-Bitumen

Bio-Bitumen Latest News

Recently, the union Minister of State for Science and Technology said that India has entered an era of “Clean, Green Highways” following the successful technology transfer of “Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads”.

About Bio-Bitumen

• Bio bitumen is manufactured using renewable organic materials, such as plant-based oils, agricultural waste, or biomass.
• These materials undergo a special processing method to create a high-quality binder that is similar to traditional bitumen.
• It is an alternative to petroleum-based bitumen that lowers both carbon emissions and import dependency,
• Bio-bitumen production involves multiple steps, depending on the source material used. 
• Significance of Bio-bitumen: Its production results in significantly lower carbon emissions, making it ideal for eco-friendly projects.

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Key Processes of Bio-bitumen production 

• Biomass Collection & Processing:  Raw materials such as plant-based oils, lignin, or algae are collected and pre-processed.
• Pyrolysis & Bio-Oil Extraction: Thermal decomposition of biomass at controlled temperatures produces bio-oil, which serves as a precursor for bio bitumen.
• Refining & Modification: Bio-oil undergoes refining and polymer modification to enhance its viscosity, thermal stability, and adhesive properties
• Blending & Finalization: In some cases, bio bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen to improve performance characteristics while maintaining sustainability benefits.

Key Facts about Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis Technology

• It is an indigenous innovation developed by CSIR‑Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) New Delhi and CSIR‑Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun (CSIR-IIP)”.
• It involves the collection of post-harvest rice straw, its palletisation, and conversion into bio-oil through pyrolysis, which is then blended with conventional bitumen.
• Extensive laboratory tests have shown that 20–30 per cent of conventional bitumen can be safely replaced without compromising performance. 

Source: DD News