Bitumen packing in jumbo bags, also known as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) or bulk bags, is another common method used in the industry. Jumbo bags offer certain advantages for the packaging and transportation of bitumen.
The Jumbo Bag is specifically filled with bitumen cooled slightly above its softening point but below the melting point of the plastic liner material, housed within a specialized Polyolefin Bag. This controlled cooling process allows the bitumen to solidify for easy handling and cold transportation.
Encasing this inner bag is a robust 3-ply outer layer made of special polymeric material. These bags are environmentally friendly and offer secure transportation and storage for significant quantities of bitumen over extended periods. This setup minimizes energy expenditure, preventing leftover bitumen in drums and eliminating unnecessary heating, which is common in bulk vessels. To access the bitumen, the outer layer is opened, and the inner liner melts seamlessly with the bitumen using advanced high-tech melting units capable of handling up to 4 tons per hour.
Utilizing this bagging system not only eliminates the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation of heated bitumen but also ensures bitumen is melted only when and where it’s needed. Moreover, these bags reduce energy consumption by approximately 8% compared to conventional methods like drum melting or Bitumen Container.
Here are some key considerations for bitumen packing in jumbo bags:
Flexibility: Jumbo bags are flexible and can be adapted to various quantities of bitumen, making them suitable for different project sizes. This flexibility allows for easier handling and transportation.
Cost-Effective: Jumbo bags can be more cost-effective than traditional steel drums, especially for larger quantities of bitumen. The reduced weight of the packaging material itself can result in lower shipping costs.
Storage Efficiency: Jumbo bags can be stored in a more space-efficient manner compared to steel drums. They can be stacked, allowing for better utilization of storage space during transportation and at project sites.
Ease of Handling: Handling jumbo bags can be simpler and more efficient than handling individual steel drums. This is especially advantageous in situations where rapid deployment or movement of bitumen is required.
UV Protection: Some jumbo bags are designed with UV protection, which is beneficial for bitumen stored in outdoor locations. UV-resistant materials help prevent the degradation of bitumen properties caused by exposure to sunlight.
Discharge Mechanism: Jumbo bags often come with various discharge mechanisms, such as spouts or chutes, which facilitate the controlled and efficient pouring of bitumen. This can be particularly useful during the application of bitumen in construction projects.
Moisture Resistance: High-quality jumbo bags may include moisture-resistant liners or coatings, providing an additional layer of protection against water ingress. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of bitumen, which can be sensitive to moisture.
Despite these advantages, there are also considerations and challenges associated with using jumbo bags for bitumen:
Compatibility: Ensure that the jumbo bag material is compatible with bitumen to prevent any unwanted reactions or changes in bitumen properties.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures should be in place to ensure that the jumbo bags meet industry standards and can effectively contain and protect bitumen.
Handling Precautions: Proper handling procedures must be followed to avoid damage to the jumbo bags, which could compromise the integrity of the bitumen inside.
The Jubo Bag is a revolutionary system assisting in the bitumen transport. It provides a cost efficient alternative to Bitumen drums.
Advantages over the steel drums:
- Minimized Waste: With steel drums, residual waste typically amounts to 3-4%, whereas Jumbo bags leave no residual waste behind.
- Environmental Impact: Jumbo bags present a more environmentally friendly packaging option compared to drums, which are challenging to recycle, particularly for projects that involve melting bitumen at distant inland locations from the port.
- Efficient Shipping and Storage: The system facilitates easier shipping and storage of bitumen. Convenient Delivery and Melting: Bitumen can be delivered and melted at locations of convenience.
- Reduced Labor Costs: The packaging system helps reduce labor costs.
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Efficient heating, targeting only the bitumen rather than the entire drum, leads to reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, melting bitumen only when needed eliminates constant energy consumption for maintaining heated bitumen, further lowering carbon emissions.
- Environmental Impact of Cold Shipment: Cold shipment of cargo across the globe results in saved carbon emissions compared to bulk shipments that require continuous heating during ocean voyages.
Jumbo Bag Specification and capacity of various sizes
| 40 Kg | 300 Kg | 1 Ton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | |||
| Filling quantity for Bitumen (net) | 40 kg | 300 kg | 1,000 Kg |
| Materials | |||
| Outer bag | – | PP Fabric | PP Fabric |
| Inner Liner | Polyethylene | Polyethylene | Polyethylene |
| Melting peak inner bag (liner) | 125°C /257°F | 137°C / 279°F | 137°C / 279°F |
| Storage under roof | 6-12 Months | 6-12 Months | 6-12 Months |
| Multiuse of outer bag | No | No | No |
| Loading in 20Ft Container | |||
| Number of Bags | TBD | 80 | 20 |
| Quantity of Bitumen – Net Weight | ≈ 20.00 MT | ≈ 24.00 MT | ≈ 20.00 MT |