Methods for Improving the Flowability of Asphalt Particles

Abstract

The flowability of asphalt particles may be improved by mixing the particles with comprises further compound comprises Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone, cement kiln dust, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics, zeolites, geopolymers, cellulose, starch, calcium carbonate, colloidal silica, aluminosilicates, and combinations thereof. Treating the asphalt particles with at least one of these compounds inhibits caking during storage and enhances transportability.

1 . A method for improving the flowability of asphalt particles, comprising:
 (i) providing asphalt particles with a penetration grade below about 20; and   (ii) mixing with at least one further compound comprising Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone, cement kiln dust, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics, zeolites, geopolymers, cellulose, starch, calcium carbonate, colloidal silica, aluminosilicates, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the asphalt melting point is higher than about 99° C. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the size of the asphalt particles is smaller than about 2500 μm. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the specific gravity of the asphalt is between about 0.95 and 1.15. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the further compound comprises hard asphalt particles is blended with Portland cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone or combinations thereof 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-caking agent concentration is between about 0.1% and 10.0% by weight of asphalt particles. 
     
     
         7 . A method for storing asphalt particles, comprising:
 (i) providing asphalt particles with a penetration grade below about 20;   (ii) mixing the particles with at least one further compound comprising Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone, cement kiln dust, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics, zeolites, geopolymers, cellulose, starch, calcium carbonate, colloidal silica, aluminosilicates, and combinations thereof; and   (iii) placing the blend in a storage container.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the asphalt melting point is higher than about 99° C. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the size of the asphalt particles is smaller than about 2500 μm. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the specific gravity of the asphalt is between about 0.95 and 1.15. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the further compound comprises hard asphalt particles is blended with Portland cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone or combinations thereof 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the anti-caking agent concentration is between about 0.1% and 10.0% by weight of asphalt particles 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the temperature in the storage container is held below about 99° C. 
     
     
         14 . A method for transporting asphalt particles, comprising:
 (i) providing asphalt particles with a penetration grade below about 20;   (ii) mixing the particles with at least one further compound comprising Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone, cement kiln dust, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics, zeolites, geopolymers, cellulose, starch, calcium carbonate, colloidal silica, aluminosilicates, and combinations thereof;   (iii) placing the blend in a transport container; and   (iv) transporting the blend from a first location to a second location.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the asphalt melting point is higher than about 99° C. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the size of the asphalt particles is smaller than about 2500 μm. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the specific gravity of the asphalt is between about 0.95 and 1.15. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the further compound comprises hard asphalt particles is blended with Portland cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone or combinations thereof 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the anti-caking agent concentration is between about 0.1% and 10.0% by weight of asphalt particles. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the temperature in the transport container is held below about 99° C.