Scientists of the Perm Polytechnic University have patented safe high-strength asphalt. The news agency “Devon” learned about this from the message of PNRPU.
Every year on the territory of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, where 70% of all oil wells in Russia are located, about 5 million cubic meters of man-made waste is formed – drill cuttings, which, having pollutants in its composition, has a negative impact on the environment.
Scientists of the Perm National Research Polytechnic University have developed and patented a new road construction material – asphalt concrete, which includes drill cuttings, which completely replaces the traditionally used mineral powder. The technology will reduce the cost of asphalt concrete production, and hence road construction in general.
Four samples of drill cuttings from the fields of Western and Eastern Siberia were selected for experimental laboratory studies.
According to the invention, for the production of road building material, it is not required to change the technology of its preparation at an asphalt concrete plant. The mixture is prepared as follows: pre-dried drill cuttings for distribution in the composition of the asphalt concrete mixture are thoroughly mixed with mineral materials – natural sand, crushed stone, after which the mixture is heated to a temperature of 165-175 degrees. After that, bitumen is introduced into the mixture and mixed for 3 minutes in a forced-type mixer at a temperature of 150°C.
— A distinctive feature of the asphalt produced by us is an increased coefficient of crack resistance and water resistance. The technical result is confirmed by tests for compliance with the requirements of GOST 9128-2013,” said Larisa Rudakova, head of the environmental protection department at PNRPU.
According to experts, the created hot fine-grained asphalt mix with the addition of non-deficient industrial waste – drill cuttings used as mineral powder – will reduce the cost of asphalt concrete, as well as reduce the negative impact on the environment from the disposal of oil industry waste – drill cuttings.
In September 2022, Devon news agency reported that Perm Polytechnic University developed asphalt concrete, the mineral powder of which consists of oil production waste. It can replace import modifiers.
In addition, paving slabs, curbs, concrete mixtures, road paving components, cinder blocks can be obtained from drill cuttings extracted from oil wells.
Drill cuttings contain hydrocarbons, crude oil and chemical additives that regulate the physical and chemical properties of the primary drilling fluid. With their optimal ratio, an additional synergistic effect can be obtained in the form of a directed change in the properties of bitumen used for the production of asphalt concrete.
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