What Is Vacuum Bottom?
What Is Vacuum Bottom? – Understanding the Core of Bitumen Production
Vacuum Bottom
Description
Vacuum Bottom (VB), also known as Vacuum Residue or VB Residue, is the heavy residual product obtained from the vacuum distillation of crude oil. It serves as the primary feedstock for bitumen and asphalt production. This dense, viscous material contains high molecular weight hydrocarbons and forms the base for manufacturing various grades of oxidized bitumen, penetration bitumen, and cutback bitumen.
At Pars Bitumen Company, we supply premium-quality Vacuum Bottom sourced from top refineries. Our VB is characterized by consistent viscosity, purity, and chemical stability — key factors in producing reliable bituminous products that meet international standards.
Production Process
The production of Vacuum Bottom involves a two-stage distillation process in modern refineries:
1. Atmospheric Distillation:
Crude oil is heated up to about 350–370°C. Lighter fractions such as naphtha, kerosene, and gas oils are separated under atmospheric pressure.
2. Vacuum Distillation:
The heavier residue from the atmospheric column is further processed under low pressure (vacuum conditions) to prevent cracking at high temperatures.
This second distillation extracts the remaining valuable light oils and leaves behind the Vacuum Bottom, a thick black substance rich in asphaltenes and resins.
This VB residue becomes the raw material for bitumen production, especially oxidized and penetration grades.
Technical Specifications of Vacuum Bottom (Typical Values)
Property Unit Typical Range
Penetration @ 25°C dmm 0–10
Softening Point (Ring & Ball) °C 90–130
Specific Gravity @ 25°C – 0.98–1.05
Flash Point (COC) °C >250
Viscosity @ 135°C cSt 300–1500
Asphaltene Content % 10–25
Carbon Residue (Conradson) % 10–20
Sulfur Content % 1–5
Note: Exact values depend on crude source and refinery conditions.
Applications
Vacuum Bottom plays a crucial role across multiple industrial sectors:
Bitumen Production: Primary feedstock for producing penetration grade, oxidized, and cutback bitumen.
Asphalt and Road Construction: Used indirectly through bitumen derivatives for high-quality pavement and waterproofing materials.
Fuel Blending: In certain cases, VB is blended with heavy fuel oils for marine and industrial burners.
Lubricant Manufacturing: Acts as a feedstock for certain lubricating oil processes after further refining.
Conclusion
Vacuum Bottom is the foundation of the bitumen industry, providing the essential heavy hydrocarbons needed for manufacturing reliable road-building and industrial materials. At Pars Bitumen Company, we take pride in delivering consistent, high-purity VB and transforming it into world-class bitumen products. Our focus on quality control, refinery partnerships, and advanced production methods ensures our customers receive the best bituminous materials for their needs.
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Contact Pars Bitumen
🌐 Website: www.parsbitumen.com
📧 Email: sales@parsbitumen.com
📞 WhatsApp: +98 912 387 9127