Abstract: A bitumen cutback composition is described substantially comprising Compound A with a formula: R1-X—R2??[COMPOUND A] where R1 is alkyl or phenyl hydrocarbon group; X is an O—C?O group; and R2 is a C1-C13 hydrocarbon chain branched or non-branched, with none, one, or more than one, oxygen interruption(s). The bitumen cutback composition may comprise: alkyl esters of fatty acids, esters of trihydroxy alcohols, mono ester, or di, or tri, hydroxy alcohols, phenyl alkyl esters, phenoxy alcohols and their esters, ether alcohols and their esters, and combinations thereof. Cutback bitumen mixtures are described comprising bitumen; and bitumen cutback composition. The cutback bitumen mixtures may be configured as a hot mix composition; a cold mix composition; or an emulsion, the emulsion further comprising an aqueous compound. Methods of temporarily reducing a viscosity of bitumen and methods of applying bitumen to a substrate are also described.

Abstract: A bitumen cutback composition is described substantially comprising Compound A with a formula: R1-X—R2??[COMPOUND A] where R1 is alkyl or phenyl hydrocarbon group; X is an O—C?O group; and R2 is a C1-C13 hydrocarbon chain branched or non-branched, with none, one, or more than one, oxygen interruption(s). The bitumen cutback composition may comprise: alkyl esters of fatty acids, esters of trihydroxy alcohols, mono ester, or di, or tri, hydroxy alcohols, phenyl alkyl esters, phenoxy alcohols and their esters, ether alcohols and their esters, and combinations thereof. Cutback bitumen mixtures are described comprising bitumen; and bitumen cutback composition. The cutback bitumen mixtures may be configured as a hot mix composition; a cold mix composition; or an emulsion, the emulsion further comprising an aqueous compound. Methods of temporarily reducing a viscosity of bitumen and methods of applying bitumen to a substrate are also described.

Abstract: A bitumen cutback composition is described substantially comprising Compound A with a formula: R1-X—R2??[COMPOUND A] where R1 is alkyl or phenyl hydrocarbon group; X is an O—C?O group; and R2 is a C1-C13 hydrocarbon chain branched or non-branched, with none, one, or more than one, oxygen interruption(s). The bitumen cutback composition may comprise: alkyl esters of fatty acids, esters of trihydroxy alcohols, mono ester, or di, or tri, hydroxy alcohols, phenyl alkyl esters, phenoxy alcohols and their esters, ether alcohols and their esters, and combinations thereof. Cutback bitumen mixtures are described comprising bitumen; and bitumen cutback composition. The cutback bitumen mixtures may be configured as a hot mix composition; a cold mix composition; or an emulsion, the emulsion further comprising an aqueous compound. Methods of temporarily reducing a viscosity of bitumen and methods of applying bitumen to a substrate are also described.

Abstract: Bitumen cutback agents include esters, preferably methyl esters in the range C6 to C14, preferably C8 to C12. The methyl esters may be sourced from organic oils, such as coconut or palm kernel oil. The cutback agent shows improved performance over prior cutback agents such as kerosene.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying bitumen. The apparatus includes a multi-section loop tube reactor A circulation pump (11) circulates bitumen in the reactor (10) and air is introduced at air injection point (13). Bitumen is introduced into the reactor (10) at inlet (14) by variable speed pump P1. A plurality of mixers (15) are located between the air injection point (13) and a head section (24) beyond which is an outlet (27) where modified bitumen is drawn off by variable speed pump P2.