Abstract: Propane-precipitated asphalt is contacted with a stream of air at 200.degree. C. and above to increase the softening point of the asphalt. The resulting asphalt base, having a softening point of about 65.degree.-300.degree. C., is then blended with 5-60 weight percent liquid sulfur-treated petroleum fraction, having an equivalent atmospheric boiling point range of 370.degree.-500.degree. C., to yield paving grade quality asphalt cement composition.

Abstract: Propane-precipitated asphalt is heated with 1-15 wt. % elemental sulfur at 140.degree. to 300.degree. C. until hydrogen sulfide evolution ceases. The sulfur-treated asphalt base material having an increased softening point of about 65.degree.-300.degree. C., is blended with 5-60 wt. % liquid petroleum fraction, such as vacuum gas oil or extract oil, having an equivalent atmospheric boiling point of 370.degree.-500.degree. C., to yield a quality paving grade asphalt cement composition meeting ASTM standards.

Abstract: An asphaltene concentrate characterized by its high softening point and by its high viscosity when in the liquid state is rendered into a pumpable form at ambient temperatures by conducting the asphaltene concentrate in liquid state directly from the precipitation zone at a high temperature, or from an intermediate heating zone wherein it attains a sufficiently high temperature, into a moving stream of water, whereupon the asphaltene concentrate immediately solidifies into lumpy or string-like particles. These particles are mixed with water and the mixture is subjected to a grinding operation which converts it to a thick suspension or semipaste which is thixotropic in nature and exhibits an apparent low viscosity at ambient temperatures, making it readily pumpable.

Abstract: An asphaltene concentrate obtained by liquid hydrocarbon fractionation of an asphaltic residuum is blended with a petroleum fraction containing alkylated naphthenes and/or alkylated aromatics such as a vacuum distilled gas oil, a naphthene-aromatic fraction of a gas oil, or a solvent extract of a lubricating oil fraction, thereby producing a high quality paving composition.

Abstract: Asphalt fractions unsuitable for use in paving formulations because of their inhomogeneity (as reflected by their inability to pass the Oliensis Spot Test) can be used to make homogeneous asphaltic compositions (which pass the Oliensis Spot Test) by combining them with a propane precipitated asphalt and/or petrolene fraction. The latter fractions must have a polar aromatic content of at least 20%. Optionally up to 10% vacuum gas oil can also be added to the compositions. These upgraded asphaltic compositions have a polar aromatic content of at least 30% and are useful in paving formulations.