Abstract: Asphalt compositions are provided that include bio-oil. Some compositions allow for upgrading of deasphalter rock to asphalt with a performance grade suitable for use as paving asphalt by addition of bio-oil to the deasphalter rock. Other compositions allow for upgrading of paving grade asphalt to roofing asphalt by addition of bio-oil followed by oxidation. Methods of forming asphalt compositions including bio-oil are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making asphalt mix composition from mixtures of binder, aggregate, and tailings derived from a solvent froth treatment performed to recover bitumen from mined oil sands. The tailings derived from the solvent froth treatment can be used to replace at least a portion of the small particles in the aggregate used for forming the asphalt mix composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making asphalt mix composition from mixtures of binder, aggregate, and tailings derived from a solvent froth treatment performed to recover bitumen from mined oil sands. The tailings derived from the solvent froth treatment can be used to replace at least a portion of the small particles in the aggregate used for forming the asphalt mix composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting the properties of an asphalt fraction that contains two or more asphalt components based on measurements of the viscosity for the asphalt fraction. Based on the measured viscosity, a virtual cut point is determined for a virtual asphalt blend that has the same viscosity (to within a tolerance value) as the measured viscosity for the asphalt fraction. The virtual cut point is then used to determine a variety of predicted property values for the asphalt fraction. Optionally, the predicted property values can be used to adjust the actual cut point for the distillation or separation process used for forming the asphalt fraction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for upgrading the quality of an asphalt containing wax. This can include base asphalts that naturally contain elevated levels of wax, such as base asphalts with a wax content of at least 3.0 wt %. Additionally or alternately, this can include a base asphalt containing subsequently added wax. Wax generated at a refinery can be added to an asphalt along with a pour point depressant to form an asphalt product. The additional wax can reduce the viscosity of the asphalt product at higher temperatures so that the asphalt product can be mixed and stored at a tower temperature. Additionally, the pour point depressant can unexpectedly improve the low temperature properties of the wax-containing asphalt product.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting the properties of an asphalt fraction that contains two or more asphalt components based on measurements of the viscosity for the asphalt fraction. Based on the measured viscosity, a virtual cut point is determined for a virtual asphalt blend that has the same viscosity (to within a tolerance value) as the measured viscosity for the asphalt fraction. The virtual cut point is then used to determine a variety of predicted property values for the asphalt fraction. Optionally, the predicted property values can be used to adjust the actual cut point for the distillation or separation process used for forming the asphalt fraction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for upgrading the quality of an asphalt containing wax. This can include base asphalts that naturally contain elevated levels of wax, such as base asphalts with a wax content of at least 3.0 wt %. Additionally or alternately, this can include a base asphalt containing subsequently added wax. Wax generated at a refinery can be added to an asphalt along with a pour point depressant to form an asphalt product. The additional wax can reduce the viscosity of the asphalt product at higher temperatures so that the asphalt product can be mixed and stored at a tower temperature. Additionally, the pour point depressant can unexpectedly improve the low temperature properties of the wax-containing asphalt product.