Very often, a bitumen emulsion is used for surface treatment of asphalt and waterproofing of various structures - a kind of system in which particles of the main component are represented in the aqueous phase as separate elements. So that such a medium does not have a gluing effect, various additives — emulsifiers — are actively used. It cannot be denied that bituminous waterproofing is beneficial in terms of saving resources and environmental cleanliness. Usually, specialists in the process of work encounter different brands of the base substance. Moreover, the resulting compositions can significantly differ from each other in properties.
Any bitumen emulsion requires the addition of a solvent, and its amount should be fairly accurate. Otherwise, precipitation of the individual components or excessive dissolution of the mixture may occur. The solvent is used as an agent that reduces the viscosity of the composition. As for the water contained in such waterproofing, cationic mixtures are less sensitive to the added volume than anionic analogues. The latter of them react intensively to the amount of impurities contained in the added fluid.
In the manufacture of mixtures, a special installation for the production of bitumen emulsion, which has a complex structure, is used. It consists of: the main unit with a colloid mill, electronic control systems, dosing lines of water and bitumen, containers for storing various materials, as well as pipelines and pumps. The work is carried out on the principle of thorough mixing, involving further emulsification of the composition. The quality of the final product is very much dependent on the
homogeneity of the mixture and pre-treatment.
Almost all equipment units are made of materials that are not susceptible to corrosion, which allows to achieve maximum service life. This is especially true for components and parts that have direct contact with the aquatic environment. Currently, only automated equipment is used, which allows to obtain a high-quality product when the bitumen emulsion meets all the requirements. The quantity and characteristics of products are measured by special sensors. Based on the fact that the properties of the finished mixture depend on emulsifiers, devices that can absorb components in two directions appear at the plants.
Before the bitumen emulsion is applied to the surface, the substrate must be carefully prepared. To do this, get rid of the old coating and various debris, aligning potholes larger than three millimeters. Next, priming with an emulsion composition is performed. The consumption of the mixture is particularly influenced by the type of surface to be treated. Looking at the packaging, you can get acquainted with the average consumption of the product. When water from the solution evaporates, a thin film of bitumen will remain on the surface, protecting the next coating.