Gilsonite is pure hydrocarbon with a melting point of 160 to 220 Celsius degrees found in bitumen mines, and is in fact, hardened crude oil. Gilsonite can be easily combined with crude oil due to its common oil base. Gilsonite is found in underground mines as a hard, black substance with a shining surface, often as a dark brown or black. The presence of nitrogenous compounds in Gilsonite makes it highly adhesive and increases its resistance to oxidation as well. Studies show that adding 5 to 15% gilsonite to tar significantly increases its hardness and deformation resistance, along with a significant effect on its viscosity and elasticity.
Gilsonite analysis is performed in two physical and chemical forms as well as destructive and non-destructive methods. Through the XRF and XRG tests, elements such as softening temperature, the amount of sulfur and harmful elements, softness and hardness, carbon content and humidity are examined.
Sadra Trading Company takes gilsonite samples from different mines to its factories and then checks the quality. After quality approval, gilsonite is sent in larger quantities to the processing unit in order to provide products according to different customer needs. And finally, the products are transferred to the packaging hall to be packaged and delivered based on different customer desires.
Gilsonite granulation is done in different sizes ranging from 10 to 600 mesh. 10 to 100 mesh gilsonite is produced with a hammer mill; for 100 to 400 mesh gilsonite, Raymond roller mill or ball mill are required, and for 400 to 600 mesh gilsonite, jet mill is used. The usual size that is welcomed by customers is 200 mesh.
In addition to micronized powder with a diameter of 80 to 400 mesh, Sadra Trading Company produces lumpy gilsonite with zero to 25% ash content and granular gilsonite with a diameter of 30 to 40 mesh, depending on the customers’ requests.