There are many benefits to adding gilsonite to drilling mud; it increases the strength of the oil well wall, provides high resistance to dissolution with oil, prevents pellets or agglomerations of rocky soil compounds, and polishes the surfaces of drilling wells by removing excess mud and sludge.
The presence of sulfur compounds in gilsonite makes asphalt more durable, and reduces the problems caused by heavy traffic, such as wheel tracks. Gilsonite is widely used in hot asphalt mixtures and, it prevents deformation in hot or humid weather. Adding gilsonite to the asphalt reduces the road surface thickness by up to 20%.
Gilsonite can be used as an additive for cast sand to add a strong adhesive quality to it. Gilsonite is also able to make the mold easier to release.
One of the main applications of gilsonite is its use in the production of adhesives and sealants. In combination with other chemicals, gilsonite can be used in the production of various products such as, wood, fire retardant materials, tire, ceramics, etc.
Black and brown pigments are extracted from gilsonite, which are used in the production of:
• Printer ink
• Black and viscous ink
• Asphalt black paints
• Polished oils
• Covering metal structures such as aircraft and ships
• Tar coating of gas and sewage pipes
• Use in bitumen-based paints (increases color fastness against ultraviolet)