Penetration
Consistency under specified test conditions. Agree the full grade specification.
ASTM D946 / D5 ↗EASTERN DIAMOND / TECHNICAL LIBRARY
Technical knowledge. Better buying decisions.
A practical reference for specifying base oils and bitumen, checking shipment documents and discussing delivery terms. Confirm the offered product against an agreed specification and batch results.
01 / BASE OILS
API base-oil groups
A group is a classification, not a complete buying specification. Viscosity, cold behavior and formulation compatibility still need verification.
| Group | Saturates, mass % | Sulfur, mass % | Viscosity index |
|---|---|---|---|
| GROUP IEither chemistry condition | < 90 | > 0.03 | 80 ≤ VI < 120 |
| GROUP IIBoth chemistry conditions | ≥ 90 | ≤ 0.03 | 80 ≤ VI < 120 |
| GROUP IIIBoth chemistry conditions | ≥ 90 | ≤ 0.03 | VI ≥ 120 |
API 1509 · Annex E, base-stock classification ↗
SN150, SN500, 150N: ask what is behind the name.
Commercial designations do not define universal acceptance limits. Compare the producer specification, viscosity at a stated temperature, VI and test methods. Typical data is not automatically a guaranteed limit.
ExxonMobil · producer-specific base-stock specifications ↗
Base oil grades →
02 / BITUMEN
Bitumen: three systems, different questions.
Viscosity
Flow resistance at defined temperatures. State which standard governs VG grades.
ASTM D3381 / agreed VG standard ↗Performance grade · PG
Binder requirements linked to pavement design temperatures and specified performance tests.
ASTM D6373 ↗Do not substitute grades using a name-only conversion. The contracted standard, edition and complete acceptance tests govern the technical review. A marketed 80/100 designation does not itself prove ASTM D946 conformity.
Source & specification →03 / DOCUMENT CONTROL
Documents with different purposes
Product characteristics; distinguish typical values from guaranteed limits.
Reported test results tied to the relevant batch and methods.
Issuer’s conformity statement against identified requirements.
Hazard information, handling, storage and emergency measures.
Match the producer, product, batch, date and specification revision. A document title does not prove independent inspection or certification.
International Trade Administration · special documents ↗ · Shell · Safety Data Sheets ↗
04 / LOGISTICS ENGINEERING
Mass, volume & temperature
Volume = net mass ÷ density, using consistent units and a stated temperature. Reference-temperature density gives reference-temperature volume—not necessarily the space occupied during hot loading. Agree the quantity basis and any applicable correction method.
ASTM D4311/D4311M · asphalt volume correction (not emulsions) ↗
Packing & safe receipt
Confirm package construction, capacity, net fill, tare, closure and unloading method for the actual material. Hot bitumen requires compatible, dry equipment and supplier-approved procedures; there is no universal safe filling temperature or percentage.
Eurobitume · safe delivery of bitumen ↗
Plan your shipment →05 / COMMERCIAL TERMS
Delivery terms are one part of the agreement.
Write the Incoterms rule, named place or port and edition. Keep price, payment, ownership transfer, governing law and dispute resolution separate. For containers handed to a carrier before vessel loading, review the suitability of FCA, CPT or CIP rather than assuming FOB, CFR or CIF.
Prepare a working draft ↗Educational guidance—not a product guarantee, operating instruction or legal opinion. Product-specific documents and professional review take priority.