Gilsonite Powder Manufacturer as per API Standard

Gilsonite is a fascinating material that has found its way into numerous industries, owing to its unique chemical and physical properties. Derived from natural asphalt, this black, shiny, and brittle resin is primarily sourced from regions on the border of Turkey and Iraq. For manufacturers adhering to the API Standard, Gilsonite powder has become an essential product, especially in industries like oil drilling, construction, and even ink production. This article takes a comprehensive look at the world of Gilsonite powder manufacturing, exploring its applications, benefits, and role in various industrial processes.

Understanding Gilsonite

Gilsonite is naturally occurring asphalt, and it is widely recognized for its glossy appearance, brittle texture, and versatility. It is primarily composed of NSO compounds, with a mix of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. When processed into a fine, it can be used in a wide range of applications, such as oil well drilling, construction, paving, and even in the foundry industry.

This natural resin is extracted from surface deposits, which are often called ore dikes. These deposits can vary significantly in thickness, ranging from a few millimeters to more than 5 meters. In some locations, these ore dikes stretch for up to 39 kilometers, although most are much smaller. The geological formations that hold Gilsonite are associated with fractures resulting from oil shale overpressure during the Eocene to Oligocene periods.

Natural asphalt, Asphaltite, uintaite, Asphaltum, natural bitumen and mineral asphalt all same as Gilsonite?

Natural asphalt and mineral asphalt are broader terms that refer to naturally occurring forms of asphalt, which can vary in composition and quality.

Asphaltite is a general term for solid, naturally occurring bitumen, including substances like Gilsonite.

Asphaltum is another term for natural bitumen or natural asphalt.

Natural bitumen is a broad category that includes various forms of natural, tar-like substances, such as Gilsonite.

ATDM: A Leading Manufacturer of Gilsonite

ATDM is one of the most trusted manufacturers of Gilsonite, known for its adherence to API Standards. Based in Turkey, ATDM sources, processes, and packages Gilsonite in a variety of forms to meet the growing demands of the global market. The company’s offerings include both lump and powder forms, available in different mesh sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial uses.

ATDM specializes in producing Fluid Loss Control (FLC) additives for use in oil well drilling mud, which are critical for managing filtrate and stabilizing boreholes, especially under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Additionally, ATDM manufactures bitumen modifiers that enhance asphalt’s performance and stability, ensuring longevity in applications like roof coatings, building products, and road sealcoats.

Applications of Gilsonite in Drilling Fluid

Gilsonite powder is widely used as an additive in drilling fluid, particularly in oil and gas extraction. Its role as a fluid loss control additive is crucial for minimizing the escape of drilling fluids into surrounding rock formations, which can significantly stabilize the drilling process. In high-temperature wells, Gilsonite’s properties ensure that drilling fluid remains effective, contributing to shale inhibition, filtration control, and borehole stability.

As one of the largest suppliers of HT Gilsonite for drilling fluid in Turkey, ATDM exports its products to over 90 countries. The company uses multiple modes of transportation, including ships, trucks, trains, and even small aircraft, ensuring that its products reach customers around the world in a timely manner.

Magic in Oil Well Cementing with Gilsonite

The cementing process is one of the critical phases in oil well construction, where achieving a robust and reliable seal is essential for well integrity. Incorporating Gilsonite in the cement mix can greatly enhance the overall performance of the cementing operation. It increases the elasticity of the cement, allowing it to withstand extreme pressures and thermal variations downhole.

Gilsonite also helps reduce the slurry density, which is particularly beneficial in reducing stress on the formation. This enhanced flexibility prevents casing failure and minimizes the risk of gas migration. With its properties to limit cement shrinkage and improve bonding, Gilsonite ensures a superior seal between the wellbore and the casing, even in challenging geological environments.

Gilsonite in Mastics, and Enamels

In addition to its uses in oil drilling, Gilsonite is also widely used in the paint and coating industry. Its compatibility with materials like petroleum resin, oil, pitch, bitumen, and vegetable oil makes it an excellent additive for reducing costs and enhancing product performance.

In primer, mastic, and enamel formulations, Gilsonite provides increased resistance to acids and alkalis, ensuring the durability of the applied coatings. These properties make it especially valuable in industries requiring robust, long-lasting finishes, such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods.

Gilsonite for Asphalt Paving and Modification

The use of natural asphalt like Gilsonite as a performance enhancer in paving applications is becoming increasingly common. When mixed with modified asphalt paving mixes, Gilsonite helps achieve higher performance grades (PG), significantly enhancing the asphalt’s stability, resistance to deformation, and longevity. Unlike other modifiers that may require high shear mulling, Gilsonite can be easily blended into the asphalt without the need for extensive processing.

For asphalt modification, Gilsonite can partially or completely replace SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymers. The presence of Gilsonite imparts several benefits to the asphalt, such as reduced temperature susceptibility and enhanced resistance to water stripping, which are crucial for maintaining road quality over time.

Using Gilsonite as an Ink Stabilizer

The print and publishing industry has also benefited from Gilsonite. It plays an important role in printing inks, primarily by improving run ability and preventing the clotting of ink. Gilsonite helps maintain a smoother flow, which is essential in achieving consistent and high-quality prints.

Gilsonite is particularly valued for its ability to improve emulsification properties, which makes inks more stable. This stability is vital for metal effect inks and other specialty printing needs, where precise flow and consistent appearance are critical. By reducing water absorption and improving dye receptivity, Gilsonite enhances the overall quality of the printing process.

Gilsonite in the Foundry Industry

In foundry operations, Gilsonite is used as a sand additive to improve mold and core quality. One of the unique benefits of Gilsonite is its ability to release a significant amount of gas during the casting process, which facilitates easy release of the mold. This feature, combined with its organic purity, makes Gilsonite a cost-effective and reliable additive in foundry applications.

Foundries using Gilsonite benefit from its excellent flow properties, which allow the use of less resin while still achieving the desired mold core bond strength. The presence of Gilsonite in the mixture helps reduce surface defects and improves the overall quality of castings.

Cost Efficiency and Purity is more cost-effective and purer than other additives, resulting in fewer impurities, consistent production, and less waste plus Lustrous carbon provides a uniform surface, reducing cooling stresses and enhancing casting strength and reliability.

Gilsonite for Paints and Coatings

When used in coatings and paint, Gilsonite provides a high-quality, durable finish that is ideal for exterior surfaces. It is particularly effective on materials like metal, composition roofs, fire escapes, storage tanks, piping, and structural steel. The addition of Gilsonite to paint formulations helps protect surfaces from water, sunlight, and snow, ensuring long-lasting durability and resistance.

The combination of Gilsonite with oil-based solvents allows for coatings that adhere well to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, masonry, and metal sidewalls. These coatings not only protect but also enhance the appearance of the surfaces they are applied to.

Processing Gilsonite into Sulfonated Asphalt and Pellets

Our company also produces sulfonated asphalt, a critical additive for drilling fluids. Sulfonated asphalt helps in dispersing drill chips, thereby enhancing the efficiency of drilling operations. This product, derived from processed Gilsonite, is highly regarded in the oil and gas industry for its ability to stabilize shale and prevent bit balling during drilling.

Packaging and Storage of Gilsonite Powder

We take great care in the packaging of our Gilsonite products to ensure their quality is maintained from our facilities to the end user. Our packaging options include 50-pound or 25-kilogram multi-paper bags, bulk containers, and jumbo bags for large-scale shipments. We also offer micronized Gilsonite powder in sizes ranging from 200 to 600 mesh, allowing for versatility depending on the intended application.

Prior to final packaging, we conduct thorough mesh size checks and ensure that the moisture content is kept around 1.5%. The powder is then divided into specific particle size categories and stored in large concrete silos to maintain consistency and quality until it is shipped to customers.

Ensuring Quality in Processing and Storage

Quality is a top priority in the production of Gilsonite powder. Our manufacturing process involves proprietary solvent extraction technology, which ensures that the final product meets high industry standards. Throughout production, our laboratories carry out extensive quality checks, and every order is accompanied by an analysis proof to confirm that it meets the specified standards.

Our dedicated storage facilities are equipped to keep products safe until shipment. From the moment Gilsonite is extracted to the point of packaging and distribution, we ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products that meet customer needs.

Gilsonite Powder: An Integral Component for Diverse Industries

The wide range of applications for Gilsonite powder speaks to its versatility and effectiveness across various industries. Whether it is used to stabilize drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry, enhance pavement quality, improve coating durability, or act as an essential foundry additive, the properties of Gilsonite make it an invaluable material for manufacturers and industries alike.

By adhering to API Standards, manufacturers like ATDM not only provide a high-quality product but also support industries in achieving greater efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. As the demand for more sustainable and high-performance materials grows, Gilsonite will continue to be a crucial part of industrial processes worldwide.

Bitumen Products for Diverse Applications

Gilsonite’s versatility also extends to the production of bitumen products. We offer a complete range of bitumen solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of various construction projects. This includes Bitumen 60/70, Bitumen 80/100, and Oxidized Bitumen, each suited to specific conditions and requirements. Whether it’s for paving in harsh climates or industrial applications, these products are designed to provide durability, strength, and efficiency.