Bitumen storage stability plays a major role in keeping asphalt materials strong, durable, and ready for use in modern construction. At ATDM — a trusted supplier of bitumen from UAE and Iran — we always focus on delivering products that stay stable during long storage periods, even under hot conditions. Because contractors, refineries, and asphalt plants need bitumen that performs consistently, understanding storage stability helps you choose the right grade, the right tank setup, and the best handling methods.
What Is Bitumen Storage Stability?
Bitumen storage stability refers to how well bitumen keeps its uniform properties while stored in tanks for long periods. When the bitumen inside a tank does not separate, harden, or settle, we say it has excellent stability.
However, if separation happens, the bitumen becomes:
Too hard at the bottom
Too soft at the top
Difficult to pump
Hard to blend with additives
Potentially out of ASTM specifications
Because construction projects require consistent performance, storage stability becomes one of the most important quality indicators for buyers and suppliers.
Why Storage Stability Matters
Storage stability is important because modern road construction, waterproofing systems, and industrial applications all depend on bitumen that stays stable until the moment it is used. Even a small change in its structure can affect the final asphalt mix.
Here are some key reasons why stability matters:
1. Consistent Viscosity
A stable bitumen keeps the same viscosity everywhere in the tank. This helps ensure smooth pumping, accurate blending, and perfect coating of aggregates.
2. Uniform Performance
When bitumen stays stable, its softening point, penetration value, and elasticity remain the same. As a result, the roads become more durable.
3. Better Polymer-Modified Bitumen Quality
Modified bitumen (PMB) needs excellent stability because polymers can settle or separate. Proper storage stability ensures the polymer works fully.
4. Lower Maintenance Costs
Unstable bitumen leads to clogged lines, stuck pumps, and extra heating. Stable products save time and reduce waste.
What Causes Poor Storage Stability?
Even though bitumen is a strong material, several factors can reduce its stability. Understanding these factors helps companies avoid defects and maintain product quality.
Temperature Fluctuation
When storage tanks heat and cool repeatedly, bitumen becomes unstable. Constant temperature helps protect its structure.
Poor Mixing System
If a tank does not have circulating pumps or mixers, the heavy molecules may settle at the bottom.
Non-Homogeneous Polymer Additives
Polymer-modified bitumen requires perfect blending. If polymers are not compatible, separation occurs.
Excessive Heating
Overheating reduces bitumen quality and causes oxidation. Controlled heating is essential for stability.
Long Storage Duration
Although some grades stay stable for months, others need continuous gentle mixing to keep uniform properties.
How to Improve Bitumen Storage Stability
Achieving high storage stability is possible when the right steps are followed. Because ATDM supplies premium-grade bitumen from UAE and Iran, we always guide customers with the best handling practices.
1. Keep Temperature Consistent
Most bitumen grades remain stable at 140–160°C. Avoid sharp temperature drops.
2. Use Circulation Pumping
Running a circulation pump for 20–30 minutes every few hours prevents separation.
3. Choose Compatible Polymers
For PMB, compatibility between the polymer and base bitumen is extremely important. ATDM provides fully tested materials to avoid separation.
4. Use Insulated Tanks
Insulation minimizes temperature loss and protects the bitumen from external weather changes.
5. Avoid Overheating
Set temperature limits and never exceed them. This keeps penetration, ductility, and softening point stable.
6. Install Tank Bottom Heating Coils
Even heat distribution improves stability and reduces settling.
Storage Stability in Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB)
PMB offers better elasticity, rutting resistance, and long-term durability. However, PMB also requires more stable storage conditions because polymers can separate from the base bitumen over time.
To ensure stability in PMB:
Use SBS or EVA polymers with good compatibility
Maintain a steady temperature
Apply slow and gentle mixing
Store in vertical tanks when possible
ATDM provides PMB tested under global storage stability standards, which ensures zero separation and perfect homogeneity.
How ATDM Ensures High Bitumen Storage Stability
As a major supplier of bitumen from UAE and Iran, ATDM follows strict quality control steps to guarantee stable products for global customers.
Our process includes:
Advanced Filtration
We remove impurities to reduce the risk of settling.
Laboratory Testing
Each batch is tested for softening point difference after storage — ensuring it stays within acceptable limits.
Precise Heating Guidelines
We provide recommended heating instructions to keep properties stable.
High-Compatibility Formulations
Our polymer-modified grades use optimum polymer ratios for maximum stability.
Flexible Packaging Options
For drums, jumbo bags, and bulk shipments, we guide customers on proper storage to protect the product.
Applications That Require High Storage Stability
Several industries depend on stable bitumen to guarantee reliable performance:
Road Construction (hot mix asphalt, dense-graded mixes)
Waterproofing Membranes
Roofing Felt Sheets
Industrial Coatings
Pipe Coatings
Oil and Gas Platforms
Airport Runways
In all these applications, unstable bitumen can lead to cracks, early aging, and failure. Therefore, buyers always choose suppliers who provide stable and reliable products.
How to Test Bitumen Storage Stability
Storage stability tests help confirm whether the bitumen will remain uniform.
The most common test is:
Softening Point Difference (ASTM D36 / EN 13399)
Procedure:
Fill a sealed tube with hot bitumen.
Store it vertically in an oven for 24–48 hours.
Cut the tube into top, middle, and bottom sections.
Check softening point of each section.
If the difference between top and bottom is small, the bitumen is highly stable.
ATDM carries out these tests on every PMB or oxidized bitumen batch before shipment.
Best Practices for Storing Bitumen at Your Site
To maintain stability after delivery, follow these easy practices:
Keep tank temperature within recommended limits
Use insulated pipelines
Circulate bitumen regularly
Close tank lids to prevent contamination
Keep water far from the tank system
Monitor viscosity daily
Use digital temperature controllers
By following these tips, you protect your material and improve project performance.
Conclusion: Choose ATDM for Stable and High-Quality Bitumen
Bitumen storage stability is essential for any construction or industrial project that wants strong performance, long material life, and smooth operations. Since unstable bitumen can damage equipment and reduce road quality, working with a reliable supplier becomes extremely important.
ATDM — as a global supplier of bitumen from UAE and Iran — provides premium products that stay stable during long-term storage. With our laboratory testing, high-grade formulations, and full technical support, customers always receive bitumen that performs with consistency, strength, and reliability.
If you are looking for stable, high-quality bitumen with trusted supply and expert guidance, ATDM is ready to support your project.