Skip to main content

Developments in bitumen emulsion technology

Developed in 1933 by the French engineer M Rouaze, the Atomix(r) mill is now used by many customers across five continents and is able to make all types of emulsions including SBR [styrene butadiene rubber] and SBS [styrene-butadiene-styrene].
February 14, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Emulbitume has developed a new colloidal mill, the Atomix E, based on the same principle as its existing Atomix units
Developed in 1933 by the French engineer M Rouaze, the Atomix(r) mill is now used by many customers across five continents and is able to make all types of emulsions including SBR [styrene butadiene rubber] and SBS [styrene-butadiene-styrene].

French company 209 Emulbitume, which says it is among those at the forefront of bitumen emulsion technology worldwide, has developed a new colloidal mill with a capacity of 6,000litres/hour (1,320 gallons).

"This new Atomix E is based on the same principle as existing Atomix units already manufactured by Emulbitume (B, A, D) but it will help to develop small mobile production units, offering the opportunity to be nearer to the job site," says Emulbitume. "In future, energy savings and the reduction of transportation will be the priority of road constructors and these units can help them to develop a new strategy." The units can be containerised, electrically heated and fitted with all the standard options that EmulBitume offers to its customers.

According to the company, the Atomix mill has many advantages including active leakproofness, even with modified bitumen; good and accurate particle size; easy and low maintenance costs; it can produce all types of emulsions requested by the market, and it is silent while running.

Like the other Atomix mills, Atomix E has enough pressure at the outlet to send the emulsion directly to the storage tanks (no additional pump needed), and it is driven by a 15kW electric motor.

Emulbitume, which specialises in the design, manufacture and commissioning of bitumen emulsions production units and macerator pumps, has over 30 years of experience in the bitumen emulsion and modified bitumen market with a presence in more than 65 countries and more than 250 units running. It offers a full range of products from units for laboratories to production devices, and to support its worldwide customers it offers technical support (research and design office together with its workshop) for services and maintenance.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Bitumen technology: three ways to more sustainable roads
    May 14, 2020
    This issue we look at three case studies showcasing new technologies designed to deliver more sustainable paving solutions.
  • How bitumen technology is helping roads do more
    November 14, 2016
    From lightening tunnels to keeping racing cars on tracks to preventing ice from forming, bitumen technology is helping roads do more - Kristina Smith reports If you think bitumen is just bitumen, useful for sticking lumps of aggregate together, it’s time to think again. The ever-widening and ever-more-sophisticated range of technologies and additives available means that we can ask our road surfaces to do more than ever.
  • Earthmoving in advance – new technologies for shifting dirt
    February 9, 2018
    Earthmoving machine manufacturers are developing innovative new solutions for customers - Mike Woof reports. In the separate markets for excavators, wheeled loaders, graders and dozers, new models are being unveiled from several key firms. The excavator market is one of the most competitive and it is no surprise that some of the most innovative machines are being developed for this segment. Excavating One of the most significant excavator launches has been for the latest Hitachi hybrid model, which i
  • Engine innovation for diesels and electrics
    October 2, 2018
    Engine firms continue to develop new power solutions and refine existing technologies - Mike Woof writes There has been strong pressure against internal combustion engines worldwide, with the scandal over the emissions from diesel powered private cars has strengthening opinion against these engines. Diesel engine firms are taking the long view by offering future power options such as alternative fuels and electric systems. The engine builders are also hard at work ensuring that power units for the indust