Disclosed herein are methods of preparing bitumen for transport, apparatus for preparing bitumen for transport, methods of transporting bitumen, and transportation-ready forms of bitumen. Instead of relying on exogenous components to induce bitumen solidification, the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure reorganize bituminous materials derived from the same origin into core-shell bitumen microcapsules, such that relatively low solubility components (e.g. asphaltenes) encapsulate relatively high solubility components (e.g. maltenes). Importantly, the bitumen microcapsules of the present disclosure are sufficiently mechanically resilient to meet one or more thresholds for midstream transportation, and they are readily fluidized for downstream processing with conventional technologies. Taken together, these aspects may ameliorate one or more challenges in achieving commercially viable bitumen solidification technologies.

A machine for shredding portions of bituminous material in the solid-state into granules in the solid-state. The machine comprises a pressing member provided with a piston which is axially mobile inside a perforated tubular body along an axis and is provided on the head thereof with an internal concave portion having a shape substantially complementary to a projecting part present in an axial end of the perforated tubular body. On the head of the piston through-openings are made, which extend radially along a direction approximately transversal to the axis and are in communication with the internal space of the concave portion.

The invention provides methods for pelletizing bituminous liquids by inducing endogenous asphaltenes in the liquid to form a resilient external membrane on an aliquot of the bituminous liquid, optionally with simultaneous collection of light components that result from the process of inducing endogenous asphaltene formation.

The invention provides methods for pelletizing bituminous liquids by inducing endogenous asphaltenes in the liquid to form a resilient external membrane on an aliquot of the bituminous liquid, optionally with simultaneous collection of light components that result from the process of inducing endogenous asphaltene formation.

This alternative fuel is a reclaimed waste product which has a solid, particulate consistency at ambient temperature. The fuel comprises a composite of petroleum pitch and a powder coating. The powder coating penetrates into the surface of the pitch. The powder coating is recycled ash, pulverized coal, or pulverized petroleum coke.

This alternative fuel is a reclaimed waste product which has a solid, particulate consistency at ambient temperature. The fuel comprises a composite of petroleum pitch and a powder coating. The powder coating penetrates into the surface of the pitch. The powder coating is recycled ash, pulverized coal, or pulverized petroleum coke.

A method of preparing non-volatile bituminous material in solid form includes first accessing molds having mold cavities defining an irregularly shaped brick having a plurality of non-planar surfaces and preparing the bituminous material for casting by heating it until it is suitably viscous for casting and optionally blending it with an additive. Then, the molds can be filled with the bituminous materials, preferably using a retractable conduit that progressively fills each mold cavity from its bottom to its top. Next, the bituminous material in the molds is solidified until substantially solid bricks are formed. Optionally, a skeleton with optional additional buoyant features can be placed in each mold cavity prior to casting so that the resulting brick has increased buoyancy throughout, and the skeleton and any buoyant features can be customized according to the needs of the customer. The resulting bricks can be removed for transport.

A method of preparing non-volatile bituminous material in solid form includes first accessing molds having mold cavities defining an irregularly shaped brick having a plurality of non-planar surfaces and preparing the bituminous material for casting by heating it until it is suitably viscous for casting and optionally blending it with an additive. Then, the molds can be filled with the bituminous materials, preferably using a retractable conduit that progressively fills each mold cavity from its bottom to its top. Next, the bituminous material in the molds is solidified until substantially solid bricks are formed. Optionally, a skeleton with optional additional buoyant features can be placed in each mold cavity prior to casting so that the resulting brick has increased buoyancy throughout, and the skeleton and any buoyant features can be customized according to the needs of the customer. The resulting bricks can be removed for transport.

Granules of material usable as a road binder or sealing binder, including a core and a coating layer, where: the core is made of a first composition including at least one material chosen from: a bitumen base, pitch, and clear binder, and the coating layer is made of a second composition including: at least one viscosifying compound, at least one first anticaking agent selected from alkali and alkaline-earth metal silicates, and at least one second anti-caking agent distinct from the silicates. Also, a method for producing granules of material that can be used as a road binder or sealing binder, and the use thereof as a road binder, in particular for the production of coated materials. Also, a method for producing coated materials from granules of material that can be used as a road binder or as a sealing binder and a method for transporting and/or storing and/or handling granules.

A method of transporting non-volatile bituminous materials from a first location to a second location involves carrying a plurality of irregular bricks formed by the bituminous material in transport chambers carried by vehicles. Bricks are defined by a plurality of non-planar surface, which create gaps between adjacent bricks, and can further include polymer skeletons and other features that help them float. The bricks can travel by land, sea, air, or rail and need not be heated while in transit. Transport chambers have active or preferably passive environmental control systems to circulate cooling air, water, or other substances through the transport chamber and the gaps between adjacent bricks. In a preferred embodiment, ambient air circulates among the bricks during travel by land and ambient water circulates among the bricks during marine travel. The vehicles carrying the transport chambers can be low-emissions or zero-emission vehicles including fuel-cell powered trains and ships.