Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen Quality
Last updated: 2026-10-05
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Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen Quality: Technical Specifications, Export Data, and Grade Comparison
Qilu Petrochemical (SINOPEC Qilu) produces approximately 1.2–1.5 million metric tons of bitumen annually, with penetration grades ranging from 60/70 to 80/100 and performance grades including PG 64-22. Its flagship AH-70 (60/70 pen) grade consistently delivers penetration values of 65–68 dmm at 25°C, softening points of 46–52°C, and TFOT mass loss below 0.8%, making it one of the most exported Chinese bitumen brands to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
What Makes Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen Different?
Qilu Petrochemical is one of SINOPEC's five core bitumen refineries, located in Zibo, Shandong Province. It processes Middle Eastern crude blends (primarily Saudi Arab Light and Kuwait Export Crude) through a vacuum distillation + solvent de-asphalting (SDA) process. This combination produces bitumen with lower asphaltene content and better temperature susceptibility compared to bitumen from simple vacuum residue.
Key production facts:
- Annual capacity: 1.2–1.5 million MT of paving-grade bitumen
- Crude source: 70% Middle Eastern (Arab Light), 30% domestic Shengli blend
- Production process: Vacuum distillation + SDA + air blowing (for oxidized grades)
- Primary export grades: AH-70 (60/70 pen), AH-90 (80/100 pen), PG 64-22, PG 70-22
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ASTM D946 / D3381 compliance
- Export volume (2023): ~480,000 MT, up 12% YoY
- Main export markets: Indonesia (22%), Vietnam (18%), Nigeria (14%), UAE (11%), Philippines (9%)
The refinery's proximity to Qingdao Port (approximately 280 km by rail) allows for efficient bulk vessel and ISO tank container shipments. Average lead time from order confirmation to FOB Qingdao is 10–14 days for bulk parcels above 5,000 MT.
Qilu Bitumen Technical Specifications vs. Competing Grades
The table below compares Qilu's most exported grade (AH-70 / 60/70 pen) against equivalent grades from other major Chinese and Middle Eastern producers.
| Parameter | Qilu AH-70 | Shell 60/70 (Singapore) | KNPC 60/70 (Kuwait) | CNOOC 60/70 (Taizhou) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (dmm) | 65–68 | 62–66 | 64–68 | 66–70 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 46–52 | 48–53 | 47–52 | 45–50 | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 25°C (cm) | >100 | >100 | >100 | >100 | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (°C) | >260 | >250 | >255 | >250 | ASTM D92 |
| Solubility in TCE (%) | >99.5 | >99.5 | >99.5 | >99.0 | ASTM D2042 |
| TFOT Mass Loss (%) | <0.8 | <0.8 | <0.8 | <1.0 | ASTM D1754 |
| Penetration After TFOT (%) | >58 | >60 | >58 | >55 | ASTM D5 |
| Density @ 25°C (g/cm³) | 1.01–1.04 | 1.02–1.05 | 1.01–1.04 | 1.00–1.03 | ASTM D70 |
| Asphaltene Content (%) | 18–22 | 22–26 | 20–24 | 16–20 | IP 143 |
| Viscosity @ 135°C (Pa·s) | 0.38–0.45 | 0.40–0.48 | 0.39–0.46 | 0.35–0.42 | ASTM D4402 |
Key observations for buyers:
- Qilu bitumen has a slightly wider penetration range than Shell or KNPC, but still within ASTM D946 tolerance for 60/70 grade.
- Flash point is consistently higher (>260°C) due to the SDA process removing light volatiles more effectively.
- Asphaltene content is lower (18–22%) than Shell or KNPC, which can improve low-temperature cracking resistance in cold climates.
- Viscosity at 135°C is slightly lower, meaning marginally easier pumping and mixing at asphalt plants.
Performance Grade (PG) Comparison: Qilu vs. Regional Alternatives
For markets specifying Superpave performance grades (common in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Southeast Asia), Qilu produces PG 64-22 and PG 70-22. The table below compares key PG 64-22 properties.
| PG 64-22 Property | Qilu | Chinese National Standard (JTG F40) | AASHTO M320 Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Temp Grade (°C) | 64–66 | ≥64 | ≥64 |
| Low-Temp Grade (°C) | -22 to -24 | ≤-22 | ≤-22 |
| Dynamic Shear (G/sin δ) @ 64°C (kPa) | 1.15–1.35 | ≥1.00 | ≥1.00 |
| Creep Stiffness (S) @ -12°C (MPa) | 180–220 | ≤300 | ≤300 |
| m-value @ -12°C | 0.32–0.36 | ≥0.30 | ≥0.30 |
| Failure Temperature (°C) | 65–67 | — | — |
Procurement note: Qilu PG grades are typically produced to order with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 3,000 MT for bulk vessel shipment. For ISO tank containers (20 MT per tank), MOQ is 100 MT with a lead time of 18–25 days.
Price Competitiveness and Export Logistics
Qilu bitumen is priced at a discount of $15–$35 per MT compared to Shell or KNPC equivalents, depending on order volume and destination. The table below shows indicative FOB Qingdao pricing (Q1 2025 estimates).
| Grade | FOB Qingdao ($/MT) | FOB Singapore ($/MT) | FOB Kuwait ($/MT) | Qilu Discount vs. Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 Pen | 425–445 | 455–475 | 450–470 | $25–$35 |
| 80/100 Pen | 415–435 | 445–465 | 440–460 | $25–$30 |
| PG 64-22 | 440–460 | 470–490 | 465–485 | $30–$35 |
| PG 70-22 | 455–475 | 485–505 | 480–500 | $25–$30 |
Logistics breakdown:
- Bulk vessel (5,000–30,000 MT): Load rate at Qingdao Port is 1,500–2,000 MT per day. Typical loading time for a 10,000 MT parcel is 5–7 days.
- ISO tank containers: 20 MT per tank, 10–15 tanks per 20ft container vessel slot. Lead time 18–25 days to Southeast Asia, 30–40 days to West Africa.
- Flexitank (24 MT per 20ft container): Lower cost option for small volumes, but not recommended for Qilu bitumen due to higher heat retention requirements during discharge.
- Port storage: Qilu has 120,000 MT of dedicated bitumen storage at Qingdao, with heating capability maintained at 130–150°C.
Quality Control and Certification Process
Qilu Petrochemical operates a batch-based quality control system where every 500 MT production lot is tested before release. The QC protocol includes:
- In-line viscosity and penetration monitoring during production
- Laboratory verification of all ASTM D946 / D3381 parameters
- Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, or BV) available at buyer's request
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued per batch, with traceable batch numbers
- Retention samples stored for 12 months for dispute resolution
Common buyer concerns addressed:
| Concern | Qilu Response |
|---|---|
| Batch-to-batch consistency | ±2 dmm penetration tolerance, ±1.5°C softening point |
| Aging resistance | TFOT mass loss <0.8%, retained penetration >58% |
| Contamination during transit | Dedicated bitumen tankers, no shared cargo |
| Documentation for customs | COA, COO, MSDS, packing list, insurance certificate |
| Dispute resolution | SGS re-test at destination port, cost split if variance >5% |
For buyers requiring pre-shipment inspection, Qilu allows SGS or Intertek access to the loading terminal. Inspection cost is typically $1,200–$1,800 per batch, borne by the buyer unless otherwise negotiated.
FAQ: Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen
Q1: What is the minimum order quantity for Qilu bitumen?
For bulk vessel shipments, the MOQ is 3,000 MT for a single grade. For ISO tank container shipments, the MOQ is 100 MT (5 tanks). For flexitank, the MOQ is 24 MT (1 container), but this option is only available for select grades and destinations.
Q2: How does Qilu bitumen compare to Shell or KNPC bitumen in quality?
Qilu bitumen meets the same ASTM D946 and AASHTO M320 standards as Shell and KNPC. The main differences are lower asphaltene content (18–22% vs. 22–26%) and slightly lower viscosity at 135°C, which can improve workability. However, Shell and KNPC have more consistent batch-to-batch penetration ranges (±1 dmm vs. Qilu's ±2 dmm).
Q3: What is the typical lead time for Qilu bitumen export?
For bulk vessel orders above 5,000 MT, lead time from order confirmation to FOB Qingdao is 10–14 days. For ISO tank container orders (100–500 MT), lead time is 18–25 days to Southeast Asia and 30–40 days to West Africa.
Q4: Does Qilu bitumen come with third-party inspection certificates?
Yes, Qilu provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch. Buyers can also request SGS, Intertek, or BV inspection at loading port for an additional cost of $1,200–$1,800 per batch. The COA includes all ASTM D946 parameters and batch traceability.
Q5: What is the price difference between Qilu bitumen and Middle Eastern bitumen?
Qilu bitumen is typically priced $15–$35 per MT lower than Shell (Singapore) and KNPC (Kuwait) equivalents on an FOB basis. For a 10,000 MT order, this translates to $150,000–$350,000 in savings, though buyers should factor in freight differentials of $5–$15 per MT depending on destination.
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