Report on Bit Spec Task Group

1
Report on Bit Spec Task Group

• PA Myburgh
• Chairman

2
Background

• BMLC resolution May 1999
• CAPSA resolution September 1999
• Primary producer expert group meeting January
  2000
• BMLC task group meeting May 2000
• Nature of proposed amendments
• Further investigation
• Testing accuracy

3
BMLC resolution May 1999

• That task group
• review the current specification with special
  reference to the (low temperature) ductility test
  
• specifically
• the accuracy of the test and
• ability to ensure adequate performance
• make proposals

4
CAPSA resolution September 1999

• Develop a single, practicable specification for
  the SADC region
• Foster a better understanding of the relation of
  specification items to performance
• Investigate wider application in Africa

5
Primary producers expert group January 2000

• Pre-cursor to the BMLC task group
• Muster expert opinion on the views of the BMLC
• Submit an appraisal to BMLC task group
• Make proposals on a way forward

6
Overview of findings

• No problems since 1997 with bitumen conforming to
  SABS 307
• Proposed improvement to SABS 307
• Identified need for a testing programme
• Recommended laboratory accreditation

7
Reconstitution of bitumen specification task group

• Balance of clients, suppliers, contractors,
  consultants researchers
• Departures from active duty (public private
  sectors)
• 21 member group representative of industry
• Status with SABS under review

8
Bit spec Task Group May 2000

• Reasons for and nature of amendments - C Olwagen
  (Shell)
• Test programme - J Muller (Sasol RD)
• Laboratory accreditation - R Clayton (Shand)
• Report to BMLC - RPF