Bitumen is classified by the depth to which a standard needle will penetrate under specified test conditions.

This "pen" test classification is used to indicate the hardness of bitumen, tower penetration indlcatlnq harder bitumen.

Specifications for penetration graded bitumen's normally state the penetration range for a grade, e.g. 50/70.

Other tests are used to classify the bitumen for specification purposes, such as softening point, solubility, flash point etc.

GRADES BITUMEN STANDARD
PROPERTY	40/50	60/70	80/100	85/100	120/150	200/300	ASTM
Penetration @ 250C, for 5 Sec	40/50	60/70	80/100	85/100	120/150	200/300	D-5
Flash Point 0F	450	450	450	450	450	350	D-92
Ductillity @ 25 (0C) -cm/min	100	100	100	100	100	100	D-113
Solubility in Trichloroethylene	99	99	99	99	99	99	D-2042
Retained penetration after thin film oven test	55+	52+	47+	47+	42+	37+	D-175
Ductility @ 25 (0C) -cm/min after thin oven test	-	50	75	75	100	100	D-113
Package		1000 kg/500 kg Metable Jumbo bags loaded in Containers.