Sulfur-coated asphalt pellets

Abstract

A new composition is disclosed which comprises pellets of asphalt coated with a solid layer of sulfur. The sulfur shell provides a meltable container for the asphalt core while protecting it from contact with the atmosphere. The relative quantities of sulfur and asphalt in the pellets of the invention may be varied over a wide range to provide sulfur-to-asphalt ratios commonly used in both sulfur-asphalt-sand mixes and sulfur-extended asphalt binders. The advantages of pelletizing are virtual elimination of the danger of dealing with hot materials and significant reduction in energy costs associated with keeping asphalt and sulfur hot and pumpable. To produce an asphalt paving mix, the sulfur-coated asphalt pellets may simply be mixed with heated aggregate.