OREANDA-NEWS. April 1, 2010. Omsk Oil Refinery (Gazpromneft-ONPZ) has hosted a meeting to discuss the production and use of polymer-bitumen binders (PBBs) and emulsified bitumens for motor roads in Western Siberia.

Executives and experts of bitumen materials departments from Gazprom Neft, Gazpromneft-ONPZ, Federal State Agency Sibupravtodor, SIBUR and Omsky SoyuzDorNII, as well as experts in the production of PBBs and emulsified bitumens gathered to discuss the prospects of this business.

Gazprom Neft presented its plans to develop the bitumen business and the production of new-generation PBBs and emulsified bitumens. In particular, the company is now actively involved in launching the production of PBBs and emulsified bitumen at the Omsk Refinery. According to the plan, SIBUR will become the major vendor of polymer feedstock for the refinery, and road construction companies in different regions of Siberia will become its main customers.

“Gazprom Neft is focused on the quality of its products and does a lot to make sure these products meet the customers’ expectations,” stated Vladimir Kandrashkin, Bitumen Materials Manager for Gazprom Neft. “We chose the Omsk Refinery as a playground for the PBB and emulsified bitumen pilot project because the plant can guarantee the quality of feedstock used in the production of bitumen materials – the products that are used in road construction and designed to prolong the life of roads.”

Alexander Meling, CEO of Gazpromneft–Omsk Refinery (Gazpromneft-ONPZ), said foreign equipment for the PBB and emulsified bitumen production has already been delivered to Omsk. The company expects the refinery to start production of high-quality PBBs and emulsified bitumens in August or September 2010.

The meeting attendants outlined the key aspects of further cooperation in using PBBs and emulsified bitumen in road construction and walked down the bitumen production facilities of Omsk Oil Refinery.