Figure 8-21.—Field identification of unknown bituminous materials.Field identification of bituminousmaterials is summarized in figure 8-21.Solubility TestThe solubility test consists oftaking a small amount of the unknownbituminous material, enough to cover thehead of a nail if a solid, or few drops ofa liquid material and attempting todissolve the material by stirring it in apetroleum distillate; gasoline, kerosene,diesel fuel, and so forth. If the materialis an asphalt, it will mix uniformly withthe distillate. Tars, however, will form astringy undissolved mass. Emulsions, inaddition to other distinguishing tests,may also be identified in the solubilitytest since they will form undissolvedballs or beads of the emulsion at thebottom of the container of petroleumdistillate. The solubility test provides apositive method of identification (fig. 8-22).8-24
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