Greenvale Energy Completes Initial Assessment of Alpha Torbanite Test Program for C-170 Bitumen

Greenvale Energy (ASX: GRV) has completed initial assessments of product samples from its Alpha torbanite project in central Queensland.

The work was done by New Zealand-based Technix Bitumen Technologies to assess toluene-soluble fractions of material produced by Monash University as part of Greenvale’s Test Program 7 (TP7).

The program aims to use flash-point assessment, boiling point distribution, viscosity assessments, penetration testing, chemical assay, durability and density assessments to produce a bituminous product from Alpha that can be independently certified to C-170 asphalt specifications.

The Technix sample group was generated via a pressure liquefaction process conducted by Monash using toluene as the carrier oil and raw material from Alpha.

Monash produced, filtered, and washed the material comprised of toluene-soluble fractions from the autoclave reactor before delivery to Technix in liquid form.

Flash-Point Results

Initial assessment identified the sample as highly fluid at room temperature—considered inconsistent with conventional bituminous binders—while flash point testing returned a value of 15° Celsius to indicate elevated volatile content and significantly lower bitumen specifications, which typically range above 250°C.

A sample was also submitted to New Zealand’s Independent Petroleum Laboratory for boiling point distribution analysis using simulated distillation, with results showing the sample contained up to 40% volatile hydrocarbons.

Technix noted that light-end fractions would need to be separated for the product to pass C-170 flashpoint tests and were subsequently removed through atmospheric and vacuum distillation.

The re-tested material demonstrated flash point compliance with the C-170 specification.

Atmospheric Distillation Tests

Atmospheric distillation was conducted from temperatures of 87°C up to 220°C, with results indicating that the extracted material was significantly softer than C-170 bitumen.

Vacuum distillation was performed on the atmospheric extract under reduced pressure conditions of -0.8 bar and at temperatures of 80°C to a maximum 236°C.

Samples taken from top and bottom of the flask were tested and confirmed to be uniform, exhibiting a penetration value of 76 decimillimetres—within range of C-170 bitumen.

However, viscosity results at 60°C and 135°C were lower than typical C-170 bitumen specifications so durability and density tests were not conducted.

Multi-Stage Process

Technix has recommended the application of its multi-stage bitumen process (TMPB) to modify the sample by way of additional reagents and additives in a pressurised environment.

The process is designed to improve viscosity and penetration characteristics of any bitumen feed source in order to meet prescribed specification requirements.

Should further assessments confirm that TMPB samples meet C-170 specifications, a sample of the Greenvale bitumen product will be submitted to Intertek Laboratories for independent certification testing and verification.

Greenvale’s Alpha project hosts an inferred mineral resource estimate of 28 million tonnes combined torbanite and cannelite in-situ across multiple seams for a total 27.7 million barrels of synthetic oil equivalent.

It is seen as a highly strategic asset at a time when Australia remains dependent on international supply of oil and oil-derived products, including bitumen.