The present invention relates to a method for oxidizing asphalt which comprises dispersing an oxygen containing gas throughout an asphalt flux in an oxidation zone while the asphalt flux is maintained at a temperature which is within the range of about 400° F. to 550° F., wherein the oxygen containing gas is introduced into the oxidation zone through a recycle loop. The recycle loop pumps asphalt flux from the oxidation zone and reintroduces the asphalt flux into the oxidation zone as oxygen enhanced asphalt flux. The recycle loop will typically include a pump which pulls the asphalt flux from the oxidation zone and which pumps the oxygen enhanced asphalt flux into the oxidation zone, and wherein the oxygen containing gas is injected into the recycle loop at a point before the asphalt flux enters into the pump.