WO2018185386A1

WO2018185386A1 - Process for producing a rubber compound composition, and associated system

Info

Publication number: WO2018185386A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/050457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carson GARRETT; Stephane BORNES; Lionel LE-BARS; Carlos LOBAO; Stephan Otto; Christian Signoret
Original assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
Priority date: 2017-04-07
Filing date: 2018-02-27
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Also published as: FR3064939B1; FR3064939A1

Abstract

Process for selectively performing one or more sequences for producing a rubber compound composition according to a selected rubber compounding recipe. A system (10) is provided comprising a series of rubber compound production units (20, 100, 300, 500) that define single-pass and multi-pass sequences for producing a rubber compound, each rubber compound production unit enabling at least one rubber compound production process to be carried out. A means of transport (114, 116, 200, 240, 250) sequentially guides a rubber compound to at least one rubber compound production unit according to a selected rubber compound recipe.

Description

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING RUBBER MIXTURE COMPOSITION, AND SYSTEM THEREOF

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention generally relates to the production of rubber mixtures and vehicle tires prepared therefrom. More particularly, the invention relates to the complete production of rubber mix to optimize the filling coefficient (free volume) in a mixer complementary to a line using rubber mixtures produced elsewhere.

CONTEXT

In the manufacture of tires, it is required that the tire have various performances (eg reduced rolling resistance, better wear resistance, comparable adhesion in wet and dry conditions, estimated mileage, etc.). The tires are therefore composed of different types of rubber mixtures having essential properties to the operation of the tire itself.

To ensure that a marketable tire has expected performance, a rubber blend can be selected from a variety of rubber mixes, each having different ingredients mixed in different amounts and derived from a variety of production sequences. Depending on the expected characteristics, such sequences may be performed once, twice or even several times.

For example, in FR2978370, the applicant discloses a method of selectively producing one or more production sequences of a rubber blend composition according to a selected rubber compounding recipe. The rubber mixture that is selected for production in a given mixing cycle can be selectively obtained from a single-shot production sequence (hereinafter referred to as a "single-pass" sequence) or a sequence of production that is performed twice or more (hereinafter referred to as a "multipass" sequence). A multipass sequence may include one or more successive passes through at least a portion of the equipment before a final pass. The rubber mixture can thus be manufactured from a selected predefined recipe among a plurality of rubber mix mixing recipes that can be produced either by a single-pass sequence or a multi-pass sequence.

Although multiple types of rubber blends are contemplated in the tire production processes, there is a choice and optimized layout of the equipment that makes it possible to adapt to the choices of the rubber compound production sequence. Optimum productivity is therefore possible, while achieving, in a hybrid way, between a single-shot sequence and a multi-pass sequence to benefit from the advantages of the two types of sequences and the systems that perform them.

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for selectively producing one or more production sequences of a rubber blend composition according to a selected rubber compounding recipe. In the process, a system is provided comprising a series of rubber mix production plants which define single-pass and multi-pass rubber mix production sequences. Each rubber mixture production facility allows the execution of at least one rubber compound production process. A conveyance is used to sequentially direct a rubber blend to at least one rubber blend production facility according to a selected rubber blend recipe. An introducer is provided which performs a process of introducing a rubber mixture already made beforehand on another production line (or on the same line). The rubber mixture already made and the rubber mixture from the system are assembled.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of performing an initial mixing process at an initial mixing facility. The method further includes the steps of performing a cooling process at a mixing and cooling plant and performing an end-of-line process at an end-of-line facility. The method further comprises the step of performing a complementary mixing process at a plant of complementary mixing.

In some embodiments, the process of introducing an already made rubber mixture further comprises the steps of receiving a web of the rubber mixture already made and transferring the web to the complementary mixing plant.

In some embodiments, the introducer includes a delivery device that receives the already formed web and an introducer belt that transfers the web to the complementary mixing plant to make the step of assembling the mixture. rubber already made and the rubber mixture coming from the system.

In some embodiments, the mixing and cooling system comprises at least one external mixer having a pair of rolls for converting the rubber mixture into a continuous web; at least one spraying plant having one or more ramps positioned at each of an upper spraying station and a lower spraying station, each ramp being in communication with a source of water and air supply to supply in water and air one or more nozzles with predetermined water flow and air pressure; and at least one suction plant having one or more suction hoods positioned downstream of each boom, each hood being in communication with an air supply source for suction at the predetermined air flow rate; so that during the cooling process, the mixing and cooling plant sprays the continuous web and discharges the air containing the evaporated water to produce the rubber mixture at target values of temperature and water addition before the complementary mixing process.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of producing a rubber blend having a temperature of not more than 180 ° C during the initial mixing process, and producing a rubber blend having a temperature of not more than 110 ° C. C during the complementary mixing process.

In some embodiments, the end-of-line process is selected from profiling, sampling, processing, cooling, palletizing, and storing the rubber blend.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, during the mixing and cooling process, the steps of converting the rubber mixture into a continuous web; spraying water on the continuous web at a predetermined water flow rate; and evacuate the water spray with a source of air suction; so that the rubber mixture reaches target values of temperature and water addition before the complementary mixing process.

In some embodiments, a target value of the temperature of the rubber blend is about 70 ° C, and a target value of the water content of the rubber blend does not exceed about 0.20% by weight of the mixture of rubber.

In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning a retractable transport means for performing the complementary mixing process from which the rubber mixture will be transferred to the end of line; or positioning the retractable transport means for transfer to the end of line facility without performing the complementary mixing process.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of selectively transferring the rubber blend to a preselected rubber production facility.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of selecting the rubber blend from a variety of recipe-derived rubber mixtures for one or more rubber production sequences including single-coat sequences and sequences.

multipass.

In some embodiments, the step of assembling the rubber blend already made and the rubber mixture from the system is made during a last pass of a multipass sequence.

In some embodiments, the second mixer operates with a fill factor that can exceed 70%.

The invention also relates to a system for implementing the recited methods.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and various advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system for producing rubber mixtures according to examples of the rubber compound production process of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary mixing and cooling installation and an example of an optional discharge station which are used with the system of FIG.

Fig. 3 shows the system of Fig. 1 in an exemplary production sequence of a single-pass rubber composition.

Figures 4 and 5 show the system of Figure 1 during

respectively successive passages and the last pass of an example of a multipassage rubber composition production sequence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals identify like elements, Fig. 1 shows an exemplary system 10 for producing one or more rubber mixtures for incorporation into one or more vehicle tires. It is contemplated that the system 10 allows the production of rubber mix having various and varied properties as determined by the performance requirements of the resulting tire.

The system 10 includes a series of rubber mix production facilities that together define one or more rubber mix production sequences. Each rubber mix production facility allows the execution of at least one rubber compound production process. A rubber blend is obtained and sequentially directed to one or more of the rubber blend production plants according to a variety of rubber blend mixing recipes. The system 10 may allow the sequential execution of rubber compound production processes until the resulting mixture exhibits the desired properties, which properties are variable and adaptable depending of the mixing recipe of the rubber mixture.

Referring still to FIG. 1, among the rubber mix production facilities provided with the system 10, there is an initial mixing plant 20 which performs an initial mixing process.

The mixing plant 20 comprises at least one internal mixer 22 having a chamber 24 of a predefined filling volume. The internal mixer 22 comprises one or more mixing blades (not shown) which ensure the penetration of ingredients into an elastomeric matrix. Internal mixer 22 may be selected from a variety of commercially available mixers.

In an initial step A, for both single-pass and multi-pitch sequences (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5) carried out at the initial mixing plant 20, the internal mixer 22 receives an elastomer material 27 (for example, a natural rubber, a synthetic elastomer and

combinations and equivalents thereof) and one or more ingredients, such as one or more processing agents 29, protective agents 31 and reinforcing fillers 33. The ingredients may also include carbon black or silica in varying amounts depending on the desired performance of the tire. It is obvious that other ingredients can be introduced into the internal mixer 22 except for the ingredients of

vulcanization (eg crosslinking) which are introduced later in the sequence.

In a following step B for both single-pass and multi-pitch sequences (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5) also carried out at the initial mixing plant 20, an internal mixer 22 which mixes the elastomeric material and ingredients to obtain a rubber mixture therefrom. The initial mixing process uses general mixing techniques as is known in the art. In some processes, mixing takes place at a temperature not exceeding 180 ° C.

Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a rubber mixture 108 obtained from the initial mixing plant 20 is conveyed to a mixing and cooling plant 100 for carrying out a mixing process and cooling at this location. The mixing and cooling plant 100 is a production facility for rubber mixture which comprises at least one external mixer having a pair of cylinders 110. Each cylinder 110 has an axis of rotation and the cylinders are arranged in a mutually opposite manner so that the axes of rotation are parallel to each other. the other. The cylinders 110 may have identical diameters and lengths to ensure uniform and reproducible performance during successive mixing cycles. The speed ratio between the two cylinders can be 1: 1 or a different ratio. In some embodiments, it is possible to vary the rotational speed of the rolls.

A cylinder 110 or both may have a fluid cooling means as is known in the art. After the initial mixing process performed at the initial mixing plant 20, the system 10 passes the rubber mixture 108 between the rolls 110 to form a continuous web 112 having a selected thickness and width.

The mixing and cooling plant 100 also includes at least one upper spray station 102 and one lower spray station 104, both of which are integrated in a spray facility that sprays water and a suction plant. The spray facility has one or more respective ramps 124, 126 positioned at each of the upper and lower spray stations. Each ramp is in communication with a source of water and air for the supply of water and air of one or more nozzles at a predefined water flow rate. The suction installation comprises one or more respective suction hoods 134, 136 positioned downstream of each ramp. Each extractor hood is in communication with an air supply source for the suction of air. The addition of water through the ramps 124, 126 charges the ambient air with moisture. The air containing the evaporated water is sucked in to prevent the introduction of water into the rubber mixture. Each

Combination of boom and suction hood serves as a spray control point that optimizes the cooling of rubber mixes 108 throughout the production line.

In a step C, for both single-pass and multi-pass sequences (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5) carried out at the cooling installation 100, the rolls 110 transform a rubber mixture 108 into a continuous sheet 112 which then circulates along a predefined path. The predefined path comprises one or more continuous means of transport (for example one or more conveyor belts or equivalent means of transport). For the mixing and cooling installation example 100 shown in FIG. 2, the predefined path is formed at least in part by a continuous belt 114 positioned at the upper spray station 102 and another continuous belt 116 positioned. at the lower spray station 104. The mats 114, 116 are driven at least by an upper roll 118 and a lower roll 120 of larger relative diameter. One or more auxiliary rollers 122 may complete the guidance of the mats 114, 116 as known in the art. Although carpets 114, 116 are described as separate conveyances, a single continuous belt can replace them.

In step C, the rubber mixture 108 flows through the carpet 114 in a direction for treatment at the upper spray station 102. The carpet 114 transports the rubber mixture 108 between the rolls 110 to form a web. 112. The carpet 116 circulates the web in one direction for treatment at the station of

Lower Spray 104. Based on the unique properties of the rubber blend 108, each boom 124, 126 sprays water at a predefined flow rate and each respective suction hood 134, 136 draws air. The addition of water through the ramps 124, 126 charges the ambient air with moisture and promotes the extraction of heat during mixing. The purpose of the suction is to limit the condensation and thus to prevent the introduction of water into the rubber mixture 108. Each combination of ramp and suction hood makes it possible to optimize the

cooling and homogenizing the rubber mixture before the start of a subsequent rubber composition production process.

Each boom 124, 126 must be configured to provide a water flow rate as determined by the blending recipe of the selected rubber blend. In some processes, the predefined water flow rate can be from about 70 liters / hour to about 400 liters / hour. Likewise, each extractor hood 134, 136 must be configured to provide a predefined airflow rate as determined by the selected rubber blend recipe. In some processes, the air suction is selected at a level of about 5000m ³ / ha to about 30,000m ³ / h.

The water flow rate and the air intake can vary as long as the flow rates issued give the rubber mixture target temperature and water addition values before adding the ingredients of

crosslinking. For example, if, after an elapsed time, the temperature of the rubber mixture is higher than an expected target temperature, the water flow rate (for example, as delivered by ramp 124 or ramp 126) can be adjusted to a higher rate than that which would be delivered at a lower temperature. In some processes, the target temperature of the rubber blend is about 70 ° C, at which temperature the predictability and reproducibility of the process are achieved. In some processes, a target value of adding the water content of the rubber blend does not exceed about 0.20% by weight of the rubber blend.

The adjustment of the water flow rate may be carried out alone or in combination with an air suction adjustment (for example by the suction hood 134 or the fume hood 136). Since successful adjustments are made over time, such adjustments can be repeated to ensure that the addition of any rubber blend to water is limited to the target value of that mixture. This value is ensured before the subsequent addition of vulcanizing ingredients. Such a control allows predictable and reproducible mixing cycles with reduced cycle times and can import surrounding atmospheric conditions.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the web 112 is conveyed to a transport facility 200 which selectively transfers the web 112 to a preselected rubber composition production facility. The transportation facility 200 includes an optional discharge station 206 including a spraying facility and a suction plant for performing an auxiliary cooling process as described above with respect to the mixing and cooling plant 100 As further illustrated in Figure 2, the optional discharge station 206 includes at least one ramp 224 having nozzles that are positioned to spray the web 112 at a predefined water flow rate. The ramp 224 comprises a configuration comparable to that described above with respect to the ramps 124, 126. At least one suction hood 226 is downstream of the ramp 224 and comprises a configuration comparable to that described above with respect to suction hoods 134, 136. The suction hood 226 is positioned to suck the air after spraying by the ramp 226.

When the optional discharge station 206 further cools the web, the ramp 224 sprays water thereon before the air containing the evaporated water is sucked in by the fume hood 226. Cooling process performed at the optional discharge station 206 ensures that the rubber blend has acceptable temperature and water addition for sequential execution of a process in a single-pass or multi-pass sequence. In other words, the web has appropriate properties for performing a subsequent process,

regardless of whether the process is part of a single-pass sequence or multi-pass sequence.

In a step D, both single-pass and multi-pass sequences (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5), carried out at the level of the transport installation 200, a transport means such as an evacuation conveyor 240 convey the tablecloth 112 from the mixing and cooling plant 100 to a retractable transport means 250 or a transport means 252 which are available at the transport facility 200. In some sequences, the web 112 is maintained at the level of the transport facility 200 before performing a subsequent process. The sequential direction of the rubber composition to a preselected rubber blend production facility depends on the selected blend recipe. In this way, the system 10 makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of both single-pass and multi-pass sequences while allowing a selection to be made between the two.

The preselected rubber blend production plant is selected from a complementary mixing plant 300 that performs a complementary mixing process and an end-of-line plant 500 that performs at least one end-of-line process. The complementary mixing plant 300, which makes it possible to perform both the single-pass and multi-pass sequences, comprises a second internal mixer 302 being a mixer with or without a pestle comprising a chamber 304 with a predefined filling volume. In some embodiments, the mixer 302 has a larger volume than the internal mixer 22 positioned at the initial mixing plant 20, in some cases about twice. The second mixer 302, which comprises one or more mixing blades (no shown) as known in the art, can be selected from commercially available mixers.

The end-of-line facility 400, which is used for both single-pass and multi-pass sequences, includes equipment for performing an end-of-line process. This end-of-line process can be selected from profiling, sampling, processing, cooling, palletizing, and storing of the rubber blend. The equipment that is installed to complete the end-of-line process can be combined with other end-of-line equipment as needed.

Referring further to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the retractable transport means 250 may be positioned for selective transfer to the complementary mixing plant 300 or for selective transfer to the end-of-line facility 500. of step D of a single-shot sequence (see Figure 3), the retractable transport means 250 extends to the transport means 240 to allow the uninterrupted transport of the web 112 to the complementary mixing plant 300. these sequences, the retractable transport means 250, either alone or in combination with another means of transport, conveys the rubber mixture for carrying out a process of

complementary mixing.

Referring further to FIG. 4, during step D of a multipass sequence, and in particular for one or more successive passes (i.e., passages thereof prior to the last pass) the retractable transport means 250 withdraws from the transport means 240 for uninterrupted transport of the web 112 to the end-of-line facility 500. The transport means 252 performs the selective transfer by bypassing the mixing facility Complementary 300 and transporting the web 112 directly to the end-of-line installation 500. The choice between a single-pass or multi-pass sequence therefore determines whether the retractable transport means 250 is positioned to by-pass the complementary mixing facility.

System 10 allows for the removal of non-compliant mixtures both in the single-pass and multi-pass sequences. Although the processes reduce the possibility of waste, in the event that the material is non-compliant (for example, due to a malfunction in a mixing process), the system can prevent the material from reaching the installation. mixing As a result, additional wasted energy and time are avoided while the benefits of the various rubber mix production sequences are preserved.

Another advantage of the configuration described is to allow the realization of certain mixtures with similar properties compared to the same mixtures obtained with known processes (such as internal mixer and external mixer) while optimizing the amount of energy supplied to the mixture and its rubber compounding recipe.

Referring further to FIG. 5, during step D of a multipasspass and in particular for the last pass thereof, the retractable transport means 250 extends to the transport means 240 for transport uninterrupted of the web 112 to the complementary mixing plant 300. At this stage, the rubber mixture has already been transferred to the end of line installation 500 and subjected to the execution of an end-of-line process. In certain multipass sequences having successive passes before the last pass, the rubber mixture returns to the beginning of another sequence at the initial mixing facility 20 (for example, starting from step B of the Figure 4). In certain multipass sequences, one or more rubber mixtures are available at the end-of-line facility 500. One or more of these mixtures may be extracted and combined in a subsequent pass (eg starting from step B of Figure 4). For such sequences, the optional drain station 206 performs additional cooling steps to ensure that the water addition and temperature of any rubber blend is limited to target values prior to the introduction of vulcanizing ingredients. during the process of complementary mixing.

In a step E of both a single-shot sequence (see FIG. 3) and a last pass of a multi-pass sequence (see FIG 5), performed at the level of the complementary mixing plant 300, the mixer 302 receives one or more complementary ingredients (for example crosslinking or vulcanizing ingredients) which form the crosslinking system and any additional elastomers and additives required (for example complementary elastomers and / or materials to be recycled 309, agents protection device 311 and crosslinking agents 313). The method makes it possible to use selected charges in the group consisting of carbon blacks, silicas, kaolin, chalk, synthetic organic fillers, natural organic fillers and mixtures thereof. In some processes, the complementary ingredients include at least one of sulfur and one or more accelerators. It is obvious that other complementary ingredients can be introduced into the mixer 302.

In a step F of both a single-shot sequence (see FIG. 3) and a last pass of a multipass sequence (see FIG. 5), carried out at an introduction installation 400, a mixture rubber previously already produced on this line or another manufacturing line is cold-incorporated at the level of the complementary mixing plant 300. The system 10 makes it possible to achieve an expected mixing in "hybrid" operation, that is to say that is, using a mixture of hot rubber with a mixture of cold rubber without the need for separate equipment.

The introducer 400 comprises a delivery device 402 which receives a ply 412 already made and an introducer belt 404 which transfers the ply 412 to the complementary mixing installation 300. The ply 412 is available in one or more pallets P so that the delivery device 402 can feed the feed conveyor 404 continuously during step F. The delivery device 402 can be a rubber depalletizer or equivalent device that could be selected from a variety of devices available commercially. The introducer belt 404 transports the web 412 to the complementary mixing plant 300 to mix the rubber mixture already made and the rubber mixture from the system 10 (including the complementary ingredients) into the mixer 302.

A first rubber mixing part (the ply 112) is thus produced at the internal mixer 22 in parallel with a second rubber mixing part (the ply 412) which is already made (beforehand on another production line or on the same line). The rubber properties of these mixtures may be different from those of the mixture of the web 112 which comes from the internal mixer 22. For example, a mixture derived from the mixing of the materials of the web 112 and the web 412 may have a higher fluidity by compared to that of a mixture from the internal mixer 22.

Mixer 302 allows low temperature mixing (eg, temperature which does not exceed 110 ° C during the process of complementary mixing) and the modification of the physical characteristics of the batch. The vulcanizing products are introduced into the mixer 302 to complete the mixing with the required properties. Preferably, the method according to the invention is used to optimize the productivity of the installed line because the mixer 302 functions well filled, preferably with a filling coefficient that may exceed 70%.

In a step G, both of a single-shot sequence (see FIG. 3) and of a last pass of a multi-pass sequence (see FIG 5), carried out at the level of the complementary mixing plant 300, the mixer 302 performs the complementary mixing process. During this process, the mixer 302 mixes the web 112 and the web 412 with the complementary ingredients to effect the mixing of all the ingredients. During the evacuation of the web 112 to the complementary mixer, the rubber mixture has already reached the target values of temperature and addition to water.

During the complementary mixing process, the temperature of the rubber blend is controlled as known in the art (for example, by adjusting the mixing blade speed of the mixer 302). In some processes, the temperature of the mixture in the chamber 304 is controlled so as not to exceed about 120 ° C before the rubber mixture is discharged into the end-of-line plant 500. In some processes, this temperature is regulated. so as not to exceed about 110 ° C.

In a step H both of a single-shot sequence (see FIG. 3) and of a multi-pass sequence (see FIGS. 4 and 5), carried out at the end-of-line installation 500, an end process line can be performed as is known in the art. For single-pass sequences, step H is performed after completion of the complementary mixing process by the complementary mixing plant 300 (see steps G and H of Figure 3). For the multipass sequences, step H is carried out after the mixing and cooling process carried out by the installation 100 and without going through the complementary mixing process carried out by

the complementary mixing plant 300 (i.e., after transfer of the web 112 from the optional discharge station 206) (shown in FIG. 4). For multi-pass sequences, step H is repeated after execution the complementary mixing process at the complementary mixing plant 300 (shown in step H of Figure 5).

Thus, during the multipass passes and before the last pass thereof, the web 112 is transferred to the end of line installation 500 without passage of the web to the mixer 302. This bypass of the installation of Complementary mixing avoids any contamination of the rubber mixture by a crosslinking residue which could remain in the chamber 304. Although the complementary ingredients are deliberately selected to effect effective crosslinking, contamination with crosslinking residues is preferably avoided for the crosslinking residues. recipes in which the rubber mixture requires additional treatment (for example at one or more of an end-of-line installation 500, a

mixing and cooling 100 and an optional drain station 206).

The system 10 includes a transport means that sequentially directs the rubber mixture to one or more of the rubber blend production facilities. As used herein, the term "means of transport" refers to one or more means of transportation such as carpets 114, 116, 240, 402, to the transportation facility 200, to the retractable transport means 250 and to the equivalent and complementary means of transport. It is obvious that the means of transport is not limited to continuous carpets and that other means of transport can be used for this purpose, without departing from the scope of

the invention. The transport means may be "endless" (ie, without interruption) during at least one current sequence and may flow endlessly through one or more successive sequences.

The invention contemplates the creation of rubber mix production facilities in which the rubber mix production processes are selectively carried out according to a selected rubber compounding recipe (eg by one or more controllers). These examples of rubber mix production facilities may follow a programmed sequence. For example, a central control center 230 (shown in FIG. 2) may have been programmed with data set for a plurality of rubber mixtures, each having a unique mixing cycle profile (e.g., a single-shot sequence or a sequence multipass). The additional data may include at least one predefined water flow rate to be delivered for each boom, an air draw for each hood, a target temperature of the rubber mix after a time has elapsed and a water addition. target of the rubber mixture.

The assembly of hot and cold rubber mixtures reduces the constraints related to the storage of mixtures. For example, one can improve the flow forecasts and the required space for pallets in storage. The invention also makes it possible to increase the variety of materials and while optimizing the energy aspects that can be obtained by the process (for example, fluidity optimized or adapted to the selected elastomers, cooling level of the first mixture, etc.). See table below.

TABLE 1

By productivity is meant the mass ratio delivered per time unit (for example, kg / min). By way of example, the following comparative results were obtained for rubber compositions as described in the table below, in which the same numbers identify identical elements in the figures and in which:

MI: internal mixer

ME: external mixer MB: masterbatch

(Kg)

Total time spent

600 660 570 630 690 batch (sec)

Time pace

240 300 198 234 270 installation (dry)

Batch productivity

(Kg / sec) 0.67 0.61 0.77 0.83 0.87

Productivity

installation (Kg / sec) 1,67 1,33 2,22 2,22 2,22

TABLE 2

One or more sensors and / or types of sensors can be

possibly used, including but not limited to

(for example, to detect atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure and / or humidity before the initiation of a mixing cycle) and verification sensors (for example to detect a deviation from a proscribed sequence). In this way, the invention allows an increase in the number and variety of rubber mixture produced depending on the tire to be manufactured.

While a tire may benefit from a rubber blend whose properties are influenced by a single-rubber mixing sequence, another tire may benefit from a rubber blend whose properties are influenced by a sequence of

multipass rubber compound production. Comparable ingredients can be used during both types of sequences and can therefore be manufactured on equipment that includes various other undisclosed processes. Such equipment may incorporate process mixing processes of

additional beneficial rubber without harming the quality of the resulting rubber mix and ultimately the performance of the final product.

It is obvious that one or more steps in a selected single-pass or multi-pass sequence can be performed at a given time and for a specified duration. To support the modularity of the production capacity, one or more of the systems can be installed in a

common installation with start-ups of certain steps that are staggered between stations (eg a cooling process of one system can start in a predefined timeout after the start of a cooling process by another system in the same installation). The invention also includes a balancing of one or more steps or one or more processes in the same system. The start time for one or more steps may be staggered relative to a start time of other steps in the same sequence. One or more steps may end at the start of a subsequent step or may otherwise have their durations extended until the conclusion of a step performed consecutively.

The control of the properties of the rubber mixture is carried out not only by the ingredients selected for a given rubber mixture, but also by the order of introduction as well as by any possible intermediate steps. Since the configuration of the system 10 remains static regardless of whether a single-pass or multi-pass sequence is executed, a wide variety of rubber mix mixing recipes become available which are suitable for the manufacture of tires. In this sense, the system makes it possible to produce rubber mixtures from recipes with single-shot sequences or recipes with multi-pass sequences without the need for separate equipment.

The ranges that are presented as "between a and b" include the values "a" and "b".

Although particular embodiments of the disclosed apparatus have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes, additions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, no limitation should be imposed on the scope of the described invention with the exception of those set out in the

appended claims.

Claims

A method of selectively producing one or more production sequences of a rubber blend composition according to a selected rubber compounding recipe, in which the following steps are performed:

providing a system (10) comprising a series of rubber mix production plants (20, 100, 300, 500) that define single-pass and multi-pass rubber compound production sequences, each rubber blend production facility ( 20, 100, 200, 300, 400) for performing at least one rubber compound production process;

using a conveyance means (114, 116, 200, 240, 250) for sequentially directing a rubber mixture to at least one rubber compounding plant (20, 100, 300, 400) according to a rubber mixing recipe selected;

providing an introducer (400) which performs a process of introducing a rubber mixture already made beforehand on another production line or on the same line; and

assembling the rubber mixture already made and the rubber mixture from the system (10).

The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

performing an initial mixing process at an initial mixing plant (20);

performing a cooling process at a mixing and cooling plant (100);

perform an end-of-line process at an end-of-line facility (500); and

performing a complementary mixing process at a complementary mixing plant (300).

The method of claim 2, wherein the process

The introduction of an already made rubber mixture further comprises the steps of receiving a web (412) of the rubber mixture already made and transferring the web (412) to the complementary mixing plant (300).

A method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the introducer (400) has a delivery device (402) which receives the already formed web (412) and an introducer (404) which transfers the web (412) to the complementary mixing plant (300) to the step of assembling the already made rubber mixture and the rubber mixture from the system (10).

The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mixing and cooling plant (100) comprises:

at least one external mixer having a pair of rolls (1 10) for converting the rubber mixture into a continuous web (112);

at least one spray facility having one or more ramps (124), (126) positioned at each of a station

an upper spray (102) and a lower spray station (104), each ramp (124), (126) being in communication with a water and air supply source for supplying water and air with one or more nozzles (124a), (126a) at predetermined water flow rate and air pressure; and

at least one suction unit having one or more suction hoods (134), (136) positioned downstream of each manifold (124), (126), each exhaust hood (134), (136) being communicating with an air supply source for predetermined air flow suction;

whereby during the cooling process, the mixing and cooling plant (100) sprays the continuous web (112) and discharges the air containing the evaporated water to produce the rubber mixture at target temperature values and adding water before the complementary mixing process.

The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps following:

producing a rubber mixture having a temperature not exceeding 180 ° C during the initial mixing process; and

to produce a rubber mixture having a temperature not exceeding 110 ° C during the complementary mixing process.

The method of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the end of line process is selected from profiling, sampling, processing, cooling, palletizing, and storing the rubber blend.

The method of any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising, during the mixing and cooling process, the following steps:

transforming the rubber mixture into a continuous web (112); spraying water on the continuous web (112) at a predetermined water flow rate; and

discharging the water spray with an air suction source (134, 136,

224);

so that the rubber mixture reaches target values of temperature and water addition before the complementary mixing process.

The method of claim 8, wherein:

a target value of the temperature of the rubber mixture is about 70 ° C; and

a target value of the water content of the rubber mixture does not exceed about 0.20% by weight of the rubber mixture.

The method of any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising positioning a retractable transport means (250) for performing the complementary mixing process from which the rubber mixture will be transferred to the end of line (500); or

positioning the retractable transport means (250) for the transfer to the end-of-line facility (500) without performing the complementary mixing process.

11. Process according to any one of claims 2 to 10,

further comprising the step of selectively transferring the rubber mixture to a preselected rubber production facility (20, 100, 300, 500).

The method of any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising the step of selecting the rubber blend from a variety of recipe-derived rubber mixtures for one or more rubber production sequences comprising the single-pass sequences and multi-pass sequences.

The method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the step of assembling the rubber mixture already made and the rubber mixture from the system (10) is made during a last pass of a multipass sequence. .

14. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the second mixer (302) operates with a filling coefficient of more than 70%.

15. System for implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.