Optimizing moisture levels not only increases
yield, but also the efficiency of the drying operation.
Synthetic Crumb Manufacturing
Process – Emulsion Crumb Process
The first stage of this process involves the polymerization
of butadiene and styrene polymers to form a milky white emulsion
termed Latex. The reaction is stopped before completion, owing
to a fall off in the reaction rate. Quality of product and
monomers are recovered from the latex stream prior to it being
stored.
In the second stage, latex is pumped to coagulation vessels
where brine and diluted sulfuric acid are added. This causes
the emulsions to break, releasing the styrene-butadiene copolymer.
The crumb and brine acid slurry is separated by screens, and
the crumb is pressed before being dried on a belt dryer. The
dried product is baled and weighed.
Measurement Location
The gauge is usually located 8” above and perpendicular
to the moving conveyor post dryer. An air or water cooling
option may be required in order to prevent the gauge electronics
from overheating. An air purge assembly is essential in order
to prevent both dust collecting and steam condensing on the
gauge viewing window. |
