Cup Lump Processing into Standard Rubber: Industrial Process and Key Technologies

As a crucial raw material in natural rubber production, cup lump requires systematic industrial processing to be transformed into standard rubber. Below is a detailed breakdown of the processing flow, integrating production technologies and quality control essentials:

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I. Characteristics of Cup Lump and Processing Challenges

1. Raw Material Properties

   
   
   
   

   • High Impurity Content: Exposure during open-air collection leads to impurity levels of 0.5%–1.0%, far exceeding the requirements for standard rubber (e.g., TSR 20 specifies impurities ≤0.20%).

   • Non-Homogeneity: Naturally coagulated gel blocks exhibit loose internal structures, necessitating colloidal breakdown to improve uniformity.

   • Moisture Control: Initial moisture content of ~30%–40% requires thorough drying to prevent mold growth and quality degradation.

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2. Preprocessing Necessity

   • Impurities (e.g., sand, bark) directly compromise mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, abrasion resistance), making washing and screening critical steps.

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II. Key Technologies in Industrial Processing

1. Crushing and Intensive Washing

   • Equipment: Zhanjiang Weida Machinery’s Cup Lump Breaker and Single-Screw Extrusion Washer.

   • Process: Crushes lumps to increase surface area for enhanced washing efficiency.

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2. Crepe Processing and Homogenization

   
   
   
   

   • Creper Machine Mechanism:

     • Utilizes Zhanjiang Weida Machinery’s creper to repeatedly roll and shear the rubber, disrupting internal hydrogen bonding networks.

     • Releases non-rubber components (proteins, sugars) while improving molecular chain alignment uniformity.

   • Process Focus: Thinner crepe sheets yield better results.

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3. Granulation and Drying

   • Equipment: Zhanjiang Weida Machinery’s Shredder.

   • Process:

     • Controls particle diameter to optimize heat transfer efficiency, minimizing thermal oxidative degradation.

     • Employs low-temperature drying to reduce moisture content.

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4. Anti-Aging Packaging

   • Equipment: Zhanjiang Weida Machinery’s Hydraulic Baling Machine.

   • Process:

   • Compacts rubber into bales (~33.3 kg).

   • Vacuum-seals bales with film to block oxygen, extending storage life.

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   • Collected by : Elaine from Zhanjiang Weida Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd.  （Whatsapp:+86 157 6749 7707)