Analysis of aerosol emissions from a rubber vulcanization process

Paper G11-04 Vulcanization is a non-reversible chemical process, which greatly improves the useful properties of natural rubber gum or certain synthetic polymers. The vulcanization process generates a complex mixture of gaseous substances in the exhaust gases that must be removed before discharging them outdoors. We monitored and analyzed the emission control systems of some post-curing ovens, serving a production unit manufacturing small parts containing rubber for the automotive industry. Concentrations and size distributions of particles in the exhaust streams were measured using optical particle spectrometers (size ranges from 300 nm to 10000 nm) and electric particle mobility analyzers (mobility diameter between 10 nm and 420 nm). We measured the emissions exhausted by two different types of ovens: in-line and batch ones. Each emission control unit was equipped with a heat exchanger cooling the exhaust gases to a value suitable for the operation of the downstream two-stage electrostatic precipitator. Each single exhaust treatment unit collects the gases exhausted by 3 to 5 ovens, treating a flow rate of less than 1000 m3/h at a duct velocity of about 3.8 m/s. The goals in performing the measurements were:  To assess the performance of the exhaust fume purifying unit, with emphasis on the electrostatic precipitator performance and its assessment;  To evaluate the adequacy and efficacy of the current maintenance schedule, whose time interval may significantly influence the performance of the electrostatic precipitators;  To develop a robust measurement protocol to evaluate the reliability of innovative solutions for removing the pollutants.