Abstract: A test sample of raw or compounded rubber is squeezed from a loading chamber (7) through selectively-aligned passages (8,12) to fill an annular space (1) between a coaxial stator (5) and rotor (4). Measurements of viscous torque are provided by a sensor (15), and a load cell (14) provides measurements of the force exerted axially by the sample. The torque and axial-force measurements are plotted against time (16 FIG. 4, 17 FIG. 5) as representative respectively of the viscosity V and elasticity of recovery E of the sample, and are compared for correspondence (within limits 19, 20) with earlier-plotted characteristics of an acceptable rubber for processing. Temperature of the sample is regulated by a heater (18) and rotation of the rotor (4) is at a speed and for a duration corresponding to that of the next processing stage.

Abstract: Batch mixing takes place in the gap (3) between grooved faces of counter-rotating discs (1,2) such that the spiral grooves (8) and lands (10) of each face traverse the grooves (8) and lands (10) of the other, to shear and split material drawn inwardly along the grooves (8) for distributive mixing. Modifications include plural-turn spiral, straight, and truncated spiral grooving (FIGS. 5 to 10), and batch mixing in which only one disc (28) rotates (FIG. 11). Continuous mixing involving shear is carried out within a cylindrical barrel (40 FIG. 12;57 FIG. 13) between its internal helical-grooving (43;590 and the helical grooving (44;60), of opposite hand, of a rotor (41;58). The shearing can produce mechanochemical reactions that break down the molecular structure of the material, notably in the context of mastication and solubilising of used rubber in reclaim from vehicle-tyres.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes first and second surfaces which are at different temperatures. A bed of fluidizable material is provided in a cavity which is located between the first and second surfaces, and gas from a supply means is supplied to the cavity to form a fluidized bed from the fluidizable material and thereby to enable heat to be transferred between the first and second surfaces. Control means is provided for alternately forming and collapsing the fluidized bed in order to regulate the rate of transfer of heat between the first and second surfaces. The heat transfer system has particular application in the cooling of a forming mould in a glassware forming system.