Structurally adapted steam line for a steam autoclave
A lambda probe at the steam outlet of the autoclave optimizes the steam rinsing process by controlling oxygen content, reducing energy use and enhancing product quality in rubber vulcanization.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025102857
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-12-13
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing steam autoclave processes for vulcanizing rubber products require excessive energy due to prolonged steam introduction to displace atmospheric oxygen, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal product quality.
Installation of a lambda probe at the steam outlet to measure oxygen content, combined with a flow-reducing branch to terminate steam purging based on a set oxygen limit, optimizing the rinsing process.
Reduces energy consumption and improves product quality by precisely controlling residual oxygen levels, ensuring efficient and accurate displacement of atmospheric oxygen.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical FieldThe technical solution relates to a modification of a steam autoclave or of the steam line at the steam outlet for better control of the oxygen content in the autoclave.Prior ArtWhen using a steam autoclave for vulcanizing rubber products, the atmospheric oxygen is displaced from the autoclave by means of steam before the beginning of the actual vulcanization, which steam is introduced into the autoclave via the steam line. This process is referred to as "rinsing" and is required for the subsequent correct vulcanization of the products. The steam is introduced into the autoclave for a predetermined time, which, however, serves only as a reference value. For reasons of greater certainty that the oxygen is displaced, the steam is introduced for a longer time than is absolutely necessary. This method is disadvantageous above all because of the high energy requirement of the entire rinsing process.Nature of the Technical SolutionThe above-mentioned disadvantages are largely eliminated by a structural adaptation of the steam line at the steam outlet of the autoclave, wherein a lambda probe for measuring the oxygen content in the emerging steam is installed at the steam outlet at the steam line. Advantageously, a flow-reducing branch is provided on the outlet conduit to prevent cooling of the probe below its operating temperature. The position and orientation of the steam inlets and outlets is not essential for the measurement, but it is desirable to place the probe so that it is not flushed by steam condensate.In the measurement with the probe, the purging phase is terminated based on a set limit value for the oxygen content in the exhausted steam. This leads to energy savings during the rinsing and an improvement in product quality due to the precisely determined amount of residual oxygen.Explanation of the DrawingsThe technical solution is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, wherein FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the arrangement with the autoclave and the measuring probe.Embodiment of Technical SolutionThe autoclave 1 is connected to the inlet branch 2 of the steam line and also to the outlet branch 3 of the steam line. On the outlet branch 3, a branch 4 with an installed lambda probe is formed.
Claims
A structurally adapted steam line for a steam autoclave (1) having an inlet branch (2) and an outlet branch (3) of the steam line, characterised in that a lambda probe (5) for measuring the oxygen in the steam is mounted on the outlet branch (3) of the steam line.Constructionally adapted steam line for a steam autoclave (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lambda probe (5) is attached to a branch (4) with a reduction in the flow rate of the steam.