NATURAL RUBBER LATEX CONCENTRATOR SYSTEM USING SEMI-CONTINUOUS PARALLEL COLUMNS WITH VIBRATION

Abstract

This invention discloses a natural rubber latex concentrating system using a configuration of four vertical columns operated in parallel in a semi-continuous mode and equipped with a controlled vibration mechanism. The system consists of columns C1 to C4 interconnected through a distribution pipe network with stop valves for flow control, water discharge, and sampling. Vibration units are installed in columns C1 and C2 to generate vibrations with a certain frequency to accelerate the destabilization of colloidal particles, increase differential sedimentation, and accelerate the phase separation between latex and water based on density differences. Columns C3 and C4 function as the final gravity purification stage until concentrated latex is obtained. This system does not require large energy, does not use a centrifugation process or additional coagulant chemicals, and can be operated at the farmer level or small industry.With a modular design and simple operation, this invention is able to accelerate the concentration time from ±14 days using traditional methods to ±4 days with higher process efficiency and more stable latex quality.