Environmentally safe automatic rubber substrates treatment

Abstract

A process for treating rubber substrates, comprising the steps of: providing a first chemical compound comprising chlorine releasing salt and water in a first tank; providing a second chemical compound comprising acid, surfactant and water in a second tank; feeding the two chemical compounds into a mixing vessel within a treatment machine; mixing the chemical compounds to produce a rubber treatment solution; producing treated rubber substrates by spraying the rubber treatment solution onto rubber substrates moving on a conveyor; air-spraying the treated rubber substrates; and sucking and filtering chlorine gas produced during the process.

Description

[0001] ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AUTOMATIC RUBBER SUBSTRATES TREATMENT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an environmentally safe automatic process and machine for rendering rubber substrates adhesive, and more particularly to a treatment method for pretreating rubber substrates, and the present invention further relates to an environmentally friendly automatic treatment solution for rubber substrates, which complies with all international safety standards.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Rubber adhesion, which involves bonding rubber to other materials, is important in several industries. Some key industries where rubber adhesion is commonly utilized include: Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Medical, Footwear, Aerospace, Sports and Recreation. These industries rely on effective rubber adhesion to ensure product performance, durability, and safety in various applications.

[0006] A wide range of adhesives for bonding rubbers to rubbers, as well as rubbers to other substrates are available, for example, from MasterBond, USA. Surface preparation plays a key role in ensuring that good bonding strength is achieved. The following techniques are typically used as practices for proper surface preparation:

[0007] Degreasing is carried out in order to remove any loosely held dirt or other contaminants from the surface. Surfaces can be degreased using volatile solvents such as toluene, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and trichloroethylene. However, health and safety regulations should be met prior to selecting a solvent. The most common methods used, typically include the three main steps:

[0008] 1. Vapor degrease / clean / rinse the substrates with the appropriate solvents

[0009] 2. Immerse the substrates in a fresh bath of solvent / degreasing solution for washing and follow by an immersion in a second tank for a rinsing

[0010] 3. Clean and dry the substrate post the degreasing

[0011] The surfaces need to be degreased and cleaned before as well as after abrasion to remove any pre-existing contaminants on the surface. Once the surfaces have been abraded, they need to be degreased to remove the debris from abrasion. Depending on the exact rubber being used, the abrasion technique that is eventually employed might vary. Caution must be exercised based on the exact material used regarding the feasibility of this technique.

[0012] Specific chemical techniques have been developed for treating different rubber substrates. The most common type of treatment is dissolving trichloroacetic acid in MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and covering the clean rubber surface with this solution. After the application of the solution on the rubber surface, it should be activated by heat to enable maximum chlorine interaction with the rubber polymer chains.

[0013] Conventional shoe manufacturing methods usually involve several steps and procedures, for example, attaching the sole made of rubber material to the upper, made of other materials such as EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), PU (polyurethane leather), leather and more, and bonding them together. The surface of rubber material is usually susceptible to oxidation and does not react well with chemicals, therefore it requires additional preparation steps, such as polishing, degreasing and priming.

[0014] Current methods for rubber treatment at shoe factories have the following disadvantages:

[0015] • Manual rubber buffing / polishing which exposes the workers to small rubber particles;

[0016] • The chemicals used are based on harmful solvents such as MEK (Methyl ethyl ketone), acetone etc., and chlorine-releasing chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid;

[0017] • Solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and acetone, and chlorine-releasing chemicals, such as VOC (Volatile organic compounds), which release chlorine vapors dangerous for humans and the environment;

[0018] • Chlorine-releasing chemicals e.g. trichloroacetic acid have long-term chlorine release after treatment that creates additional health risk to workers;

[0019] • The solvents used have a low flash point and are therefore explosive and flammable;

[0020] • The treatment steps are manual with explosive, flammable and VOC risks as explained above;

[0021] • The solution is prepared prior to use, with a shelf life of the ready solution being 2-4 hours;

[0022] Due to the above health risks, the rubber treatment process is restricted in several countries (several US states, some European countries, etc.) and the shoe industry requires green, safe solutions for rubber treatment.

[0023] Therefore, there is need for a machine for the automatic preparation and application of the rubber treatment solution on rubber substrates such as shoe soles and others. Moreover, the process should abide by all international safety standards.

[0024] There are numerous patent publications for preparing and applying chemicals on rubber surfaces for treatment, coating, and other purposes known in the art. Patent ES2014544 describes a machine that sprays standard solvent-based halogenating primer solution on the soles. This solution uses solvent -based primer with VOC and poses explosion risk and no worker protection from harmful vapors. Patents US2016 / 0303590A1, US2011 / 0081499A1, US2003 / 0127542A1 describe dispensing systems for PU, urea and other chemicals, where the chemicals are multi-component, and the components are mixed prior to use. Patent US 2011 / 0081499A1 engine uses static mixer for component mix, patent US9027858B2 uses atomizing mixing technique. The prior-art dispensing means are spray guns requiring pressured air, another gun type produces spray by high liquid velocity. Each of these mentioned equipment was developed for specific purposes and do not fit all requirements for safe rubber treatment.

[0025] The present invention solves all issues and safety problems described above and provides an automatic, safe solution for rubber items treatment. SUMMARY

[0026] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic rubber substrates treatment machine (100), comprising: electronic controller (102); two separate chemical solution tanks (105, 106), wherein said two separate solutions are configured to be mixed during said treatment, to create a mixed halogenizing treatment solution; two pumps (110, 111) connected with said two chemical solution tanks, respectively; a mixing vessel (115), connected via two respective pipes (120) to said two pumps (110, 111), configured to mix said two chemical solutions, said mixing vessel comprising a level sensor; a pneumatic cabinet (117), configured to control the pumping pressure and duration of said two solutions and to spray air onto said treated substrates via air-lines (170); a mechanical filter (125); pipes (310, 320) connected with said mechanical filter (125); spraying nozzles (130), connected with said pipes (310, 320), configured to spray said mixed solution onto rubber substrates; a conveyor (140), configured to transport said rubber substrates under said spraying nozzles; a machine inlet (160), configured to receive said rubber substrates to be treated onto said conveyor; a machine outlet (161), configured to discharge said treated rubber substrate from said conveyor; and an air sucking fume hood (171), configured to exhaust residues of chlorine gas produced in said machine during said treatment.

[0027] The two chemical solutions may be selected, respectively, from the groups consisting of: chlorine releasing salt compounds 0.5-15 wt%, with water up to 100%; and acidic compounds 0.25-10 wt%, with 0.05-1.5 wt% surfactant and water up to 100%.

[0028] The chlorine releasing salt compounds may be selected from the group consisting of: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C3C12N3NaO3) and N- chloro succinimide (C4H4C1NO2).

[0029] The acidic compounds may be selected from the group consisting of: HC1 (Hydrochloric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid). The surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of: BYK307, BYK348, Capstone FS-51 and Triton 100.

[0030] The two pumps are configured to work simultaneously, and the two chemical solutions may be pumped into a static mixer (118), connected between said pipes (120) and said mixing vessel (115).

[0031] The two pumps may be configured to work one after the other and the mixing vessel may be configured to mix the separate solution by pumping pressure.

[0032] The spraying nozzles may be selected from the group consisting of: mist nozzles and fan nozzles.

[0033] The conveyor may be configured to work in one of: step movement and continuous movement.

[0034] The air sucking fume hood (171) may comprise: a suction unit (410); chlorine gas fan and fan motor (450); a hydrophobic filter (420), configured to prevent chemical solution drops from moving forward and damaging the fan motor (450); a chlorine collecting carbon filter (430), configured to absorb chlorine gas; and an exhaust (460) configured to expel filtered clean air.

[0035] The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine may further comprise a water supply configured to wash said mixing vessel and said nozzles.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an air sucking fume hood (171), configured to be mounted in a rubber substrate treatment machine using a chemical halogenizing treatment solution, comprising: a suction unit (410); chlorine gas fan and fan motor (450); a hydrophobic filter (420), configured to prevent said chemical solution drops from moving forward and damaging the fan motor (450); a chlorine collecting carbon filter (430), configured to absorb chlorine gas produced during said machine’s rubber substrate treatment operation; and an exhaust (460) configured to expel filtered clean air from said rubber substrate treatment machine.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for treating rubber substrates, comprising the steps of: providing a first chemical compound comprising chlorine releasing salt and water in a first tank; providing a second chemical compound comprising acid, surfactant and water in a second tank; feeding said two chemical compounds into a mixing vessel within a treatment machine; mixing said chemical compounds to produce a rubber treatment solution; producing treated rubber substrates by spraying said rubber treatment solution onto rubber substrates moving on a conveyor (140); air-spraying said treated rubber substrates; and sucking and filtering chlorine gas produced during said process.

[0038] The first chemical compound may be selected from the group consisting of: chlorine releasing salt compounds 0.5-15 wt%, with water up to 100%, and the second chemical compound may be selected from the group consisting of: acidic compounds 0.25-10 wt%, with 0.05-1.5 wt% surfactant and water up to 100%.

[0039] The chlorine releasing salt compound may be selected from the group consisting of: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C3C12N3NaO3) and N-chloro succinimide (C4H4C1NO2).

[0040] The acidic compound may selected from the group consisting of: HC1 (Hydrochloric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid).

[0041] The \surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of: B YK307, B YK348, Capstone FS-51 and Triton 100.

[0042] The mixing may comprise feeding said first and second chemical compounds into a static mixer 118.

[0043] The conveyor may be selected from the group consisting of: static conveyors and moving conveyors.

[0044] The moving conveyor may be moving in one of: step mode and continuous mode.

[0045] The rubber treatment solution may be sprayed via one of mist nozzles and fan nozzles.

[0046] The process may further comprise the step of drying said treated rubber substrate in an oven.

[0047] The process may further comprise washing said mixing vessel and said spraying means.

[0048] The process may further comprise preliminary steps of abrasion and degreasing said rubber substrates.

[0049] The degreasing may comprise the steps of: washing said rubber substrates with DMM (Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl ether) solvent; and rinsing said washed rubber substrates with water, wherein said solvent and said water are recycled.

[0050] The step of washing with DMM solvent may performed with ultrasonic energy in 25-50 degrees C for 1-5 mins.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] For better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of machine 100 according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a feeding mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of another feeding mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing of the spraying mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing of the fume hood according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0059] Fig. 6 is a flowchart detailing the various steps taken during the rubber treatment process according embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention of the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention will normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0062] The present invention relates to an automatic process and a machine for treating rubber substrates, intending to improve their adhesion to other rubber substrates or other materials. The present invention further relates to an environmentally friendly automatic treatment halogenizing-solution for rubber substrates, which complies with all international safety standards. The solution renders the treated surfaces better adhesive to other materials.

[0063] The rubber treatment solution for halogenation consists of compounds selected from the following groups: acidic compound, e.g. HC1 (Hydrochloric acid), H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid); chlorine releasing salt compound; e.g. sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C3C12N3NaO3), N-chloro succinimide (C4H4C1NO2); surfactant; (e.g. BYK307, BYK348, Capstone FS-51, Triton 100); and water and is active when these compounds are all mixed together. The solution is chlorine - releasing and stays normally active for 4 hours only.

[0064] In order to solve possible chlorine-exposure issues and a relatively short activity time, the present invention proposes an automatic machine where the chemical treatment solution is divided into two parts:

[0065] A - chlorine releasing salt compound - 0.5-15 wt%, with water up to 100%;

[0066] B - acidic compound - 0.25-10 wt% + 0.05-1.5 wt% of surfactant, with water up to 100%. Parts A and B, when held separately, are stable for a long time (> 6 months), thus increasing the shelf life of the products and eliminating the danger of employee exposure to the chlorine vapors, by performing the mixing process automatically inside the machine.

[0067] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of machine 100 according to the present invention, comprising:

[0068] Electronic controller 102

[0069] A and B solution-parts tanks 105 and 106

[0070] Pumps 110, 111 connected with said tanks (available e.g. from NDP-5FPT, YAMADA)

[0071] Mixing vessel 115 connected with said pumps

[0072] At least one level sensor 116 in said mixing vessel (available e.g. from ICON Process Controls) Static mixer 118

[0073] A pneumatic cabinet 117 (available e.g. from Biirkert Control Systems) connected with the pumps, the mixing vessel and a central air pressure (6 bar)

[0074] A plurality of valves (121, 122, 123) operated by the pneumatic cabinet under control of the electronic controller 102

[0075] Pipes 120 (Fig. 2)

[0076] Mechanical filter 125 (Fig. 4) (available e.g. from Hangzhou Juxian Gas Equipment Manufacturing Co., Etd.)

[0077] Spraying nozzles 130 (available e.g. from FEF fogging nozzles, RIVUEIS)

[0078] Conveyor 140

[0079] Chlorine leak alarm sensor 150 (available e.g. from Binaho Instruments) Substrate inlet 160

[0080] Substrate outlet 161

[0081] At least one air-line 170

[0082] Air sucking fume hood 171

[0083] Waste reservoir 180

[0084] In the machine 100, the solution parts A and B are pumped from the individual tanks (105, 106), simultaneously or one after another, by the pumps (110, 111 respectively) into the mixing vessel 115. A and B liquids are mixed by a static mixer 118, or by controlling the pumping pressure of each pump individually, depending on the nature of the solution in the respective tank (e.g. surfactant pumping pressure is reduced so as to reduce foam). There is constant control over the amounts of the solutions in simultaneous and independent ways - by level sensors 116 inside the mixing vessel 115, and by the pumps (110, 111). The electronic controller 102 controls the duration of solutions’ pumping, to provide an additional safety measure. This ensures the right and uniform solution amount of each part, and therefore the final solution’s activity. From the mixing vessel 115 the solution is pushed through the mechanical filter 125 and pipes 310, 320 (Fig. 4) into nozzles 130, and sprayed on the rubber substrates on the conveyor 140. In the example of treating shoe soles, the chemical treatment takes 10s - 10 min, and the amount of the mixed treatment solution is in the range of 2-30g per pair of treated shoe soles, depending on the rubber type.

[0085] Treatment time can be adjusted for different substrates by controlling the conveyor 140 speed. Conveyor 140 speed is in the range of 1 to 50 cm / s, preferably 5-15 cm / s. The treatment solution spray can be applied on a static conveyor or on a conveyor moving in constant speed. Spraying of the treatment solution on a moving conveyor is preferable, due to more uniform treatment solution coverage, and is more suitable for an automatic production line.

[0086] Conveyor movement can be a continuous movement or a step movement. Conveyor step movement is preferable, due to easy control of the rubber treatment time and optimization of the treatment solution quantities per rubber substrate and is more suitable for an automatic production line.

[0087] The spraying nozzles 130 may be mist nozzles or fan nozzles or other types of nozzles. Mist nozzles produce extremely fine droplets, and a uniform hollow cone spray pattern, and are optimal for sole treatment due to low flow rate, l-5g / s, and uniform surface coating.

[0088] The nozzles 130, as well as all other machine parts, including the conveyor, machine body, mixing vessel, pipes, valves, mechanical filter and level sensors, that are exposed to the treatment solution, are made of chlorine and acidic resistant materials e.g. polypropylene, Teflon, PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride), PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), Titanium, Nickel alloy C276 etc.

[0089] The amount of A and B mixed treatment solution depends on the conveyor’ s speed and the spraying nozzles’ flow rate and spraying mode. Spray modes are continuous mode (spraying all time) and pulse mode (spraying 2-50% of the time). Pulse mode is a way of controlling the quantities of treatment solution, where the treatment solution spray is applied several times for short periods of time, with high frequency. In the example of treating rubber shoe soles, efficient rubber treatment requires 1-50 g of treatment solution per pair of shoe soles, preferably 2-20 g / pair. Excess treatment solution on the substrates increases treatment solution cost and thus the cost of the entire process. The electronic controller 102 ensures that the treatment solution amount is in the defined range. If a decrease is detected (e.g. due to nozzles clogging) from the minimum defined amount, or overflow (e.g. leakage) from the maximum defined amount, the machine will alert and stop.

[0090] After the treatment, the treated substrates are air sprayed via a pneumatic air cabinet 117 (available e.g. from Aircontrol), via at least one air-line 170, to remove excess of the sprayed solution and to make further drying in an oven easier. All the processes above occur within the machine boundaries with high air suction (fume hood 171, air flow >0.5 m / s).

[0091] Two openings (160, 161) in the machine body are aimed for inlet and outlet of the rubber substrates, respectively, into and out of the treatment area of the machine. There is chlorine gas in the treatment area, therefore the machine has a chlorine leak alarm sensor 150. If there is a chlorine leak out of the machine, the machine stops automatically when the sensor detects chlorine level above 0.5 ppm.

[0092] During the machine’s operation the treatment solution is sprayed by nozzles via at least two spray lines (310, 320), offset from each other, ensuring full solution spray coverage of the rubber soles.

[0093] During the spraying process, part of the chlorine is dissolved in the air and part remains in the chemical solution drops. The chlorine spray residues pass through the hydrophobic filter 420, which prevents chemical solution drops from moving forward and damaging the fan motor 450. The chlorine gas is absorbed in the suction system’s 171 carbon filter 430 and the clean (<lppm chlorine) air is released through the exhaust 460 outside the factory.

[0094] The treatment process, during which the treatment solution remains on the rubber surface, may last from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the rubber type.

[0095] There are several methods for mixing the A and B solutions in the machine. According to a first method, the A and B solutions are pumped separately using dosing pumps (110, 111) and pushed simultaneously in very accurate amounts through the static mixer 118 in the machine, to ensure complete mixing of A and B. After the static mixer 118, the already-active solution is moved into the mix vessel 115 and from there to the application system (e.g. spraying nozzles) which applies it onto the rubber parts. Another method of A and B solutions mixing is direct filling of the mix vessel 115 with each one of the solutions consecutively, while the pumps (110, 120) push A and B volumes, which are controlled by level sensors 116, into the mix vessel 115 and the mixing occurs by pumping pressure only inside the mixing vessel 115. Any method known in the art could be used for A and B mixing. The A and B automatic mixing is very important, because it enables quick, safe, and automatic preparation of the treatment solution, without possible human exposure to hazardous chlorine vapors. The accurate relation between the A and B amounts is critical to ensure effective treatment of the rubber parts.

[0096] Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing of the treatment machine’s fume hood 171 , consisting of a PVC body 440, and comprising a suction unit 410, a hydrophobic filter 420, a chlorine collecting carbon filter 430, fan + motor 450 and an exhaust 460 through which the filtered air is expelled. The suction system has an independent electrical supply (not shown), thus even if the chlorine leaks out and the machine is shut down, the suction will continue working to eliminate the chlorine residues from the machine space.

[0097] The chemical waste that remains after the process is collected in the waste reservoir ( 180, Fig. 1 ) and evaporated through a chlorine collecting filter 430.

[0098] There is a washing system installed in the machine to keep the equipment clean and safe at the end of the shift or in case of maintenance. During washing, the mixing vessel 115 is filled and washed with clean water supplied directly from a water line or a specific water reservoir (not shown). The spraying nozzles are washed with the water as well and dried with compressed air. This process helps to keep the nozzles unclogged for a long time and ensure a safe environment inside the machine when it’s not operated.

[0099] Prior to the halogenation process, the substrate (e.g. rubber outsoles) should be cleaned and degreased. During the substrate production processes large quantities of grease, oils, dust, silicone compounds and more may accumulate on the surface. All this may prevent direct interaction between the treatment solution and the substrate and interrupt appropriate treatment. To prevent this, a new degreasing process was developed. During the process the substrates are washed with DMM (Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl ether) solvent with / without ultrasonic energy in 25-50 degrees C for 1-5 mins. Afterwards, the substrates are rinsed in water under 40-60 degrees C with / without ultrasonic energy during 1-5 mins. Both DMM and water are recyclable and may be reused instead of wasted.

[0100] Fig. 6 is a flowchart 600 detailing the various steps taken during the rubber treatment process according to embodiments of the present invention. The process is control by computerized controller 102. In step 610 the process begins by cleaning and degreasing the rubber substrates to be treated. This step uses the new degreasing process described hereinabove.

[0101] In step 620 the rubber treating machine 100 is activated.

[0102] In step 630 the fume -hood 171 is operated to continuously suck and filter chlorine gas. Since the suction unit has an independent electric control, this step occurs all the time, even when the machine is off.

[0103] In step 640 a first batch of rubber substrates to be treated is placed on the conveyor through the substrate inlet 160.

[0104] In step 650 pumps 110 and 111 pump the two solution-parts A and B of the treatment solution from tanks 105 and 106 into the mixing vessel 115.

[0105] In step 660 the pumped solutions are mixed, possibly using a static mixer. The mixing vessel 115 now holds the mixed treatment solution according to the present invention.

[0106] In step 670 the mixed treatment solution is fed through pipes 310 and 320 into spraying nozzles 130, by applying air pressure inside the mixing vessel 115 and opening valve 121;

[0107] In step 680 the solution is sprayed onto the moving substrates, as described above.

[0108] In step 690 the treated substrates are air-sprayed by air-lines 170.

[0109] In step 695 the treated substrates are released through the substrate outlet 161 and a new batch of rubber substrates to be treated is placed on the conveyor.

[0110] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0111] The machine and process of the present invention are provided herewith with the unlimiting example of the footwear industry, for bonding rubber soles to shoe uppers and other materials. It should be noted that many other industries may use the machine and process of the present invention, by changing some operating parameters such as conveyor speed and others, to fit their needs according to substrate type and size. Some of these other industries may include:

[0112] 1. Automotive: Rubber adhesion is crucial for various automotive components such as tires, hoses, seals, and gaskets.

[0113] 2. Construction: Rubber adhesion is used in building materials like roofing materials, sealants, and adhesives.

[0114] 3. Electronics: Rubber adhesives are used in electronics for bonding components, insulation, and sealing.

[0115] 4. Medical: In medical devices and equipment, rubber adhesion is used for seals, tubing, and other applications requiring flexibility and durability.

[0116] 5. Aerospace: Rubber adhesion is utilized in aerospace applications for seals, gaskets, and components requiring high performance under extreme conditions.

[0117] 6. Sports and Recreation: In sporting goods and recreational equipment, rubber adhesion is used for grips, padding, and seals.

[0118] These industries rely on effective rubber adhesion to ensure product performance, durability, and safety in various applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automatic rubber substrates treatment machine 100, comprising: electronic controller (102); two separate chemical solution tanks (105, 106), wherein said two separate solutions are configured to be mixed during said treatment, to create a mixed halogenizing treatment solution; two pumps (110, 111) connected with said two chemical solution tanks, respectively; a mixing vessel (115), connected via two respective pipes (120) to said two pumps (110, 111), configured to mix said two chemical solutions, said mixing vessel comprising a level sensor; a pneumatic cabinet (117), configured to control the pumping pressure and duration of said two solutions and to spray air onto said treated substrates via air-lines (170); a mechanical filter (125); pipes (310, 320) connected with said mechanical filter (125); spraying nozzles (130), connected with said pipes (310, 320), configured to spray said mixed solution onto rubber substrates; a conveyor (140), configured to transport said rubber substrates under said spraying nozzles; a machine inlet (160), configured to receive said rubber substrates to be treatedonto said conveyor; a machine outlet (161), configured to discharge said treated rubber substrate from said conveyor; and an air sucking fume hood (171), configured to exhaust residues of chlorine gas produced in said machine during said treatment.

2. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1 , wherein said two chemical solutions are selected, respectively, from the groups consisting of: chlorine releasing salt compounds 0.5-15 wt%, with water up to 100%; and acidic compounds 0.25-10 wt%, with 0.05-1.5 wt% surfactant and water up to 100%.

3. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 2, wherein said chlorine releasing salt compounds are selected from the group consisting of: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C3C12N3NaO3) and N-chloro succinimide (C4H4C1NO2).

4. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 2, wherein said acidic compounds are selected from the group consisting of: HC1 (Hydrochloric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid).

5. The Automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 2, wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: BYK307, BYK348,Capstone FS-51 and Triton 100.

6. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1 , wherein said two pumps are configured to work simultaneously, and wherein said two chemical solutions are pumped into a static mixer (118), connected between said pipes (120) and said mixing vessel (115).

7. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1 , wherein said two pumps are configured to work one after the other and wherein said mixing vessel is configured to mix said separate solution by pumping pressure.

8. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1, wherein said spraying nozzles are selected from the group consisting of: mist nozzles and fan nozzles.

9. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1, wherein said conveyor is configured to work in one of: step movement and continuous movement.

10. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1, wherein said air sucking fume hood (171) comprises: a suction unit (410); chlorine gas fan and fan motor (450); a hydrophobic filter (420), configured to prevent chemical solution drops frommoving forward and damaging the fan motor (450); a chlorine collecting carbon filter (430), configured to absorb chlorine gas; and an exhaust (460) configured to expel filtered clean air.

11. The automatic rubber substrates treatment machine of claim 1 , further comprising a water supply configured to wash said mixing vessel and said nozzles.

12. An air sucking fume hood (171), configured to be mounted in a rubber substrate treatment machine using a chemical halogenizing treatment solution, comprising: a suction unit (410); chlorine gas fan and fan motor (450); a hydrophobic filter (420), configured to prevent said chemical solution drops from moving forward and damaging the fan motor (450); a chlorine collecting carbon filter (430), configured to absorb chlorine gas produced during said machine’s rubber substrate treatment operation; and an exhaust (460) configured to expel filtered clean air from said rubber substrate treatment machine.

13. A process for treating rubber substrates, comprising the steps of: providing a first chemical compound comprising chlorine releasing salt and water in a first tank; providing a second chemical compound comprising acid, surfactant and waterin a second tank; feeding said two chemical compounds into a mixing vessel within a treatment machine; mixing said chemical compounds to produce a rubber treatment solution; producing treated rubber substrates by spraying said rubber treatment solution onto rubber substrates moving on a conveyor (140); air-spraying said treated rubber substrates; and sucking and filtering chlorine gas produced during said process.

14. The process of claim 13, wherein said first chemical compound is selected from the group consisting of: chlorine releasing salt compounds 0.5-15 wt%, with water up to 100%, and wherein said second chemical compound is selected from the group consisting of: acidic compounds 0.25-10 wt%, with 0.05-1.5 wt% surfactant and water up to 100%.

15. The process of claim 14, wherein said chlorine releasing salt compound is selected from the group consisting of: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (C3C12N3NaO3) and N-chloro succinimide (C4H4C1NO2).

16. The process of claim 14, wherein said acidic compound is selected from the group consisting of: HC1 (Hydrochloric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid).

17. The process of claim 14, wherein said surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of: BYK307, BYK348, Capstone FS-51 and Triton 100.

18. The process of claim 13, wherein said mixing comprises feeding said first and second chemical compounds into a static mixer 118.

19. The process of claim 13, wherein said conveyor is selected from the group consisting of: static conveyors and moving conveyors.

20. The process of claim 19, wherein said moving conveyor is moving in one of: step mode and continuous mode.

21. The process of claim 13, wherein said rubber treatment solution is sprayed via one of mist nozzles and fan nozzles.

22. The process of claim 13, further comprising the step of drying said treated rubber substrate in an oven.

23. The process of claim 13, further comprising washing said mixing vessel and said spraying means.

24. The process of claim 13, further comprising preliminary steps of abrasion and degreasing said rubber substrates.

25. The process of claim 24, wherein said degreasing comprises the steps of: washing said rubber substrates with DMM (Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl ether) solvent; and rinsing said washed rubber substrates with water, wherein said solvent and said water are recycled.

26. The process of claim 25, wherein said step of washing with DMM solvent isperformed with ultrasonic energy in 25-50 degrees C for 1-5 mins.

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