RUBBER COOLING MACHINE [BATCH-OFF]

Rubber compound cooling machines (Batch-off) are generally used to cool rubber compounds. Rubber compounds heat up after the mixing process in the mixer (Banbury). This compound mass must be cooled before the next operation or before accelerators are added.


Two main types of Batch-off are used for this cooling process: festoon (hanging) Batch-off systems and belt-type Batch-off systems. In the EVA sector, roller-type cooling units are more commonly used. Beyond these, many other types of cooling systems and units can be used for a variety of operations. RPMmach can design and manufacture purpose-built Batch-off systems of different types that fully meet its customers’ needs with high performance.

FESTOON (HANGING) RUBBER BATCH-OFF COOLING UNITS

This type of Batch-off cooling unit is generally used at the outlet of an open mill (rubber mixing mill). Because the sheet take-off and feeding speed is quite high, it can keep up with the rubber delivery speed of the open mill rolls. These Batch-off units cool with a fan system: air is accelerated and cooled to 5–10 °C below ambient temperature and blown onto the rubber sheets. Depending on machine size and design, the cooling capacities of RPM’s festoon Batch-off units range from 1,000 kg/hour to 5,000 kg/hour.


Festoon-type rubber Batch-off units offer several functional options. At the sheet inlet there is a bonding roller that joins the compound batches to one another and ensures a continuous compound flow. This is followed by a tank in which an anti-tack treatment is applied so that the sheets do not stick together. If required, the compound passes through this tank; where it is not needed, the compound can bypass the anti-tack tank and go directly onto the belts and from there onto the festoons. This option can be applied to every type of Batch-off manufactured by RPM.



Another option we can apply to every type of Batch-off is the compound slitting system. Although we usually install this system at the Batch-off inlet, it can also be placed at the Batch-off outlet on request. The slitting system consists of circular knives made of high-quality, wear-resistant carbide. In some cases we apply this option with hydraulic pressure.
We use optical sensors inside the Batch-off to monitor the movement of the compound mass — when it should advance, when it should stop and whether any compound has dropped.
The compound carrying bars (festoon hangers) are made of stainless steel.
On request, we can install a metal detector at the Batch-off outlet. Some of our customers ask for this option to detect whether any metal has become mixed into the compound.
At the final compound outlet there is a free pallet stacking mechanism known as a wig-wag. Where orderly stacking is required, we also offer systems built with special equipment: a lifting table that lowers as the compound is received, with an optional sheet edge-folding function. An automatic sheet length cutting system can also be fitted at the compound outlet on request.
U-shaped Batch-off units with a return system can also be manufactured according to requirements.

BELT-TYPE BATCH-OFF COOLING UNITS

Belt-type Batch-off rubber compound cooling machines can be manufactured with stainless steel belts, heat-resistant PA belts or wear- and heat-resistant Teflon belts.


The compound transport and cooling capacities of this type of Batch-off are smaller than those of festoon Batch-off units. However, one of its advantages is that it transports and cools compounds with very thin sheet thickness with ease. Transporting and cooling thin sheets on festoon Batch-off units is quite risky and difficult. To increase the cooling capacity, the number of conveyor belts has to be increased; we usually build this type of Batch-off with 5 tiers, and we can also produce 7- and 9-tier versions.
The compound conveyor belts are generally built as a multi-tier, straight-motion system with forward-and-back transfer. The same inlet options as on festoon Batch-off units can be used, and slitting knives can be fitted at the inlet or the outlet. Recently, the most requested models have been 5-tier Batch-off units with PA6.6 (Polyamide 6.6) belts. These machines run quietly. Cooling fans can also be mounted on top of the Batch-off.


It is not recommended to place this type of Batch-off directly at the outlet of an open mill (roll mill). Although the belt speeds can be adjusted to the roll speeds, the cooling rate may be insufficient, or the compound may need to remain inside the Batch-off for 5–6 minutes. For this type of Batch-off we recommend conical screw feeding machines that can feed the compound sheet at low speed. This also makes continuous, uninterrupted compound feeding possible.
Belt-type Batch-off units have also become very popular in the tyre manufacturing sector. These multi-tier belt Batch-off systems, installed at the outlet of the composite tyre preform extruder, can be built in considerable lengths.
All options available on festoon rubber Batch-off cooling systems can also be applied to this belt-type Batch-off.

CLIMATIC CLOSED-TYPE BELT COOLING UNITS

This type of climatic Batch-off, patented by RPMmach, has been manufactured since 2012. Cold air produced in an external system with a standard refrigerant gas is fed into the Batch-off to achieve rapid cooling. Their cooling capacities are very high.


Climatic Batch-off units of this type are built as multi-tier belt systems. Climatic cooling has not yet been tried on the festoon Batch-off system, but work on it is planned.
Alongside the advantages of fast, high-capacity and precise cooling, this type of climatic Batch-off is somewhat more expensive than the others, and its operating cost is currently somewhat higher.

Contact Us for Detailed Product Information

Technical Specifications Overview

RPM Mach Batch-Off Cooling Units are available in customized configurations to match specific mixer output requirements. Key technical parameters include:

  • Cooling Capacity: Designed to match mixer output from 50 kg/batch to 500+ kg/batch
  • Belt Width: Available in standard widths of 600 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm and custom sizes
  • Belt Length: Configured based on required cooling time and compound specifications
  • Anti-Tack System: Integrated water + release agent spray system prevents rubber-to-rubber adhesion
  • Drive System: Variable speed drive for precise control of compound residence time on the cooling belt
  • Drying Section: Air knife or blow-off system removes excess water before stacking or winding
  • Control: PLC-based automation with integration capability for upstream mixer control systems

Why Choose RPM Mach Batch-Off Systems?

With over 30 years of experience in rubber machinery manufacturing, RPM Mach delivers batch-off cooling systems engineered for reliability, low maintenance, and long service life. Each unit is designed and built to customer specifications, ensuring optimal cooling performance for your specific rubber compounds and production volumes.