Tyre Curing Presses

In the tyre industry, Tyre Curing Presses are the major steam consumers. Around 70% of generated steam is consumed by curing presses.Depending upon the type of intervals, Tyre Presses are classified into Bagomatic press, with collapsible bladder and Shear Strip presses, with solid bladder.

Depending upon external heating, the tyre presses are classified into Dome press and Platen press.

High-pressure steam (100 psig) is required for internal curing. Low-pressure steam (60 psig) is required to heat the green tyre from external heating cycle, which is followed by cooling cycle and finally the deflation cycle.

During the heating cycle, the only parameter, which has to be monitored to ensure a proper tyre curing, is the temperature of the condensate. For this purpose, condensate pot is provided to measure the condensate temperature. The temperature of the condensate has to be constant at the specified level for a proper curing process.

Trials conducted at various companies in the tyre industry show that draining internally/externally is best done with Ball Float Steam Trap Module. The use of Ball Float Steam Traps results in steam savings as well as smooth condensate temperature profile throughout curing process.

Conventionally the quality of the curing is checked at the end of the curing cycle. Installation of online steam trap and condensate temperature monitoring system (R2T) will help the operator to take correcting actions during the curing cycle itself.

Tube Curing Presses

Normally Tube Curing Presses are smaller in size compared to Tyre Curing Presses. Internal curing is carried out by direct steam supply into the green tube and external curing by platen heating. The cycle time of tube curing is ranging between 3 -6 min.

Normally platens (top and bottom) are drained by Thermodynamic Steam Traps. The installation of Ball Float Steam Traps reduces the steam consumption noticeable.

Also the installation of a Moisture Separator in high-pressure steam pipes, for internal curing, and in low-pressure steam pipes, for external curing, will ensure dry saturated steam supply.