Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.a.

Gianluigi Hotellier

Antonio Proni

Daniele Balasso

A process for manufacturing a composition of matter from components includes combining the components to produce a blend and combining the blend with a crosslinking system to produce the composition. The components include a polymer base, a silica reinforcing filler, a silica-binding agent, and further product and process additives. Combining the components is carried out in a closed mixer comprising a piston and a pair of rotors. While combining the components, values of at least two indirect parameters and at least two direct parameters are measured at least every two minutes. The at least two indirect parameters comprise blend temperature and power absorbed by the rotors. The at least two direct parameters comprise pressure exerted by the piston and rotations of the rotors. The at least two indirect parameters are maintained within respective ranges of predetermined values by controlling one or more of the at least two direct parameters.

Process for manufacturing a tire compound

A method for processing a rubber mixture or compound for tire manufacturing includes the steps of determining variation tolerances with respect to reference values for process parameters, detecting values of the process parameters, comparing detected values of the process parameters with the reference values and the variation tolerances, attributing an evaluation to a semi-finished product depending on compliance or noncompliance of the detected values with the reference values and the variation tolerances, classifying the semi-finished product on a basis of the attributed evaluation, and establishing successive steps for processing the semi-finished product depending on the classification of the semi-finished product. The processing includes at least a mixing cycle and an extrusion cycle for obtaining the semi-finished product. The cycles are controlled by the process parameters detected during execution of the cycles.

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Milan, Italy

Gianluigi Hotellier