Method for producing a rubber mixture with detection of volatile organic compounds

Abstract

A process for producing a rubber mixture in a mixing apparatus having at least one mixing chamber (′) in which rotors () are disposed, wherein a plant control system process parameters (especially the speed of the rotors (), the suction output of a suction device () and the mixing time) are controlled by open- and closed-loop control is provided, wherein at least one rubber is mixed in the mixing chamber with at least one filler, especially silica, preferably with addition of at least one coupling agent, especially a silane, and wherein the gas mixture present in and above the mixing chamber is sucked out by the suction device, wherein volatile organic compounds, especially alcoholic gases, present in the gas mixture sucked in are detected continuously, wherein, in the event of exceedance of a concentration of organic compounds in the gas mixture sucked in that has been defined as the control limit, the concentration measured is employed as control variable in the plant control system for closed-loop control of at least one of the process parameters, and wherein, in the event of exceedance of a concentration of organic compounds in the gas mixture sucked in that has been defined as the safety limit, there is a safety shutdown of the mixing apparatus via the plant control system.