RUBBER TECHNOLOGY

Indonesia Merging Deforestation Rules to Spur Carbon Trading

2010-08-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

JakartaGlobe.Com-Fidelis E Satriastanti,

A forest in South Sumatra. Indonesia has enacted three regulations to stem deforestation, and now wants to consolidate them to ease implementation and investment in carbon-trading schemes. (JG Photo/Afriadi Hikmal)

Less than a year after finalizing them, the government is set to untangle regulations aimed at reducing deforestation and forest degradation in a bid to attract carbon-trading investment.

Wandojo Siswanto, head of the climate-change working group at the Forestry Ministry, said the three regulations to be reviewed all cover the same ground, including demonstration activities, carbon-storage activities and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation procedures.

REDD is a United Nations initiative aimed at reducing carbon-dioxide emissions from deforestation and degradation. In the scheme, rich nations provide incentives for developing countries to preserve woodlands.

“We want to review [the regulations] so people have a better understanding which one to follow,” Wandojo said.

The regulations are to be combined into one because they are all tied to a single purpose.

Indonesia is the first nation to establish a legal framework for REDD, which has not yet been implemented at international level, Wandjojo said.

“We want to keep the lead in the world and also at the negotiation table, and we have been trying to look at troubles for investment” resulting from the regulations, Wandojo said.

“We want to make sure that this [new regulation] can be easily implemented,” he said.

He added that the review was expected to be finalized before the Mexico climate summit in November.

The World Bank says 20 trial schemes are in various stages of development in Indonesia. Banks, including Merrill Lynch and Macquarie Group of Australia, are among the investors.

Indonesia is also under increasing international pressure to curb deforestation, particularly illegal logging.

The fate of indigenous peoples will also be dealt with in the revised regulation, offering legal grounds for tribes struggling to claim forests as their homes and their main source of support.

The first regulation, issued in December 2008, focuses on pilot projects for REDD, simply known as demonstration activities.

The second regulation, issued last May, deals with technical implementation for the REDD mechanism, starting with developers, verifiers and certifications. The rule outlines the rights and obligations of those who have implemented the scheme.

The same month, the ministerial regulation for procedures on carbon-storage activities was issued. It details benefit-sharing of REDD proceeds by the government, developers and local communities.

Commenting on the planned revision, Andri G Wibisana, an expert on environmental law at the University of Indonesia, said that it was not about reviewing the regulations but determining the country’s position at the inter national level.

“It’s obvious that overlapping regulations need to be sorted out. However, this is not just about the ministerial regulations but rather on clarity of the whole mechanism,” Andri said.

“There are no specific regulations made for REDD, even at the international level. There’s no standard for the measurement, definition and so on.”

Agus Setyarso, executive chairman of the National Forestry Council, said the government had not been very clear on where it wanted to go when it initially issued the regulations.

“From the beginning, the council strongly criticized the regulations, especially on the benefit-sharing part, because it is no different from concessionaires’ rights [HPH],” Agus said.

“REDD is to encourage people to take the initiative and help the government reduce emissions,” he said.

“They are supposed to be given incentives, not disincentives like this. I mean that these people should be rewarded for protecting forests and not merely trading carbon.”

RI rubber business set to reach new heights

2010-08-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Rendi Akhmad Witular-TheJakartaPost.Com, Jakarta

If booming investment in the rubber processing sector amid tight raw material supply is any indication, the country's natural rubber business is set to reach new heights in the coming year.

The Indonesian Rubber Association (Gapkindo), said 10 new rubber processing plants came into operation by local and foreign firms last year, with the largest being a unit in Jambi owned by Japan's giant trading company Itochu Corporation.

"Last year was marked by ... big corporations with integrated supply chains setting up new processing plants here. The trend is expected to continue this year," Gapkindo chairman Daud Husni Bastari told The Jakarta Post recently.

Last year's newcomers, some of them also owned by big rubber players from Thailand and Malaysia, have a combined installed capacity of 360,000 tons annually, with Itochu's unit alone contributing around 100,000 tons.

In total, the industry now has the capacity to process 3.3 million tons of rubber a year.

Raw natural rubber needs to be processed before it can be exported or transferred into another products. Processing companies are thus the middle chain in rubber trading industry, between producers and manufacturers.

Indonesia is the world's second largest rubber exporter after Thailand. In 2006, the country exported 2.28 million tons of rubber valued at $4.32 billion. In the first 10 months of last year, export reached 1.87 million tons, a 4.9 percent increase from the same period in 2006.

Gapkindo forecasted this year export was likely to increase by at least 6 to 7 percent.

Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia supply around 70 percent of the world's natural rubber.

Since 2001, Indonesia has seen the highest annual export growth, 8.94 percent, as compared to Thailand's 3.02 percent.

"The growth surely will be promising this year. I cannot cite any vital factors likely to undermine the price and output," said Azrul Latif, investment relations officer for the publicly listed plantation company PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantation.

Azrul cited higher oil prices and demand for automotive products as key factors in maintaining the rubber boom.

Gapkindo believed this growth was likely to trigger another wave of investments in the processing sector this year, as signaled by a plan from at least nine newcomers to set up plants with a combined capacity of 230,000 tons per year.

Investment for setting up a processing plant with a capacity of 48,000 tons a year is estimated at a minimum of Rp 60 billion (US$6.38 million).

For the country's rubber farmers, who are mostly operating in fairly remote villages scattered in Sumatra and part of Kalimantan, these new investments will be among the catalysts for a higher rubber price.

"Amid limited supply of natural rubber, processing companies will be racing to buy rubber ... which will increase the commodity's price. This is good for farmers," said Daud, who manages rubber processing firm PT Badja Baru.

Proceeds from planting rubber have far-reaching effects on people living in remote areas due to the fact that 85 percent of the country's 3.3-million-hectare rubber plantations are managed by farmers, with only 15 percent by corporations.

This is not the case for other booming commodities, such as oil palm, where 65 percent of the plantations are controlled by big companies, leaving only 35 percent for local farmers.

However, not all looks rosy for the rubber industry. Processing companies can only use a maximum of 70 percent of their installed production capacity due to the lack of rubber.

"I am concerned that there will be leeway for big companies, especially those from overseas, to plunder local small and medium-sized processing firms in a price war to buy rubber from farmers," said Daud.

The limited supply is primarily triggered by the inability of rubber farmers to gain capital access in revitalizing their plantations. Most of the farmers have no land certificates, which is a key requirement for applying for bank loans.

Another factor is the lack of access to high quality seeds at affordable prices.

Due to these problems, Gapkindo said productivity in the country's rubber plantations remained low compared to those of Thailand and even Vietnam, a newcomer to the rubber business.

With 3.3 million hectares, Indonesian farmers can only produce 967 kilograms per hectare per year, while Thailand, with only 2.3 million hectares, can produce 1,775 kilograms per hectare per year.

Farmers and companies in Indonesia are also reluctant to expand rubber plantations due to the fact that the oil palm business is considered more lucrative, and also because of an existing deal between major rubber producing countries not to aggressively open up new plantations in order to prevent oversupply.

Latex Vs Nitrile Rubber Gloves

2010-08-18T03:40:00.001-07:00

The types of rubber gloves differ as per the different fields wherein they are being used. The durability of such gloves depends on the kind of requirement for which it is called for. The most popular of all are the latex gloves which are often used in the medical field. Though Nitrile rubber gloves are also used for medical purposes except surgery, latex rubber is found better for surgical usage.

Latex rubber is characterized by ample amount of elasticity, slip resistance and durable material form. Since it is leak and tear resistant, medical professionals prefer to use only latex gloves in surgery. Also, these gloves are exceptional in wet or watery situations, thereby providing extra sensitivity to the wearer while using surgical tools and instruments. Being light and fitting, it lets the wearer get hold of things in the most natural manner.

Though even after having so many advantages, latex gloves are infamous for the allergies which they tend to render to the wearer owing to its natural chemical composition. The constituting protein in latex rubber may cause adverse effect on skin. Powdered latex gloves are all the more vulnerable as the carrier of that allergic protein.

Nitrile on the other hand is an alternative to latex rubber. Nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber hence, sans protein. Thus, these gloves are safe to use without being allergic to the skin. Nitrile rubber gloves interact with the heat of the palms of the wearer, thereby providing a snug and cozy fit for increased sensitivity.

Quite similar to latex, nitrile too, is soft and chemical resistant but the only point of difference between nitrile and latex is that nitrile is not that good in wet situations and hence is avoided for surgical purposes, though it finds its usage in auto and industrial units. Pharmaceutical, dental, law enforcement and some household chores are other areas where nitrile rubber can be put to use.

For more information regarding industrial rubber goods and synthetic rubber, kindly log onto industrialrubbergoods.com

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanchita_Kapoor

Europe Seeks Alternatives to Natural Latex from Asia

2010-08-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily.com — Some natural latexes are the main ingredient in the extraction of natural rubber, an indispensable raw material for all kinds of industries and essential for the manufacture of surgical gloves, condoms or tyres. All the latex used in Europe is imported, extracted fundamentally from the the Hevea brasiliensis tree. The largest producers in the world are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, three Asian countries that have practically the worldwide monopoly of this resource.

In order to find alternatives to this commercial dependence and promote the cultivation of latex-producing plant species in the European Union, within the VII Framework Programme, a research project is being undertaken in which twelve technological centres, universities and companies related to this matter are taking part.

The Basque Neiker-Tecnalia technological centre is part of this consortium and its function is to carry out research into, amongst other matters, the genotype and the possibilities of introducing into Europe the two plant species to substitute imported natural latex: the guayule bush (Parthenium argentatum) and the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz). Guayule is considered to be the most promising crop for Mediterranean zones while the Russian dandelion turns out to be more suitable for northern and eastern Europe.

The technical performance and economic potential of rubber extracted from guayule and the Russian dandelion are being evaluated through the production of specific prototypes, such as for surgical gloves or tyres. Likewise, the consortium anticipates the creation of a network of collaboration between European research and industrial organisations, to pool knowledge with scientists and government bodies so that Europe does not have to depend so much on imported natural latex.

This European project is studying the creation of a new germoplasm of both varieties, a study involving their biochemistry and genetics, genetic improvement, agronomy and the designing of concrete products from the resulting rubber. The genetic study of both plants will be used fundamentally to generate examples that produce greater quantities of latex and that will be commercially viable.

A unique biopolymer

Natural rubber is a unique biopolymer that cannot be substituted by synthetic alternatives in many of its most important applications, such as medical products, condoms, footwear or adhesives. This unique character has driven the European Union to take measures to avoid the latent risk of the producing countries deciding on a co-ordinated rise in the price-fixing of this raw material, as happened with petroleum in the seventies.

Within this project, various aspects of the Russian dandelion will be studied, such as its genome and possibilities of mutagenesis for improving the vigour and yield of the crop, as well as the size of its roots from where the natural latex is extracted. Likewise, the relevant genes involved in the production of latex and rubber will be identified.

Guayule is a crop that has been under study over the last few decades, especially in the U.S. with the goal of increasing the yield and production of its natural rubber. Nevertheless, greater optimisation of its agronomy and its varieties is still required, as well as the development of molecular tools for genetic improvement.

Besides the mentioned problem of the monopoly, world production of natural rubber, fundamentally linked to the Hevea brasiliensis tree, is in danger on a number of fronts. The rubber tree is particularly vulnerable to plagues and illnesses and its cultivation very dependant on quite specific climatic conditions, occurring mainly in the tropical zones of Asia and South America. Another fundamental problem with rubber produced from this tree is the allergy to latex that can be caused, an ailment that can be avoided with latex from guayule or the Russian dandelion. Another threat is the increase in the demand for natural rubber in the emerging countries, in a world context in which the supply of natural rubber is diminishing -- a fact that has made its price double over the last two years.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Elhuyar Fundazioa, via AlphaGalileo.

Natural rubber

2010-08-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

Natural rubber and the different types of synthetic rubbers are used in many different end-products. The most important is the tyre sector taking about half the total elastomer consumption. The other category, general rubber goods, includes hoses, belting, footwear, surgical goods, and rubberized cloth.

The 1990s witnessed several important changes in the global natural rubber economy. World consumption of natural rubber rose by about 32 percent, while that of synthetic rubber increased by only 4 percent and total elastomers by 14 percent. The major reason for this is the collapse of the Soviet Union, which consumed a massive amount of rubber, with less than 10 percent natural rubber. Also, there was a significant change in the relative share in the utilization of natural rubber between the developed and developing regions. Consumption of natural rubber in the developing countries rose by over 4 percent per annum against less than 2 percent in the developed countries. Consequently, the share of the developing countries in global consumption of natural rubber rose from 42 percent to 48 percent between the periods 1988-1990 and 1998-2000. On the other hand, requirements in the tyre industry led to a decline in the share of natural rubber in total rubber consumption in most Asian developing countries.

Most natural rubber production is traded internationally. However, the share of exports in production declined from 86 percent in the late 1970s to 80 percent in the late 1980s and to around 70 percent in the late 1990s. This decline was partly the result of increased domestic utilization by the exporting countries themselves, as well as rapid growth in production in some net importing countries such as China and India. World exports increased by over 1.6 percent per annum between 1988/90 and 1998/2000.

The decade also saw the demise of the International Natural Rubber Organization, another failed attempt to influence markets through managing stocks. The sharp decline in world market prices and fluctuations in exchange rates made the price support programme too expensive to continue.

Production

World natural rubber production was 6.8 million tonnes during 1998-2000. It is projected to reach 7.9 million tonnes in 2010. The annual growth rate would be 1.3 percent in the current decade, which is significantly below the 2.9 percent during the past decade.

Rubber is produced entirely in developing countries and Asia is the largest producing region. It is projected that total production in Asia would reach 6.8 million tonnes by 2010, more than 85 percent of world output, with an annual growth rate of 1 percent. Compared with the fast growth last decade of 2.7 percent, the slower growth is largely due to further contraction in Malaysia and Sri Lanka, which have made efforts to diversify to more remunerative crops. On the other hand, expansion would be less rapid in almost all other countries except Viet Nam. Compared to 2001, production in Thailand would even decline. There are a number of reasons for this. First, a large part of the area was planted in the 1980s and is now due for replanting and thus will to be out of production for around six years. Second, the rate of replanting natural rubber is declining as farmers and land shift to other employment because of the low prices seen in recent years. Finally, there is not much new planting. Nevertheless, Thailand is expected to retain its position as the world's largest supplier to produce 2.2 million tonnes by 2010. In Indonesia, production should grow by 2.2 percent annually to reach 2.05 million tonnes by 2010. While production in other major producing countries such as China and India experience little growth, Viet Nam and the Philippines are likely to see their production grow annually by 8.4 and 5.9 percent respectively, to double their output by 2010.

Africa is expected to continue to increase its production to nearly 0.5 million tonnes with an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent, which is slightly higher than 1.8 percent in the previous decade.

Latin America experienced more rapid expansion in production than other regions. In the past decade, it grew by 8 percent annually, but growth is expected to decline in the next decade to around 5 percent annually. Brazil is the largest producing country in Latin America. Favourable agronomic conditions, abundant land resources and lower labour costs are the major factors driving the growth in production. However, given the very low production base of only 31 000 tonnes in 1988-90, Brazil would still be a small producing county in global terms with output of 0.12 million tonnes by 2010.

Demand

Demand for natural rubber is part of the total elastomer demand for tyres and other rubber products. More than 60 percent of natural rubber is used for tyres, which is the major driving force behind changes in natural rubber demand. The share of natural rubber in the tyre sector was about 50 percent in 2000 and is likely remain around this level in the next decade. Technological requirements are the overwhelming determinant of the share of natural rubber in tyre production and no significant new developments are foreseen that would allow synthetic rubber to replace natural rubber in tyres.

However, in the general rubber goods (non-tyre) sector, the share of natural rubber is projected to decline from about 29 percent in 2000 to about 22 percent in 2010. This decline reflects partly a continuation of a shift to speciality rubbers and other materials, coupled with a projected shortage of natural rubber. Natural rubber can more easily be replaced in many non-tyre applications than in tyres.

Overall, natural rubber will constitute about 36 percent of total elastomer consumption by 2010 declining from 40 percent in 2000.

World demand for natural rubber in the year 2010 is projected at 7.9 million tonnes, a 1.3 percent annual increase in the current decade, considerably lower than in the 1990s. Demand is projected to grow fastest in the developing countries, at about 2.5 percent annually. Above average economic growth in developing countries as well as the increase in demand for domestic processing of rubber products would contribute to the higher growth in natural rubber demand.

Asia accounts for more than 86 percent of total developing countries’ demand, among which China is the largest consuming country with the highest growth rate. It is projected that China would grow by 5.1 percent annually to reach nearly 1.6 million tonnes by 2010, reflecting largely its rapidly growing demand for tyres. Demand in Indonesia is expected to grow by more than 5 percent annually, driven by the development of domestic processing industries and demand for tyres. India and the Republic of Korea are also major consuming countries in this region. Although their annual growth rates are likely to be only around 2 percent, demand is expected to exceed 0.7 million tonnes in India and nearly 0.4 million tonnes in Korea by 2010. Most other Asian countries would also see their demand increase.

Demand in countries in Latin America would remain at around the current level, largely due to slow economic growth and hence slow growth in demand for vehicles.

Demand in developed countries is expected to remain at the current level, the result of sharply increased demand in Eastern European countries and the former Soviet Union offsetting the reduced demand in the United States and the EU. It is projected that demand in the United States will reach 1.09 million tonnes by 2010, slightly lower than the average of 1.16 million tonnes during 1998-2000. Major car making countries in the EU including Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom would see demand weaken slightly in the next decade. Following a period of stagnation since the early 1990s, demand would pick up in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as their economies grow. Japan would see its demand decline slightly, at an annual rate of about 1 percent. As a result, total consumption in developed countries is projected to be about 3.5 million tonnes, about the same as the average consumption level during 1998-2000.

Trade

During 1998-2000, 70 percent of natural rubber was traded in the world market.

Two significant developments in trade occurred in the last decade. Net exports of natural rubber increased less rapidly than production. While production grew at 2.9 percent annually, the annual growth rate of net exports was only 1.6 percent, which was largely due to weak demand in developed countries and strong increases in domestic consumption in producing countries. Also, while new exporting countries, especially Viet Nam, expanded their exports rapidly, exports from a few traditional exporting countries waned gradually. Malaysia, once the largest exporter in the world, saw its exports drop from about 1.4 million tonnes in the late 1980s to less than 0.2 million tonnes in 2001, while Sri Lanka's exports declined from nearly 0.1 million tonnes to about 0.03 million tonnes. On the other hand, Viet Nam exported almost 10 times more in 2001 than in 1988-90, with an annual growth rate of 21.6 percent, a trend that is expected to continue in the current decade.

World net exports in 2010 are projected to grow by 1.3 percent annually to reach 5.5 million tonnes, 15 percent above the average of 1998-2000, with the bulk of the increase from Indonesia, Viet Nam and some smaller Asian countries. Exports from Indonesia should grow by 2.1 percent to reach about 1.9 million tonnes, and exports from Viet Nam are expected to reach 0.5 million tonnes by 2010, with an annual growth of 8.1 percent. Thailand would experience little change in exports, largely reflecting its slow increase in production and higher domestic demand. Exports from Malaysia would continue to decline at an annual rate of 9 percent. As a result, it is expected to export only 0.12 million tonnes by 2010, just 8.5 percent of its 1988-90 level. Net exports from Sri Lanka are likely to have disappeared by 2010 because of declining production and increasing domestic consumption. Export availability in Africa and Latin America would continue to grow. However, their shares in the world market are still small. By 2010, exports from Africa and Latin America would be 0.38 and 0.03 million tonnes, respectively.

Developed countries are the largest importers in the world market. Although import demand in developed countries increased steadily last decade, higher growth in import requirements from developing countries was the major determinant of imports. It is projected that growth in imports will be essentially flat in developed countries while developing countries as a whole would grow by 3.5 percent annually in the current decade. Economic growth in developing countries which induces greater demand for cars and hence tyres is the major factor responsible for the higher growth rate. Notable growth is expected in China, which would import more than 1.1 million tonnes by 2010 with an annual growth rate of 8 percent next decade. Higher import demand from China accounts for almost all import growth in developing countries.

Issues and uncertainties

The last decade witnessed considerable change in world natural rubber suppliers. The emergence of new low-cost producing countries forced a few high-cost countries to shift away from natural rubber production.

On the demand side, with economic growth developing countries have become increasingly important importers in the world market. These trends are expected to continue in the current decade.

Natural rubber prices declined steadily after 1996 and reached a historical low in 2000. While prices have recovered somewhat since then, they are still significantly lower than in 1996. Demand is likely to grow steadily in the current decade, leading to some tendency towards higher prices. However, price increases tend to be dampened because they promote increased production on the one hand, and increased use of synthetic rubber on the other. In addition, existing excess stocks may take a few years to be cleared.

Source : http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y5143e/y5143e1c.htm#TopOfPage

Rubber Wastewater Treatment Process

2010-08-10T21:25:00.001-07:00

The manufacturing process of natural rubber material require to add large amount of preserving chemicals, common known as formalin. For each ton of rubber making process, it generates about 20 tons of wastewater. The rubber manufacturing facility always faces the challenge problem to meet local regulatory requirements for wastewater discharge.

(Formalin, solution of formaldehyde, a solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant and for preserving organic specimens. Formalin is a common preserving chemical, in the water, it generates HCHO to perform preservation.)

The major steps of Rubber Wastewater Treatment Process:

1. Aeration Tank Operation (A1 +A2)
Oxidize formalin and reduce the concentration to become biologically degradable. When wastewater flows into the treatment facility, initially it goes through the aeration tank (ponds) operation (A1+A2). The aeration pump consistently provides oxygen into the wastewater to oxidize the formalin concentration in the wastewater. The wastewater initially is treated in the Tank A1, and the flow-over water is continuously treated in the Tank A2. Some of the formalin materials are oxidized, and some of the formalin materials are absorbed by the sludge in the aeration tank.

2. Inter-Aerobic Operation (B)
Consume the major portions of organic chemicals in the wastewater. When wastewater enters into the inter-aerobic tank, the amount of fermalin is low. In this inter-aerobic tank (or also called intermittence-aeration tank), the amount of oxygen supply is controlled. The range of dissolved oxygen is set between 0.3 mg/l ~ 1.0 mg/l. In some special circumstance, the dissolved oxygen can raise up to 2.5 mg/l. Because under the low dissolved oxygen condition, when aeration operation is closed, the remained oxygen in the water will be consumed in a short period of time, therefore the tank which was original in aerobic operation can turn into anaerobic operation within short time frame.

While the microorganisms are under the anaerobic operation, microorganisms would try to eat or absorb chemical materials in the wastewater. Microorganism would have very strong tendency to absorb materials through cell into the body. Because of lack of oxygen, it is a slow process to dissolve the materials inside the cell body, and it is more likely that the microorganism will absorb more material into body than it can decompose. When the tank is operated under aerobic mode, the microorganism must release the unfinished by-products from its body. Generally the release by-products are semi-finished products with initial stage of decomposition. The by-product size is much smaller than original. Therefore it is relatively easy to be further oxidized through aerobic reaction. Through the periodical aerobic and anaerobic operation, and the microorganism digests food into body and release from the body, the decomposition speed can be greatly improved. Thus this operation procedure can have much better effective performance than single aerobic or single anaerobic operation procedure, and it also shows better efficiency.

3. Sediment Tank Operation
Collect solid materials through sedimentation process and provide activated sludge to inter-aerobic tank and aeration tank. The over-flow wastewater from the inter-aerobic tank flows into the sediment tank. The sediment tank collects solid materials and large size chemicals. These sludge is recycled back into the inter-aerobic tank for further process and the extra sludge also can pump into the aeration tank for the oxidization process.

4. 2nd Treatment Operation
Perform inter-aerobic operation in a longer resident time. The wastewater from sediment tank passes through the screen filter and enters into the 2nd treatment operation. In this operation, the tank (pond) size is relatively big size. This can provide longer resident time for water in this tank. In this tank, the water still is under inter-aerobic operation. By controlling the amount of oxygen supply, the tank can be in the mode of aerobic and anaerobic operation sequentially. After this treatment, the water passes through a screen filter for discharge.

For high COD content, the aeration in inter-aerobic tank operates 40 to 50 min., and shut off 10 to 20 min. For low COD content, the aeration of inter-aerobic tank operates 10 to 20 min., and shut off 40 to 50 min. Dissolved Oxygen maintenance range is between 0.3 ~ 2.5 mg/l, the preferred range is between 0.3 ~ 0.7 mg/l. The total capacity of activated sludge is about 5% ~ 10% of the size of inter-aerobic tank, in order to maintain the biological cycling period between 24 to 48 hours. The amount of activated sludge in the activated sludge tank is about 30% ~ 40% range.

The Rubber Wastewater Treatment Process is effective and efficient, and easy to operate. Periodically, prefer weekly, add suitable amount of VitaBio environmental products into the activated sludge tank can make the operation of wastewater treatment a lot easier to handle.

Source : http://www.vitabio.com/ves/rwad_rb1.htm

What is a Rubber Washer?

2010-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.ajs-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Mudguards.html

Rubber washers are also known as grommets and are small items that have a hole in the centre. These have a donut like shape and are used for various purposes. Purchasing rubber washers is especially useful if you don't want to hire a professional for solving your machinery and appliances issues and want to save money. These can be made from different kinds of materials such as rubber, metal and plastic and are also available in different sizes. These are very useful in repairing various household, electronic and automotive items.

You can find a number of these items on the market easily. Many companies are producing these small items that can assist you in solving your routine issues. The rubber grommets are ideal for reinforcing and mending objects. These are used in strengthening and supporting the holes that are found on hooked items. These small items are also used in the shower curtains. The rubbers are dyed to match the color of the shower curtains so that they compliment them and enhance their style.

The size of the rubber you choose will depend on your needs. If you require these to fill the space between two machines then you will select the size that fits the space. However with so many available sizes you can easily find the size you are looking for. Despite so many uses of these small items these are inexpensive and can easily be purchased without much strain on your budget. These washers range from ten cents to ten dollars. You can access smaller inferior quality ones for a price as low as ten cents but the high quality ones are specialized types and are being offered at higher prices.

Even the higher priced ones are not that expensive compared to the benefits they offer you. The popular washer choices among people are these made from steel and rubber. These are valued because of their ease of use and longevity. Installing these washers is also not difficult but it's better to hire a professional for solving the complex machinery issues because they are aware of proper installing methods. Professionals are also aware of the type of washer you would require in a certain machine.

However purchasing these small items and installing them without taking professional help can not only save your money but also provide you with durable solutions.

Visit rubber washers or plastic bags wholesale for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Everet

Prospect Of Rubber Sheets, Rubber Extrusions Manufacturer In China

2010-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

In couple of years, price of rubber material increased a lot accompanied with petroleum valued, RMB has appreciated 44 percent in past four years, meanwhile US dollar devalued, all of which give a great pressure on China rubber sheets, rubber extrusions' suppliers.

How can they get across darkness and touch with dawn? Firstly, quality is life must be a belief live in every members of companies. Some rubber manufactures made competitive price in order to attract purchasers by lowering their quality, they get some profit terminally, but the final result is mostly of their customers shall get away from them. Secondly, innovation is an important way for most of companies. Not only technical innovation, but also system innovation, scientific management saving cost in any process steps if they can.

At last, trying to get as many valuable certification as possible, like FDA, ROHs, ISO etc, food grade silicone rubber sheet exporting to USA much be FDA certificated. By this they can get products more competitive in world market. Recently, European Community adopted the regulation "REACH" to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment, as well as the free circulation of substances on their own, in preparation or in products, while simultaneously enhancing competitiveness and innovation, European custom control will not allow the shipping of goods into the EU, which contain ingredients that are not registered. Therefore, every manufacturer must be prepared to registration REACH from June 1, 2008 if they want to keep their market in Europe.

Reference :
http://www.articlesbase.com/

Indonesian rubber price surpasses US$3 per kg

2010-02-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 16, 2010 21:55 WIB
Medan (ANTARA News) - The price of Indonesian rubber SIR 20 in the international market continued to rise and has reached US$3.12 per kilogram for February shipment due to tight supply and increasing demand, Edy Irwansyah said.

"The US$3.12 price is a quite big hike compared to the price of the first week of January or January 6 when it was still recorded at US$2.97 per kilogram for the same month delivery," the executive secretary of the North Sumatra Association of Indonesian Rubber Producers (Gapkindo) said here on Saturday.

He said the hike followed an increasing demand in the midst of a tighter supply as a result of an increasing crude price and improving economic conditions.

The automotive industry, for example, has already started to revive after demand rose as global crisis has begun to be overcome. "The price is believed to go up again as demand keeps increasing," he said.

Due to the rising export price of the commodity the price of raw rubber also rose already reaching Rp24,000 per kilogram.

A North Sumatran exporter, Tjoe Min Fat, said although the price trend was up businessmen remained cautious to make contracts. "Businessmen are still worried over possible sudden price fluctuations that could hurt them," he said.

The president director of PT Abad&Co. said the rubber price is affected by many factors so that it is very vulnarable to price fluctuations.

He said the price could suddenly drop if it was too high, he said. He admitted that demand from various countries remained high from year to year because rubber is a main material used in various industries particularly automotive.

Rubber traders in Medan, M Harahap, said the price of raw rubber at farmers` level kept increasing and there had been purchse competition due to limited stocks.(*)

Reference : http://www.antara.co.id/

Latex Allergy A Common Problem Among Healthcare Workers

2009-09-14T20:57:00.001-07:00

In 1970s, latex allergy developed. Latex material is obtained from the rubber tree sap and is utilized by various companies in their products. The body's reaction to foreign substance is allergy. Latex allergy is a reaction that occurs from natural rubber containing latex.

People using latex gloves and manufacturers of products containing latex or medical products containing latex are at higher risk of developing allergy.

Signs of Latex Allergy
You may develop swelling or itching from using rubber gloves or after medical examination. Itching in the throat after having a banana, avocado, or chestnuts may also be the reason for latex allergy. Itching or swelling after dental examination, runny nose, wheezing, confusion, fainting, hives, rapid breathing, sneezing, and anxiety are some other symptoms of latex allergy.

Latex Reaction Types
Contact Dermatitis A common symptom that causes rash on the body part in contact with the latex. This reaction develops due to use of sanitizers, cleaners, repeated washing and drying of hands, and not completely drying the hands and powdered gloves. This causes itching, dryness, and irritation in the areas of contact with latex products.

Type IV Delayed Hypersensitivity (Chemical Sensitivity)Develops due to the addition of chemicals to latex during processing, harvesting, and manufacturing. Latex products use emulsifiers, accelerators, coagulants, and stabilizers that cause skin reactions similar to poison ivy. The rash develops within 24-48 hours after contact and either takes the form of blister or spreads over other body areas. Contact urticaria represents transitional stage between hypersensitivity and dermatitis. Initially, you may develop delayed contact dermatitis followed by urticaria and then systemic hypersensitivity.

Type I Immediate Hypersensitivity Type I is immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody reaction due to latex protein. The reaction causes urticaria, rhinitis, asthma, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm and conjunctivitis. Even low-level exposure can be the triggering cause of allergy in sensitive people. It is essential to recognize the type I reactions immediately as anaphylaxis is life threatening symptom.

Latex Allergy Treatment
Patch testing is done for contact dermatitis and changing gloves can solve the problem. To effectively treat contact dermatitis, surgeons or healthcare practitioners use glove liner made from DemithaneTM. Avoiding latex exposure is the only treatment option available for type I reactions. It is essential to place people suffering from asthma, food allergy, and topy in a latex safe environment, which is easy to create by utilizing powder free gloves in hospitals to avoid aerosolizing problem of latex proteins.

Hence, it is essential to recognize and treat the symptoms at an early stage before they becomes life threatening.

REFERENCE :
http://www.articlecircle.com/
Author : Jason Uvios writes on the topic of "Latex Allergy A Common Problem Among Healthcare Workers" visit it: http://www.allergies-not-always.info, http://www.allergy-hunter.info and http://www.crisp-allergy-relief.info

NATURAL RUBBER

2009-09-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Natural rubber is the first type made of rubber shoes. After the discovery of the vulcanization process making rubber became resistant to weather and will not dissolve in oil, then the rubber started to rage as a basic ingredient in making various kinds of tools for use in the home or outside the home such as shoe soles, and even shoes, all made of rubber material. Before that attempts to use the rubber boots are always failed because of stiff rubber become in the rainy season and sticky and smelly in the summer as it had been done by the Roxbury Indian Rubber Company in 1833 by way of dissolving natural rubber and turpentine mixed with carbon black to produce a hard rubber waterproof.

The basic structure of natural rubber is a linear chain of isoprene units (C5H8) a weight average molecular spread between 10,000 to 400,000. Mechanical properties are better than natural rubber cause it can be used for various purposes
common as shoe soles and palms of vehicle tires. At room temperature, the rubber does not form crystals solid nor a liquid. Differences rubber with other objects, apparent in the nature of the soft rubber, flexible and elastic. These traits suggest that natural rubber is a semi-liquid material or a liquid natural
the viscosity is very tinggi.Namun so, mechanical properties resemble animal skins
so should dimastikasi to break the chain molecule to be shorter. Mastication Process
This reduces the plasticity or viscosity of natural rubber that will facilitate the next process when Other ingredients are added. Many of the properties of natural rubber that can provide benefits or convenience in the process of workmanship and use, either in the form of rubber or a compound or in the form of vulkanisat.

In the form of raw materials, natural rubber is preferred because it is easy rolling on the rollers when processed with an open mill / grinder is open and can be easily mixed with various ingredients needed in making compound. In the form of compounds, natural rubber is very easy sticky each other so well liked in the manufacture of goods that need to be coated, prior to vulcanization lapiskan done. Power advantage is what causes sticky natural rubber tough competition by synthetic rubber in making for radial tire carcass or in the manufacture of the rubber soles of his shoes produced by how to direct vulcanization.

Vulcanization of natural rubber is very good at following things:

* Recoil bounce

This causes heat (heat build up) low, which is required by rubber goods
who will experience repetitive pounding.
Nature is what causes the natural rubber is always used in the manufacture of truck tires and aircraft
tough competition by synthetic rubber.

* Voltage drop out

* Resilience torn and Kikis

* Flexibility at low temperature

* Power sticking to fabric or metal

Soles of shoes are in need of the properties mentioned above, because it is a choice of natural rubber is appropriate. In general, the soles need strength, endurance Kikis, and high tear resistance. Natural rubber Vulkanisat strong and durable can be used even at a temperature of -60 ° F. Natural rubber can be made into a rather stiff rubber, but still have the flexibility and resilience Kikis, bending crack resistance and high strength. This is beneficial in making shoe soles because the soles of shoes can be made thin (such as outer soles of athletic shoes), while maintaining that not feel the rock when walking.

To reduce production costs, other than natural rubber, the compound can black soles plus reclaim rubber and former unused vulkanisat which are scattered throughout the factory. To compound White, who used to be white rubber and reclaim the former white vulkanisat too. Vulkanisat stiffness can be improved by the addition of resins with high levels of styrene and calculated as the amount of rubber.
Please note separately export purposes should a good compound, ie containing ingredients which are used well. Although heat arising from lower natural rubber from synthetic rubber such as SBR, but the rubber nature somewhat less resistant to heat than SBR. Natural rubber could not stand the ozone and sunlight.
Resistance to oil and hydrocarbon solvents is very bad.

Ingredients Natural Raw Rubber

Natural rubber contains several ingredients including: rubber hydrocarbons, proteins, neutral lipids, polar lipids, carbohydrates, inorganic salts, etc..

Protein in natural rubber vulcanization can accelerate or pull the water in vulkanisat. Some of the lipids there fasting material or antioxidants. The protein can also increase the heat build up but can also increase the tear resistance.

Natural rubber can be increased over time, viscosity or become hard. There are types of natural rubber materials which you have added salt can not hidroksilamin so-called rubber hardens and CV (contant viscosity). Natural rubber can crystallize at low temperatures (eg -26 ° C) and when this happens, the heating is required before processing factory rubber goods rubber.

REFERENCE :
http://industrikaret.wordpress.com

PROCESSING OF SIR RUBBER

2009-05-28T02:42:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE :
rizki,dkk.pengolahan limbah karetr sir.THP Unila.BAndarlampung

DIVISION OF RUBBER

2009-05-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Rubber is divided into 2, namely is natural rubber and rubber synthesis. Made from natural rubber latex processed rubber tree, rubber synthesis are raw material made from petroleum. Because have a better quality of automatic natural rubber more expensive, however, Percentage of comsumer changes depending on the value. For example, in the tire, usually use of natural rubber and rubber synthesis comparison with 55: 45. When rubber nature to increase the price, it can be replaced with rubber synthesis approximately 5%, and when rubber synthesis is also increased due to price increases the price of fuel oil, the the amount of natural rubber which is enlarged.

1. Natural Rubber
Obtained from natural rubber latex resin rubber (natural rubber lateks) called Hevea
Brasiliensis that comes from the Amazon region with the conglomeration and drying.
Depending on how processes, natural rubber is generally divided into 3. Regional
largest natural rubber producing 70% of all rubber production the world is Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

a.Lateks:
It is a durable natural rubber that is made is stored in a way to add anmonia in the sap of rubber. When akan dikentalkan usually sent with the first engine centrifugal kekentalannya reach up to 60%. Used for rubber gloves, substance adhesive, rubber thread, medical equipment, and others.

b. RSS: natural rubber is the way to enter lateks in acid to coagulated, and then in the heat and smoked. Used as a raw material for production tire and tube.

c. TSR: Rubber coagulated that have been mashed and then, after that dried with the
heating. Just as with RSS, tsr used as raw material belt production, and tube. Depending on the country's produce, there is SMR (Products Malaysia), SSR (Product of Singapore), SIR (Indonesian products), TTR (Product Thailand) and others.

2. Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic Rubber deliberately created in such a way similar to natural rubber. There are namely is Isopuren Rubber (IR), Stiren Butadien Rubber (SBR), Butadien Rubber (BR), Chloropuren rubber (CR), Nitril Rubber (NR), Rubber BUTIL (IIB), Rubber etilen propilen (EPDM) Rubber Uretan (AU, EU), silicon rubber (VMQ, FVMQ), Acril Rubber (ACM) etc. Synthetic rubber produced the most are the 3 types of rubber isopuren, rubber stiren butadiene, and butadiene rubber. When combined with natural rubber, synthetic rubber this Percentage covers 80%. Rubber is mainly used as a raw material for making tires.

REFERENCE :
Toshiyuki KAWASHIMA.2007.Natural Rubber and Odor of Rubber Factory. From : http://pantjasurya.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/karet-alam-dan-bau-di-pabrik-karet.pdf

INDONESIA RUBBER

2009-05-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Indonesia is a country both natural rubber producer in the world after Thailand. In 2006, natural rubber production reached 2.64 million tons, more than 90% its (2.45 million tons) is the type of Rubber crumb is produced by approximately 115 Rubber crumb factory in Indonesia. Industrial Rubber crumb (crumb rubber) has a meaning that is very important for foreign exchange earnings as well as employment. As an illustration in the year 2006, the crumb rubber industry successfully meraup export income of U.S. $ 3.77 billion, almost 50% of export value of agricultural products. Workforce be merged in the field of crumb rubber production reached 100,000 +, whereas in the provision of raw materials (rubber farmers) more than 6 million people, not including the traders. The area of rubber trees in Indonesia at the time of this 3.309 million ha, with 84.49% (2.796 ha) is of the people. Therefore, the pullback advanced performance in the natural rubber industry in the country will provide a wide impact for the welfare of the people.

According to International Rubber Study Group (2007), over the last 5 years in the natural rubber consumption in the country increased an average of 10.98% per year, while the increase in the international average of 4.72% per year. Increasing oil prices are very sharp in the international market, the demand for natural rubber increased rapidly, because the synthetic rubber of raw material comes from the wing oil price rose sharply participate. Related to this is some international institutions of natural rubber demand to predict the future of the world will rise higher in the year 2007 is estimated at 6.2% and in 2008 was 7.5%.
Opportunities for the bright national rubber course can only be if India is able to improve the performance of agro of rubber, among others, through increased quality crumb rubber. Related to that, of late many complaints appear (Complaint) from some of the natural rubber pengimport (especially factory tires) Rubber crumb quality of Indonesian origin, because that contains a very chemical contaminant effect on the quality of rubber products hilirnya.

In general, the kontaminan on bokar can be divided into two groups. The first is innert (physical), for example, is a sand, gravel, chips, branches, leaves and former ex-strap, already common in the bokar especially people from the plantation, relatively easily removed because kasat eyes, and the factory has a different engine cleaning device from the bale cutter, prebreaker, hammer-mill, until kreper. Type kontaminan the second is a chemical, like color scanning bokar so difficult pengematan views without the jelly, for example, is from the reject vulkanisat goods so lateks (foam, gloves, balloons, etc.), and the remnants of koagulan acid.

REFERENCE :
http://www.kdei-taipei.org/