The first domestic tandem-type internal mixer, developed by Yiyang Rubber & Plastics Machinery Group Co Ltd., has been listed as one of the central fund projects for 2011. A 13 million yuan ($ 2.06 million) grant from the Chinese government will allow the company to develop and commercialize the mixer.
The company has kept a close eye on the latest trends in the rubber-refining sector and driven to produce energy-saving and environmental-friendly machines. It has made tremendous progress in developing one-step rubber-refining equipment. The company developed and manufactured the first tandem-type internal mixer in the nation with the help of its R&D staff at the beginning of last year. It is the most advanced rubber-refining device in the world. The first prototype machine consists of two internal mixers, GE320E and GE590T. The new model will boost productivity by 50 percent and save electric power by over 60 percent, which can enhance the dispersibility and uniformity of rubber materials and extend the life expectancy of tires. The new model reduces the number of required mixers and cuts investments in plants and equipments by 30 percent.