Method for transporting semi-processed rubber

Abstract

A method of transporting semi-processed rubber comprises locating the semi-processed rubber in a ship and supplying heat to the semi-processed rubber during transit to prevent solidification of, and/or crystallisation in, the semi-processed rubber. Heat may be re-circulated from the ship's engine to heat the hold in which the rubber is stored. Insulating material may be provided to insulate the walls of the ship's hold.

1 . A method of transporting semi-processed rubber, the method comprising locating the semi-processed rubber in a ship and supplying heat to the semi-processed rubber during transit to prevent solidification of, and/or crystallisation in, the semi-processed rubber.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising supplying sufficient heat to the semi-processed rubber to maintain its temperature above 25° C., most preferably in a range of from 28 to 35° C., and even more preferably in a range of from 30 to 33° C.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising circulating heat from the ship's engine and circulating to heat the semi-processed rubber.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , comprising circulating the water which is drawn through the engine to cool it to heat the semi-processed rubber.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising using a heat exchanger to heat circulating air, the heated air being circulated into the hold of the ship where the semi-processed rubber is stored for transport.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising heating the rubber using convection heaters, for example electrical convection heaters or blowers may be used.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , comprising providing insulating material between the semi-processed rubber and at least one wall of a hold in which the semi-processed rubber is stored for transport.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , comprising inflating a collapsible bag or bladder to provide the insulating material.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising storing the semi-processed rubber in a covered warehouse or storage facility at a departure and/or destination port, the warehouse preferably being maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent the rubber from hardening and/or crystallising during storage.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising transporting the semi-processed rubber to a user in a state which is usable without requiring further heating.  
     
     
         11 . A method of supplying semi-processed rubber to a user in a usable form, the method comprising tapping latex from a rubber tree, forming a cake, transporting the cake to a local processor for semi-processing and subsequently transporting the semi-processed rubber cake to a user and ensuring that the cake does not harden or that crystals form in the cake during the first and/or second transportation step.  
     
     
         12 . A method of transporting solid goods whose state is prone to alter during transportation, the method comprising maintaining the goods at a temperature of from 25 to 35° C. during transportation by supplying heated air to the goods using heat reclaimed from the prime mover of the means of transportation.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the goods are semi-processed rubber.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein at least part of said transportation takes place on a ship and said transportation means is a ship.  
     
     
         15 . A method of supplying semi-processed rubber to a user, the method comprising storing the semi-processed rubber at a location which is maintained at a temperature to prevent or at least inhibit the hardening of, or formation of crystals in, the semi-processed rubber.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , comprising maintaining the temperature of the location at or above 24° C.