A production line (200) for performing multi-pass mixing sequences of rubber mixtures has at least one first mixing line (200A) that produces a masterbatch and at least one second line (200B) that performs a final mixing process during a final pass of a multi-pass rubber mixing sequence. A mixing process produces a variety of rubber mixtures in a production line of the type disclosed.

In the field of tire production, systems and methods make it possible to selectively carry out monopassage and multipassage rubber production sequences in a common rubber production facility. A tire is formed according to the methods described.

A mixing and cooling system (1) includes a mixing and screw-extrusion machine (10) with a mixer (12) having a converging conical twin screw; a ram (30) that moves along the inside of an introduction hopper (24) of the machine; a roller nose system disposed just downstream of an outlet (25) of the mixer to form a sheet (112) of the mixture exiting the mixer; and a mobile sleeve or sleeves (34) that move in a linear movement relative to the outlet. The system also includes a cooling system with a spray installation(s) (102, 104) that delivers water at a predetermined rate to the sheet exiting the machine; a suction installation(s) proportionate to each spray installation; and at least one transport means (114, 116) that transports the sheet in a predetermined direction.

A production line (100) has an internal mixer (MI); at least one hot mixing line (102) disposed downstream of the internal mixer and including at least one twin-screw mixing machine (B.sub.Xc) that performs a process of mixing the rubber mixture exiting the internal mixer; at least one cold mixing line (104) disposed downstream of the hot mixing line and including at least one twin-screw mixing machine (B.sub.XF) that performs a process of mixing the rubber mixture exiting the hot mixing line; a batch-off installation (BO) disposed downstream of the cold mixing line that performs an anti-sticking and cooling process of the rubber mixture exiting the cold mixing line; and an end-of-line installation (FL) disposed downstream of the batch-off installation that performs one or more end-of-line processes of the rubber mixture.

In the field of tire production, systems and methods make it possible to selectively carry out monopassage and multipassage rubber production sequences in a common rubber production facility. A tire is formed according to the methods described.

A method for stacking a ply (50) which is transferred from a rubber mixing system to a stacking system (100) comprises the steps of transferring the ply (50) to a stacking head (120) of the stacking system (100); passing the ply (50) to a motorized belt (110) of the stacking system (100), the motorized belt (110) being able to turn in both directions and being able to move in translation, and the motorized belt (110) being situated between the stacking head and a pallet (P) chosen from a pallet (P) with edges and a pallet (Q) without edges; and setting the motorized belt (110) into movement in translation so as to move along a path such that the motorized belt (110) receives the ply (50) from the stacking head (120) and makes a downstream end (50b) of the ply (50) to be stacked accessible in order to connect it to an upstream end (52a) of a ply (52) of a successive pallet and form a butt joint between the plies (50, 52).

In the field of tire production, systems and methods utilize a feed belt (150) for directing a rubber mixture from an initial mixing installation (20) toward at least one of two mixing and cooling installations (100, 100′). It is possible to selectively carry out monopassage and multipassage rubber production sequences in a common rubber production facility. A tire is formed according to the methods described.

A method for stacking a ply (50) which is transferred from a rubber mixing system to a stacking system (100) comprises the steps of transferring the ply (50) to a stacking head (120) of the stacking system (100); passing the ply (50) to a motorized belt (110) of the stacking system (100), the motorized belt (110) being able to turn in both directions and being able to move in translation, and the motorized belt (110) being situated between the stacking head and a pallet (P) chosen from a pallet (P) with edges and a pallet (Q) without edges; and setting the motorized belt (110) into movement in translation so as to move along a path such that the motorized belt (110) receives the ply (50) from the stacking head (120) and makes a downstream end (50b) of the ply (50) to be stacked accessible in order to connect it to an upstream end (52a) of a ply (52) of a successive pallet and form a butt joint between the plies (50, 52).

A process and a system are provided for controlling an addition of water to a rubber mixture during a mixing cycle in which the mixture is transported as a continuous sheet. The process includes obtaining data for the mixture, including a predetermined water flow rate, a predetermined air flow rate, and a target temperature and a target water content for the mixture; adding water to the continuous sheet during the mixing cycle; detecting an amount of water added at an elapsed time during the mixing cycle; determining, using a detection result, a predicted temperature and a predicted water content for the mixture at an end of the mixing cycle; comparing the target temperature with the predicted temperature, and the target water content with the predicted water content; and, before a next mixing cycle, adjusting an actual water flow rate when a comparison result indicates non-equivalence.

In the field of tire production, systems and methods utilize a feed belt (150) for directing a rubber mixture from an initial mixing installation (20) toward at least one of two mixing and cooling installations (100, 100). It is possible to selectively carry out monopassage and multipassage rubber production sequences in a common rubber production facility. A tire is formed according to the methods described.