RICH's nitrogen vulcanization process replaces the traditional superheated water vulcanization process, and has been successful in the rubber/tire industry. Nitrogen vulcanization technology advantages:
Reduce the necessary investment in utilities for the steam generation process, and reduce the emissions of NOX and COX, so as to achieve the purpose of energy saving and environmental protection
Reduces the chance of glue deficiency, delamination and bubbles in tire vulcanization, and improves the quality of tires
Small heat loss, saving energy and reducing costs
High-purity nitrogen prevent the devices from being premature aging under the action of oxygen
Tire performance indicators have been improved in mileage, durability, uniformity, and press-through capacity
Easy to use, the pressure is adjustable within a certain range
Nitrogen can be recycled with a recovery rate of about 40%.
In the rubber and tire industry, high-purity nitrogen and controlled gases are critical for vulcanization, curing, storage, and quality control. RICH, with over 40 years’ experience and 4,000+ systems installed worldwide, delivers on-site nitrogen, oxygen, and gas purification systems tailored to rubber and tire manufacturing — ensuring process stability, safety, and improved product quality.
Tire curing and vulcanization: Consistent nitrogen supply ensures uniform curing and prevents oxidation.
Rubber mixing & processing: Moisture and oxygen can degrade rubber compounds, reducing quality.
Storage & transportation: Nitrogen-filled tires prevent oxidation, extend shelf life, and maintain performance.
Safety: Compressed nitrogen cylinders are costly, logistically challenging, and may pose hazards in high-volume plants.
Process continuity: Unstable gas supply can halt vulcanization presses or delay production.
Vulcanization / curing: Nitrogen for curing presses to prevent oxidation and ensure uniform cross-linking.
Rubber mixing / extrusion: Controlled gas environment reduces contamination and maintains compound consistency.
Tire inflation / storage: Nitrogen-filled tires minimize aging, cracking, and pressure loss.
Quality testing: Dry, inert gas for laboratory testing, hardness measurement, and chemical analysis.
Industrial machinery & safety: Nitrogen for pneumatic systems in manufacturing lines to reduce moisture and oxidation.
PNF / PNF+ PSA Nitrogen Generators — high-purity nitrogen for curing, storage, and rubber processing.
Membrane Nitrogen Generators — compact, continuous N₂ supply for laboratory or pilot production.
Desiccant Dryers / Drying Systems — ultra-low dew point nitrogen for moisture-sensitive processes.
VPSA / POF Oxygen Plants — oxygen-controlled atmospheres for specific testing or chemical processes.
Systems can be configured for industrial-scale curing presses, tire inflation, and laboratory requirements, ensuring uniform quality and safety.
Stable, high-purity nitrogen: RL-VI PSA and tower design ensure uniform curing and oxidation prevention.
Low moisture / contamination: Desiccant dryers protect rubber compounds and improve shelf life.
Energy efficiency: Optimized adsorption tower and load-adaptation reduce air consumption and operational costs.
Durable & reliable: Stainless steel valves and tower internals resist harsh plant environments.
Process reliability: Anti-vibration controls and automated monitoring prevent interruptions.
1. Tire curing / vulcanization
Problem: Oxygen in curing press causes uneven cross-linking.
Solution: PNF+ PSA nitrogen generator with buffer vessel for stable flow.
Benefit: Uniform tire hardness, consistent quality, reduced scrap.
2. Rubber mixing / extrusion
Problem: Moisture and oxygen degrade rubber compound properties.
Solution: PSA nitrogen + desiccant dryer.
Benefit: Improved compound consistency, better extrusion and shaping.
3. Tire inflation & storage
Problem: Tires lose performance due to oxidation and moisture.
Solution: On-site nitrogen supply integrated with storage facility.
Benefit: Extended tire shelf life, stable pressure, safer transport.
4. Laboratory testing & QA
Problem: Inconsistent gas supply affects measurement and analysis accuracy.
Solution: Membrane or PSA nitrogen generator with low dew-point dryer.
Benefit: Reliable, reproducible test results and quality control.
Application type (curing, mixing, inflation, storage, testing)
Required flow (Nm³/h or scfm)
Purity specification (% N₂)
Dew point requirement (if applicable)
Delivery pressure (bar/psi)
Duty cycle (continuous, batch, or pilot)
Plant layout or installation constraints
Gas quality requirements (moisture, O₂ ppm)
Integration with automation / process control
| Application | Flow (Nm³/h) | Purity | Dew Point | Pressure | RICH solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire curing / vulcanization | 50–400 | 95–99% N₂ | -40°C | 1–6 bar | PNF / PNF+ PSA + buffer vessel |
| Rubber mixing / extrusion | 20–150 | 95–99% N₂ | -40°C | 1–6 bar | PSA + desiccant dryer |
| Tire inflation / storage | 10–200 | 95–99% N₂ | -40°C | 0.5–6 bar | Membrane / PSA |
| Laboratory QA / testing | 5–50 | 95–99% N₂ | -40°C | 0.5–4 bar | Membrane PSA + dryer |
Reference specs are illustrative. Contact RICH for a custom solution based on plant requirements.
Industrial-grade nitrogen for rubber and tire production
FAT/SAT verification for flow, purity, and dew point
Stainless steel piping and low-maintenance valves for durability
Optional integration with PLC/DCS or plant automation
Improved curing consistency and rubber compound quality
Reduced scrap and rework during production
Eliminate cylinder logistics and safety risks
Energy savings via optimized PSA/membrane systems
Low-maintenance, reliable operation in harsh plant conditions
Q: Can nitrogen purity be controlled for curing presses and rubber processing?
A: Yes — RL-VI PSA systems ensure consistent N₂ purity and flow.
Q: Are your systems suitable for harsh industrial environments?
A: Yes — robust valves, towers, and piping handle high temperature, dust, and vibration.
Q: Can low moisture nitrogen be supplied for extrusion or mixing?
A: Yes — integrated desiccant dryers provide low dew-point, clean gas.
Q: Can the system integrate with existing plant automation?
A: Yes — PLC/DCS and HMI monitoring options are available.
