[Dani]

What challenges arise when dispersing rubber into bitumen emulsion and how are they managed in industrial plants?

[Karl]

Rubber introduces high viscosity, poor wetting, and a strong tendency to agglomerate, which can destabilize the emulsion or clog the mill. Industrial plants manage this using pre swelled rubber in hot bitumen, controlled high shear mixing, and staged emulsification to prevent shock breakup. Temperature must be high enough for dispersion but not so high that emulsifier performance drops. Plants also use filtration, larger mill clearances, and robust pumps to handle shear loads and reduce plugging risk.

[Author]

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