A Rapid Dry Rubber Content Measurement Device Based on Photoelectric Sensors

Abstract

Abstract The quality of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) is indicated by Dry Rubber Content (DRC), which is a value that shows the percentage of rubber material or rubber fraction contained in a latex. DRC measurements are generally carried out by two methods, namely manually weighing the sample and ISO 126-2005 method. This research aims to develop prototype of automatic DRC measurement device based on photoelectric sensors that are able to measure DRC values accurately, quickly, easily, and environmentally friendly. Research was carried out by designing and building prototypes based on the theory that latex will absorb the intensity of light proportional to the rubber content in it. The results of field tests show that the device can show accurate measurement results with a comparison of measurement methods according to ISO 126: 2005. To improve accuracy is done through least square analysis. The measurement ranges of the DRC values that have been tested with this prototype is 15-22% with an average error of only 1.56% or with an accuracy of 98.44%. The results of this test indicate that the prototype of a photoelectric-based DRC measuring device can be used as an alternative to the DRC measurement tool in a rubber factory with accurate, fast, easy and environmentally friendly measurement results.