Suggested Procedures
for Natural Rubber Receivers
Astlett Customer Help Sheet
Weight
Natural rubber will arrive, after a very long journey, in
wooden crates or shrink-wrapped pallets. The net weight
in either case will be 1200 KG or 1260 KG, depending on
whether 33.33KG bales or 35KG bales are used. Each unit
will have 36 bales.
Marks
All units will be marked with the NR GRADE, NET and GROSS
weights, factory ID, production lot number (referenced in
Test Certificates supplied), pallet number in the lot, and
country of origin. Also there will be unique shipping marks
that distinguish this lot from all others. These marks should
be cross-checked with the delivery order that Astlett faxes
your company prior to each delivery.
Condition
The rubber units may have had a rough journey in the one-way
packing. Any 'rough' units should be recoopered to avoid
handling, storage or contamination problems. Shrink wrap
units are subject to slumping due to cold flow (see
picture at right), especially for Controlled Viscosity grades.
Handle With Care.
Inspection
Simply by cutting windows (4" V shaped cuts) in the
polyethylene wrappers in several places between the slats
of each crate, a receiver can check for the possibility
of any moisture, contamination, infestation, etc. There
is no need to destroy the unit.
Moisture
If moisture is discovered, measures should be taken to promote
drying by cutting numerous windows. This lets any
trapped moisture escape. If bleach is discovered, more vigourous
drying efforts should be undertaken. Typically, removing
the crate and outer liner, windowing the affected
bales, separating or stripping the bales to expose to air
flow, and using a fan or heater to speed drying of the rubber
are suggested procedures. The rubber usually returns to
its original processed colour. The quality is not affected!
See more tips and information on dealing
with moisture.
Storage
Wooden crates in good condition usually may be stored three
high, otherwise two high. Shrink-wrapped units are one high
or two high if tiers are staggered. Racks are efficient.
Shelf
Life
Natural Rubber has a very long shelf life (at least 50 years).
However, the trade considers one year as prime/normal. Some
freezing and cross-linking
may occur. These are reversible phenomena by heating or
premasticating. Read more information on rubber
storage and aging.
