DRYING RUBBER 



207 



wet weather matting or shutters on the sides would certainly 

 be required to protect the sheets of rubber from the driving 

 rain. 



The time taken to dry rubber is often a consideration, and 

 in damp weather the delays are often considerable. Hence 

 many planters are now installing drying-machines. The sheets 

 of rubber are laid on trays, and hot air, at a temperature of 



FIG. 59. Shaw's Vacuum Drier- 



90 to 110 Fahrenheit, is generated by a furnace outside and 

 blown through the chambers containing the rubber. By such 

 means the thin sheets of crepe-rubber can be perfectly dried in 

 from three to four hours' time. A rapid output of rubber 

 is ensured and there is no risk of mouldy spots appearing. 



It is, of course, essential that careful watch should always 

 be kept that the rubber in the chambers does not get overheated 

 or it will be damaged, if not altogether spoiled. Some managers 

 object to the use of these hot-air driers, as they consider that 



