CFD analysis of the influence of tank geometry on laminar flow stability in continuous latex dipping processes

Abstract

The latex dipping technology plays an important role in production of medical devices such as surgical gloves where thin and uniform film coating is very important [1]. The properties of the final dipped products are highly dependent on the hydrodynamic conditions within the latex dipping tank. Flow behaviour of the latex within the dipping region directly affects to the coating uniformity, film thickness and mechanical properties of the final product [2]. Therefore, the study of the flow patterns in dipping tanks becomes a matter of both scientific and industrial importance. Even though the tank hydrodynamic is very important for the latex dipping industry, number of research which focused on the role of tank geometry in controlling flow characteristics is very limited. Most of the studies emphasize the latex formation and dipping parameters [3], but the effect of the tank shape on achieving required laminar flow in the dipping region remains unexplored. Variation in tank design specially in the mixing region can alter velocity distribution, turbulence levels, and particle suspension, which directly affects to the process efficiency and product quality. This gap highlights the requirement of systematic evaluation of flow dynamics in latex dipping tanks with different geometrical configurations.