Patent ID: 6864310

Claim:
A process for manufacturing a tyre compound, wherein the compound comprises at least the following ingredients: a polymer base; a silica reinforcing filler; a silica-binding agent; and further product and process additives; wherein the process comprises: combining the ingredients to produce a blend; and combining the blend with a crosslinking system to produce the compound; wherein combining the ingredients to produce the blend is carried out in a closed mixer comprising a piston and a pair of rotors, wherein, during a manufacturing cycle, values of at least two indirect parameters are checked at least every two minutes, wherein the at least two indirect parameters comprise blend temperature and power absorbed by the rotors, wherein at least two direct parameters comprise pressure exerted by the piston and rotations of the rotors, wherein the at least two indirect parameters are maintained within respective ranges of predetermined values by controlling one or more of the at least two direct parameters, and wherein combining the ingredients to produce the blend comprises a silicization phase followed by a silanization phase.