Patent ID: 8524859

Claim:
A method for removing hydrocarbon liquids from an elastomer stream, the method comprising the steps of: a) preparing an elastomer stream, the stream comprising isobutylene-based elastomer solids and hydrocarbon liquids; b) introducing the stream into a kneader, wherein the kneader has a central axis, an outer shell wall radially outward of the central axis, at least one flight of paddles extending radially outward from the central axis, and at least one flight of hooks extending radially inward from the outer shell wall toward the core, the hooks having at least one vertical shearing surface and at least one horizontal shearing surface greater than a nominal width of the hook; and c) shearing the elastomer in the stream between the paddles and hooks whereby the elastomer is subjected to shearing forces and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon liquids is volatized from the stream.