Why use Gum Ghatti-based oil emulsions instead of only mineral oil in Rockwool (mineral wool) production

Using Gum Ghatti-based oil emulsions instead of bright stock mineral oil in Rockwool (mineral wool) production offers several benefits:

1. Improved Worker Safety and Health: Oil emulsions typically generate less dust and fumes than pure mineral oils. This can lead to a safer and healthier working environment, as exposure to mineral oil mists and vapors can harm health.
2. Enhanced Environmental Friendliness: Primarily water-based, emulsions are more environmentally friendly than pure mineral oils. They usually contain less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are easier to handle and dispose of in an environmentally responsible manner.
3. Reduced Fire Risk: Pure mineral oils can pose significant fire risks, especially in industrial settings. Oil emulsions, particularly water-based ones, are generally less flammable, reducing the fire risk in the production facility.
4. Better Process Control: Emulsions can offer more uniform and controlled application onto the Rockwool fibers. This uniformity can improve the quality and consistency of the final product.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: While pure mineral oils might be effective, they can be more expensive in the long run due to the higher volumes required. Emulsions can be more cost-effective as they can achieve the same or better results with lower quantities of oil. 
6. Improved Product Properties: Emulsions can enhance specific properties of the rockwool product. For example, they can improve the binding of fibers, enhance water repellency, and provide better dust-binding properties.
7. Reduced Energy Consumption: Applying and curing gum ghatti-based oil emulsions are more energy-efficient than pure mineral oils, as they do not require additional heating, thus reducing production costs.
8. Flexibility in Formulation: Emulsions can incorporate additional functional additives, such as fire retardants, fungicides, or other performance enhancers, directly into the mixture.
9. Better Compatibility with Equipment: Some production equipment may be better suited to handle emulsions than pure oils, which can be more corrosive or damaging to certain types of machinery.

In summary, using gum ghatti-based oil emulsions in Rockwool production can offer advantages of environmental, safety, economic, and product quality over pure mineral oils.