CA1155264A - System and method for dispersing filaments - Google Patents
System and method for dispersing filamentsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1155264A CA1155264A CA000368942A CA368942A CA1155264A CA 1155264 A CA1155264 A CA 1155264A CA 000368942 A CA000368942 A CA 000368942A CA 368942 A CA368942 A CA 368942A CA 1155264 A CA1155264 A CA 1155264A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- filaments
- air
- stream
- web
- machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H3/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length
- D04H3/02—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments
- D04H3/03—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments at random
Abstract
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPERSING FILAMENTS
ABSTRACT
A method and system are provided for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments so that the dis-persed filaments are capable of being deposited, in a random; convoluted pattern, on a moving web-forming surface to form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product.
The filaments are preferably dispersed by impinging same against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means, preferably comprising a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally codirectional with the filament flow, by a stream of air.
ABSTRACT
A method and system are provided for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments so that the dis-persed filaments are capable of being deposited, in a random; convoluted pattern, on a moving web-forming surface to form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product.
The filaments are preferably dispersed by impinging same against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means, preferably comprising a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally codirectional with the filament flow, by a stream of air.
Description
1 ~.S26~
BACKGROUND OF T~
The present invention relates to a system and method for dispersing a plurality of filaments. If these dispersed filaments are deposited on a moving web-forming surface, they will form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product having a random, convoluted web pattern.
Filaments for use in the manufacture of nonwovens can be produced by various methods. For example, synthetic polymers can be spun into filaments. These spun filaments can be drawn-off by a high velocity jet system and directed onto a web-forming surface~ as in the case of U. S. 3,692,618 to norschner. The use of these high velocity jets facilitates high draw-off speed so that relatively large numbers of fila-ments can be transported through the system on a continuous basis. A compressed fluid, SUCh as air, is employed as the transporting means. However, some of these ~et systems have a constriction at the exit of the flow path. The exit con-striction creates a back-pressure on the jet system. This, in turn, requires exertion of a higher, primary pressure by the jets to overcome the resultant back-pressure and achieve the required filament velocity. This gives rise to wasted energy, and a higher cost of production ensues.
The above described prior art systems also have a narrow constriction at their~inlet which causes the filaments to be moved through the system, and to exit therefrom, in close association with each other. Typically, a plurality of jet systems are spaced laterally across a moving web-forming surface. Therefore, in order to form a continuous web, in the cross-machine direction, this narrow stream of closely associ-ated filaments must be laterally dispersed, 1 155~6~
In an at-tempt to solve this lateral dispersion problem, some formation systems employ complex electrostatic charging apparatus (see U. S. Patent 3,341,394 to Kinney).
Qthers try -to achieve lateral dispersion of the fllaments by directing continuous or intermittent air flows, essentially with a cross-machine direction, against verti-cally traveling filaments as they pass through an open area, after exiting from the high velocity jet system, in an effort to disperse same~ In U. S~ Patent 3,485,428 to Jackson, for example, horizontally disposed, sequentially directed, in essentially a cross-machine direction, low-pressure fluid is intermittently supplied to a divergin~ chamber ~rou~h which strands of yarn pass. The fluid which emanates from the two diametrically opposed jets impinges the high velocity system of filaments and exerts a pushin~ force or pressure on the filaments, in a reciprocating manner. This approach cloes not, however, cause heavy denier Eilaments or filaments movinc~ at extremely hlgh velocikles, or substankial numbers of filaments, to be effectively dispersed in a manner required for nonwoven product formation. Instead, the entire filament aggregation is moved from side-to-side, as the filaments are impinged by the intermittently directed air flow, without causing effect-ive dispersion thereof.
In another approach, the continuous or intermittent use of a phenomenon known as the "Coanda effect" can be imparted to filaments passing within an open area between opposed Coanda nozzles. The Coanda effect, which has been known for many years, is exemplified by U. S. Patent 2,052,369 issued to Henrl Coanda. Brief~y, this phenomenon can be de-scribed as the tendency of a fluid, which emercJes from an ~ 15.~6~
opening, such as a slit, under pressure, to attach itselfor cling -to and follow a surface in the form of an extended lip of -the slit, which recedes from the flow access of the fluid as it emerges from the slit. This creates a zone of reduced pressure in the area of the slit so that any entrain-able material which is in the area will be entrained and flow with the fluid which has attached itself to the extended lip.
In commonly owned, pending application Canadian ~ Serial No. 346,212, for example, an oscillating movement essentially in a cross-machine direction, is imparted to the filaments bv a pulsating fluid which causes non-steady-state conditions between opposed Coanda nozzles is employed. The use of Coanda nozzles to oscillate filaments exiting a high velocity jet stream, however, re~uires individual separators for supplying filaments to the open area between the opposed Coanda nozzles. However, the above described separators can exhibit pluggincJ problems, create back-pressure in the jet air guns, and limlt filaments' through-put rates. Moreover, they deliver the filaments to the web-forming means in a sub stantially parallel lay-down pattern so that the web formed is essentially a structure of more or less parallel filamen-ts.
The machine-direction strength of webs formed by this tech-nique is insuffi~cient for many converting operations, for example, in diaper liners, and the like.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The subject lnvention relates to a system and a method Eor dispersing a plurality of close~ly associated Eila-ments so that the filamen-ts are capable oE deposition in a convolu-ted, random pat-tern on a moving web-forming surFace to produce a substantially uniform, high machine-direction ~ 1~5~
s-trength nonwoven web.
The closely associated filaments which are typically entrained in a stream of air and travel in an essentially vertical direction at high velocity are dispersed by imping-ing the filaments against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, con-toured deflection means, and which preferabl~ comprises a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element, positioned in the path of the descending filaments, which is continuously traversed, generally codirectionally with the filament flow, by a stream of air. The fiIaments are, on impingement or against the deflection méans, laterally dispersed,~and the dispersed filaments are impelled ln a controled trajectory, in a convoluted, random state. The desired filament disper-sion lS accomplished, in the preferred case, by the use of a Coanda nozzle as the subject deflection means, The descending filaments, on impingemen~ against the fluid-dynamically assis-ted de~lection means, are not in substantial friational communication with the deElection sur-face per se but, instead, are "cushioned" by the air stream.
This, in turn, continuously moves the dispersed filaments traversely with respect to the de~lection surface, generally codirectionally w~ith the air flow.
Filaments dispersed by the method and system of the present invention are capable~of form1ng substantially uniform nonwoven webs which exhibit unexpectedly high increases in strength properties, particularly machine-direction tensile and machine-directlon stretch. This mod1fication in strength properties of the subject webs results from the deposi-tion of filaments on a web-forming surface, in a random, convoluted, lay~down pattern, which provides a higher order of mechanical 1 ~55~
entanglement in the nonwoven web product, Therefore~ non-woven webs produced by the system and method o~ this invention are unexpectedly uni~ue when compared with their convention-ally dispersed counterparts. Webs formed from dispersed filaments producéd by prior art dispersal techniques have machine-direction strength which is only about one-half of their cross~machine-direction strength~ Conversely~ nonwoven webs formed from similar filaments dispersed according to the teachings of the present invention exhibit machine-direction strength properties, i.e., tensile and stretch,which are at least equal to their cross-machine-directional strength, and having a machine-directional strength prefer-ably at least abDut 1.5 times as great, and more preferably at least about twice as great, as their cross-machine-direction strength. The cross-machine-direction strength of these lat-ter webs is substantially equal to their conventional counter-parts.
The jet system of the present invention ls p.referably constructed so that the exit constriction presenk in the prior art dispersal systems is omitted herein, This substantially eliminates the back-pressure created in many prior art appara-tuses which, in turn, allows the prlmary pressure in the jet system to be reduced by at least about 20%, and preferably by at least about 25%, which results in a substantial energy savings.
In a further preferred embodiment~ the length of the deflect;.on means i.s adapted so that a plurality of jet systems can be provided to discharge filaments for impi.ngement thereagainst. In another preferred embodiment, a composite system is provided, including pairs of deElection means dis-posed in opposed manner one with respect to the other., The i:
52~
trajectory of the dispersed filaments is prefe~bl~ ~d~pted so that the path of the respectiYe filament streams do not intersect prior to deposition on a web~forming ~urface, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a side view of a prefer~ed filament dispersion system of the present invention; :
FIGURE 2 is a front view of the system shown in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of a foil separatox means including an auxiliary deflection means 60;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisin~ a pair of filament deflection systems as described in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is a partial top view of FIGU~E 4 taken along line 5-5;
FIGURE 6, which appears on the same sheet a~ Figures 3 and 4, is a schematic diagram of a regular filament lay- `
down pattern; and i FIGURE 7, which appears on the same sheet as Figures 3 and 4, is a schematic diagram of a random filament lay-down pattern.
Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 2~ a deflection : system is provided for dispersing a plurality of ~ilaments 2~
which are closely associated with each other~ so that the dis-persed filaments 2a are capable of deposition in a convoluted~
random lay-down pattern (.see FIGU~E 7), instead o~ in a regu-lar lay-down pattern (see FIGURE 6), on a web-forming surface 3 of a web-~orming means ~not shown~ to ~orm~ for example~ non-woven web 4~ Typically~ filaments 2 are prcduced from polymeric materials capable of forming a melt, which can be spun into filaments useful in the production o~ nonwoven products, These materi~ls are well-known in the prior art, The filaments 2 5526~ .
are generally formed by conventional melt-spinning te~hni~ues, A plurality of filaments 2 are typically transported in an air medium to a high~elocity jet system, substantially as described in Dorschner patent, U, S 3,692,618 (not shown).
The number of individual filaments 2 passing through the con-ventional jet system usually varies from about 15 to about lO0 Howe~er~ by employing the~deflection system of the pre-sent invention~ the number of filaments passing through the s~stem, as compared to the number of filaments passing through a system having a constricted discharge opening, is increased by at least about 30%, and preferably by at least about 50~.
The filaments 2 are drawn downwardly at hig~ velocity by the aerodynamics of the jet system, i.e., at a preferred velocity of at least lO0 fee-t per second, and more preferably at least 200 feet per second. The maximum velocity is prefer-ably up to about 350 feet per second, and more preferably up to about 250 feet per second.
The filaments 2 are drawn through the high velocity jet system and exit through an opening 11 in discharge means lO. ~ row of these discharge means lO is depicted in FIGURE 2.
Discharge means lO comprises any means for discharging a plurality ~ closely associated filaments in an essentially downward direction for impingement of said filaments against , .
a fluid-dynamically-assisted deflection means 1 and, if desired, for further moving the filaments 2a for deposition on web~
forming sur~ace 3. Discharge means 10 can, for example, be a :~ conduit, such as a tube, a pipe, or a nozzle. Contrary to certain prior art separators, it is preferred that, in order :.
-to avoid subs-tan-tia]. clogging and back-pressure :in the high velocity jet system, there is no substantial constriction in the discharge opening 11 in discharge means 10. Since no substantial back-pressure is imparted to the subject jet system, the above described filament velocities can be achieved employing at least about 20~, and preferably at least about 25%, less draw jet pressure than with the prior art seprators.
A plurality of filaments 2, in close association with each other, are discharged in an essentially downward direction from discharge means 10, and impinge against fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means 1, thereby producing laterally dispersed filaments 2a. The de-flection means is positioned in the:path of the essentially downwardly descending filaments 2. A preferred fluid-dyna-mically-assisted, contoured deflection means 1 is depicted in FIGURE 1 and compr1ses a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element 21, having respective front and rear ends 22 and 23.. The lateral distance "S" o~ the deflection means 21 (see FIGURE 2) is dependent upon the number oE discharge mean~s 10 employed! and i:E a nonwoven Eabric is heing producecl, th~ cross-machine d.istance of the web-Eorming surface 2.
A stream of air 50 is emitted from an air supply source 30 so that it continuously traverses deflection element 21. The air stream 50 preferably moves along and attaches to the contour of the surface, denoted '~24", of the deflection element 21. The closely associ.ated filaments 2 impinge, and are cushioned by, the air stream 50, ca~sing the subject lat-: eral filament dispersal. The laterally dispersed filaments 2a are then moved generally codirectionally with the air stream 50 so that they continuously kraverse deflection element 21 and are impelled in a controled trajectory in a convoluted, random state _ ~ ~
- 1 I552~
In the case of the formation of spunbonded nonwoven fabrics employing the deflection system of this invention, dispersed filaments 2a are deposited on web-~orming surface 3 in a random, convoluted lay-down pattern. The effect of this random, convoluted deposition, as opposed to the substantially parallel lay-down pattern which is produced using prior art separators is pictorially described in the schematic diagrams of FIGURES 7 and 6, respectively. Unexpectedly, the subject lay-down pattern of FIGURE 7 pro~ides a significantly higher level of mechanical entanglement in subsequently formed non-woven webs than its counterpart. This results in the forma-tion of nonwoven webs which exhibit unexpectedly high increases in machine-direction strength properties, such as tensile and stretch. A discussion of specific machine-direction and cross-machine-direction strength properties of the webs produced by the lay-down patterns of FIGURES 6 and 7, respectively, has been previously provided.
As shown in FIGURE 1, deflection system 1 preferably includes a Coanda nozzle comprising deflection element 21 and alr supply source 30. For purposes of illustration, the spe-cific Coanda nozzle depicted in FIGURE 1 is known as a two-dimensional Coanda nozzle. While any suitable two-dimensional Coanda nozzle may preferably be utilized to practice the teach-ings of the present invention! this particular embodiment is the most preferred because it may be readily constructed from "off-the-shelf" components~ The Coanda nozzle includes previ-ously described deflection element 21 having attached thereto, as by means of intermediate structural element 31, an ~-shaped member 32 which extends along the lateral distance "S"
of deflection element 21. In this case, deflection surface 24 is a Coanda surface.
'3~ `~
9 _ ~ ~s~
~ s pictured in F.IGURE 2~ the lateral distance "S"
of deflection element 21 may be adapted for impingement by filaments 2 from a plurality of discharge means 10, When the format.ion of a nonwoven web is employed, "S"~s generally determined by the desired width of the nonwoven fabric to be formed therefrom, The upwardly extending leg o L-shaped member 32 provides a restricted opening in the form of a slit 41. End walls 34 (not shown) provide a closed chamber with which slit 41 is in air-flow communication, If desired, means may be provided for adjustin~ the width of slit 41, As in FIGURE 2, for example~ a plurality of screw-and-nut arrangements, such as indicated~by reference 33, may be employed for this purpose. Preferably, slit 41 is adjustable from a closed position, up to about an opening of 0.002 inch, and p.referably from an opening of about 0.001 inch, to about 0.010 inch.
Conduit means 42 is connected to L-shaped member 32 and the interior of conduit means 42 i~ in air-flow communica-tion with the chamber to a plurality of Eluid supply en-try ports ~3. Conduit means 42 is connected at the other end to a source of compressed air ~not shown), whereby the nozzle chamber may be pressurized and the flow of a thin layer of compressed air injected upwardly through slit 41. Preferably, due to the Coanda effect, the flow of compressed air will attach itself to deflection surface 24 and proceed in the dir-ection of the arrows to provide the subject fluid lubrication therefor, TypicaLlyr~ the air flow stream 50 exits slit 41 at a rate of rom about 10 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)/
lineal foot up to about 40 scfm/lineal foot, and preferably ~ 10 -1 ~5~6~
from abou-t 20 scfm/Lineal foot, up to about 30 scfm/lineal foot. Furthermore, the air pressure at slit 41 may be adjusted, in ~eneral, so that it is sufficient to effectively disperse the impinging filaments without causing excessive turbulence which may result in formation problems in its subsequent non-woven formation process. Preferably, a fluid pressure of Erom about 10 psi~ up to about 50 psig, and preferably from about 20 psig, up to about 35 psig, is employed for this pur-pose.
To further control the dispersal of filaments, an auxiliary deflection means 60 (see FIGURE 3) may be connected - to lower end 23 of deflection element 21. Auxiliary deflec-tion means 60 extends the distance of the deflection surface 24~ thereby providlng an even higher degree of directional control for the dispersed filaments 2a.
As for the vertical disposition o the deflection means 1, for the filaments and operating parameters previously described~ the distance~ denoted ~Z~r ~rom the bottom of the di~charg~ means 10 to the outer corner 35 of -the ~-shaped mem-ber 31, is preferably from about one~quarter inch, up to about13 inches, and more preferably up to about 6 inches.
If the dispersed filaments 2a are to be employed in the formation of a nonwoven web, the vertical distance "X"
from the outer corner 35 to the web-forming surface 3 is pre-ferably from about 12 inches to about 44 inches. More prefer-ably, "X" is from about 24 inches to about 33 inches for heavy denier filaments, and from about 10 inches to about 24 inches for li~ht denier filaments In this latter ins-tance, the total vertical dis-tance, X + Z, from the bottom o the dis~
charge means l0 to the web-forming surface 3 is preferably frc)m about 10 inches up -to about 45 inches, and more prefer-1 155~6~
ably from ab~ut 15 inches to about 30 inches, Howeverr forany given deflection system, the total vertical di$tance~
X + Z, is substantially constant. By interchanging discharge means 10 of varying lengths, the total vertical distance can be changed. This interchange can be facilitated by the use of pipe couplings (not shown) which will accept the variable length pipes.
An important aspect of the formation of dispersed filaments 2a is the angular disposition of deflection element 21, measured from the center~line 21a thereof, to the hori-zontal axis. Preferably, angle ~ is from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, and more preferably from about 35 degrees to about 50 degrees.
The distance between respective adjacent~discharge means 10 in a given row, measured from centerline-to-center-line of each dischar~e means, is denoted "S "'. The magnitllcle of S' is de~pendent upon the numb~r o~ clischarge pipes l0 ancl if a nonwoven web i8 -to be Eormed from th~ ~ilaments 2a, the width o~ the web.
In a preferred embodiment of FIGURE 4, a composite ; deflection system 70 i~s provided~comprising pairs of deflec-tion elements 21 and 21',~ which are disposed~in an opposed, pre~erably substantially parallel, manner one with respect to the other. Each of the above deflection elements 21 and 21' is similar in construction to the~deflectlon element 21 set forth in PIGURES l and 2. Nonwoven webs formed from the dis-persed filaments produced by this novel, composite deflection system 70 have superior machine-direction strength properties, as previously described.
In order to optimize dispersion o~ filaments 2a under the conditions previously described, discharge means 10 JL 1552~
and lO~ and deflection means l and ll~ respectivel~ should preferably be speci~ically positioned, as hereinafter described, one with respect to the other, Furthermore~ in forming a non-woven web ~rom dispersed filaments 2a, the respective discharge means lO and lO~ and dispersion systems l and l' are also located ln a preferred position with respect to web-forminc~
sur~ac~ 3. For example ! discharge means lO and lO' are prefer-ably spaced apart a horizontal distance "Y", measured from the respective center lines of each of the opposed discharge means lO and lO', of from about 5 inches to about 15 inches, and more preferably from about 9 inches to about ll inches. The opposed deflection means l and l' are preferably spaced apart at a hori~ontal distance "W", measured from the respective slits 41 and 41', of from about 7 inches to about 20 inches, and preferably from about I0 inches to about 13 inches~ :
As shown in FIGURE 4, the respective di~charge means lO and lO' are preferably provided in the 'orm of a pair of opposed rows ln a substantially parallel dispositian one with respect to the other Each of the rows of the pairs of opposed rows of discharge means lO and lO' also preferably extends in a substantially parallel disposition with respect- I ;
ive deflection elements 21 and 21' Preferably~ as further depicted in FIGURE 5, the respective discharge means lO and lO' in each of the above opposed rows are staggered one with respect to the other. More specifically, the laterally extending centerlines M and M' of discharge means lO and lO', respectively, which are at right anyles to each of the opposed rows of discharge means, are positioned so that they will not intersect discharge means lO' in the respective opposed rows.
More preferably, respective discharge means lO and lO' are pocitioned so that centerlines M and M' lntersect the opposed 1 1~52~
row of discharge means, at the midpoint therebetween, at a distance S'/2 between adjacent discharge means in the opposed rows.
In another preferred composite deflec-tion system (not shown), a plurality of deflection means 1 are disposed in a tandem arrangement one with respect to the other for dispersing a plurality of filaments 2, as previously described herein.
In the formation of nonwoven webs f.rom dispersed filaments 2a, the uniformity of formation and the over-all spacing, respectively, of filaments 2a axe impo~tant para-meters in controling blotching and streaking of the web..
ThereEore, important operàting parameters such as dis-tances Y~ Wr X~ S~ ~nd Zr as well as angle ~, must be properly ad~usted~ one with respect to the other, in order to produce the previously described hi~h machine-direc~ional mechanical strength nonwoven web with acceptable uniformity at high production xates, : 20 : ' ,
BACKGROUND OF T~
The present invention relates to a system and method for dispersing a plurality of filaments. If these dispersed filaments are deposited on a moving web-forming surface, they will form a high machine-direction strength nonwoven product having a random, convoluted web pattern.
Filaments for use in the manufacture of nonwovens can be produced by various methods. For example, synthetic polymers can be spun into filaments. These spun filaments can be drawn-off by a high velocity jet system and directed onto a web-forming surface~ as in the case of U. S. 3,692,618 to norschner. The use of these high velocity jets facilitates high draw-off speed so that relatively large numbers of fila-ments can be transported through the system on a continuous basis. A compressed fluid, SUCh as air, is employed as the transporting means. However, some of these ~et systems have a constriction at the exit of the flow path. The exit con-striction creates a back-pressure on the jet system. This, in turn, requires exertion of a higher, primary pressure by the jets to overcome the resultant back-pressure and achieve the required filament velocity. This gives rise to wasted energy, and a higher cost of production ensues.
The above described prior art systems also have a narrow constriction at their~inlet which causes the filaments to be moved through the system, and to exit therefrom, in close association with each other. Typically, a plurality of jet systems are spaced laterally across a moving web-forming surface. Therefore, in order to form a continuous web, in the cross-machine direction, this narrow stream of closely associ-ated filaments must be laterally dispersed, 1 155~6~
In an at-tempt to solve this lateral dispersion problem, some formation systems employ complex electrostatic charging apparatus (see U. S. Patent 3,341,394 to Kinney).
Qthers try -to achieve lateral dispersion of the fllaments by directing continuous or intermittent air flows, essentially with a cross-machine direction, against verti-cally traveling filaments as they pass through an open area, after exiting from the high velocity jet system, in an effort to disperse same~ In U. S~ Patent 3,485,428 to Jackson, for example, horizontally disposed, sequentially directed, in essentially a cross-machine direction, low-pressure fluid is intermittently supplied to a divergin~ chamber ~rou~h which strands of yarn pass. The fluid which emanates from the two diametrically opposed jets impinges the high velocity system of filaments and exerts a pushin~ force or pressure on the filaments, in a reciprocating manner. This approach cloes not, however, cause heavy denier Eilaments or filaments movinc~ at extremely hlgh velocikles, or substankial numbers of filaments, to be effectively dispersed in a manner required for nonwoven product formation. Instead, the entire filament aggregation is moved from side-to-side, as the filaments are impinged by the intermittently directed air flow, without causing effect-ive dispersion thereof.
In another approach, the continuous or intermittent use of a phenomenon known as the "Coanda effect" can be imparted to filaments passing within an open area between opposed Coanda nozzles. The Coanda effect, which has been known for many years, is exemplified by U. S. Patent 2,052,369 issued to Henrl Coanda. Brief~y, this phenomenon can be de-scribed as the tendency of a fluid, which emercJes from an ~ 15.~6~
opening, such as a slit, under pressure, to attach itselfor cling -to and follow a surface in the form of an extended lip of -the slit, which recedes from the flow access of the fluid as it emerges from the slit. This creates a zone of reduced pressure in the area of the slit so that any entrain-able material which is in the area will be entrained and flow with the fluid which has attached itself to the extended lip.
In commonly owned, pending application Canadian ~ Serial No. 346,212, for example, an oscillating movement essentially in a cross-machine direction, is imparted to the filaments bv a pulsating fluid which causes non-steady-state conditions between opposed Coanda nozzles is employed. The use of Coanda nozzles to oscillate filaments exiting a high velocity jet stream, however, re~uires individual separators for supplying filaments to the open area between the opposed Coanda nozzles. However, the above described separators can exhibit pluggincJ problems, create back-pressure in the jet air guns, and limlt filaments' through-put rates. Moreover, they deliver the filaments to the web-forming means in a sub stantially parallel lay-down pattern so that the web formed is essentially a structure of more or less parallel filamen-ts.
The machine-direction strength of webs formed by this tech-nique is insuffi~cient for many converting operations, for example, in diaper liners, and the like.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The subject lnvention relates to a system and a method Eor dispersing a plurality of close~ly associated Eila-ments so that the filamen-ts are capable oE deposition in a convolu-ted, random pat-tern on a moving web-forming surFace to produce a substantially uniform, high machine-direction ~ 1~5~
s-trength nonwoven web.
The closely associated filaments which are typically entrained in a stream of air and travel in an essentially vertical direction at high velocity are dispersed by imping-ing the filaments against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, con-toured deflection means, and which preferabl~ comprises a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element, positioned in the path of the descending filaments, which is continuously traversed, generally codirectionally with the filament flow, by a stream of air. The fiIaments are, on impingement or against the deflection méans, laterally dispersed,~and the dispersed filaments are impelled ln a controled trajectory, in a convoluted, random state. The desired filament disper-sion lS accomplished, in the preferred case, by the use of a Coanda nozzle as the subject deflection means, The descending filaments, on impingemen~ against the fluid-dynamically assis-ted de~lection means, are not in substantial friational communication with the deElection sur-face per se but, instead, are "cushioned" by the air stream.
This, in turn, continuously moves the dispersed filaments traversely with respect to the de~lection surface, generally codirectionally w~ith the air flow.
Filaments dispersed by the method and system of the present invention are capable~of form1ng substantially uniform nonwoven webs which exhibit unexpectedly high increases in strength properties, particularly machine-direction tensile and machine-directlon stretch. This mod1fication in strength properties of the subject webs results from the deposi-tion of filaments on a web-forming surface, in a random, convoluted, lay~down pattern, which provides a higher order of mechanical 1 ~55~
entanglement in the nonwoven web product, Therefore~ non-woven webs produced by the system and method o~ this invention are unexpectedly uni~ue when compared with their convention-ally dispersed counterparts. Webs formed from dispersed filaments producéd by prior art dispersal techniques have machine-direction strength which is only about one-half of their cross~machine-direction strength~ Conversely~ nonwoven webs formed from similar filaments dispersed according to the teachings of the present invention exhibit machine-direction strength properties, i.e., tensile and stretch,which are at least equal to their cross-machine-directional strength, and having a machine-directional strength prefer-ably at least abDut 1.5 times as great, and more preferably at least about twice as great, as their cross-machine-direction strength. The cross-machine-direction strength of these lat-ter webs is substantially equal to their conventional counter-parts.
The jet system of the present invention ls p.referably constructed so that the exit constriction presenk in the prior art dispersal systems is omitted herein, This substantially eliminates the back-pressure created in many prior art appara-tuses which, in turn, allows the prlmary pressure in the jet system to be reduced by at least about 20%, and preferably by at least about 25%, which results in a substantial energy savings.
In a further preferred embodiment~ the length of the deflect;.on means i.s adapted so that a plurality of jet systems can be provided to discharge filaments for impi.ngement thereagainst. In another preferred embodiment, a composite system is provided, including pairs of deElection means dis-posed in opposed manner one with respect to the other., The i:
52~
trajectory of the dispersed filaments is prefe~bl~ ~d~pted so that the path of the respectiYe filament streams do not intersect prior to deposition on a web~forming ~urface, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a side view of a prefer~ed filament dispersion system of the present invention; :
FIGURE 2 is a front view of the system shown in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of a foil separatox means including an auxiliary deflection means 60;
FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisin~ a pair of filament deflection systems as described in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is a partial top view of FIGU~E 4 taken along line 5-5;
FIGURE 6, which appears on the same sheet a~ Figures 3 and 4, is a schematic diagram of a regular filament lay- `
down pattern; and i FIGURE 7, which appears on the same sheet as Figures 3 and 4, is a schematic diagram of a random filament lay-down pattern.
Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 2~ a deflection : system is provided for dispersing a plurality of ~ilaments 2~
which are closely associated with each other~ so that the dis-persed filaments 2a are capable of deposition in a convoluted~
random lay-down pattern (.see FIGU~E 7), instead o~ in a regu-lar lay-down pattern (see FIGURE 6), on a web-forming surface 3 of a web-~orming means ~not shown~ to ~orm~ for example~ non-woven web 4~ Typically~ filaments 2 are prcduced from polymeric materials capable of forming a melt, which can be spun into filaments useful in the production o~ nonwoven products, These materi~ls are well-known in the prior art, The filaments 2 5526~ .
are generally formed by conventional melt-spinning te~hni~ues, A plurality of filaments 2 are typically transported in an air medium to a high~elocity jet system, substantially as described in Dorschner patent, U, S 3,692,618 (not shown).
The number of individual filaments 2 passing through the con-ventional jet system usually varies from about 15 to about lO0 Howe~er~ by employing the~deflection system of the pre-sent invention~ the number of filaments passing through the s~stem, as compared to the number of filaments passing through a system having a constricted discharge opening, is increased by at least about 30%, and preferably by at least about 50~.
The filaments 2 are drawn downwardly at hig~ velocity by the aerodynamics of the jet system, i.e., at a preferred velocity of at least lO0 fee-t per second, and more preferably at least 200 feet per second. The maximum velocity is prefer-ably up to about 350 feet per second, and more preferably up to about 250 feet per second.
The filaments 2 are drawn through the high velocity jet system and exit through an opening 11 in discharge means lO. ~ row of these discharge means lO is depicted in FIGURE 2.
Discharge means lO comprises any means for discharging a plurality ~ closely associated filaments in an essentially downward direction for impingement of said filaments against , .
a fluid-dynamically-assisted deflection means 1 and, if desired, for further moving the filaments 2a for deposition on web~
forming sur~ace 3. Discharge means 10 can, for example, be a :~ conduit, such as a tube, a pipe, or a nozzle. Contrary to certain prior art separators, it is preferred that, in order :.
-to avoid subs-tan-tia]. clogging and back-pressure :in the high velocity jet system, there is no substantial constriction in the discharge opening 11 in discharge means 10. Since no substantial back-pressure is imparted to the subject jet system, the above described filament velocities can be achieved employing at least about 20~, and preferably at least about 25%, less draw jet pressure than with the prior art seprators.
A plurality of filaments 2, in close association with each other, are discharged in an essentially downward direction from discharge means 10, and impinge against fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means 1, thereby producing laterally dispersed filaments 2a. The de-flection means is positioned in the:path of the essentially downwardly descending filaments 2. A preferred fluid-dyna-mically-assisted, contoured deflection means 1 is depicted in FIGURE 1 and compr1ses a curved, downwardly inclined deflection element 21, having respective front and rear ends 22 and 23.. The lateral distance "S" o~ the deflection means 21 (see FIGURE 2) is dependent upon the number oE discharge mean~s 10 employed! and i:E a nonwoven Eabric is heing producecl, th~ cross-machine d.istance of the web-Eorming surface 2.
A stream of air 50 is emitted from an air supply source 30 so that it continuously traverses deflection element 21. The air stream 50 preferably moves along and attaches to the contour of the surface, denoted '~24", of the deflection element 21. The closely associ.ated filaments 2 impinge, and are cushioned by, the air stream 50, ca~sing the subject lat-: eral filament dispersal. The laterally dispersed filaments 2a are then moved generally codirectionally with the air stream 50 so that they continuously kraverse deflection element 21 and are impelled in a controled trajectory in a convoluted, random state _ ~ ~
- 1 I552~
In the case of the formation of spunbonded nonwoven fabrics employing the deflection system of this invention, dispersed filaments 2a are deposited on web-~orming surface 3 in a random, convoluted lay-down pattern. The effect of this random, convoluted deposition, as opposed to the substantially parallel lay-down pattern which is produced using prior art separators is pictorially described in the schematic diagrams of FIGURES 7 and 6, respectively. Unexpectedly, the subject lay-down pattern of FIGURE 7 pro~ides a significantly higher level of mechanical entanglement in subsequently formed non-woven webs than its counterpart. This results in the forma-tion of nonwoven webs which exhibit unexpectedly high increases in machine-direction strength properties, such as tensile and stretch. A discussion of specific machine-direction and cross-machine-direction strength properties of the webs produced by the lay-down patterns of FIGURES 6 and 7, respectively, has been previously provided.
As shown in FIGURE 1, deflection system 1 preferably includes a Coanda nozzle comprising deflection element 21 and alr supply source 30. For purposes of illustration, the spe-cific Coanda nozzle depicted in FIGURE 1 is known as a two-dimensional Coanda nozzle. While any suitable two-dimensional Coanda nozzle may preferably be utilized to practice the teach-ings of the present invention! this particular embodiment is the most preferred because it may be readily constructed from "off-the-shelf" components~ The Coanda nozzle includes previ-ously described deflection element 21 having attached thereto, as by means of intermediate structural element 31, an ~-shaped member 32 which extends along the lateral distance "S"
of deflection element 21. In this case, deflection surface 24 is a Coanda surface.
'3~ `~
9 _ ~ ~s~
~ s pictured in F.IGURE 2~ the lateral distance "S"
of deflection element 21 may be adapted for impingement by filaments 2 from a plurality of discharge means 10, When the format.ion of a nonwoven web is employed, "S"~s generally determined by the desired width of the nonwoven fabric to be formed therefrom, The upwardly extending leg o L-shaped member 32 provides a restricted opening in the form of a slit 41. End walls 34 (not shown) provide a closed chamber with which slit 41 is in air-flow communication, If desired, means may be provided for adjustin~ the width of slit 41, As in FIGURE 2, for example~ a plurality of screw-and-nut arrangements, such as indicated~by reference 33, may be employed for this purpose. Preferably, slit 41 is adjustable from a closed position, up to about an opening of 0.002 inch, and p.referably from an opening of about 0.001 inch, to about 0.010 inch.
Conduit means 42 is connected to L-shaped member 32 and the interior of conduit means 42 i~ in air-flow communica-tion with the chamber to a plurality of Eluid supply en-try ports ~3. Conduit means 42 is connected at the other end to a source of compressed air ~not shown), whereby the nozzle chamber may be pressurized and the flow of a thin layer of compressed air injected upwardly through slit 41. Preferably, due to the Coanda effect, the flow of compressed air will attach itself to deflection surface 24 and proceed in the dir-ection of the arrows to provide the subject fluid lubrication therefor, TypicaLlyr~ the air flow stream 50 exits slit 41 at a rate of rom about 10 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)/
lineal foot up to about 40 scfm/lineal foot, and preferably ~ 10 -1 ~5~6~
from abou-t 20 scfm/Lineal foot, up to about 30 scfm/lineal foot. Furthermore, the air pressure at slit 41 may be adjusted, in ~eneral, so that it is sufficient to effectively disperse the impinging filaments without causing excessive turbulence which may result in formation problems in its subsequent non-woven formation process. Preferably, a fluid pressure of Erom about 10 psi~ up to about 50 psig, and preferably from about 20 psig, up to about 35 psig, is employed for this pur-pose.
To further control the dispersal of filaments, an auxiliary deflection means 60 (see FIGURE 3) may be connected - to lower end 23 of deflection element 21. Auxiliary deflec-tion means 60 extends the distance of the deflection surface 24~ thereby providlng an even higher degree of directional control for the dispersed filaments 2a.
As for the vertical disposition o the deflection means 1, for the filaments and operating parameters previously described~ the distance~ denoted ~Z~r ~rom the bottom of the di~charg~ means 10 to the outer corner 35 of -the ~-shaped mem-ber 31, is preferably from about one~quarter inch, up to about13 inches, and more preferably up to about 6 inches.
If the dispersed filaments 2a are to be employed in the formation of a nonwoven web, the vertical distance "X"
from the outer corner 35 to the web-forming surface 3 is pre-ferably from about 12 inches to about 44 inches. More prefer-ably, "X" is from about 24 inches to about 33 inches for heavy denier filaments, and from about 10 inches to about 24 inches for li~ht denier filaments In this latter ins-tance, the total vertical dis-tance, X + Z, from the bottom o the dis~
charge means l0 to the web-forming surface 3 is preferably frc)m about 10 inches up -to about 45 inches, and more prefer-1 155~6~
ably from ab~ut 15 inches to about 30 inches, Howeverr forany given deflection system, the total vertical di$tance~
X + Z, is substantially constant. By interchanging discharge means 10 of varying lengths, the total vertical distance can be changed. This interchange can be facilitated by the use of pipe couplings (not shown) which will accept the variable length pipes.
An important aspect of the formation of dispersed filaments 2a is the angular disposition of deflection element 21, measured from the center~line 21a thereof, to the hori-zontal axis. Preferably, angle ~ is from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, and more preferably from about 35 degrees to about 50 degrees.
The distance between respective adjacent~discharge means 10 in a given row, measured from centerline-to-center-line of each dischar~e means, is denoted "S "'. The magnitllcle of S' is de~pendent upon the numb~r o~ clischarge pipes l0 ancl if a nonwoven web i8 -to be Eormed from th~ ~ilaments 2a, the width o~ the web.
In a preferred embodiment of FIGURE 4, a composite ; deflection system 70 i~s provided~comprising pairs of deflec-tion elements 21 and 21',~ which are disposed~in an opposed, pre~erably substantially parallel, manner one with respect to the other. Each of the above deflection elements 21 and 21' is similar in construction to the~deflectlon element 21 set forth in PIGURES l and 2. Nonwoven webs formed from the dis-persed filaments produced by this novel, composite deflection system 70 have superior machine-direction strength properties, as previously described.
In order to optimize dispersion o~ filaments 2a under the conditions previously described, discharge means 10 JL 1552~
and lO~ and deflection means l and ll~ respectivel~ should preferably be speci~ically positioned, as hereinafter described, one with respect to the other, Furthermore~ in forming a non-woven web ~rom dispersed filaments 2a, the respective discharge means lO and lO~ and dispersion systems l and l' are also located ln a preferred position with respect to web-forminc~
sur~ac~ 3. For example ! discharge means lO and lO' are prefer-ably spaced apart a horizontal distance "Y", measured from the respective center lines of each of the opposed discharge means lO and lO', of from about 5 inches to about 15 inches, and more preferably from about 9 inches to about ll inches. The opposed deflection means l and l' are preferably spaced apart at a hori~ontal distance "W", measured from the respective slits 41 and 41', of from about 7 inches to about 20 inches, and preferably from about I0 inches to about 13 inches~ :
As shown in FIGURE 4, the respective di~charge means lO and lO' are preferably provided in the 'orm of a pair of opposed rows ln a substantially parallel dispositian one with respect to the other Each of the rows of the pairs of opposed rows of discharge means lO and lO' also preferably extends in a substantially parallel disposition with respect- I ;
ive deflection elements 21 and 21' Preferably~ as further depicted in FIGURE 5, the respective discharge means lO and lO' in each of the above opposed rows are staggered one with respect to the other. More specifically, the laterally extending centerlines M and M' of discharge means lO and lO', respectively, which are at right anyles to each of the opposed rows of discharge means, are positioned so that they will not intersect discharge means lO' in the respective opposed rows.
More preferably, respective discharge means lO and lO' are pocitioned so that centerlines M and M' lntersect the opposed 1 1~52~
row of discharge means, at the midpoint therebetween, at a distance S'/2 between adjacent discharge means in the opposed rows.
In another preferred composite deflec-tion system (not shown), a plurality of deflection means 1 are disposed in a tandem arrangement one with respect to the other for dispersing a plurality of filaments 2, as previously described herein.
In the formation of nonwoven webs f.rom dispersed filaments 2a, the uniformity of formation and the over-all spacing, respectively, of filaments 2a axe impo~tant para-meters in controling blotching and streaking of the web..
ThereEore, important operàting parameters such as dis-tances Y~ Wr X~ S~ ~nd Zr as well as angle ~, must be properly ad~usted~ one with respect to the other, in order to produce the previously described hi~h machine-direc~ional mechanical strength nonwoven web with acceptable uniformity at high production xates, : 20 : ' ,
Claims (26)
1. A system for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments capable of deposition in a convoluted, random pattern on a moving web-forming surface to produce a substantially uniform, high machine-direction strength web comprising:
a) means for discharging said closely associated filaments in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction; and b) a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a two-dimensional Coanda nozzle including a curved downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said deflection means being positioned in the path of said filaments for impingement there-against, the filaments, on impingement against said deflection means being laterally dispersed by the latter air stream, the dis-persed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory, in a convoluted, random state.
a) means for discharging said closely associated filaments in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction; and b) a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a two-dimensional Coanda nozzle including a curved downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said deflection means being positioned in the path of said filaments for impingement there-against, the filaments, on impingement against said deflection means being laterally dispersed by the latter air stream, the dis-persed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory, in a convoluted, random state.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said means for discharging said filaments against said deflection means comprises a plurality of discharge means.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said discharge means has no substantial constriction in its discharge opening.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a number of filaments passing therethrough, as compared to the number of filaments passing through a system having a constricted discharge opening, is increased by at least about 30%.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the product web exhibits machine-direction strength properties, which machine-direction strength is at least about 1.5 times as great as the cross-machine direction strength.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the machine-direction strength of said web is at least about twice as great as the cross-machine-direction strength.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein, in order to further control dispersal of filaments, an auxiliary deflection means is connected to the lower end of said deflection element, said auxiliary deflection means extending the distance of the deflection surface, thereby providing an even higher degree of directional control for the dispersed filaments.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein angle ? is from about 30° to about 60°.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said latter air stream exits from a restricted opening in said Coanda nozzle, in the form of a slit, at a flow rate of from about 10 to about 40 scfm per lineal foot, the air pressure at the slit is from about 10 psig.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said latter air stream flow rate is from about 20 to about 40 scfm per lineal foot.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the air pressure is up to about 50 psig.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the air pressure is from about 20 psig up to about 50 psig.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the air pressure is from about 20 to about 35 psig.
14. A system for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments capable of deposition in a convoluted, random pattern on a moving web-forming surface to produce a substantially uniform, high machine-direction strength web, comprising:
a) a pair of opposed rows of means for discharging said closely associated filaments in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction, and b) a pair of opposed fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a pair of two-dimensional Coanda nozzles including a curved, downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said deflection means being position in the path of said filaments for impingement thereagainst, the filaments, on impingement against said deflection means being laterally dispersed by said latter air stream, the dispersed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory in a convoluted, random state.
a) a pair of opposed rows of means for discharging said closely associated filaments in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction, and b) a pair of opposed fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a pair of two-dimensional Coanda nozzles including a curved, downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said deflection means being position in the path of said filaments for impingement thereagainst, the filaments, on impingement against said deflection means being laterally dispersed by said latter air stream, the dispersed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory in a convoluted, random state.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein each of said rows of discharge means is substantially parallel one to the other and extends in a substantially parallel disposition with respect to said deflection means, and said dis-charge means in each of said opposed rows are staggered one with respect to the other.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the respective discharge means are positioned so that their centerlines intersect the opposed row of discharge means at sub-stantially the midpoint between adjacent discharge means.
17. A method for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments capable of deposition in a convoluted, random pattern on a moving web-forming surface to provide a substantially uniform, high machine-direction strength web, comprising impinging said filaments, travelling in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction against a fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a pair of two-dimensional Coanda nozzles including a curved, downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said filaments being dispersed by said further stream of air, and the dispersed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory in a convoluted, random state.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said web exhibits machine-direction strength properties which are at least about 1.5 times as great as their cross-machine-direction strength.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the machine direction strength of said web is at least about twice as great as the cross-machine direction strength.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein said filaments are discharged in a stream of air and travel in an essentially vertical direction at high velocity, and said deflection means comprises a curved, downwardly-inclined direction element, which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, the filaments on impingement being cushioned and laterally dispersed by said further stream of air.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said further stream of air exits from a restricted opening in said Coanda nozzle, in the form of a slit, at a rate of from about 10 scfm per lineal foot, the air pressure at the slit is from about 10 psig.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said latter air stream flow rate is from about 20 to about 40 scfm per lineal foot.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein said cushioning air flow rate is from about 20 to about 30 scfm per lineal foot.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the air pressure is up to about 50 psig.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the air pressure is from about 20 to about 50 psig.
26. A method for dispersing a plurality of closely associated filaments capable of deposition in a convoluted, random pattern on a moving web-forming surface to provide a substantially uniform, high machine-direction-strength web, comprising impinging said filaments, travelling in a stream of air and in an essentially downward direction, against a pair of opposed fluid-dynamically-assisted, contoured deflection means comprising a pair of two-dimensional Coanda nozzles including a curved, downwardly-inclined deflection element which is continuously traversed, generally co-directionally with the filament flow, by a further stream of air, said filaments being dispersed by said further stream of air, and the dispersed filaments being impelled in a controlled trajectory in a convoluted, random state.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/115,308 US4334340A (en) | 1980-01-25 | 1980-01-25 | System and method for dispersing filaments |
| US06/115,308 | 1980-01-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1155264A true CA1155264A (en) | 1983-10-18 |
Family
ID=22360525
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000368942A Expired CA1155264A (en) | 1980-01-25 | 1981-01-21 | System and method for dispersing filaments |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4334340A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0033217B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS57500157A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE8515T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1155264A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3164793D1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX156267A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1981002172A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4387065A (en) * | 1981-11-02 | 1983-06-07 | Crown Zellerbach Corporation | System and method for continuously preventing filament bridging between adjacent draw nozzles |
| DE3601201C1 (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1987-07-09 | Benecke Gmbh J | Process for producing random nonwoven webs and device for carrying out the process |
| EP0418493A1 (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1991-03-27 | Fiberweb North America, Inc. | A nonwoven composite fabric combined by hydroentangling and a method of manufacturing the same |
| ES2090334T3 (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1996-10-16 | Du Pont | APPARATUS TO FORM A NON-WOVEN FIBER SHEET. |
| US5397413A (en) * | 1992-04-10 | 1995-03-14 | Fiberweb North America, Inc. | Apparatus and method for producing a web of thermoplastic filaments |
| DE19650607B4 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2006-03-30 | Zimmer Ag | Method and device for spreading filaments in nonwoven production |
| DE19650608B4 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2007-04-26 | Zimmer Ag | Method and device for separating and spreading drawn thermoplastic continuous filaments in nonwoven production by electrostatic charging |
| SE9802517L (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1999-06-04 | Sca Hygiene Prod Ab | Method of making a fiber-based material layer |
| US6117379A (en) * | 1998-07-29 | 2000-09-12 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method and apparatus for improved quenching of nonwoven filaments |
| KR100680382B1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2007-02-08 | 주식회사 코오롱 | Synthetic fiber spun-bonded non-woven fabric |
| HUP0400649A2 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2004-07-28 | Dow Global Technologies Inc | Thermally bonded fabrics and method of making same |
| JP4495871B2 (en) * | 2001-02-27 | 2010-07-07 | 新日本石油株式会社 | Method and apparatus for producing a laterally aligned web |
| US20060240733A1 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2006-10-26 | Fina Technology, Inc. | Fibers and fabrics prepared from blends of homopolymers and copolymers |
| US8728960B2 (en) * | 2007-01-19 | 2014-05-20 | Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. | Spunbond fibers and fabrics from polyolefin blends |
| US20090053959A1 (en) | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-26 | Sudhin Datta | Soft and Elastic Nonwoven Polypropylene Compositions |
| US9322114B2 (en) | 2012-12-03 | 2016-04-26 | Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. | Polypropylene fibers and fabrics |
| KR101832920B1 (en) * | 2017-11-06 | 2018-02-27 | (주) 유성인더스트리 | An Apparatus for Producing a Mat of a Continuous Glass Fiber and the Method for Producing the Same |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA723535A (en) * | 1965-12-14 | William T. Allman, Jr. | Steam treating non-woven cellulose ester webs | |
| US2052869A (en) * | 1934-10-08 | 1936-09-01 | Coanda Henri | Device for deflecting a stream of elastic fluid projected into an elastic fluid |
| US2720005A (en) * | 1952-10-06 | 1955-10-11 | Dick Co Ab | Air scrabbler system for fiber deposition in the manufacture of fibrous structures |
| US2736676A (en) * | 1953-04-24 | 1956-02-28 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Fibrous mats and production thereof |
| CH509450A (en) * | 1965-07-29 | 1971-06-30 | Snia Viscosa | Non-woven fabric prodn |
| GB1159601A (en) * | 1966-07-14 | 1969-07-30 | Johnson & Johnson | Improvements relating to Non-Woven Textile Webs |
| US3511625A (en) * | 1966-08-02 | 1970-05-12 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Apparatus and method for making a body of multifilament strands |
| US3341394A (en) * | 1966-12-21 | 1967-09-12 | Du Pont | Sheets of randomly distributed continuous filaments |
| US3485428A (en) * | 1967-01-27 | 1969-12-23 | Monsanto Co | Method and apparatus for pneumatically depositing a web |
| FR1594499A (en) * | 1968-12-13 | 1970-06-01 | ||
| DE1950669C3 (en) * | 1969-10-08 | 1982-05-13 | Metallgesellschaft Ag, 6000 Frankfurt | Process for the manufacture of nonwovens |
| FR2117812A1 (en) * | 1970-12-11 | 1972-07-28 | Rhodiaceta | Filament deflector - for prodn of continuous filament non-woven webs |
| DE2713241C2 (en) * | 1977-03-25 | 1979-02-22 | Hoechst Ag, 6000 Frankfurt | Method and device for the manufacture of nonwovens |
| NL7710470A (en) * | 1977-09-26 | 1979-03-28 | Akzo Nv | METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A NON-WOVEN FABRIC FROM SYNTHETIC FILAMENTS. |
| US4300876A (en) * | 1979-12-12 | 1981-11-17 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Apparatus for fluidically attenuating filaments |
-
1980
- 1980-01-25 US US06/115,308 patent/US4334340A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1981
- 1981-01-19 JP JP56500741A patent/JPS57500157A/ja active Pending
- 1981-01-19 WO PCT/US1981/000089 patent/WO1981002172A1/en unknown
- 1981-01-21 DE DE8181300261T patent/DE3164793D1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-01-21 AT AT81300261T patent/ATE8515T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-01-21 EP EP81300261A patent/EP0033217B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-01-21 CA CA000368942A patent/CA1155264A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-01-23 MX MX185662A patent/MX156267A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0033217B1 (en) | 1984-07-18 |
| ATE8515T1 (en) | 1984-08-15 |
| DE3164793D1 (en) | 1984-08-23 |
| MX156267A (en) | 1988-08-03 |
| EP0033217A1 (en) | 1981-08-05 |
| WO1981002172A1 (en) | 1981-08-06 |
| US4334340A (en) | 1982-06-15 |
| JPS57500157A (en) | 1982-01-28 |
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