초록 ▼

An improved method and apparatus for forming nonwoven webs by spinning filaments into a quench chamber where they are contacted with a quenching fluid, then utilizing the quench fluid to draw the filaments through a two-dimensional nozzle spanning the full machine width, and collecting the filaments

An improved method and apparatus for forming nonwoven webs by spinning filaments into a quench chamber where they are contacted with a quenching fluid, then utilizing the quench fluid to draw the filaments through a two-dimensional nozzle spanning the full machine width, and collecting the filaments as a web on a porous surface. In contrast with the prior art, low motive fluid pressures can be used, and a non-eductive drawing means utilized to minimize air turbulence and the resulting filament entanglement in the drawing means while maintaining substantially constant cross machine filament distribution. The apparatus and process reduce problems relating to filament breakage and spreading and result in increased productivity and improved web formation. Other advantages include the ability to continuously spin highly pigmented polymer filaments and reduced hazards associated with high noise levels.

대표청구항 ▼

Method of forming a nonwoven web comprising the steps of, (a) forming one or more rows of closely spaced filaments by spinning molten polymer steams; (b) directing said spun filaments through a low pressure quench chamber; (c) contacting said filaments with a low pressure quenching fluid at a temper

Method of forming a nonwoven web comprising the steps of, (a) forming one or more rows of closely spaced filaments by spinning molten polymer steams; (b) directing said spun filaments through a low pressure quench chamber; (c) contacting said filaments with a low pressure quenching fluid at a temperature cooler than said filaments within said quench chamber to produce substantially nontacky filaments while maintaining said filament cross machine distribution substantially constant; (d) drawing said filaments noneductively in a nozzle by substantially uniformly accelerating the quenching fluid to a uniform high velocity in a nozzle; and (e) collecting said filaments as a web of entangled filaments.