CA1162710A - Process and apparatus for melt spinning filaments in which quench gas is introduced to the filaments through the fibre pack and spinneret - Google Patents
Process and apparatus for melt spinning filaments in which quench gas is introduced to the filaments through the fibre pack and spinneretInfo
- Publication number
- CA1162710A CA1162710A CA000377438A CA377438A CA1162710A CA 1162710 A CA1162710 A CA 1162710A CA 000377438 A CA000377438 A CA 000377438A CA 377438 A CA377438 A CA 377438A CA 1162710 A CA1162710 A CA 1162710A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- filaments
- spinneret
- finish
- gas
- pack
- 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
- D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
- D01D—MECHANICAL METHODS OR APPARATUS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS
- D01D5/00—Formation of filaments, threads, or the like
- D01D5/08—Melt spinning methods
- D01D5/088—Cooling filaments, threads or the like, leaving the spinnerettes
- D01D5/092—Cooling filaments, threads or the like, leaving the spinnerettes in shafts or chimneys
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Spinning Methods And Devices For Manufacturing Artificial Fibers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MELT SPINNING FILAMENTS IN WHICH
QUENCH GAS IS INTRODUCED TO THE FILAMENTS THROUGH THE FIBRE
PACK AND SPINNERET
Process and apparatus for melt spinning filaments, the process comprising extruding molten polymer downwardly through fibre pack (12) and a spinneret (14) and quenching the filaments (16) with a gas, in which the quenching gas for cooling the filaments (16) is supplied through a conduit (24) extending through the pack (12) and the spinneret (14).
In a preferred process, a finished substance is applied to the quenched filament , such finished substance having been supplied through a conduit (40) located within the conduit (24).
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MELT SPINNING FILAMENTS IN WHICH
QUENCH GAS IS INTRODUCED TO THE FILAMENTS THROUGH THE FIBRE
PACK AND SPINNERET
Process and apparatus for melt spinning filaments, the process comprising extruding molten polymer downwardly through fibre pack (12) and a spinneret (14) and quenching the filaments (16) with a gas, in which the quenching gas for cooling the filaments (16) is supplied through a conduit (24) extending through the pack (12) and the spinneret (14).
In a preferred process, a finished substance is applied to the quenched filament , such finished substance having been supplied through a conduit (40) located within the conduit (24).
Description
ROAF~SS ~?~0 APP~`RA~'U~ ~0~' ~.LI' ~ ~ING ~IL.~ S
IN ~nfIC~I ~!,U7~rCF~ GAS TS I~ OJ1UC.T~D ~0 Trll~ FILA~lEl.~rS
~mou~l~ TÆ F~F~ p,r C~ Ill'~D SPIMI`1EI~ET
_ _ ___ _ __~ _ The prescnt invention relates to the m~nufac~ure of melt spun poly~eric filaments and, in particular, to the quenchin~ Or spun fila~ents emerging from the spinneret. One aspect of the invention is also concerned with the application of a finishing liquid to the spun filaments after they h~ve been quenched.
The manufacture of melt spun polymeric filaments is typically achieved by extruding a molten polymer, such as polyester or polye~ide through a spinneret ~nd then cooling the filaments thus formed. Therebelow, the filaments are conver~ed and gathered at a guide and delivered to a bobbin or further treatment station. A finishing l-quid is applied to the filaments below the quench zone. The finishing liquid may comprise a substance suitable for imparting a desired property to the filaments, such as smoothness, drape, lustre, water repellancy, flame retardancy, or crease resistance, for exampleO
The manner in which the filaments are cooled has a significant impact on the resulting quality of the filaments.
A typical cooling technique involves a gas quench in which cool air is blo~1n across the filaments as they emerge from the spinneret In instances where the filaments are extruded in the form of a circular array, it is common to utilize an outflow auench technique in which the filaments are passed do~mwardly in surrounding relation to an upwardly extending air pipe, the latter being arranged generally coincidcnt with the central axis of the group of filaments. Quench air is directed radially or laterally outwardly through the filament group from an upper, apertured end of the pipe, the - air preferably dispersed by a porous sheathing surrounding the apertures There is thus produced a controlled cooling of the filaments. ~or example, see ~S Patents 3 135 811;
3 259 681; 3 858 386; and 3 969 462.
'" ' :
.~ ~
. ~
According to the invention there is provided an improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments,quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said conduit means including yas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the improvement com prises: said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun fila-ments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret coaxially relative to said row of holes, said conduit means in-cluding gas discharge means disposed above said guide for dis-charging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments, and a guide below said finish applying means for gathering and re-directing the filaments, the improvement wherein said finish applying means comprises finish supply conduit means extending - la -downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge means coaxially with-in the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish dis-charge means disposed above the mid-point of the distance be-tween said spinneret and said guide.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then redirected and discharged radially out-wardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maximizing quench gas flow, and wherein all said extruded filaments are converged at a common guide, whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein mol-ten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially, relative to said row of holes and then redirected and discharged - lb -;2~
outwardly through the group of filaments, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein the finish application comprises the steps of: conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, out wardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then .~ redirected and discharged radially outwardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maxim-izing quench gas flow, and wherein all said extruded filaments are converged at a common guide, whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced; and the finish application comprises the steps of: conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
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-- lc --According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spi.nneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said gas conduit means including gas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the im-provement comprises: said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric .. filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability; and said finish applying means comprises finish conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said - finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge : means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish discharge means is disposed above the mid-point of the distance between said spinneret and said guide.
.~ ~ - ld-_ ~n0 In drawings which are illustrative of the prior art:
Figure lA is a front view in vertical section of a melt-spinning apparatus according to the prior art;
Figure lB is a view similar to Figure lA but observed from the side to illustrate the separation of filaments into bunches;
In Figures lA, lB there is depicted a conventional melt-spinning apparatus 10 wherein a conventional filter pack 12 carries a conventional spinneret 14 through which a molten polymer, such as polyester or polyamide is downwardly extruded to form filaments. The spinneret is of a conventional 10 type comprising holes arranged in an annular pattern so that a group 15 of circularly arranged filaments 16 is formed. The holes of the spinneret are preferably arranged in a series of circular rows having a common central axis. The spun filaments are split into two groups and travel downwardly to two turning guides 9, or godets or rolls, at which they are gathered and redirected, in conventional fashion.
The pack 12 is mounted on a conventional superstructure 20, and the filaments travel downwardly within a cabinet 22 closed at least on three sides and possibly open at the fourth side for operator monitoring purposes.
Quench gas in the form of air is provided to cool the filaments 16 20 emerging from the spinneret. The quench gas is delivered through an up-wardly extending quench gas conduit 1 which includes a gas supply portion 2 and a gas discharge portion 3, which comprises a perforated hole pattern to obtain a required profile. The gas supply portion extends horizontally into the group of filaments and forms an elbow ~. Openings are provided in the gas discharge portion to discharge quench air radially outwardly, with the desired profile, through the surrounding filaments. A porous sheath 5 sur-rounds the gas discharge portion to uniformly disperse the discharging air.
The upper end of the conduit 1 includes a pin 6 which is received in an opening oE the spinneret 1~ to prevent lateral displacement of the cQndu~t ~.
As is apparent from F~gure lB, the filaments 16 are separated into two bunches 7, 8 to avoid contacting the elbow ~,0 . .~
.-~ - 2 -3 ~ ~ ~ Z ~ ~ ~
portion of the conauit 1. The separate filament bunches are gatile~ d and redirected at a pair of turning guides 9.
In operation, quench air is delivered via the conduit 1 and is discharged radially outwardly from within the group of fil~ments emerging from the spinneret. The quenched filaments are separated into bunclles 7,8 and are gathered and redirected at the guides 9 for collection, or further treatment.
It will be appreciated that -the conduit 1 is often of substantial height,thereby increasing the overall height of the machine and rendering it difficult to maintain the conduit in alignment ~rith the longitudinal axis dcfined by the filament group. This arrangement also renders it difficult to maintain constant the distanoe from the spinneret to the uppermost quench air stream. Air gaps 16A are formed between the filament bunches 7, 8 which gaps promote undesirable air turbulence. To limit the ability of the filaments to contact the elbow, the diameter of the conduit 1 is minimized, but this restricts the quantity of air flow that can be conducted and also increases the pressure drop.
As previously indicated, the lower portion of the air pipe forms an elbow and passes horizontally -through the group of filaments above the turning guide. In order to prevent the do~mwardly converging group of filzments from rubbing against the elbow, the pipe diameter is minimized and the filament group is divided into two buncles, each bundle fed to a separate turning guide, as depicted herein in ~igure 1B for example.
~he miDimization of the air pipe diameter at low 30 pressures below 0.3515 Kg/cm2 results in the quantity of air flow being less than that normally desired for optimum cooling performance. In addition, enlarged air gaps are formed between thè separated bundles, which gaps promote air turbulence, non uniform quenching of the filaments, and increased drag action on the filaments. Also, the extra handling of the filaments , ~ .
:
4 ~ z7~
increases the overall ~ear ~nd tear to which thcy are subjected.
As regards the air pipe itself, the elbow must be placed at a level sufficiently below the quench zone to allow the filamcnts to be effectively divided into separate blmdles. This results in 2 relatively long air pipe height which increases the overall machine hei~ht and renders it difficult to maintain the pipe aligned with the central axis of the filament group to assure that uniform quenching action is achieved.
18 It will be understood that the vertical distance ~etwcen the extrusion holes of the spinneret and the uppermost stream of cooling air is of critical importance regarding the quality of filaments being produced. It is thus required that a predetermined distance be maintained at all times, a feat not easily accomplished with an air pipe of relatively great height t~hich is anchored somewhere at its lower end remote from the spinneret.
It will also be appreciated that the splitting of the filament 6roup into bundles considerably limits the available free area around the filament travel path and thus restric-ts the operator~s access.
~ he application of finishing liquid has heretofore been accomplished, for exam~le, by means of a stationary applicator within which the filamentæ are gathered. ~inishing fluid is caused to flow across the applicator surface and onto the gathered filaments. Another technique involves spraying the finishing liquid onto the filaments which have been ~athered at the turning guide. It will be appreciated that the quality of the filaments produced is affected by the uniformity of ;~ 30 application of the finishing liquid. The application of the liquid to the fllaments ~rhen the latter are in a gathered or bunched-up condition is difficult to achieve with the desired uniformity.
According to the present invention we provide a melt-spinning process in which molten polymer is extruded do~mwardly .
5 ~ i2~
throu~h a ~ibre pack and through an annular array of holesin a spinneret to form a circularly alranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filamcnts emcrging from the spinneret 7 and the filaments are gathered and redirectcd at a stationary or rotating guide, characterised in that quench gas is delivered downwardly through the pack and spi.nneret coa~ially relative to the array of holes ~d then redirected outwardly throu~l the group of fil~Dents above the g~ide.
According to one aspect of such a melt-spinning process a inish subst~nce is applied to the fi]aments, the finish substance having been conducted through the pack and through the spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas and being discharged outwardly from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
We also provide an apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun filc~ments in which molten polymer is extruded do~mwardly tllrough a fibre pack and t~OU~I an annular array of holes in a spi.nneret to form a circularly arranged group of ; filaments, the apparatus including quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from the spinneret and a stationary or rota~ing guide therebelow at which the filaments are gathered and redirected, characterised in that Wle quenching means co~prises a gas supply conduit extending downwardly through the pack and the spinneret being positioned coaxially relative to the array of holes, the conduut including gas discharge means disposed above the guide for discharging quench gas out-.;ardly through the group of filaments.
. 30 According to one aspect of the apparatus, a means isprovided for applying a finish substance on to the filaments, such finish applying means comprising a finish supply conduit extending do~m~lardly through the pack and the spinneret within the quench gas supply conduit, the finish supply conduit projecting below the gas discharge means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharginæ finish on to the filaments.
The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals desig-nate like elements, and in which:
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through a melt-spinning apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view through a modified melt-spinning apparatus according to the present invention including means for applying a finish substance on to the filaments.
An apparatus according to this invention is depicted in Figure 2.
Quench gas is delivered by a quenching conduit 24 which includes a gas supply portion 26 and a gas discharge portion 28. The gas supply portion 26 extends downwardly through the pack 12 and spinneret 14 in coaxial relationship with the axis defined by the circular arrays of spinneret holes.
Thus, in contrast to the prior art, the presence of an elbow below the quench is eliminated.
The gas discharge portion 28 is disposed immediately below the spinneret 14 and includes a plurality of outlet openings for discharging the quench air laterally outwardly with the desired profile, through the surrounding filaments 16. It will, of course, be appreciated that the hole arrangement for a given profile with this invention is necessarily different from the hole arrangement of the prior art. Preferably, a sheath of porous foam 30 surrounds the conduit discharge portion to uniformly disperse the quench air. A collar 31 may be located on the conduit 24 to position the sheath.
7 1~ 7~19 It ~Jill be appreciated that quench air passes throu~h the filaments, bcllowing them radially outuardly.
~ he section of the gas supply portion 26 extending throu~l the pack 12 is preferably surrounded by an air gap 5 32 to ~inimize heat exchange be-tween the quench gas and molten polymer within the pack 12. Alternatively, or in addition, that section of the gas supply portion 26 could be covercd with thermal insulation.
The gas supply conduit 2~ includes a fixed stop collar 10 34 ~hich rests upon a stop shoulder 36 on the pack to support the supply conduit 24 and fixedly locate the latter relative to thc spinneret. In this fashion, the spati~l relationship be-tween the spinneret holes and the uppermost s-tream of quench ~as is maintained constant, to achieve uniformity of the 15 quenchin2 action and reduce birefringence variance in the ilaments produced. These improvements occur within and between melt-spinning positions.
; ~xtending downwar~ly from the lower end of the discharge portion 28 of the conduit is a gas streamlining 20 member 38 in the form of a do-.rnwardly converging cone. The ccne occupies a considerable portion of the space bounded by the converging filaments 16. Air normally drawn do-mwardly - by the rapidly travelling filaments is constrained by the cone to f]o~r in a smoother non-turbulent fashion to minimi~e undesired vibration of the filaments. The cone 38 can be secured to the lower end of the conduit 28 in any suitable ma~ner, preferably in a releasable manner, such as by scre~!s, bayonet coupling, etc.
It i9 preferably that -the diameter defined by the innermost circular row of holes in the spinneret be at least 5" to allow sufficient room for the gas supply conduit 26 to pass therethrou~h. Smaller diameters could be employed, but the gas conduit would then probably be smaller than needed to conduct an optimwn gas flow quantity.
If desired, a finishing liquid may be applied in a .
8 ~%7~
con~entionc~l m~nner to the fila~ents in the vicinity of a con~entional stationary or rotating ~uide 46 at .hich the fil~cnts are gathered and redirectedq The apparatus depicted in ~igure 3 is similar to tllat depicted in ~igare 2 apart from certain modifications which are no~ described.
: ~xtendi.n~ downwardly throu~ the quench conduit 24 and through the air strec~ining cone 38 is a fini~h supply condui-t 40 which conducts a suitable finishing liquid. ~he louer end of conduit 40 projects beyond the bottom of the cone 38 and carried a spray noæzle 42. The spray nozz].e 42 is fixed by a collar 44 ~ld is oriented -to spray the finish liquid, in ~ist foxm, in a do~rn~ard and laterally outward direction, so that the liauid passe; out~ardly througln the group of filaments 16 after the latter have been quenched.
It ~ill be mderstood that the location of 'che spray nozzle relatively close to the quench zone and high above the usual guide 46, or godet or roll, adv~ltageou~sly affects the uniformity of the finish application. At such location the filaments arc not gathered too closely together to i.nhibit a lmiform travel of the finish substance, and are spaced sufficiently near the centr21 axis of the group to reccive a concentrated quan`cit.y of the sprayed finish~
The presence of the streamlinin~ cone 38 aids in smoothi.ng-out the flow of air in the ViCillity of the nozzle, thereby minimizing undesired turbulent s-~irling actions ~hich could adversely affect the spraying action.
As a result, the filaments receive a subst2ntially uniform application of the finish substance.
Spraying of the finishi.ng substance through the filaments hile they are in a separated condition aids not only in achieving a uniorm application of finish but also in au~mcnting the filament cooling step because the finish substance is typically at a lower temperature than are the filaments at the disclosed region of finish application.
9 ~
~y locating the finish supply conduit within the quench ~as conduit 24, the finish application can be achievcd without reducing access space within the cabinct 22 a~ld without inhibiting the travel of the filamcnts.
In operation, the filaments 16 are formed in circular arrays in conventional fashion. Quench air is conducted do~lwardly throu~h the pac~ 12 via the conduit 24 and discharged radi~lly outwardly throu~h the group of filaments to cool -the latter. Air currents immediate]y below the conduit 24 care guided in streamlined fashioll by the streamlining cone 38 toward the finish spray nozzle 42. Finish substance is sprayed outwardly from the nozzle and uniformly covers the cooled, still separated filaments 16. The smooth air flo~r established by the ccne achieves a low turbulence spray pattern to the filaments. Application of the finish spray also aids in further coo]ing-down the filaments. Thereafter, the filaments are gathered and redirected at the guide 46.
It will be appreciated that the application of finish spray from within -the filament group and at a level above the midpoint of the distance between the spi~lcret and the tu~ning ~uide promotes a uniformity of the application because of the proximity of the filaments to the longitudinal axis and the still~separated condition of the filam~nts relative to one another. The air strea~1ining cone minimizcs turbulence in the spray pattern to aid in achievin~ such uniformity. There is also achieved a final cooling of tho filaments.
~y conducting the finish substance throu~h the quench gas conduit, operator accessibility within the cabinet is not affected and no hindrance to filament travel is produced.
It will be appreciated that the present invention eliminates the need for an elbow in the quench gas supply conduit below the quench zone, and thercby eliminates the need for dividing the filaments into separate bundles. As a result, it is generc~lly unnecessary to restrict the size of the gas supply conduit and thus an optimum amount of qucnch ~o~
gas flow can be provided. Since it is unnccessary to provide a quenching gas conduit of substantial height below the spil~leret, the overall machine height i5 reduced, and it is also easier to ali~n the quench conduit with the axis of the filament ~roup.
~ ec~use the quench gas conduit is mounted on the pack, a constant unifoIm distance between the spinneret ]loles and -the uppermost quench air stream may easily be maintained, thereby assuring uniform quality and minimal birefrin~ence variability of filaments produced.
The filaments are not subjec-ted to extra wear ~nd tear by rubbillg against unlubricated surfaces such as quench elbows. Also, since the filaments need no longer be sep~ated into blmdles, air ~aps previously forme-l between the bundles, ana which promoted air turbulence around the fila~ents, no lon~er exist. Turbulence i~ further reduced by the presence of the streamlining cone which extends below the outlet of the quench gas duct.
Althoug~h the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, subs-titutions, modificatiorls, and deletions not specifically described may be made without departin~ from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appellded claims.
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IN ~nfIC~I ~!,U7~rCF~ GAS TS I~ OJ1UC.T~D ~0 Trll~ FILA~lEl.~rS
~mou~l~ TÆ F~F~ p,r C~ Ill'~D SPIMI`1EI~ET
_ _ ___ _ __~ _ The prescnt invention relates to the m~nufac~ure of melt spun poly~eric filaments and, in particular, to the quenchin~ Or spun fila~ents emerging from the spinneret. One aspect of the invention is also concerned with the application of a finishing liquid to the spun filaments after they h~ve been quenched.
The manufacture of melt spun polymeric filaments is typically achieved by extruding a molten polymer, such as polyester or polye~ide through a spinneret ~nd then cooling the filaments thus formed. Therebelow, the filaments are conver~ed and gathered at a guide and delivered to a bobbin or further treatment station. A finishing l-quid is applied to the filaments below the quench zone. The finishing liquid may comprise a substance suitable for imparting a desired property to the filaments, such as smoothness, drape, lustre, water repellancy, flame retardancy, or crease resistance, for exampleO
The manner in which the filaments are cooled has a significant impact on the resulting quality of the filaments.
A typical cooling technique involves a gas quench in which cool air is blo~1n across the filaments as they emerge from the spinneret In instances where the filaments are extruded in the form of a circular array, it is common to utilize an outflow auench technique in which the filaments are passed do~mwardly in surrounding relation to an upwardly extending air pipe, the latter being arranged generally coincidcnt with the central axis of the group of filaments. Quench air is directed radially or laterally outwardly through the filament group from an upper, apertured end of the pipe, the - air preferably dispersed by a porous sheathing surrounding the apertures There is thus produced a controlled cooling of the filaments. ~or example, see ~S Patents 3 135 811;
3 259 681; 3 858 386; and 3 969 462.
'" ' :
.~ ~
. ~
According to the invention there is provided an improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments,quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said conduit means including yas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the improvement com prises: said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun fila-ments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret coaxially relative to said row of holes, said conduit means in-cluding gas discharge means disposed above said guide for dis-charging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments, and a guide below said finish applying means for gathering and re-directing the filaments, the improvement wherein said finish applying means comprises finish supply conduit means extending - la -downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge means coaxially with-in the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish dis-charge means disposed above the mid-point of the distance be-tween said spinneret and said guide.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then redirected and discharged radially out-wardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maximizing quench gas flow, and wherein all said extruded filaments are converged at a common guide, whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein mol-ten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially, relative to said row of holes and then redirected and discharged - lb -;2~
outwardly through the group of filaments, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein the finish application comprises the steps of: conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, out wardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then .~ redirected and discharged radially outwardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maxim-izing quench gas flow, and wherein all said extruded filaments are converged at a common guide, whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced; and the finish application comprises the steps of: conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
.
-- lc --According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spi.nneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said gas conduit means including gas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the im-provement comprises: said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric .. filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability; and said finish applying means comprises finish conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said - finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge : means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish discharge means is disposed above the mid-point of the distance between said spinneret and said guide.
.~ ~ - ld-_ ~n0 In drawings which are illustrative of the prior art:
Figure lA is a front view in vertical section of a melt-spinning apparatus according to the prior art;
Figure lB is a view similar to Figure lA but observed from the side to illustrate the separation of filaments into bunches;
In Figures lA, lB there is depicted a conventional melt-spinning apparatus 10 wherein a conventional filter pack 12 carries a conventional spinneret 14 through which a molten polymer, such as polyester or polyamide is downwardly extruded to form filaments. The spinneret is of a conventional 10 type comprising holes arranged in an annular pattern so that a group 15 of circularly arranged filaments 16 is formed. The holes of the spinneret are preferably arranged in a series of circular rows having a common central axis. The spun filaments are split into two groups and travel downwardly to two turning guides 9, or godets or rolls, at which they are gathered and redirected, in conventional fashion.
The pack 12 is mounted on a conventional superstructure 20, and the filaments travel downwardly within a cabinet 22 closed at least on three sides and possibly open at the fourth side for operator monitoring purposes.
Quench gas in the form of air is provided to cool the filaments 16 20 emerging from the spinneret. The quench gas is delivered through an up-wardly extending quench gas conduit 1 which includes a gas supply portion 2 and a gas discharge portion 3, which comprises a perforated hole pattern to obtain a required profile. The gas supply portion extends horizontally into the group of filaments and forms an elbow ~. Openings are provided in the gas discharge portion to discharge quench air radially outwardly, with the desired profile, through the surrounding filaments. A porous sheath 5 sur-rounds the gas discharge portion to uniformly disperse the discharging air.
The upper end of the conduit 1 includes a pin 6 which is received in an opening oE the spinneret 1~ to prevent lateral displacement of the cQndu~t ~.
As is apparent from F~gure lB, the filaments 16 are separated into two bunches 7, 8 to avoid contacting the elbow ~,0 . .~
.-~ - 2 -3 ~ ~ ~ Z ~ ~ ~
portion of the conauit 1. The separate filament bunches are gatile~ d and redirected at a pair of turning guides 9.
In operation, quench air is delivered via the conduit 1 and is discharged radially outwardly from within the group of fil~ments emerging from the spinneret. The quenched filaments are separated into bunclles 7,8 and are gathered and redirected at the guides 9 for collection, or further treatment.
It will be appreciated that -the conduit 1 is often of substantial height,thereby increasing the overall height of the machine and rendering it difficult to maintain the conduit in alignment ~rith the longitudinal axis dcfined by the filament group. This arrangement also renders it difficult to maintain constant the distanoe from the spinneret to the uppermost quench air stream. Air gaps 16A are formed between the filament bunches 7, 8 which gaps promote undesirable air turbulence. To limit the ability of the filaments to contact the elbow, the diameter of the conduit 1 is minimized, but this restricts the quantity of air flow that can be conducted and also increases the pressure drop.
As previously indicated, the lower portion of the air pipe forms an elbow and passes horizontally -through the group of filaments above the turning guide. In order to prevent the do~mwardly converging group of filzments from rubbing against the elbow, the pipe diameter is minimized and the filament group is divided into two buncles, each bundle fed to a separate turning guide, as depicted herein in ~igure 1B for example.
~he miDimization of the air pipe diameter at low 30 pressures below 0.3515 Kg/cm2 results in the quantity of air flow being less than that normally desired for optimum cooling performance. In addition, enlarged air gaps are formed between thè separated bundles, which gaps promote air turbulence, non uniform quenching of the filaments, and increased drag action on the filaments. Also, the extra handling of the filaments , ~ .
:
4 ~ z7~
increases the overall ~ear ~nd tear to which thcy are subjected.
As regards the air pipe itself, the elbow must be placed at a level sufficiently below the quench zone to allow the filamcnts to be effectively divided into separate blmdles. This results in 2 relatively long air pipe height which increases the overall machine hei~ht and renders it difficult to maintain the pipe aligned with the central axis of the filament group to assure that uniform quenching action is achieved.
18 It will be understood that the vertical distance ~etwcen the extrusion holes of the spinneret and the uppermost stream of cooling air is of critical importance regarding the quality of filaments being produced. It is thus required that a predetermined distance be maintained at all times, a feat not easily accomplished with an air pipe of relatively great height t~hich is anchored somewhere at its lower end remote from the spinneret.
It will also be appreciated that the splitting of the filament 6roup into bundles considerably limits the available free area around the filament travel path and thus restric-ts the operator~s access.
~ he application of finishing liquid has heretofore been accomplished, for exam~le, by means of a stationary applicator within which the filamentæ are gathered. ~inishing fluid is caused to flow across the applicator surface and onto the gathered filaments. Another technique involves spraying the finishing liquid onto the filaments which have been ~athered at the turning guide. It will be appreciated that the quality of the filaments produced is affected by the uniformity of ;~ 30 application of the finishing liquid. The application of the liquid to the fllaments ~rhen the latter are in a gathered or bunched-up condition is difficult to achieve with the desired uniformity.
According to the present invention we provide a melt-spinning process in which molten polymer is extruded do~mwardly .
5 ~ i2~
throu~h a ~ibre pack and through an annular array of holesin a spinneret to form a circularly alranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filamcnts emcrging from the spinneret 7 and the filaments are gathered and redirectcd at a stationary or rotating guide, characterised in that quench gas is delivered downwardly through the pack and spi.nneret coa~ially relative to the array of holes ~d then redirected outwardly throu~l the group of fil~Dents above the g~ide.
According to one aspect of such a melt-spinning process a inish subst~nce is applied to the fi]aments, the finish substance having been conducted through the pack and through the spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas and being discharged outwardly from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
We also provide an apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun filc~ments in which molten polymer is extruded do~mwardly tllrough a fibre pack and t~OU~I an annular array of holes in a spi.nneret to form a circularly arranged group of ; filaments, the apparatus including quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from the spinneret and a stationary or rota~ing guide therebelow at which the filaments are gathered and redirected, characterised in that Wle quenching means co~prises a gas supply conduit extending downwardly through the pack and the spinneret being positioned coaxially relative to the array of holes, the conduut including gas discharge means disposed above the guide for discharging quench gas out-.;ardly through the group of filaments.
. 30 According to one aspect of the apparatus, a means isprovided for applying a finish substance on to the filaments, such finish applying means comprising a finish supply conduit extending do~m~lardly through the pack and the spinneret within the quench gas supply conduit, the finish supply conduit projecting below the gas discharge means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharginæ finish on to the filaments.
The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals desig-nate like elements, and in which:
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through a melt-spinning apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view through a modified melt-spinning apparatus according to the present invention including means for applying a finish substance on to the filaments.
An apparatus according to this invention is depicted in Figure 2.
Quench gas is delivered by a quenching conduit 24 which includes a gas supply portion 26 and a gas discharge portion 28. The gas supply portion 26 extends downwardly through the pack 12 and spinneret 14 in coaxial relationship with the axis defined by the circular arrays of spinneret holes.
Thus, in contrast to the prior art, the presence of an elbow below the quench is eliminated.
The gas discharge portion 28 is disposed immediately below the spinneret 14 and includes a plurality of outlet openings for discharging the quench air laterally outwardly with the desired profile, through the surrounding filaments 16. It will, of course, be appreciated that the hole arrangement for a given profile with this invention is necessarily different from the hole arrangement of the prior art. Preferably, a sheath of porous foam 30 surrounds the conduit discharge portion to uniformly disperse the quench air. A collar 31 may be located on the conduit 24 to position the sheath.
7 1~ 7~19 It ~Jill be appreciated that quench air passes throu~h the filaments, bcllowing them radially outuardly.
~ he section of the gas supply portion 26 extending throu~l the pack 12 is preferably surrounded by an air gap 5 32 to ~inimize heat exchange be-tween the quench gas and molten polymer within the pack 12. Alternatively, or in addition, that section of the gas supply portion 26 could be covercd with thermal insulation.
The gas supply conduit 2~ includes a fixed stop collar 10 34 ~hich rests upon a stop shoulder 36 on the pack to support the supply conduit 24 and fixedly locate the latter relative to thc spinneret. In this fashion, the spati~l relationship be-tween the spinneret holes and the uppermost s-tream of quench ~as is maintained constant, to achieve uniformity of the 15 quenchin2 action and reduce birefringence variance in the ilaments produced. These improvements occur within and between melt-spinning positions.
; ~xtending downwar~ly from the lower end of the discharge portion 28 of the conduit is a gas streamlining 20 member 38 in the form of a do-.rnwardly converging cone. The ccne occupies a considerable portion of the space bounded by the converging filaments 16. Air normally drawn do-mwardly - by the rapidly travelling filaments is constrained by the cone to f]o~r in a smoother non-turbulent fashion to minimi~e undesired vibration of the filaments. The cone 38 can be secured to the lower end of the conduit 28 in any suitable ma~ner, preferably in a releasable manner, such as by scre~!s, bayonet coupling, etc.
It i9 preferably that -the diameter defined by the innermost circular row of holes in the spinneret be at least 5" to allow sufficient room for the gas supply conduit 26 to pass therethrou~h. Smaller diameters could be employed, but the gas conduit would then probably be smaller than needed to conduct an optimwn gas flow quantity.
If desired, a finishing liquid may be applied in a .
8 ~%7~
con~entionc~l m~nner to the fila~ents in the vicinity of a con~entional stationary or rotating ~uide 46 at .hich the fil~cnts are gathered and redirectedq The apparatus depicted in ~igure 3 is similar to tllat depicted in ~igare 2 apart from certain modifications which are no~ described.
: ~xtendi.n~ downwardly throu~ the quench conduit 24 and through the air strec~ining cone 38 is a fini~h supply condui-t 40 which conducts a suitable finishing liquid. ~he louer end of conduit 40 projects beyond the bottom of the cone 38 and carried a spray noæzle 42. The spray nozz].e 42 is fixed by a collar 44 ~ld is oriented -to spray the finish liquid, in ~ist foxm, in a do~rn~ard and laterally outward direction, so that the liauid passe; out~ardly througln the group of filaments 16 after the latter have been quenched.
It ~ill be mderstood that the location of 'che spray nozzle relatively close to the quench zone and high above the usual guide 46, or godet or roll, adv~ltageou~sly affects the uniformity of the finish application. At such location the filaments arc not gathered too closely together to i.nhibit a lmiform travel of the finish substance, and are spaced sufficiently near the centr21 axis of the group to reccive a concentrated quan`cit.y of the sprayed finish~
The presence of the streamlinin~ cone 38 aids in smoothi.ng-out the flow of air in the ViCillity of the nozzle, thereby minimizing undesired turbulent s-~irling actions ~hich could adversely affect the spraying action.
As a result, the filaments receive a subst2ntially uniform application of the finish substance.
Spraying of the finishi.ng substance through the filaments hile they are in a separated condition aids not only in achieving a uniorm application of finish but also in au~mcnting the filament cooling step because the finish substance is typically at a lower temperature than are the filaments at the disclosed region of finish application.
9 ~
~y locating the finish supply conduit within the quench ~as conduit 24, the finish application can be achievcd without reducing access space within the cabinct 22 a~ld without inhibiting the travel of the filamcnts.
In operation, the filaments 16 are formed in circular arrays in conventional fashion. Quench air is conducted do~lwardly throu~h the pac~ 12 via the conduit 24 and discharged radi~lly outwardly throu~h the group of filaments to cool -the latter. Air currents immediate]y below the conduit 24 care guided in streamlined fashioll by the streamlining cone 38 toward the finish spray nozzle 42. Finish substance is sprayed outwardly from the nozzle and uniformly covers the cooled, still separated filaments 16. The smooth air flo~r established by the ccne achieves a low turbulence spray pattern to the filaments. Application of the finish spray also aids in further coo]ing-down the filaments. Thereafter, the filaments are gathered and redirected at the guide 46.
It will be appreciated that the application of finish spray from within -the filament group and at a level above the midpoint of the distance between the spi~lcret and the tu~ning ~uide promotes a uniformity of the application because of the proximity of the filaments to the longitudinal axis and the still~separated condition of the filam~nts relative to one another. The air strea~1ining cone minimizcs turbulence in the spray pattern to aid in achievin~ such uniformity. There is also achieved a final cooling of tho filaments.
~y conducting the finish substance throu~h the quench gas conduit, operator accessibility within the cabinet is not affected and no hindrance to filament travel is produced.
It will be appreciated that the present invention eliminates the need for an elbow in the quench gas supply conduit below the quench zone, and thercby eliminates the need for dividing the filaments into separate bundles. As a result, it is generc~lly unnecessary to restrict the size of the gas supply conduit and thus an optimum amount of qucnch ~o~
gas flow can be provided. Since it is unnccessary to provide a quenching gas conduit of substantial height below the spil~leret, the overall machine height i5 reduced, and it is also easier to ali~n the quench conduit with the axis of the filament ~roup.
~ ec~use the quench gas conduit is mounted on the pack, a constant unifoIm distance between the spinneret ]loles and -the uppermost quench air stream may easily be maintained, thereby assuring uniform quality and minimal birefrin~ence variability of filaments produced.
The filaments are not subjec-ted to extra wear ~nd tear by rubbillg against unlubricated surfaces such as quench elbows. Also, since the filaments need no longer be sep~ated into blmdles, air ~aps previously forme-l between the bundles, ana which promoted air turbulence around the fila~ents, no lon~er exist. Turbulence i~ further reduced by the presence of the streamlining cone which extends below the outlet of the quench gas duct.
Althoug~h the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, subs-titutions, modificatiorls, and deletions not specifically described may be made without departin~ from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appellded claims.
.
Claims (26)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said con-duit means including gas discharge means disposed above said guide for dis-charging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the improvement comprises:
said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability.
said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have reduced birefringence variability.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including means fixedly locating said conduit means relative to said spinneret to maintain a fixed distance from said spinneret to an uppermost stream of quench gas.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air gap is provided between said conduit means and the interior of said pack, to reduce heat loss from said pack to said conduit.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of coaxial, circular rows of holes are provided in the spinneret.
5. In apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret coaxially relative to said row of holes, said conduit means including gas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments, and a guide below said finish applying means for gathering and redirecting the filaments, the improvement wherein said finish applying means comprises finish supply conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge means coaxial-ly within the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish discharge means disposed above the mid-point of the distance between said spinneret and said guide.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said finish discharge means comprises a nozzle for spraying the finish outwardly onto the filaments.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 further including a downwardly converging streamlining member disposed between said quench discharge and said nozzle for guiding air downwardly in a generally non-turbulent manner.
8. In a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then redirected and discharged radially outwardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maximizing quench gas flow, and wherein all said ex-truded filaments are converged at a common guide 9 whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced.
9. In a process according to claim 8, wherein molten polymer is passed through a plurality of coaxial circular rows of holes.
10. In a process according to claim 8, which comprises preheating said quench gas to a temperature up to 300°C.
11. In a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially, relative to said row of holes and then redirected and discharged outwardly through the group of filaments, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein the finish application comprises the steps of:
conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
12. In a process according to claim 11, wherein the finish is applied by being sprayed outwardly onto the group of filaments, and the finish is conducted wholly internally of said quench gas flowing through said spinneret.
13. In a process according to claim 11, further including the step of guiding air in a generally nonturbulent, streamline fashion from the quench discharge level to the finish discharge level.
14. In a process according to claim 11, wherein said finish is dis-charged at a level disposed above the midpoint of the distance from the spinneret to the guide.
15. In a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polyester polymer is extruded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quench gas is directed across the filaments emerging from the spinneret, a finish substance is applied to the filaments, and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a stationary or rotating guide, the improvement wherein essentially all the quench gas is delivered downwardly through said pack and spinneret coaxially relative to and completely within said array of holes and then redirected and discharged radially outwardly through the group of filaments above said guide, thereby bellowing said filaments radially outwardly and minimizing quench gas drag and maximizing quench gas flow, and wherein all said extruded filaments are converged at a common guide, whereby filament birefringence variability is reduced; and the finish application comprises the steps of:
conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
conducting the finish substance through said pack and through said spinneret and at least partly internally of the flow of quench gas, and discharging the finish substance, in mist form, outwardly in a low turbulence spray pattern from within the group of filaments at a level below the discharge of quench gas.
16. In a process according to claim 15, wherein molten polymer is passed through a plurality of coaxial circular rows of holes.
17. In a process according to claim 15, which comprises preheating said quench gas to a temperature up to 300°C.
18. In a process according to claim 15 wherein the finish is applied by being sprayed outwardly onto the group of filaments, and the finish is conducted wholly internally of said quench gas flowing through said spinneret.
19. In a process according to claim 15, further including the step of guiding air in a generally nonturbulent, streamline fashion from the quench discharge level to the finish discharge level.
20. In a process according to claim 15, wherein said finish is dis-charged at a level disposed above the midpoint of the distance from the spinneret to the guide.
21. Improved apparatus for the manufacture of melt-spun polymeric filaments, said apparatus being of the type wherein molten polymer is ex-truded downwardly through a filter pack and through an annular array of holes of a spinneret to form a circularly arranged group of filaments, quenching means for directing quenching gas across the filaments emerging from said spinneret, said quenching means comprising gas supply means, gas conduit means and gas discharge means, means for applying a finish substance onto said filaments and a stationary or rotating guide therebelow at which all the filaments are gathered and redirected, said gas conduit means including gas discharge means disposed above said guide for discharging quench gas outwardly through the group of filaments, wherein the improvement comprises:
said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have re-duced birefringence variability; and said finish applying means comprises finish conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish discharge means is disposed above the midpoint of the distance between said spinneret and said guide.
said gas supply conduit means extending downwardly through the middle of said pack, whereby polymeric filaments melt-spun therefrom have re-duced birefringence variability; and said finish applying means comprises finish conduit means extending downwardly through said pack and said spinneret within said quench gas supply conduit means, said finish supply conduit means projecting below said gas discharge means coaxially within the group of filaments and including a means for discharging finish outwardly onto the filaments wherein said finish discharge means is disposed above the midpoint of the distance between said spinneret and said guide.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21, including means fixedly locating said gas conduit means relative to said spinneret to maintain a fixed distance from said spinneret to an uppermost stream of quench gas.
23. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein an air gap is provided between said gas conduit means and the interior of said pack, to reduce heat loss from said pack to said conduit.
24. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein a plurality of coaxial, circular rows of holes are provided in the spinneret.
25. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said finish discharge means comprises a nozzle for spraying the finish outwardly onto the fila-ments.
26. Apparatus according to claim 21 further including a downwardly converging streamlining member disposed between said quench discharge and said nozzle for guiding air downwardly in a generally non-turbulent manner.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/149,370 US4285646A (en) | 1980-05-13 | 1980-05-13 | Apparatus for quenching melt-spun filaments |
| US149,370 | 1980-05-13 | ||
| US06/164,425 US4288207A (en) | 1980-06-30 | 1980-06-30 | Apparatus for producing melt-spun filaments |
| US164,425 | 1980-06-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1162710A true CA1162710A (en) | 1984-02-28 |
Family
ID=26846674
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000377438A Expired CA1162710A (en) | 1980-05-13 | 1981-05-12 | Process and apparatus for melt spinning filaments in which quench gas is introduced to the filaments through the fibre pack and spinneret |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0040482B1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8102826A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1162710A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3165354D1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX154777A (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH667676A5 (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1988-10-31 | Inventa Ag | DEVICE FOR COOLING AND PREPARING MELT-SPONNED SPINNING MATERIAL. |
| CH673659A5 (en) * | 1987-03-05 | 1990-03-30 | Inventa Ag | |
| FR2611748B2 (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1990-07-27 | Inventa Ag | DEVICE FOR COOLING AND PREPARING MOLTEN YARNS |
| DE3822571A1 (en) * | 1988-07-04 | 1990-02-01 | Hoechst Ag | SPINNING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THEREOF |
| ATA53792A (en) * | 1992-03-17 | 1995-02-15 | Chemiefaser Lenzing Ag | METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSIC MOLDED BODIES, DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD AND USE OF A SPINNING DEVICE |
| TR28441A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1996-07-04 | Courtaulds Fibres Holdings Ltd | Spinning cells that can be used to coagulate lyocell filaments. |
| AT399729B (en) * | 1993-07-01 | 1995-07-25 | Chemiefaser Lenzing Ag | METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSIC FIBERS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD AND THE USE THEREOF |
| AT402738B (en) * | 1993-07-28 | 1997-08-25 | Chemiefaser Lenzing Ag | SPIDER NOZZLE |
| CN114875503A (en) * | 2022-06-18 | 2022-08-09 | 盐城市力马空调工程有限公司 | Airless spinning cooling forming process, device and spinning equipment |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE631629A (en) * | 1962-04-27 | |||
| US3969462A (en) * | 1971-07-06 | 1976-07-13 | Fiber Industries, Inc. | Polyester yarn production |
| JPS5227815A (en) * | 1975-08-29 | 1977-03-02 | Teijin Ltd | Spinning pack |
-
1981
- 1981-04-30 EP EP19810301913 patent/EP0040482B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-30 DE DE8181301913T patent/DE3165354D1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-07 BR BR8102826A patent/BR8102826A/en unknown
- 1981-05-12 CA CA000377438A patent/CA1162710A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-05-13 MX MX18728081A patent/MX154777A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3165354D1 (en) | 1984-09-13 |
| EP0040482A1 (en) | 1981-11-25 |
| BR8102826A (en) | 1982-02-02 |
| EP0040482B1 (en) | 1984-08-08 |
| MX154777A (en) | 1987-12-11 |
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