CN113574216A - Spinneret block with easily replaceable nozzles for producing spun fibers - Google Patents
Spinneret block with easily replaceable nozzles for producing spun fibers Download PDFInfo
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- CN113574216A CN113574216A CN201980089421.7A CN201980089421A CN113574216A CN 113574216 A CN113574216 A CN 113574216A CN 201980089421 A CN201980089421 A CN 201980089421A CN 113574216 A CN113574216 A CN 113574216A
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 102
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- -1 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004588 polyurethane sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920005549 butyl rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004587 polysulfide sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004589 rubber sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004590 silicone sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 43
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012768 molten material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004528 spin coating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
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- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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- 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
- D01D4/00—Spinnerette packs; Cleaning thereof
- D01D4/02—Spinnerettes
-
- 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
- D01D4/00—Spinnerette packs; Cleaning thereof
- D01D4/02—Spinnerettes
- D01D4/025—Melt-blowing or solution-blowing dies
-
- 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
- D01D13/00—Complete machines for producing artificial threads
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- D01D5/098—Melt spinning methods with simultaneous stretching
- D01D5/0985—Melt spinning methods with simultaneous stretching by means of a flowing gas (e.g. melt-blowing)
-
- 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
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/4282—Addition polymers
- D04H1/4291—Olefin series
-
- 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
- D04H3/005—Synthetic yarns or filaments
- D04H3/007—Addition polymers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2321/00—Fibres made from polymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
- D10B2321/02—Fibres made from polymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds polyolefins
- D10B2321/022—Fibres made from polymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds polyolefins polypropylene
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Spinning Methods And Devices For Manufacturing Artificial Fibers (AREA)
- Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a specific embodiment of a die block for a spunspray process for forming fibers or filaments which may also form a spunlaid web or nonwoven comprising the formed spunlaid web, e.g. as one layer of a multilayer composite web. The mold block includes a nozzle that is easily removable and preferably chamfered.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for forming a spunlaid filament for forming a high quality nonwoven material, and to a process for operating said apparatus.
Background
Spunmelt is a process in which fibers are spun through a plurality of nozzles in a die connected to one or more extruders to form a web, such as a nonwoven web or component thereof, from molten polymer. Spunmelt processes are well known in the art and may include meltblowing (see, e.g., US8017534(K-C, Harvey)) and spunbonding (see, e.g., US5935512(K-C, Haynes)).
According to such techniques, a "hybrid" technique (commonly referred to as "spincasting") has been developed and described, for example, in W02015/171707 or US9303334(Biax, 2014). This technology provides many benefits with respect to fiber and web properties and with respect to manufacturing equipment and processes. However, in the case of uneven wear of the nozzles over time, for example, or in the case of implementation of different filament diameters, the apparatus is rather inflexible in terms of replacement of individual nozzles.
Thus, according to US6364647, it is known to construct a similar spinjet apparatus, wherein the nozzle is removable. While this patent provides specific improvements in operation and product flexibility, such designs have drawbacks: a sharp transition is created from the polymer supply system to the nozzle capillary, resulting in a disturbance of the polymer flow, not only reducing the smoothness of the flow through the capillary, but also increasing the tendency for polymer deposition around the nozzle opening, requiring more frequent cleaning.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of the spinspray technique.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention is a die block for forming spun filaments,
this mould piece includes:
a supply of molten polymer;
an air supply source;
a spinneret block, the spinneret block comprising:
an upper plate including a polymer supply source side, an
A lower plate, and
a plurality of nozzles;
an air distribution plate including an opening;
an outer air plate comprising an opening;
a cover strip;
and (5) fixing the appliance.
The spinneret block, the air distribution plate, the external air plate and the cover strip are installed in this order and fixed by a fixing means, so that
The nozzles protrude through corresponding openings of the air distribution plate and also through corresponding openings of the outer air plate, an
Allowing a polymer passage of molten polymer to be formed, the polymer passage passing through the nozzle from the polymer supply source side of the upper plate; and
such that an air passage for air is formed from the air supply through the openings of the air distribution plate and the outer air plate.
The openings of the outer plate and the nozzles are adapted to allow molten polymer to exit the nozzles, air flow through the openings of the outer air plate at an angle of less than 30 °, preferably less than about 10 °, and more preferably substantially parallel.
In addition, the spinneret body includes:
an upper plate positioned toward the molten polymer supply, the upper plate comprising
Polymer supply source chamber
And an upper plate opening having at least an upper plate opening diameter at a lower end thereof;
a lower plate positioned away from the molten polymer supply, the lower plate including a lower plate through-hole concentric with an upper plate through-hole having
An upper portion positioned toward the upper plate, the upper portion having an upper portion diameter, optionally an upper portion chamfer and an upper portion length,
and a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion, the lower portion having a lower portion diameter and a lower portion length, wherein the upper portion diameter is greater than the lower portion diameter.
The nozzle includes:
an upper section having an upper section outer diameter,
and a lower section having a lower section outer diameter,
a capillary tube serving as an internal through hole passing through the nozzle.
In addition, the upper section of the nozzle is removably fitted into the upper portion of the lower plate, preferably without protruding therefrom, wherein the difference between the upper plate opening diameter and the lower plate opening diameter or chamfer is less than 50 μm, preferably less than 20 μm.
The mold block may also satisfy one or more of the conditions selected from the group consisting of:
-the inner diameter of the nozzle is less than about 1.25mm, preferably less than about 0.8 mm;
-the outer diameter of the nozzle is less than about 2 mm;
-the length of the nozzle is less than about 50 mm;
-the length of the nozzle is greater than about 10 mm;
-the L/d ratio of the nozzle is less than about 50;
the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice having a diameter greater than about 0.5 mm;
the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice of diameter less than about 4 mm;
the nozzle has a transition zone between the sections of different diameter, which transition zone extends over more than 2mm, preferably over about 4 mm;
the nozzle has a transition zone between the different diameter sections, which transition zone extends over less than about 2mm, preferably over about 4 mm;
the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice having a length greater than 2mm, preferably greater than 4mm, wherein said length comprises the length of the transition zone towards the larger diameter;
the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice having a length greater than 2mm, preferably less than about 20mm, preferably less than about 14mm, more preferably less than about 8mm, wherein said length comprises the length of the transition zone towards the larger diameter;
the CD width of the die block is greater than 250mm, preferably greater than 1500mm, even more preferably greater than about 2000mm or even greater than 5000 mm.
Optionally, the opening of the upper plate of the mold block satisfies one or more of the conditions selected from the group consisting of:
comprising a chamfer having a chamfer angle between 30 ° and 60 ° or having a rounded profile,
-has a chamfer diameter between 1.5 and 4 times the inner diameter of the capillary,
-has a length greater than about 2mm, preferably greater than about 4mm,
-has a length of less than about 20mm, preferably less than about 14mm, more preferably less than about 8mm, and most preferably about 6mm,
-tapering from the polymer supply source side towards the opposite side.
The nozzles of the mold blocks may form an array and may also include a stationary pin, preferably having the same outer diameter and length as the nozzles, located at the periphery of the array.
The upper plate of the mold block may further comprise
-at least one row of grooves,
o the at least one row of grooves is located on the side facing the first plate and
o is oriented parallel to the row of nozzles,
-and optionally a circumferential groove circumscribing the nozzle row or nozzle array, respectively;
wherein
-at least one row of nozzle bores, preferably two rows of nozzle bores, are located in one row of recesses, thereby forming a chamfered section of the nozzle, and
the groove is adapted to receive a sealant.
The sealant compound may be adapted to prevent melting of the polymer in the assembled state of the mold blocks
Flow into nozzle bores located in the row(s) of recesses,
-flowing along the gap between the first and second plates of the mould body towards the adjacent row of grooves or nozzle holes or towards the outside.
The groove may have a circular cross-sectional shape or at least a circular base, preferably a partially elliptical cross-sectional shape with a semi-circular base and upper straight sides.
The groove may have one or more of the dimensions selected from the group consisting of:
a width greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
a width of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5mm,
a depth of greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
-a depth of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5 mm.
The groove may include a sealant, which may be selected from the group consisting of: acrylic, adhesive sealant, butyl rubber, elastomeric sealant, epoxy thermoset, latex sealant, plastic sealant, polysulfide sealant, polyurethane sealant, rubber sealant, silicone sealant, preferably polysiloxane, or fluorocarbon polymer such as PTFE, or polyurethane sealant, more preferably of the silicon or PTFE type.
The array of nozzles of the mold block may comprise at least two sub-arrays, the nozzles of the sub-arrays comprising nozzles that differ from the other sub-arrays in at least one dimension selected from the group consisting of:
-the internal diameter of the nozzle,
-the outer diameter of the nozzle,
-the length of the nozzle.
Optionally, the nozzle array of the mold block comprises at least two sub-arrays, each of the sub-arrays connected to a separate polymer supply system adapted to supply molten polymer to the sub-arrays differently in terms of at least one feature selected from the group consisting of:
-a polymer type;
-a polymer flow rate;
-polymer pressure;
-polymer temperature.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for forming a nonwoven web comprising spunlaid fibers, the process comprising the steps of:
-providing a device according to any of the preceding claims,
-providing a thermoplastic polymer for forming meltblown fibers, the thermoplastic polymer having a Melt Flow Index (MFI) of 30 to 2000 per 10 minutes at 2.16kg and a suitable material type temperature, preferably 210 ℃ for polypropylene and 190 ℃ for polyethylene, and
-forming the filaments by applying a pressure of less than 70 bar, preferably less than 50 bar, more preferably less than 45 bar at the polymer supply.
Drawings
Figure 1 shows a spincoating apparatus according to the prior art;
FIG. 2 illustrates a meltblowing apparatus with a removable nozzle according to the prior art;
FIGS. 3A-3F schematically illustrate certain features of the invention;
FIGS. 4-7 illustrate certain embodiments according to the present invention;
the same numbers in the drawings indicate the same or equivalent features. The figures are schematic and not drawn to scale.
Detailed Description
The invention relates to a special embodiment of a die block for a spunspray process for forming fibers or filaments which may also form a fibrous spunlaid web or nonwoven comprising the formed spunlaid web, for example as one layer of a multilayer composite web.
Spunmelt is a process in which fibers are spun from molten polymer through a plurality of nozzles in a die connected to one or more extruders. The spunmelt process may include meltblowing, spunbonding, and hybrid processes (also known as spunblowing) as described in more detail below.
Meltblown is a process for producing very fine fibers having a diameter of less than about 10 microns in which a plurality of molten polymer streams are attenuated with a high velocity stream of hot gases once the filaments emerge from a nozzle. The attenuated fibers are then collected on a collector, such as a flat belt or drum collector. A typical meltblowing die has about 35 nozzles per inch and a single row of nozzles. Typical meltblowing dies use angled air jet ports at each side of the row of nozzles to attenuate the filaments.
Spunbonding is a process that produces strong fibrous nonwoven webs directly from thermoplastic polymers by attenuating the filaments with high velocity cold air while quenching the fibers near the spinneret surface. The individual fibers are then randomly laid on a collection belt and conveyed to a bonder to impart increased strength and integrity to the web. The fiber size is typically below 250 μm and the average fiber size is in the range of greater than about 10 microns and/or less than about 50 microns. Compared with melt blown fibers, the fibers are extremely strong due to molecular chain alignment; this molecular chain alignment is achieved during the refinement of the crystallized (solidified) filaments. A typical spunbond tool has multiple rows of polymer holes and for conventional polymers of the polypropylene type, the polymer Melt Flow Index (MFI) is typically less than about 500g/10 min under a load of 2.16 kg.
The present invention relates to a mixing process between a conventional meltblown process and a conventional spunbond process that utilizes multiple rows of spinnerets similar to those used for spunbond, except that the nozzles are arranged to allow parallel gas jet orifices to spin around to attenuate and solidify it. Each of the extruded filaments is shrouded by a pressurized gas and may be cooler or hotter than the polymer melt in temperature. Optionally, the perimeter around the filament array may be surrounded by a curtain of pressurized gas.
To explain the general principles of a spunspray apparatus and process for forming filaments and further forming a web, such as a nonwoven web or a component of such a web, reference is explicitly made to US9303334 which describes such a technique in more detail. Thus, fig. 1 shows a die block for such a conventional "hybrid" spinspray process. In general, the mold block 26 includes the elements: the spinneret body 52, the air distribution plate 70, the outer plate 78 and the cover strip 88. In addition, the nozzles 58 extend from the spinneret body 52 through openings of the distribution plate 70 and the outer plate 78, respectively, such that the molten material can pass through the capillaries 60 of the nozzles 58 to form filaments 86 at the tips of the nozzles 96.
For ease of explanation, the sequence of elements referenced below is such that the spinneret body 52, the air distribution plate 70, the outer plate 78 and the cover strip 88 are arranged in the direction of gravity such that with a fixture (not shown) the spinneret body 52 is positioned over and secured to the air distribution plate 70, the air distribution plate 70 is positioned over and secured to the outer plate 78, and the outer plate 78 is positioned over and secured to the cover strip 88.
Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a mold block 26. When located in a manufacturing facility for forming nonwovens, this view corresponds to an x-z direction view, where the x direction 12 represents the direction of manufacture (i.e., the direction of movement of the resulting web) and the z direction 15 corresponds to the height (along gravity). In the depicted embodiment, three nozzles 58 represent one "column" of rows (here three rows) of mold blocks 26. The mold block includes a plurality of columns positioned adjacently in the y-direction 18 (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and represented by circles) such that the columns and rows of nozzles form a nozzle array of the mold block. The spinneret body 52 can include as few as ten nozzles 58 to thousands of nozzles 58. For commercial scale production lines, the number of nozzles 58 in the spinneret body 52 can range between about 500 to about 10000. The number of rows and columns may also vary. Typically, the number of rows will be greater than 1, typically greater than 5, and will be less than about 30, or even less than 15. Typically, the number of columns will be greater than 50, may be greater than about 200, and may be less than 3500.
As described in US'334, the nozzle 58 is formed by a capillary tube that is inserted through an opening in the spinneret body 52 to form a passageway for the molten polymer.
Each of the nozzles 58 has a capillary inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter may range between about 0.125mm to about 1.25 mm. The outer diameter of each nozzle 58 should be at least about 0.5 mm. The outer diameter of each nozzle 58 may range between about 0.5mm to about 2.5 mm.
Typically, the length of the nozzle 58 is in the range of between about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches.
Since the molten polymer needs to pass only through the capillaries of the nozzle, US'334 describes a tube that will fit closely to, and typically be welded to, the spinneret body; the spinneret body shows important differences when compared to the present invention, as will be described in more detail herein below.
The molten material 22, which may be a homopolymer type thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of different polymers, is heated to a temperature well above its melting point, typically to at least about 170 c, usually to about 210 c, in the case of propylene-based polymers, upstream of the die block 26, usually in an extruder (not shown). Optionally, different polymers may be directed to respective different sets of nozzles.
The polymer throughput through each nozzle 58 is indicated in "grams per hole per minute" ("ghm"). The throughput of polymer through each nozzle 58 may range between about 0.01ghm to about 4 ghm.
At its top (i.e., on the upper spinneret body side oriented toward the polymer supply), the die block 26 has a cavity 30 and an inlet 28 connected to the cavity 30. The molten material 22 is conveyed along the polymer path from the inlet 28 toward the upper portion of the spinneret body 52 and further downwardly through the nozzles. The spinneret body 52 also has one or more gas passages 32 formed therethrough for delivering pressurized gas (air) to an air chamber 54, the air chamber 54 being formed substantially between the spinneret body 52 and the air distribution plate 70. A plurality of nozzles 58 extend downwardly from the spinneret body, allowing molten material to flow through capillaries 60 for exit downwardly from the nozzles and die block at nozzle tips 96 in the form of filaments 86 from an external plate.
Additionally, a plurality of stationary pins 62 may surround the nozzle array, be attached to the spinneret body, and extend through openings of the air distribution plate into openings of the outer air plate.
Each of the stationary pins 62 is an elongated solid member having a longitudinal center axis and an outer diameter. Each of the stationary pins 62 are fixed to the spinneret body 52 and they generally have an outer diameter similar to the polymer nozzles 58. The outer diameter of each of the stationary pins 62 should remain constant throughout its length. The size of the outer diameter may vary. The outer diameter of the stationary pin 62 may be greater than about 0.25mm, or greater than about 0.5mm, or greater than about 0.6mm, or even greater than about 0.75 mm.
An air distribution plate 70 is secured to the spinneret body 52, the spinneret body 52 having a plurality of openings. Each of the first openings 72 receives one of the nozzles 58. If stationary pins 62 are employed, they are received in the second openings 74, and each of the third openings 76 are positioned adjacent to the first and second openings 72, 74, respectively. When operating the process, pressurized gas (typically air) flows along the air passageway from the air chamber 54 through the opening 72 (which is a thin ring around the nozzle), the opening 74 (also a small ring around the stationary pin, if present), and the third opening 76 (which is the primary passageway for air).
An outer air plate 78 is secured to the air distribution plate 70, remote from the spinneret body 52. The outer member 78 has a plurality of first openings 80 surrounding the nozzle 58. The second enlarged opening 82, if present, would surround each of the stationary pins 62.
In operation, molten polymeric material 22 is extruded through each of the nozzles 58 to form a plurality of filaments 86, the filaments 86 being intended to be shrouded from ambient air by pressurized gas (typically, but not necessarily, air) that is discharged at a predetermined velocity through the first enlarged opening 80 (substantially parallel to the axis of the capillary 60 and thus to the direction of flow of the filaments 86 at the nozzle tip 96), the first enlarged opening 80 being formed in the outer member 78.
The flow of pressurized gas (air) exiting the second enlarged opening 82, which is formed in the outer member 78 about the stationary pin, if present, forms another cage air flow that is also oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the nozzle and thus also substantially parallel to the filaments exiting the nozzle, thereby tending to separate the filaments 86 from the ambient air, as indicated by arrows 94 in fig. 1.
In US6364647 (hereinafter referred to as US'647), a system is described (see fig. 2) in which individual nozzles 58 of an array of nozzles are removable from a spinneret body 52. To this end, the nozzles 58 are equipped with shoulders 51 at their upper ends (towards the polymer supply 22, which polymer supply 22 is also covered by the upper cap 53) so that they can be securely positioned at the wider part of the holes through the spinneret body 52. This provides a number of benefits, such as flexibility in replacing individual nozzles as they wear out. It also allows the realisation and rapid introduction of nozzles of different capillary diameters.
During operation, the nozzles are pressed into the respective openings by the pressure of the molten polymer.
However, this system still has the disadvantage of sharp transitions from the polymer supply chamber 22 to multiple nozzle openings.
As a result, deposits of polymeric material may form around the inlet of the capillary, which may degrade over time and require more frequent cleaning.
Fig. 3A illustrates the principles of the present invention by showing the die block 126 in schematic cross-section, the die block 126 including a spinneret block 152, an air distribution plate 170, an external air plate 178, a cover strip 188, and a fixture 199 in the same manner as described above and below in fig. 1. Also shown are an inlet cavity 130 for the molten polymer 122, an air inlet, and a distribution chamber 132 (air supply means not shown). Spinneret block 152 includes an upper plate 151 and a lower plate 155, where "upper" indicates positioning towards the polymer supply and "lower" indicates positioning away from the polymer supply, and the description applies throughout. The nozzle 158 is inserted into the lower plate 155 of the spinneret body to form a polymer passage through the capillary 160 of the nozzle 158 from the inlet cavity 130 toward the nozzle tip 196, where the filaments are formed. However, the skilled person will readily appreciate that a vertical orientation is not essential, but instead the mould blocks may be inclined about the CD orientation axis such that the nozzles may be oriented at greater than 5 °, or 15 °, or 30 °, or 45 ° or even greater angles to the vertical, but typically less than about 90 °.
FIG. 3B schematically illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 3A, with emphasis on the positioning of the nozzle 158 in the opening through the lower plate 155 and the relative positioning of the opening through the upper plate 151; and fig. 3C and 3D schematically illustrate enlarged cross-sectional views of particular embodiments of a single nozzle 158.
A plurality of nozzles 158 (eight are illustratively shown in fig. 3A) may be arranged in columns and rows to form an array of nozzles as described in US'334 above, each nozzle having an inner diameter 157, the inner diameter 157 corresponding to the diameter of the capillaries 160 of the molten fluid stream. The inner diameter may be greater than about 0.125mm and/or less than about 1.25 mm. The nozzle 158 is formed in two sections (an upper section 331 and a lower section 335) that differ in their outer diameter while the inner diameter of the capillary 160 remains substantially constant. At its upper end, the capillary 160 may have a chamfer 333, the chamfer 333 preferably having a chamfer angle of at least 30 ℃ and/or less than 60 ℃ (as shown in fig. 3C) or having a rounded profile (as shown in fig. 3D). The outer diameter 159 of the lower section 335 of the nozzle 158 may be greater than about 0.5mm and/or less than about 2.5 mm. The outer diameter 161 of the upper section 331 may be greater than about 0.5mm and/or less than about 5 mm.
Generally, the overall length 330 of the nozzle 158 may be greater than about 20mm and/or less than about 150 mm. The length 332 of the upper section 331 may be greater than about 1mm and/or less than about 50mm, and the length 334 of the lower section 335 may be greater than about 10mm and/or less than about 140 mm.
Each nozzle 158 fits into an opening 360 in lower plate 155, opening 360 having an upper portion 361 and a lower portion 365.
The upper portion 361 is adapted to receive an upper section 331 of the nozzle 158 and has a diameter 362, the diameter 362 being no more than 2mm wider than an outer diameter 161 of the upper section of the nozzle 158. For good assembly, such as when the nozzle is assembled with force or at a lower temperature, the diameter 362 is larger than the outer diameter 161 of the upper section of the nozzle within less than 50 μm or even less than 10 μm, and may even be slightly smaller, such as less than 10 μm or less.
The lower portion 365 is adapted to receive the lower section 335 of the nozzle 158 and has a diameter 366, the diameter 366 being no more than 2mm wider than an outer diameter 159 of the lower section of the nozzle 158. For good assembly, such as when assembling the nozzle with force or at lower temperatures, the diameter 366 is larger than the outer diameter 159 of the lower section of the nozzle within less than 50 μm or even less than 10 μm, and may even be slightly smaller, such as less than 10 μm or less.
The transition from the upper portion 361 to the lower portion 365 of the opening 360 is preferably a sharp transition, but a small radius or chamfer is acceptable. However, the present transition should match the transition from the upper section 331 of the nozzle to its lower section 335.
Most preferably, the length 332 of the upper section 331 of the nozzle 158 can be the same as the length 364 of the upper portion 361 of the opening 360, such that the difference 369 is zero, but the difference can be less than 10 μm, or less than about 2 μm. Negative differences (i.e., the nozzle protrudes from the orifice) are not preferred.
The length 368 of the lower portion 365 of the opening 360 may be greater than about 2mm and/or less than about 100 mm.
The upper plate 151 of the spinneret body 153 includes an opening 370, the opening 370 being aligned with the axis 339 of the capillary 160 of the nozzle 158 and thus with the opening of the lower plate 155. The opening 370 has a diameter 372 at its lower end, the diameter 372 matching as closely as possible the diameter of the capillary 160 or chamfer 333 (if present). Preferably, the difference between these diameters is less than about 20 μm, more preferably less than about 10 μm. In addition, the offset of the axis of the opening 370 from the axis of the capillary is most preferably substantially zero, but is preferably less than 5 μm or less than 50 μm. Optionally and generally preferably, the opening 370 has a chamfer 375 at its upper end, the angle of the chamfer 375 preferably being at least 1 °, or 10 °, or 30 °, or 60 ° and/or less than 90 °, or any angle in between these values. Thus, in an extreme case, the chamfer may extend over the full length of the upper plate, such that the cross-sectional view of the opening may correspond to a trapezoid, as indicated by dashed line 376 in fig. 3B and 3E.
During operation, the opening 370 serves as a pre-orifice for the capillary and preferably has a diameter greater than about 1.5 times and/or less than about 4 times the capillary diameter and a length corresponding to the thickness of the upper plate greater than about 2mm and/or less than about 20 mm.
Such pre-orifices provide smoother flow from the cavity with the molten material to the capillary 160, which in turn has the opportunity to broaden the process out of a wider process window.
Additionally, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the mold blocks may include stationary pins in addition to the nozzles as described above, as described above in the context of US' 334. Fig. 3F schematically illustrates such a pin, which may have external dimensions corresponding to the nozzle 158, except that it does not have a capillary tube, but rather is solid. In a further variant of the invention, which allows for widening the operating range of the device, the chamfer can be embodied as a groove. To this end, the spinneret body is implemented non-integrally in two parts, namely a first plate (also referred to as a tapered plate, including the polymer supply source side) and a second plate (which is located opposite to the polymer supply source side). The second plate comprises grooves on the surface facing the first plate, which grooves are oriented parallel to the nozzle rows.
Fig. 4 shows: similar to fig. 3A, the spinneret body is shown in fig. 4A with a first or "upper" plate 151, the first or "upper" plate 151 being positioned with its molten polymer receiving cavity 130 toward the polymer supply; a second or "lower" plate 155 is shown in fig. 4B, the second or "lower" plate 155 being located on an opposite side of the polymer receiving cavity 130 of the first or upper plate 151. The second plate also includes four rows of grooves 140 (two nozzles per row) and a circumferential groove 145. Fig. 4B shows a portion of the second plate 155 of the spinneret body in a cross-sectional view taken along the nozzle row, here showing eight holes (as can be represented as holes 156) adapted to receive removable nozzles (not shown). Further, row grooves 140 are shown; the row grooves 140 extend parallel to the nozzle row, preferably having a circular cross-sectional shape or at least a circular base embodiment, here exemplarily shown having a cross-sectional shape of a partial ellipse with a semi-circular base and upper straight sides.
Preferably, the groove has
A width greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
a width of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5mm,
a depth of greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
-a depth of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5 mm.
Between 1mm and 12mm, preferably between 2mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the depth is between 1mm and 10mm, preferably between 2mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the width and spacing of the grooves are selected such that the rows of nozzles are equally spaced.
In general, each row of grooves may belong to at least one row of nozzles; preferably two rows of nozzles belong to one row of recesses as shown in the drawing. Preferably, but not necessarily, all rows of grooves include nozzle holes 156; more preferably, each row of grooves includes two rows of nozzle apertures 156. Thus, for the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, eight rows of nozzle holes are located in four rows of recesses.
Preferably, the second plate 155 of the spinneret block further comprises closed circumferential grooves 145, the closed circumferential grooves 45 being parallel and perpendicular to the row grooves to connect the nozzle arrays. Preferably, the x-y directional edges of the circumferential groove 145 are circular. Preferably, but not necessarily, the circumferential grooves have the same cross-sectional shape as the row grooves.
The holes of the second plate are adapted to receive the nozzles of the removable variant nozzle and the wider openings of the row of grooves provide a chamfering effect as described above, allowing a smooth flow of molten polymer.
In addition, the recesses 140 and 145 are adapted to receive a sealant, thereby allowing filling of not only selected recesses, but also any gaps that may form between the first and second plates of the spinneret block. For the row of grooves, the sealant allows to block the flow of polymer flowing to the nozzle hole and further to the capillary of the nozzle, which capillary is connected to the row of grooves. In addition, it allows for preventing flow from one groove to an adjacent one, such as through a gap between the first plate and the second plate otherwise. Thus, by applying the sealant, the rows of nozzles can be "closed" as shown in fig. 4C, where the grooves 140' and 145 are filled with sealant and the groove 140 "is unfilled, allowing molten polymer to pass through. Similarly, the sealant in the circumferential groove prevents outward leakage of the polymeric material.
For sealant materials, a key requirement is that they withstand the operating temperature, i.e., they do not flow into capillaries or gaps at elevated temperatures, and therefore should not be fluid at temperatures up to about 100 ℃, preferably 180 ℃, more preferably greater than 230 ℃ or even greater than 500 ℃ or higher. The sealant may be selected from the group consisting of: acrylic, adhesive sealants, butyl rubber, elastomeric sealants, epoxy thermoset resins, latex sealants, plastic sealants, polysulfide sealants, polyurethane sealants, rubber sealants, silicone sealants, e.g., polysiloxanes, fluorocarbon polymers such as PTFE or polyurethane sealants, with silicone and PTFE being preferred and PTFE being most preferred. An exemplary sealant may be "PTFE strand 3.2 mm", as commercially available from AT AG, inc.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the fluid or paste sealant undergoes curing after application and the spinneret block is assembled, such as into an appropriately sized O-ring, although pre-cured materials may be used.
Preferably and in particular for a fluid or paste sealant, the amount of sealant is selected to slightly overfill the groove to squeeze a small amount of sealant into the gap between the first plate and the second plate. This feature is particularly beneficial for thinner second plates, which may be less than about 20mm, more preferably less than about 10mm, or even less than about 8mm thick, for example. Such thinner sheets may deform slightly during assembly or operation, such that the molten polymer may seep outward or into adjacent grooves without any sealant.
In addition, the sealant is adapted to be removed from the grooves and from the holes or capillaries (if infiltrated therein) when the spinneret block is disassembled. This removal may be achieved by: purely mechanically, or by blowing air or liquid through holes or capillaries, or by any other means that does not damage the structure.
The benefit of filling the grooves is primarily to allow for a widening of the operating range of the die block.
It is known that from an operational point of view and for good product quality, it is preferable to maintain the polymer flow through the capillary within a narrow range. However, different web basis weights are required for different products or product types. However, when measured from, for example, a lower basis weight (e.g., 35 g/m)2) Switch to higher basis weight (e.g., 60 g/m)2) In time, the flow rate through the capillary tube may increase, which requires higher operating pressures and therefore higher costs, and may degrade the quality of the resulting fiber (e.g., due to increased stress applied to the polymer molecules). Therefore, it is conventional to replace the entire spinneret block with another spinneret block having a different number of nozzle rows. This means a large cost both in terms of replacement work and in terms of maintenance of the stock of replacement parts. In relation to the latter, the nozzles represent a significant part of the cost. It is therefore beneficial to maintain a minimum amount of replacement parts as achieved by the present aspect of the invention. To this end, the die block is designed for a higher range of throughput (with twelve rows of nozzles), by way of example or for explanatory purposes only, whereby high basis weight products can be satisfactorily produced. When a lower basis weight product is prepared, the outermost row of grooves (each connected to two nozzles) can be filled with sealant so that only 8 nozzles are operational and the lower basis weight can be prepared without product quality degradation. For even lower basis weights, more than two rows of grooves can be filled, leaving only 4 nozzle rows to be operational.
To avoid dead corners, which can lead to degradation of the polymer, it is preferable to adapt the holes of the first plate 151 of the spinneret body to the number of non-filled recesses (as shown in fig. 4D, corresponding to the embodiment shown in fig. 4C) so that the holes through the first plate 151, which will lead to the filled recesses 140' of fig. 4D, are omitted. However, replacing several such plates would be easier and less costly than a complete spinneret block.
Optionally, the nozzle array may comprise sub-arrays. Such sub-arrays may comprise at least one row of nozzles, preferably but not necessarily extending over the full width of the mould block.
Referring to fig. 4, in a first embodiment of a mold block comprising one or more sub-arrays, the nozzles of at least one of the sub-arrays are substantially different from the nozzles of the other sub-arrays in at least one dimension selected from the group consisting of: the inner diameter of the nozzles, the outer diameter of the nozzles, and the length of the nozzles (indicated in fig. 4 by the different inner nozzle diameters, the larger nozzles 158 'used to form the first array compared to the smaller nozzles 158' used to form the second array). Within this context, the term "substantially different" refers to a difference in the respective dimensions of at least 5%, typically more than 10%.
In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, but not excluding others, the nozzles of one sub-array are connected to a first independent polymer supply system via a first molten polymer supply cavity 130', the first molten polymer supply cavity 130' being adapted to supply a first type of molten polymer to the first sub-array, which first type of molten polymer is different from the molten polymer supplied to the different sub-array via a second molten polymer supply cavity 130", whereby the polymers differ in at least one of qualitative characteristics, such as polymer type, or quantitative parameters, such as polymer flow rate, polymer pressure differing by at least 5%, typically more than 10%, or polymer temperature (differing by at least 5 ℃). Optionally, the nozzle may be implemented with co-axially positioned sub-capillaries to form bicomponent or multicomponent fibers, wherein such sub-capillaries are supplied with different, respectively immiscible polymer types.
The process window is mainly indicated by the following items:
-the pressure of the molten polymer in the cavity,
The temperature of the molten polymer,
Diameter of the capillary,
Outer diameter or nozzle (which affects the air flow and air flow ratio),
-the length of the capillary tube,
material properties of the molten polymer, which can be expressed as by Melt Flow Index (MFI), as can be determined by ASTM D1238 and ISO 1133, and for polypropylene as polymer, can be suitably treated with existing equipment and processes, which are suitably expressed in units of grams per 10 minutes at 210 ℃ and 2.16kg load, while for other material classes the temperature is set to the appropriate temperature, for example 190 ℃ for polyethylene.
As a comparative example, the apparatus and process as described in US'334 has
-0.46mm of capillary inner diameter,
-a capillary length of 24mm,
-and thus an L/d ratio of about 52;
and can be operated at a temperature of about 210 ℃, wherein the back pressure of the molten polymer is between 50 bar and 70 bar, the molten polymer having an MFI of less than about 500[ g/l0min, under 2.16kg load ]. To achieve a significant amount of fiber size and shape, the apparatus of the present invention illustratively has
Capillary diameter of 0.46mm,
-a capillary length of about 18mm,
-a pre-hole diameter of about 1.2mm,
A pre-hole length of about 6mm (including a 60 ° chamfer at the inlet and at the transition to the capillary),
and therefore a capillary L/d ratio of about 39, which also allows the use of polypropylene polymers with a back pressure significantly lower than 50 bar, an MFI of about 500[ g/L0min, 2.16kg load ].
One benefit of subjecting the polymer to lower back pressure is that reducing mechanical stress will allow for the production of tougher nonwovens.
In other words, the present invention provides an apparatus that can have a lower L/d ratio, which indicates flow resistance for a given MFI, and thus allows operation with a wider process window of MFI and backpressure.
Furthermore, the smoother flow from the cavity of the molten polymer 130 to the pre-orifice 370 (preferably, even smoother flow of the polymer in the chamfer) significantly reduces the turbulence of the polymer around the inlet and thus also reduces polymer residue deposition, allowing longer operating times without interruption for cleaning.
Claims (12)
1. A die block for forming a spun filament, the die block comprising:
a supply of molten polymer;
an air supply source;
a spinneret block, the spinneret block comprising:
an upper plate including a polymer supply source side, an
A lower plate, and
a plurality of nozzles;
an air distribution plate comprising an opening;
an outer air plate comprising an opening;
a cover strip;
fixing the appliance;
wherein the spinneret block, the air distribution plate, the external air plate and the cover tape are installed in this order and fixed by the fixing means so that
The nozzles protrude through corresponding openings of the air distribution plate and also through corresponding openings of the outer air plate, an
Causing a polymer passage of molten polymer to be formed through the nozzle from the polymer supply source side of the upper plate; and
causing an air passage for air to be formed from the air supply through the air distribution plate and the openings of the outer air plate;
wherein the opening of the outer plate and the nozzle are adapted to allow molten polymer to exit the nozzle and air to flow through the opening of the outer air plate at an angle of less than 30 °, preferably less than about 10 °, and more preferably substantially parallel;
it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,
the spinneret block includes:
an upper plate positioned toward the molten polymer supply, the upper plate comprising:
a polymer supply chamber;
and an upper plate opening having at least an upper plate opening diameter at a lower end thereof;
a lower plate positioned away from the molten polymer supply source, the lower plate comprising:
a lower plate through hole concentric with the upper plate through hole, the upper plate through hole having
An upper portion positioned toward the upper plate, the upper portion having an upper portion diameter, optionally an upper portion chamfer and an upper portion length;
and a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion, the lower portion having a lower portion diameter and a lower portion length, wherein the upper portion diameter is greater than the lower portion diameter;
the nozzle includes:
an upper section having an upper section outer diameter;
and a lower section having a lower section outer diameter;
a capillary tube serving as an internal through hole passing through the nozzle;
and wherein the one or more of the one or more,
the upper section of the nozzle is removably fitted into the upper portion of the lower plate, preferably without protruding therefrom;
wherein further to the above-mentioned steps,
the difference between the upper plate opening diameter and the lower plate opening diameter or the chamfer is less than 50 μm, preferably less than 20 μm.
2. The mold block of claim 1, the mold block satisfying one or more of the conditions selected from the group consisting of:
-the inner diameter of the nozzle is less than about 1.25mm, preferably less than about 0.8 mm;
-the outer diameter of the nozzle is less than about 2 mm;
-the length of the nozzle is less than about 50 mm;
-the length of the nozzle is greater than about 10 mm;
-the L/d ratio of the nozzle is less than about 50;
-the nozzles are implemented with pre-holes having a diameter greater than about 0.5 mm;
-the nozzle is implemented with a pre-hole having a diameter of less than about 4 mm;
-the nozzle has a transition zone between sections of different diameter, the transition zone extending more than 2mm, preferably more than about 4 mm;
-the nozzle has a transition zone between sections of different diameter, the transition zone extending less than about 2mm or more, preferably about 4mm or more;
-the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice having a length greater than 2mm, preferably greater than 4mm, wherein said length comprises the length of the transition zone towards the larger diameter;
-the nozzle is implemented with a pre-orifice having a length greater than 2mm, preferably less than about 20mm, preferably less than about 14mm, more preferably less than about 8mm, wherein said length comprises the length of the transition zone towards the larger diameter;
-the CD width of the mould block is greater than 250mm, preferably greater than 1500mm, even more preferably greater than about 2000mm or even greater than 5000 mm.
3. The mold block of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the upper plate satisfies one or more of the conditions selected from the group consisting of:
-comprises a chamfer having a chamfer angle between 30 ° and 60 ° or having a rounded profile,
-having a chamfer diameter between 1.5 and 4 times the inner diameter of the capillary,
-has a length greater than about 2mm, preferably greater than about 4mm,
-has a length of less than about 20mm, preferably less than about 14mm, more preferably less than about 8mm, and most preferably about 6mm,
-tapering from the polymer supply source side towards the opposite side.
4. A mould block according to any preceding claim wherein the nozzles form an array, further comprising a stationary pin, preferably having the same outer diameter and length as the nozzles, the stationary pin being located at the periphery of the array.
5. A mould block according to any preceding claim wherein
The upper plate further comprises
-at least one row of grooves,
o the at least one row of grooves is located on the side facing the first plate and
o is oriented parallel to the row of nozzles,
-and optionally a circumferential groove circumscribing the nozzle row or the nozzle array, respectively;
wherein
-at least one row of nozzle bores, preferably two rows of nozzle bores, are located in a row of recesses, thereby forming the chamfered section of the nozzle,
and
-the groove is adapted to receive a sealant.
6. The mold block of claim 5, wherein the sealant compound is adapted to prevent the molten polymer in an assembled state of the mold block
To the nozzle bores located in the row(s) of recesses,
-flowing along the gap between the first and second plates of the mould body towards an adjacent row of grooves or nozzle bores or towards the outside.
7. A die block according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the groove has a circular cross-sectional shape or a circular base, preferably a partially elliptical cross-sectional shape having a semi-circular base and an upper flat side.
8. The mold block of any of claims 5-7, wherein the groove has one or more of the dimensions selected from the group consisting of:
a width greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
a width of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5mm,
a depth of greater than about 1mm, preferably greater than about 2mm,
-a depth of less than about 10mm, preferably less than about 5 mm.
9. The mold block of any of claims 5-8, wherein at least one of the row of grooves comprises a sealant selected from the group consisting of: acrylic, adhesive sealant, butyl rubber, elastomeric sealant, epoxy thermoset, latex sealant, plastic sealant, polysulfide sealant, polyurethane sealant, rubber sealant, silicone sealant, preferably polysiloxane, or polyurethane sealant, or fluorocarbon polymer, or more preferably of the silicon or PTFE type.
10. The mold block of any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of nozzles comprises at least two sub-arrays, the nozzles of the sub-arrays comprising nozzles that differ from other sub-arrays in at least one dimension selected from the group consisting of:
-the internal diameter of the nozzle,
-the outer diameter of the nozzle,
-the length of the nozzle.
11. A mould block according to any preceding claim wherein
The nozzle array further comprises at least two sub-arrays, each of the sub-arrays connected to a separate polymer supply system adapted to supply molten polymer differently to the sub-arrays in terms of at least one feature selected from the group consisting of:
-a polymer type;
-a polymer flow rate;
-polymer pressure;
-polymer temperature.
12. A process for forming a nonwoven web comprising meltblown fibers, the process comprising the steps of:
-providing a device according to any of the preceding claims,
-providing a thermoplastic polymer for forming meltblown fibers, said thermoplastic polymer having a Melt Flow Index (MFI) of 30 to 2000 per 10 minutes at 2.16kg and a suitable material type temperature, preferably 210 ℃ for polypropylene and 190 ℃ for polyethylene, and
-forming the filaments by applying a pressure of less than 70 bar, preferably less than 50 bar, more preferably less than 45 bar at the polymer supply.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1819098.3A GB2579100A (en) | 2018-11-23 | 2018-11-23 | Spinneret block with readily exchangable nozzles for use in the manufacturing of meltblown fibers |
| GB1819098.3 | 2018-11-23 | ||
| GB1905253.9 | 2019-04-12 | ||
| GBGB1905253.9A GB201905253D0 (en) | 2018-11-16 | 2019-04-12 | Spinneret block with chamferig nozzles for use in the manufacturing of meltdown fibers |
| GBGB1911165.7A GB201911165D0 (en) | 2018-11-16 | 2019-08-05 | Spinneret block with chamferig nozzles for use in the manufacturing of meltblown fibers |
| GB1911165.7 | 2019-08-05 | ||
| PCT/EP2019/080291 WO2020104190A1 (en) | 2018-11-23 | 2019-11-05 | Spinneret block with readily exchangable nozzles for use in the manufacturing of spun-blown fibers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN113574216A true CN113574216A (en) | 2021-10-29 |
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ID=65024633
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201980089421.7A Pending CN113574216A (en) | 2018-11-23 | 2019-11-05 | Spinneret block with easily replaceable nozzles for producing spun fibers |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20210310156A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3884088A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2022507154A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20210091808A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN113574216A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR112021009905A2 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2579100A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2021005985A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020104190A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB202005832D0 (en) | 2020-04-21 | 2020-06-03 | Teknoweb Mat S R L | Applying highly viscous curable binder systems to fibrous webs comprising natural fibers |
| DE102022102160A1 (en) * | 2022-01-31 | 2023-08-03 | Oerlikon Textile Gmbh & Co. Kg | Meltblowing die apparatus for producing a multiplicity of fiber strands from a polymer melt |
| DE102022000699A1 (en) * | 2022-02-26 | 2023-08-31 | Oerlikon Textile Gmbh & Co. Kg | Air barrier for a meltblowing die apparatus for producing a multiplicity of fibrous strands from a polymer melt |
| EP4296407A1 (en) * | 2022-06-21 | 2023-12-27 | Fratelli Ceccato Milano S.r.l. | Plant for making of melt-blown type non-woven fabric |
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- 2019-11-05 WO PCT/EP2019/080291 patent/WO2020104190A1/en unknown
- 2019-11-05 MX MX2021005985A patent/MX2021005985A/en unknown
- 2019-11-05 BR BR112021009905-0A patent/BR112021009905A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2019-11-05 CN CN201980089421.7A patent/CN113574216A/en active Pending
- 2019-11-05 EP EP19805146.8A patent/EP3884088A1/en active Pending
- 2019-11-05 JP JP2021525587A patent/JP2022507154A/en active Pending
- 2019-11-05 US US17/294,990 patent/US20210310156A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3884088A1 (en) | 2021-09-29 |
| BR112021009905A2 (en) | 2021-08-17 |
| WO2020104190A1 (en) | 2020-05-28 |
| US20210310156A1 (en) | 2021-10-07 |
| KR20210091808A (en) | 2021-07-22 |
| GB2579100A (en) | 2020-06-10 |
| MX2021005985A (en) | 2021-07-06 |
| JP2022507154A (en) | 2022-01-18 |
| GB201819098D0 (en) | 2019-01-09 |
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Application publication date: 20211029 |