GB1043245A - Improvements in and relating to the separation of mixtures of textile fibres - Google Patents

Abstract

1,043,245. Separating and sorting fibres; fibre preparation machines. RECLAMATION TRADES RESEARCH ORGANISATION Ltd. June 19,1963 [June 20,1962; Aug.30, RECLAMATION TRADES Headings D1F and D1N. [Also in Division B2] Wool and non-wool fibres are dispersed in an air stream and are charged to effect separation into the wool and non-wool components in an electrostatic field. As shown, the fibre mixture is fed from a conveyer 1, on which it is spread, to be gathered between the conveyer and an endless belt 2 whereby it is delivered into a cylindrical chamber containing a rotor 8 with alternate combing blades 9 and beaters 10. The mixture is squeezed into the chamber between spring pressed rollers 4 and 5 and is dispersed out at the bottom into anan air channel 12, 13. Since the combing and beating of the fibres will give them charges, the air channel may deliver them direct to the space between an earthed endless band 27 and a high voltage endless band 26 which may be a conductor connected to a voltage source or may be a non-conductor given static from a roller 31. The band 27 conveys fibre of one charge or discharged fibre to a suction collector 30 while band 26 conveys oppositely charged fibres to a similar collector. Uncharged or discharged material may be blown clear through between the bands. The fibres may, however, be charged as shown by the use of a discharge electrode 25 in an insulator 23 with electrodes 24. In this event wool will lose its charge rapidly and will enter the separating field without charge while synthetic fibre will hold its charge and be separated out in the field. An antistatic agent may be sprayed on to the fibre mixture in an aqueous solution or in admixture with oil. Oil alone may be sprayed on to the mixture.