GB2404925A

GB2404925A - Nozzles for textile machines

Info

Publication number: GB2404925A
Application number: GB0319027A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tak Ming William Tsui
Original assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-13
Filing date: 2003-08-13
Publication date: 2005-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-13
Also published as: GB2404925B; HK1072282A1; CN1580349A; GB0319027D0; TW200508450A; CN1271271C

Abstract

A textile processing machine 100 in particular a jet-dyeing machine comprises a driving system 1,5 to drive a textile through the machine 100. A nozzle tube 3 having nozzle arrays 2,4 provides means to direct fluid to the textile in a parallel flow and counter-flow directions. Downstream of the nozzle, tube plaiting apparatus 101 assists in removal of excess fluid from the dye-loaded textile and plaits the textile as it enters a fabric chamber 9 located in the base of a vessel containing dye-liquor. Circulation system (16, 20, see fig 2) ensure that the dye-liquor 10 is recycled and that the working temperature of the dye-liquor 10 is maintained during the dying process. A nozzle having a fluid inlet (22, see fig 3) in the side wall of the fluid passageway (25, see fig 3) is disclosed. An air nozzle 13 aids plaiting and the removal of excess liquid from the fabric.

Description

1 2404925

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TEXTILE PROCESSING

MACHINES

The present invention relates to a textile-processing machine, in particular, although not exclusively to a jet-dyeing machine.

A jet-dyeing machine is a particular type of textile-processing machine, which utilises a jet stream of dye liquor directed towards a textile travelling around the machine to apply the dye to the textile. The term textile includes any woven fabric or cloth, or any fibre or yarn suitable for weaving into a fabric or cloth. An example of a textile passing through a jet-dyeing machine is a fabric rope, which is formed from a width of fabric that has been compressed and twisted into a rope-like section.

In a typical jet-dyeing machine, dye is introduced to the textile through a series of nozzles that eject fluid, particularly dye-liquor, a solution of dye and water, at high velocity towards the fabric-rope. The high velocity not only ensures that the dye-liquor is directed at the textile but also assists in driving the textile around the machine. Such a system is disadvantageous, because it requires excessive consumption of dyeliquor during the dyeing process.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a nozzle assembly for a textile- processing machine comprising a pipe open at both ends, and having a nozzle detachably mounted thereon and arranged such that an outlet of the nozzle opens into the interior of the pipe.

The pipe may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, a cylindrical or polygonal cross-sectional shape.

Suitably, the nozzle is mounted on the pipe such that the nozzle may be inclined relative to the pipe wall. The nozzle may be fixed at a particular angle of inclination. Alternatively, the nozzle may be moveable relative to the pipe. Suitably, the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination of at least 20 . Suitably, the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination of 70 or less. Preferably, the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination of between 20 and 70 . The angle of inclination is suitably chosen in order to suit a particular process and/or material. Advantageously, a variable angle of inclination facilitates use of the nozzle assembly for different process requirements and materials.

The nozzle assembly may comprise a plurality of nozzles mounted on the pipe, one at least of which being detachably mounted on the pipe. Suitably, each nozzle is detachably mounted on the pipe. Preferably, each of the plurality of nozzles is independently detachable from the pipe. Detachable nozzles allow for easier maintenance, reorientation and replacement of the nozzles and also facilitates access to the inside of the nozzle assembly pipe for cleaning.

The nozzle may be attached to the pipe by any suitable means. Suitably, the nozzle is mechanically fastened to the pipe. A suitable fastener may be one or more bolts.

The angle of inclination of each of the plurality of nozzles may be the same.

Alternatively, the angle of inclination of one or more of the plurality of nozzles may be different from the angle of inclination of one or more other of the plurality of nozzles.

Preferably, the plurality of nozzles comprises one or more pair of nozzles.

The one or more pair of nozzles are suitably arranged such that the nozzles in each pair are located in substantially the same transverse plane of the pipe, which transverse plane is transverse the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Preferably, the nozzles of each pair are substantially equi-distantly spaced about the wall of the pipe.

Preferably, the nozzles in each pair are arranged on opposing sides of the pipe.

If the plurality of nozzles comprises two or more pairs of nozzles, the nozzle pairs are suitably arranged such that the flow of fluid from the outlets of one or more of the nozzle pairs is directed in an approximately opposing direction to the flow of fluid from the outlets of one or more other nozzle pairs.

For efficient dyeing it is important that the dye is directed at the fabric rope under the correct conditions. Therefore, the nozzles are preferably arranged such that half of the nozzles direct fluid substantially with the direction of travel of a textile travelling around the dyeing machine (which we will call parallel flow). Suitably, the other half are arranged to direct fluid in a direction substantially against the travel direction (which we will call counter-flow). Distribution and penetration of dye liquor onto and into the textile is improved by passing the textile into the dye-liquor expelled from a parallel-flow nozzle first and then into the dye-liquor expelled from a counter flow nozzle.

A second aspect of the present invention provides, a nozzle for a textile processing machine comprising a nozzle body defining a fluid passageway, and a fluid inlet opening in a side wall of the fluid passageway.

Suitably, the nozzle has a fluid outlet opening at one end of the fluid passageway. Suitably, at the end of the fluid passageway opposite the outlet opening the fluid passageway is closed. The shape of the nozzle body may effect closure at one end of the fluid passageway. Alternatively, a separate closure member may effect closure of the fluid passageway. The separate closure member may be a cap. The cap may be detachably or fixedly connected to the nozzle body.

Suitably, the nozzle further comprises a nozzle casing. The nozzle body may be detachably connected to the nozzle casing. If the nozzle of the second aspect of the invention is part of a nozzle assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the nozzle casing is suitably detachably connected to a pipe of a nozzle assembly.

Suitably, the nozzle body is tubular.

The fluid passageway may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for

example, circular.

The fluid inlet opening suitably extends from the exterior of the nozzle body to the interior of the fluid passageway.

Suitably, the fluid outlet opening has a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway. The reduced crosssectional area of the outlet relative to the fluid passageway, effects an increase of velocity of fluid passing through the outlet of the nozzle in use.

Suitably, the fluid outlet opening is oval-shaped. Advantageously, an oval shaped outlet generates a substantially flat, fan-shaped jet of fluid which promotes improved distribution of dye. Furthermore, such a nozzle configuration promotes reduced dye-liquor consumption during the dyeing process.

It will be appreciated that the nozzles are not limited to applying dye to textiles, but that they may also be utilised for other textile treatment processes, including, bleaching, cleaning or rinsing.

Typically, a jet-dyeing machine uses a single pump to circulate dyeliquor around the machine. Such an arrangement utilises an excessive amount of external piping to facilitate circulation of the dye liquor through the system in order to feed the nozzles and to maintain suitable working conditions. Moreover, such a system requires excessive amounts of dye-liquor during the dyeing process.

Accordingly, a third aspect of the present invention provides a textile processing machine comprising: a vessel, which vessel is in fluid communication with both a first circulation system and a second circulation system, wherein the first circulation system comprises a heat exchanger and a circulation pump arranged to circulate fluid between the vessel and the heat exchanger, and the second circulation system comprises a nozzle pump for circulating fluid between the vessel and an array of nozzles arranged in fluid communication with the vessel.

Preferably, the nozzle pump operates, in use, at a higher pressure than the circulation pump. Suitably, the nozzle pump is adapted to operate, in use, at a higher pressure than the circulation pump. Preferably, the nozzle pump operates, in use, at a lower volume flow rate than the circulation pump. Suitably, the nozzle pump is adapted to operate, in use, at a lower volume flow rate than the circulation pump.

The provision of a pump for nozzle circulation separate from a pump for vessel circulation better caters for the performance of the nozzle. Less demand is placed on the vessel circulation pump, which typically has to deal with pressure loss induced by the nozzle system. Accordingly, the criterion for a suitable circulation pump is high volume flow and lowpressure head. Correspondingly, the criterion for a suitable nozzle pump is low volume flow and high-pressure head.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a textile-processing machine comprising at least one air nozzle located upstream of a mechanical reciprocating device. The air nozzle located upstream of the mechanical reciprocating device may be used to direct a jet of air at a textile, such as a fabric-rope passing through the textile-processing machine to facilitate expulsion of excess fluid from the textile.

Preferably, the textile processing machine also comprises one or more fluid nozzles located upstream of the mechanical reciprocating device. The fluid nozzles may be used to provide additional dye-liquor application to a textile passing through the textile-processing machine. Alternatively, or in addition, the fluid nozzle may be used to rinse the textile following the main process, such as dyeing.

Any feature of any aspect of the invention may be combined with any feature of any other aspect of the invention.

The present invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to preferred embodiments thereof and as illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional representation of a jet-dyeing machine; Figure 2 is a representation of a circulation system associated with the jet dyeing machine of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional representation of a nozzle as shown in figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional representation of the nozzle of figure 3 mounted in a nozzle assembly as per figures 1 and 2.

A jet-dyeing machine 100 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2 comprises a vessel body 8 within which a solution of water and dye, hereinafter referred to as dye-liquor 10, is contained. The vessel body 8 also supports a fabric chamber 9, which accommodates a fabric-rope 6 as it travels through the jet-dyeing machine 100 during the dyeing process.

The fabric chamber 9 is a metal container in the form of a U-shaped passage with the two ends being open to form an entrance 30 and an exit 40. Both the entrance and the exit 40 are rectangular in cross-section with the entrance 30 measuring 400mm by 1200mm and the exit 40 measuring 600mm by 1200mm. The cross sectional area of the fabric chamber 9 increases gradually from the entrance to the exit. The smaller entrance 30 limits transverse motion of the fabric-rope and also reduces the collapse of the fabric-rope 6 piled inside the fabric chamber 9, thereby reducing tangling of the fabric rope. The larger exit 40 provides relative freedom of movement of the fabric- rope 6 being lifted from the fabric chamber 9.

The fabric chamber 9 is generally only partially submerged in dye-liquor 10.

Dye-liquor drains from the fabric chamber 9 into the vessel body 8 through a number of perforated holes and/or draining slots provided in the walls of the fabric chamber 9.

A nozzle assembly comprising a substantially horizontal, hollow cylindrical tube 3 is located external to and above the vessel body 8. The nozzle tube 3 is equipped with detachable nozzle arrays 2 and 4 extending into the nozzle tube 3. Each nozzle array 2, 4 comprises a pair of nozzles. The nozzles are evenly distributed around the circumference of the nozzle tube 3 and arranged so that the outlets all point into the nozzle tube 3.

The nozzles in each nozzle array 2, 4 are arranged such that the nozzle outlets 23 are inclined towards each other at an angle of inclination a (see fig. 4) relative to the tube walls of between 20 and 70 . Each nozzle array 2, 4 is arranged relative to the other such that the outlets of each is directed generally towards the outlet of the other. In use, this arrangement ensures that dye-liquor 10 is directed both with and against the direction of travel of the fabric-rope 6 as it travels around the jet- dyeing machine.

A collector tube 7 connected to the nozzle tube 3 collects any expelled liquor from the nozzle tube 3 and transports it back to the vessel 8 Twin driving reels 1, 5 are installed level with each other above the vessel, one at each end of the nozzle tube 3, to drive the fabric-rope 6 around the jet-dyeing machine 100. Each driving reel 1, 5 is a rotating cylindrical device having an outer contact surface comprising evenly distributed rectangular bar-shaped sections disposed around the perimeter thereof. One reel acts as a lifting reel 5 and is located above the entrance end of the nozzle tube 3 and the other reel acts as a driving reel 1, which is located above the exit end of the nozzle tube 3. Both the lifting reel 5 and the driving reel 1 are substantially the same size and are arranged to rotate in the same direction and at substantially the same speed to drive the fabric-rope 6 through the jet dyeing machine 100. They are powered to have continuous rotational motion by an external device (not shown).

Alternatively the speed of each drive reel may be independently varied to control the passage of the fabric rope 6 around the machine 100.

Downstream of the driving reel I there is an air assisted plaiting device 101.

The air assisted plaiting device 101 comprises an air jet nozzle 14 and a fluid nozzle 12 upstream of a reciprocating mechanical plaiting device 11. Compressed air is generated from an external device (not shown) and fed into the air jet nozzle 14, which directs a high velocity jet of air uniformly around the surface and into the body of the fabric rope 6 as it enters the air assisted plaiting device 101. Removal of excess dye-liquor 10 from the fabric-rope 6 is thereby facilitated.

A fluid nozzle 12 is also optionally provided as part of the air assisted plaiting device 101. The fluid nozzle 12 is generally redundant during the dyeing process, but if necessary may be activated to apply additional dye-liquor 10 to the fabric-rope 6 as it passes through the air assisted plaiting device 101. The fluid nozzle 12 is most suitably activated after completion of the dyeing cycle to direct a rinsing agent, such as water, onto the fabric-rope 6.

The reciprocating mechanical plaiting device 11 further facilitates removal of excess dye-liquor from the fabric-rope 6 in addition to plaiting the fabric-rope 6 on entry to the fabric chamber 9.

Figure 2 illustrates nozzle and vessel circulation paths of the dyeingmachine.

In the nozzle circulation path 16, dye-liquor 10 is pumped from the vessel 8 and is fed to the nozzle arrays 2, 4, from which it is directed at the fabric-rope 6.

The nozzle circulation path requires a nozzle pump 17, for example, a centrifugal pump of high-pressure head and low volume flow.

In the vessel circulation path 20 dye-liquor 10 is recycled. The recycling process involves extracting dye-liquor 10 from the vessel 8 and passing it through a heat exchanger 21 before returning the temperature- regulated dye-liquor 10 to the vessel 8.

The vessel circulation path requires a circulation pump 19, for example, a centrifugal pump of low-pressure head and high volume flow.

Each nozzle, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a nozzle body 24 defining a longitudinally extending fluid passageway 25 and an inlet port 22 opening into a sidewall of the fluid passageway 25. The nozzle further comprises an oval-shaped outlet port 23 at one end of the fluid passageway 25 As can be seen from figure 3, the cross-sectional area of the oval outlet port 23 is less than the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway 25.

Whilst, the smaller exit opening 23 induces an accelerated flow of dyeliquor at exit from the nozzle, the oval-shape of the outlet causes the exit stream to diverge into a fan-shaped stream. A more extensive dyeing area and an improved distribution of dye onto the fabric is achieved as a result.

Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the nozzle body 24 with respect to the nozzle tube 3.

The nozzle body 24 is received in a nozzle casing 26, which is detachably mounted on the nozzle tube 3. The nozzle casing comprises a flange assembly for attaching the nozzle to the nozzle tube 3 and a housing in which the nozzle body 24 is located, which housing is connected to the flange assembly at an angle such that the nozzle body 24 is inclined relative to the nozzle tube 3. The nozzle casing 26 is detachably connected to the nozzle tube 3 by means of bolts 29.

The nozzle body 24, as shown in figure 4, further comprises a flange 35 that facilitates securing the nozzle body 24 to the nozzle casing 26. The nozzle body 24 is secured to the nozzle casing 26 by means of bolts 27.

The nozzle body 24 also comprises a cap 28. The cap 28 seals the fluid passageway at the end of the nozzle body opposite the outlet opening.

The dyeing process involves continuous driving of a length of fabric-rope 6 around the dyeing machine 100. The lift reel 5 and driving reel 1 are externally driven to work synchronously and rotate in the same direction to feed the fabric rope 6 through the dyeing machine 100.

Firstly, the fabric-rope 6 is lifted from the fabric chamber 9 and is driven through the nozzle tube 3. As the fabric-rope 6 passes through the nozzle tube 3, it first encounters a stream of dye-liquor 10 from the nozzle array 4, which is arranged to direct dye-liquor 10 in the direction of travel of the fabric-rope 6. Subsequently, the fabric-rope 6 encounters a stream of dye-liquor 10 from nozzle array 2, in a direction opposed to the direction of travel of the fabric rope 6 through the nozzle tube 3. The oval-shaped nozzle outlet 23 produces a flat fan- shaped stream, which covers a wide area across the fabric-rope 6 to ensure efficient dye distribution. Nozzle arrays 2, 4 simultaneously apply dye-liquor 10 to the fabric-rope 6.

The excess dye-liquor 10 is collected by the collector tube 7 and redirected to the vessel 8 for recycling.

On exit from the nozzle tube 3, the fabric rope 6 progresses into an air assisted plaiting device 101. A jet of air directed at the fabric rope 6 from the air nozzle 13 inflates the fabric rope such excess dye-liquor 10 trapped in the rope is removed. The reciprocating mechanical plaiting device 11 swings the fabric-rope 6 from side-to-side relative to the linear travelling direction of the fabric-rope 6. As a result the fabric rope 6 is shaken to remove further excess dye-liquor 10. The dyeing process forms a continuous cycle until the desired dyeing result is achieved.

The reciprocating mechanical plaiting device 11 facilitates the arrangement of the fabric in an ordered folded fashion in the fabric chamber 9.

On completion of the dyeing process, the fabric-rope 6 may continue to travel through the jet-dyeing machine 100 to undergo a rinse cycle. The nozzle arrays 2, 4 may be utilised in the rinse cycle, wherein a rinsing agent, for example water, is directed at the fabric rope 6. During the rinse cycle the fluid nozzle 12 is activated and directs the rinsing agent at the fabric rope 6 as it travels through the air assisted plaiting device 101. The air nozzle 13 and the reciprocating mechanical plaiting device 11 operate in the same manner as during the dyeing cycle to facilitate expulsion of excess rinse agent from the fabric-rope 6.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly for a textile processing machine comprising: a pipe open at both ends and having a nozzle detachably mounted thereon and arranged such that an outlet of the nozzle opens into the interior of the pipe.

2. A nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination of at least 20 relative to the wall of the pipe.

3. A nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination of 70 or less relative to the wall of the pipe.

4. A nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is tilted at an angle of inclination between 20 and 70 relative to the wall of the pipe.

5. A nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pipe has a cylindrical or polygonal cross-sectional shape.

6. A nozzle assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of nozzles mounted on the pipe.

7. A nozzle assembly according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is independently detachable from the pipe.

8. A nozzle assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the angle of inclination of each nozzle is the same.

9. A nozzle assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of nozzles has an angle of inclination different from the angle of inclination of one or more other of the plurality of nozzles.

10. A nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the angle of inclination of one or more of the plurality of nozzles is variable.

11. A nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the plurality of nozzles comprises two or more nozzle pairs, wherein one or more of the nozzle pairs are arranged such that the outlet is directed in an opposing direction to one or more other nozzle pairs.

12. A textile processing machine comprising a nozzle assembly in accordance with claims 1 to 11.

13. A nozzle for a textile processing machine comprising a nozzle body defining a fluid passageway, a fluid inlet opening being provided in a side wall of the fluid passageway.

14. A nozzle according to claim 13, wherein the fluid inlet opening extends from the interior of the fluid passageway to the exterior of the nozzle body.

15. A nozzle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cross-sectional area of a fluid outlet opening of the nozzle is less than the crosssectional area of the fluid passageway

16. A nozzle according to claims 15, wherein the fluid outlet opening is oval shaped.

17. A nozzle according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the fluid passageway is closed at the end opposite the fluid outlet.

18. A textile processing machine comprising: a vessel, which vessel is in fluid communication with both a first circulation system and a second circulation system, wherein the first circulation system comprises a heat exchanger and a circulation pump arranged to IS circulate fluid between the vessel and the heat exchanger, and the second circulation system comprises a nozzle pump for circulating fluid between the vessel and an array of nozzles arranged in fluid communication with the vessel.

l 9. A textile processing machine according to claim 18, wherein the nozzle pump is adapted to operate, in use, at higher pressure than the circulation pump.

20. A textile processing machine according to claims 18 or 19 wherein the nozzle pump is adapted to operate, in use, at lower volume flow rate than the circulation pump.

21. A textile processing machine comprising at least one air nozzle located upstream of a mechanical reciprocating device.

22. A textile processing machine according to claim 21, further comprising one or more fluid nozzles located upstream of the mechanical reciprocating device.

23. A nozzle assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A textile-processing machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings hereof.

25. A nozzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereof.