GB440867A - Improved apparatus for the mercerisation of cellulose fibres of all kinds - Google Patents

Abstract

Cellulose fibres in loose form, for example, as sliver or roving, or as finished yarns, or in fabrics or articles, are conveyed between two conveyer bands of fine mesh sieve material which are continuously and firmly pressed together, throughout the mercerization and subsequent washing treatment, between two sieve chains. In a modification, a perforated drum may take the place of one of the sieve chains, tension in the other chain pressing the conveyer bands against the drum, or alternatively, and as in the case where two sieve chains are employed, the chain and drum (or the sieve chains) may be pressed together by clamps, which are automatically engaged upon contact of the sieve chains with the conveyer bands and are automatically disengaged shortly before the fibre is discharged from between the conveyer bands. The clamps may be pressed together by springs or by weights. Fig. 1 shows an arrangement wherein two endless conveyer bands b of permeable very fine meshed metal sieve material convey material introduced there-between between two endless sieve belts or chains c which are pressed firmly together by means of clamps engaging their opposite sides. The material thus held is subjected to jets d of mercerizing and washing liquid, opposite to <PICT:0440867/IV/1> <PICT:0440867/IV/2> which are suction boxes e. An arrangement wherein one of the sieve belts or chains c is replaced by one or more drums h is shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the pressure required is applied by tension in the remaining chain c or by means of clamps, as before.