GB690063A - Method and apparatus for crimping fibres - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0690063/IV (c)/1> An artificial crimp imparted to textile fibres by forcing them under pressure into a crimping zone (see Group IX) is set by passing the mass of crimped fibres into a subsequent zone, and introducing a setting agent under pressure into the fibres in the latter zone at a plurality of spaced points along the path of travel of the fibres so as to maintain uniform temperature and moisture conditions throughout the fibres in that zone. As shown, scoured and washed wool, in the form of stock wool, carded web or sliver is forced into a tapered crimping chamber 36 and thence into a tapered setting chamber 34 against the resistance of a weighted, hinged discharge door 52. Setting fluid, such as hot water, which may contain added chemical setting agents, or steam under pressure (for temperatures above 212 DEG F.), supplied by a pipe 65, is delivered to the crimping chamber through a circumferential passage 43 and radial passages 42, and to the setting chamber through manifolds 60 and radial passages 61. The supply to each manifold is individually controlled by valves 47 and 64, so as to maintain the fibres at the optimum conditions of moisture and temperature during their passage through the setting chamber. The emerging fibre, which is characterized by sharp, angular crimps, may be dried, carded and spun in the usual manner. As chemical setting agents, thioglycolic acid and its salts, formaldehyde, or a sulphoxylate formaldehyde may be used. Specification 682,263 is referred to.