IE42987B1 - Process and apparatus for the manufacture of tubular fibrous products - Google Patents

Abstract

Making insulation sleeves from binder containing fibrous material, including integrated method and apparatus features for dividing a continuous blanket or web of fibrous material into individual lengths, winding individual lengths of fibrous blanket upon a multi-part separable mandrel, heating the mandrel to cure the binder in the inside surface layer of the sleeve, separating the sleeve from the mandrel, brining the outside surface of the sleeve into contact with a heated surface to cure the binder in the outside surface layer of the sleeve, delivering the sleeves to a curing oven in which the sleeves are advance and rotated, trimming the ends of the sleeves, and axially slitting the sleeves. [CA1071522A]

Description

' -.111-15 invent! on 7X0-1^ a_;-proces5:'for -ii!nnuf:act.U;rp of 77 77 tubes from fibrous feit containing a. pQl^er3^^io'.fbiud?r,;. and 7tp 777-7. :.77:^ apiiaratus: f or .-carrying out' the prQcess,V7Sucn7:tubes:iTiay- be used . for. example for thermal insulation of pipes..: The .-fibrous, felt may be of. glass or other mi noral fibre. The binder may be a phenol fO;rmaldehyde;resini a ureaphen-ol resin;, or a-;:phenbl. inelamine -- -7- copolymer. -77-;· . · . ' . - > . 7 7 -7 7; 77 ·· ' tp7proyide for continuous:- 7 iroduction.Of tubes.; of 10wv-s^exfic^^Taensity .an3^0pd-;.fchernial .

Insulating properties. : 7- . : 7: - 7 -77 7:/7.- ' According pto ..this-.; invention- 3 :process for-the continuous 7:.-.7 7: vahufacture of tubes front-lengths of- fibrous- felt containing a 7 (olymerisable-binder comprisesi- -· a) forming each length of felt into a tube on a heated rotatabl& mandrel, the-temperature of the mandrel and the time of stay of each length of felt thereon being such that a hardened internal tube surface .is formed and polymerisation of the binder is started-in the region of the internal tube surface; - b) removing the tube from the mandrel; c) causing the.external surface of each tube to contact a smooth heated, surface the temperature of which and the time of such contact: being, such that a hardened external tube surface is formed and polymerisation - of tne binder i-s started iif the region of the-external -tube surface; and " - - : d) passing hot."gas-over each tube so ds to bring about substantially: uniform jjQlymerisation. to a required degree througtoout-;7the tube v/fil .thickness. When-7 -77 7:--77777;.-7;-:-· ^e;t\ibe: iSviormed^TOT' the ®-sndrelVthe; 'hardened internal - .-.-- surface Enables it to be detached from the mandrel ’77- surface so that it may then bo removed form the mandrel .

Also acearding -to this --invehfion apparatus for -continuoun .7 mifacture of 7thbes:7f.-rpm iibrous^ielticontaining a polyiteri sable . nder comprises:--: a-rotatable mandreilf means for. hGating bhc; : ndrel; irOll-ers whichl.areTmounte-dvfor -contact with-a length of felt. ...7-.7/ .ng for removing each tube --2-- .- 42987 formed oX felt rolled on tin! mandrel; a smooth heated surface against which each tube removed from the mandrel Is pressed; and a stove for passing hot gas over the tube, the stove Including means adapted to pass tubes successively through it.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:- Figurcs la and lb together constitute an elevation of apparatus for carrying out the process of the invention; Figures 2a to 2d are elevations of a device used for tearing a continuous l'clt web; Figure 3 is an elevation of a transport device for carrying web lengths from the tearing device to a winding device; Figure 3a is ail elevation of one variation of the device for transporting web lengths; 1® Figure k is a perspective view of the winding device; Figure 5 is a part section through the winding device; Figures 6 and 7 are detail sections of the winding device; Figure 8 is an end elevation of rollers and mechanism for moving them apart in synchronised manner; 90 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a device for rotating the rollers; Figure 10 is an elevation of a device for transferring tubes from the winding device to a device for smoothing and polymerising the external surfaces of the Lillies; ^ Figure 11 is ail elevation of the smoothing device; Figure 12 is a plan of the smoothing device; Figure 13 is an elevation, partly in section, of a polymerisation stove; Figures lk and 15 show details of a device for moving and 30 rotating tubes in the stove; - 3 - Ϊ2387 " " . ' .7 Figure s' ΙΟα-to illustrate the movement "of a tube /inside- tlie stove; ' . > .-· - Figure 1/ is an elevation of a device" for cutting the- ends - - -- of the. tubes; -: .--.: - ' -.

·;; Figure 18 is a perspective view of_a .device for. turning the tubes; ::: - - v:-:-· : : - t ; Figure 7i9 i-»--u· ροηκραοfcive view of a;.devioc fox-iongiiudi.nu- -.-:. liy slitting the tubes;- " - Figure -SO is an elevation of the device of Figure 19-; Figure 2i is a transverse section through a tube which has been slit; - - - . j-.-.- .Figure-22 is-a. perspective view of a variation of the. slitting device; .-Ο...-·.· Figures: 23 and 24 are transverse sections ^through tire slitting device of Figure 22; - Figure 2D is a transverse section through a slit tube; - I:. Figures 26 to 28 are sections through multiple b-lade" finives; and, -. ·- ..-. - . . ' ..- .Figure :29 shows a.tube opened cut after, it has-been slit by a-plurality of blades, .:. ' ....... Tito . apparatus shown. i n. Fi gures la and lh comprises the fol 1 owing parts:- ·- a drying stove 2 into which a conveyor 3 transports a weir l of a felt of fibres in which a polymerisable hinder is distributed, rhis.stove may be of any appropriate type and need not be- described; a device 4 for tearing the web 1 into lengths; a conveyor 5 for transporting the web lengths; -a device 6 comprising a rotatable mandrel" for winding a - -fob length into tubular form and at the same time for polymerising- ------ . - >i - - -.: :. 4 2 9 S 7 the internal surface of the tube so formed; a transfer device 7; a device 8 which is kept supplied with tubes by the transfer device 7, which polymerises the external surfaces of 5 the tubes, and smoothes them; a stove 9 to complete polymerisation of the tubes; a cutting device 10 for cutting the ends of the tubes to produce tubes of a required length; a device 11 for longitudinally slitting the tubes; 10 a packaging station 12 for the split tubes.

The device 4 for tearing the web comprises four rollers which are mechanically rotatable in time with the conveyor 5. The downstream rollers 14, 14a are constantly rotated at an angular velocity VThe upstream rollers 13, 13a are alternately rotated 15 at the angular velocity and then braked, under the control of a timing device. Figures 2a to 2d illustrate operation of the device 4. Λ length of web has just been formed and the end of the web is held between the rollers 13, 13a which are stationary. The web is situated opposite a detector device, for example a photosensitive 20 cell 15.

The web leaving the drying stove 2 at a constant velocity V^accumlates in the form of a loop at the upstream side of the rollers 13, 13a which remain stationary (Fig. 2b).

The timing device, the operation of which is started by 25 the photosensitive cell 15, causes the rollers 13, 13a to be driven a! t lie angular velocity νυ at the end of . predetermined time which coi i espondii to l lie length ol the w· I, lengths. When t lie loo]i has been thus taken up, the web is opposite the cell 15 {Fig. 2d) and covers it, so that the rollers 13, 13a are 30 again stopped. Due to the traction on the web of the rotating rollers 14, 14a, it is torn between the rollers - 5 - 43987 -- . _ 3) 1¾. and. ί h, 1 lay as shewn. .The dength-torn off is convoyed.away :-.-tid a fresh, .cycle begins.

Heforrj.ngto Figure 3, the conveyor-.? which carries--the : - xb longlbs· ,ia from the tearing device 4 to the winding devleo-J& has snip®IJx belt J6of-ipolyamide·-which-.allows the feltito slide without xaring while- it. is.being wound on the mandrel. The winding opera- -Ion increases the.speed ofa web length In proportion to the increase 1..diameter of the- tube, lieing i'orined-. · . . - -w.

Hie- belt.1.6 is suppoi-te,d.lufrizou tally, by-rollers 17 of small :-.. Lame Lor and is driven by a varialxle speed drive.18-which-also 'drives, : ic rollers of- the tearing device7 4, --.:.-::.-- The downstream end of the conveyor frame which supports .-le belt 16 ;.ends in. a projecting articulated-- part in which an-end iller ifl is adjustable·, in height j see the dofedaslv lines . This-•rangement enables the. web lengths to -be placed· into the- correct 'Sition for winding. . . . . :.- --..-..· - . . Instead of a he it conveyor, a conveyor device as shown - in· w gyre.-3a. could.be used,.:.comprising^the.:rollers .13* 13a and 14, 11a, it! belt:-16 and-& roller . 19 whieh.:Is adjustable .in'height,: the speed t]io:rollers and belt belng. Increased when the web length is wound - the mandrel and the velocity-of ’the=-roller 14a being controlled'- - · a tachometric dynamo 18a xfhich·. operates in dependence upon one of e rollers Which co-operate with -the mandrel to wind the web length.

The device for forming the tubes will now be described wjth fcrancc :to figures 4 to 9.- J-t includes a heated mandrel in two rts- 20y 20a «and three rollers 21 with their axes:parallel to the is of the.mandrel and angularly spaced :12()0 apart around it. These : Hers, -.which servo its guides, are mechanically interconnected-and pra»: es-s ively.· move away from- the axisv.eji"7the mandrel as the tube is --:-. nited. - - - - . .. - - 6 - 42987 The parts 20, 20a of the mandrel are mounted on carriages 22 which are movably mounted in beams 23 arranged inside a casing 24. The beams 23 are transverse to the direction of movement of the web lengths through the apparatus. Roller bearing slide bars 5 33 and rollers 33a are provided for the carriage movement. The mandrel parts 20, 20a are rotated by a motor 25 through transmission shafts 26 and the belt drive seen in Figures 4 to 7. Rams 27 for displacing the mandrel parts act on the carriages 22, Figures 4 and 5.

The rollers 21 are rotated by a drive motor 28 through reduction gearing 29 and a belt system, Figure 9. The movement of the rollers 21 away from the mandrel is produced by means of rockable arms 30 (Fig.8} connected to links controlled by a ram 31 and supported by side plates 34. The ends of the arms 30 slide 15 in guide slots 35. Resistances for heating the mandrel parts 20, 20a are supplied with current from an input collector 36 (Fig. 5).

The winding device operates as follows:- Before the arrival of a web length la the ends of the two mandrel parts 20, 20a are in contact with each other. The 20 mandrels are heated to about 400°C. The upstream end of the web length comes into contact with the mandrel and adheres to it to form the first turn or wind of the tube. The internal surface of the tube thereby formed polymerises during the winding operation.

The mandrel rotates at a constant speed in the range 80 to 800r.p.m. 25 and the web length is wound at an increasing speed. The three rollers 21, which are mechanically connected, simultaneously move apart slowly while exerting a constant pressure on the tube being formed. When winding has been completed, the tube is detached from the mandrel due to the rapid polymerisation of the resin 30 at its internal surface, and at the same them it is kept in rotation by the rollers 21. Outward movement of these rollers and - 7 - 4 39 8.7 . - ' V ; . · .rotationof; the'mandrel stop when the tube has been completely t>Med.w This period of keeping the tube in position and rotating it by .the - roll-prs fil..produooer preliminary shaping-- of-the. tube and at the same time smoothes its surface in contact with the roiiors.

At .the end ;of this operation, tlie.rollers £1' rapidly move v . apart: as do also, the mandrel parts 20j 20a, and the tube: falls, l’ho rollers then immediately return .to their positionson the-mandrel parte to ‘Support them while the parts are brought together again -ami‘their - . rotation is resumed. - A fresh cycle of winding now begins. - - . The tube lb leaving tins winding device has a hard, smooth .'.internal surface which lias (icon formed whoa the: felt, lias come into -contact with tiro heated mandrel , ami an .exU*rna.l surface which has been subjected to-pro} jmiliary .smoothing by the rollers 21.

The: operating cycle of-the mandrei and: the rollers-may ixr · controlled hy a photosensitive cell-which is covered by.the web lengths.coming from the conveyor belt 16. This photosensitive cell starts the eyefe after a variable delay wkieh is adjusted according to the: time required for the passage from flic cell to the mandrel.

- Referring-to Bigures: la, lb and 10, the -transfer-device 7 - no-ves- the tubes ..from the winding device 6 to the polymerising device 3.-. ..The -transfer device 7 receives- each tube lb in a channel bO - : t-rranged-horizontally be 1 ow the winding device. This:channel is lounted on a support-frame hi, which .is hinged on a. shaft A2:and. moved, s indicated in.Bigure iO, by a ram ii3. At the end of the movement, f the ram the . tube, supported along, its.whole length by the channel -0 during the whole of the transfer movement, rolls out of the lannel and is deposited transversely on the conveyor belt of the ivicc .··& .--®bis-device comprises (Bigs., lb,_11 and:-12) a . supporting -amewark hh for supporting at i.ts:-.upper part a device for-:lifting - (i -- 43987 and adjusting 1.he height ol! a heating plate 45 which is equipped with an internal electric resistance heater. Tills lilting device includes a variable speed water 46 with an electric brake (net shown) and lour screw jacks 47 simultaneously driven from the motor.

These jacks are connected to the heating plate 45 by rods 48 oi aijjustable length which are hinged to the heating plate by brackets 49. The heating plate is thus supported horizontally by the jacks.

At its lower part, the device 8 comprises a belt 50 driven by a variable speed motor 5i and mounted horizontally between two 10 rollers 52. The upper run oi' this bolt is supported by rollers 53 oi small diameter. The belt is guided by two lateral chains (not shown) connected to it.

The temperature oX the plate 45 is in the region of 400°C.

Tubes J]! trails I'erred by the trails I'or device pass between 15 the bell. 50 and plate 45 and as they move forwards each tube is rolled by the action of the belt and is at the same time lightly pressed against the plate. This corrects the external diameter of each tube and stabilises its shape. At the same time, the external surface of the tube is polymerised by.the heat of the plate and 20 acquires a smooth surface such that no rubbing down is required.

Tubes from the polymerisation device 8 are transferred to a stove 9 (Pigs, lb and 13 to lCf) for complete and uniform curing of the tubes at a temperature of about 250°C which provides for polymerisation with a minimum of fumes and release of gas. In the 25 course of this curing operation, the tubes are moved completely free of constraint to avoid any risk of separation of the outer fibrous layers of the tubes and to prevent any shock or friction liable to damage the appearance of the tubes. During their stay in the stove, the tubes are kept horizontal over their whole lengths and rotated about - 9 - 3987 • their axes so l.'.iaf. tin; heal, treatment will be uniTorm. .. . - - vJiniiK'fi i ately-aJM.eT-1 caving tire deviiro Syiri order to -derive .,:: max i iimin bane· Γ i- I, Γ rs mii-= Jins·. lieut supplied liy the heating plate each : .. tain: is reccivi·(1 into'a liiting device (Kig. ±3-) oumprising a rock- -able channel ’j’i mounted-on a’iiitiitg roil ill' a j'ac it :15(). A:phaio- ** --sensitive ©oil xegistors - tiiii: pras.eftec οi. the tube'and eontrols-lts lifting to the- entry loved- of the stova, -During this lifting» the - = - lateral position of the tubo is corrected if necessary by ;:rcccntcring: guide means, notshown; At the end of the movement of the jact, the channel 5b ronlcs over and the tube rolls into" the stove. A door 6i actuated by. a ram 62 retains the tube for a moment before entry.

Opening of the door is delayed and-restricted in time to diminish lieaL from the stove., - - - -. _ ' To increase Uie length of time οΓ stay of the thbes i.tr the stove, while at the same time reducing .-the..-..length of the stove,: there are several reap erimposed levels in the stove; there are five levels;:, in the present embodiment. . . -:. : - , . :. , : • Each level comprises a layer of rods. 65 whose axes are-, parallel to the tube axes,.see Figures::16a to;I6f. The:ends of the :.: rods rest on pins-6b of a crankshaft 65, and are guided vertically in si ots :66 provided ..in a-housing:-. 67, Figure ;±5. The angular di.s- -. -plaeemont of the-pins 6b in relation .to. each-other is such that the ··.·. rods form a-layer in" -the- form of a sine wave. In the present cm- _ _ bodrmont*, rme::p±teh oi the erardeshaft covers six: crank pins staggered . , by 6o°. ' _______ The crankshafts 65 are kept permanently-in rotation by a variable speed motor 68.by way of a chain 69 in engagement with linions 70 of the crankshafts (Pig. 13)· Due to the continuous-rotation of:, the crankshafts, each - 1Q - 429 87 sinusoidal layer formed by the rods 63 :i.s continuously changed in shape wh iIe preserving its pitch and amplitude. The tubes are thus subject to a double movement, of translation and rotation, as seen in Figures 16a to i6_f which show the displacement of a tube during 5 rotation of one crankshaft. These Figures correspond to successive movements of the crankshaft through 60°. The tube always moves under its own weight into the trough of the sinusoidal layer during its change in shape, the tube being thus advanced and at the same time rotated.

^ Each level in the stove comprises two crankshafts of such pitch that the tubes traverse the length of the stove. When the tubes have passed the last transverse rod of one layer, they fall on to the layer of rods of the next level and pass along this lovol in the same manner, but in the opposite direction. On leaving the 15 lowest layer, the tubes roll down an Inclined plane 71 to the cutting device 10.

The stove Is heated hy gas burners 72 on a platform 73 and above the burners are inverted domes 7;i of Inoxidizubic metal, to prevent localised overheating of the lowest level of the stove. A 20 thin perforated motai sheet 75» parallel to and spaced from the upper part of the domes 7!i provides for homogeneous distribution of the ascending hot air through the whole height of the stove.

After passing over all the tubes air is exhausted through a chimney 76.

Referring now to Figures lb and 17. the cutting device 10 for cutting the ends of the tubes includes an elevator to which the tubes fall, the elevator comprising two chains 80 to which projecting plates K| are attached. The chains are mounted on sprockets 82 anil 83, the sprocket «3 being driven from a variable speed motor 84. - 11 - 42967 ' -. -Lateral guides 85 .arc fixed at- each -side of the chains to gui de tire .-.tubes'-JLnto -the correctposiT.ian ύ f they-hav*· shi ftftd-drc tlic loft or right. The-device-10 also Comprises a lower-guide : in :.the form".of a .metal'sheet: 90.-situated-: in- the-^plano· of-the asruniding-' runs :oi the chains 80 to support, the vuboii.: This ;plate -vGuryea- over at the top as shown to fernt-ari -inalinofl plane 91/--In ad oil t ion-to - . .-.-¾ this’guide, there· is also an upper guide.formed of two guide pi.ates: “- ,r 92-parallel to the: metal .sheet 90, ' The.distance between the plates -92 and. the sheet 90 can be adjusted by two-levers 93, 94. leyer 9> is controlled by- a handwheel 95 and lover 94:1s mounted .'on a stop doviee 96.

Wltr tsi. .-between' Lho <μιύίοη - Ob, tIftv'tsnxiaMaJ· -thu-tf&bee · are-··..· trinyfiod - to -produce tubes/0'f-/ the: ;re^ ie.s;g;th;’-by} fcwo circal;ar- ;sawS: -86V - The cut-oil';onds-l'al:l--hy.grcav.i;.ty .'doWH-a.Chute 87--and the tubes-then pass over the. top of· the elevator oh to the inclined plane ·----: 9t xihish--directs them to. flic'slitting device, Ηρ'which will now be v. descri-bcd. with reference:to Figures.-18 to 26. : - " 1>: i -After tlic tubes have-been turned from ihoir transverse dlsposxtion-.'into their direction of vraovemeiit-by the. device shown .jar-. Figure 18 (whi-eh comprises a stop 100 and a curved guide slot. 101.) - they fall on "to "a^-conveyor composed of diabalo-shaped rollers--102. _ -5.-.. The .height-of this conveyor, is 'adjustable so that the tubes are moved •into: the axis of the knife holder of a slitting tool (Figs. 19 and 20), Tliis.slitting: .tool comprises: a cylindrical rod JOJ into which a knife is slotted on a diametrical plane, 'i'lift kri i J'e is a triangular blade the point of which is directed upstream and the. . -base of wli i 0I1 is arranged asymmetrical I y with, respect to the ax is of the rod so that the blade is composed at a-part 104a which" cuts - 12 - " ' right through the wall thickness of the tube and a part 104b which does not cut right through (.lie wail thickness, see Figures 20 and 21. 4 29 07 The rod 103 has a pointed tip 105, over which the tube 5 fits when it arrives at the cutting tool, and a support 106 mounted on a frame 107. On either side of the cutting tool are two side walls 108 each formed by an endless belt with a supporting plate 109 disposed between the two runs of each belt to enable it to resist the pressure exerted on it by tho tubes. Drive rollers 110 of the 10 belts 108 are rotated by a variable speed motor 112 in the frame 107. ‘i'he distance between tho belts 108 can bo adjusted by an appropriate device (not shown) in the frame 107 and operated by handwheels 113.

The movement of the belts 108 drives each tub»! over the cutting tool so that the blade forms the slits lib and 1.15 (Fig. 2(.). 15 These slits enable tin* tube to lie opened up for use, the incomplete slit 11.5 leaving sufficient material to enable tho tube to be opened up, like a hinge.

In the embodiment of Figure 22, the blade of the cutting tool is arranged so that its parts 104a, 104b slit the tube only 20 through part of Its wall thickness. The tool has a small cutting wheel 116 arranged upstream of the part 104a of the blade. This wheel cuts a slit limited to part of the wall thickness and it may either be in the plane of the silt formed by the part i04a (Fig. 25) or at an angular displacement from it (Fig. 24). In the former ease, 25 slits similar to those produced with the cutting tool of Figure J9 are obtained and in the latter ease a slit 118 is formed wiiieh is displaced from the incomplete slit 114a (Fig. 25). The distance between these two slits is small so that it is possible Lo break through the thickness of material separating them when tho tube is - 13 - By slitting the outride of the tutjc with the eu I,ting wheel 110 It La possible to obtain a clcarr cut with no roughness or uneven ness on the lips of the slit. ' - - ' 3987 to be opened out» Instead of using a cutting wheel, one -could use a-cutting"' bl ado which,* like the cutting wheel-, could he arranged either: in the plane of the blade iOba or at an angle to it. '1’lie nutting tool way: eoiHpri sc it -plurali ty of blades,- Figures 26 to .28 -show- the .shapes of.lift!ves-having two, three or four · hi ados. - By cut ting ~wi fch such wul ti pie. blade' litiivns' it is then possible to-Open..out the tube. j>'i gum-.2*1 shows "a- tube ojjeueii oiit-arter i t lias been slit by-a fnur-bIaded Knife. . “ - - . - . Compared with the known apparatus in which the tubes are slit by means of saws, the slitting device described above is simple, produces little dust, and -enablesvsii fcs: to be arranged-as shown in -. Figure 25.

~ Jh - " ‘ " _ -

Claims (32)

1. 43987 CLAIMS;-

2. 1. A process for the continuous manufacture of tubes from lengths of fibrous felt containing a polymerisable binder, enmpr i si ncj: - ' a) forming each length of felt into a tube on a heated, rotatable mandrel, the temperature of the mandrel and the time of stay of each length of felt thereon being such that hardened internal tube surface is formed and polymerisation of the binder is started in the region of the internal tube surface; b) removing each tube from the mandrel; c) causing the external surface of each tube to contact a smooth heated surface the temperature of which and the time of such contact being such that a hardened external tube surface is formed and polymerisation of the binder is started in the ^r> region of the external tube surface; and d) passing hot gas over each tube so as to bring about substantially uniform polymerisation to a required degree throughout the tube wall thickness. . 2. A process according to claim 1 wherein predetermined 20 lengths of felt are carried successively to the mandrel, each length being wound in layers on the mandrel.

3. A process according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the external surface of each tube is caused to contact the smooth heated surface with light pressure. 25 4. A process according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each tube after leaving the mandrel is rotated about its axis, under axial compression in contact with the smooth heated surface.

4. 5. A process according to any preceding claim wherein hot gas is passed over a plurality of the tubes within a stove in 30 which hot gas circulates freely about the tubes.

5. 6. A orocess according to any preceding claim wherein after heating to bring about the said uniform polymerisation, each tube is cut to a required length. - 15 - - 7. --Α process.1 according, .to claim :6 wherein each- tube-i-s ! -..-s-li-t -in-the .--axial direction rafter having, been cut .to length, :: - _ “ . v 8. ::.A proces's'accOrdingito claim::2:-wherein each iength;:: ' - ; ' of felt is formed by tearing -a cont inuous. felt web by means .’i-.;-. - vi. of sudden pulls on it.’ . . . 9. ..-.A proccss- according-rto claintB -whereiniab;^ 7::- -iintervals of time, part of'vih'e web is ft^ a ^rt -d thereof is pulled to tear a length from the web. ' -- ::/: lO. i-'-A· process according- io cla.iRi. 2' wherein .-each. -leng ' :.7 fpf.\iet^;«vc^|ried/^fc:o. ffi&TffiaftdrSlBin-Tfmfcac^ suppor! sueb-that- it^can slidc.-pr! the sdpportwithou t tearing/.-.::;::-;: ;iv.'.;-;whileori : : ~;iv‘V;v : ϊ;· =" AΪ^τ:: ^ - · :;:^i,:;::A/:prpc;i^s-:aGcer&ii^/:t-0:idlaiiffi2Be^ i-hereio wherein tbe^raandrclhisiheat^ to:;:a teffijsaxaturesuch as:/::"·': id:cause tcm^rary adhere.nce:. pf’a first’.turn of-each/length felt , . - - 12. .A process according to claim 11 wherein a pressure device, movement of-which is controlled; is in contact with each tube as it is being wound on the mandrel so as to exert constant . pressure on the tube ..and to keep it in rotation after its hardened .·. internal surface has been detached-from the mandrel. " :

6. 13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the pressure doviee:Comprises a plurality of rollers disposed-around the-. -. mandrel to contact each tube for regularity of winding, thereof.:o - :

7. 14. A process . according.>tct-any. preceding claim wherein: :' :the- mandrel is’disengaged vfTO wheh-thesife been- . .- . /-1-:,::f;Ormed/;;fhe:; ίιι6έ:/£Αέη7ίϊίϊΑΐφ:,;93^-'-V -/gi.div'v:-15¾-vA/precessw^^j/dingiio/an^ pressing-/0¾ after each tubei/haS/be/eBfdrjite^iahd/renwiy^ /::i..^asspdi.-bertwefiii fwo .plane'vsurfaces./and:is-.-in cdptact. .wl-th^ t^ :- r-ihe to main tain the tube in rotation, one of th^pia/iiK/surffees^^ to polymerise the region-of the external tube surface::and:.emoofch -the external tube surface. -. · - 16 - 42987

8. 16. A process according to claim 15 wherein one of the plane surfaces is subjected to a translational movement and the other is stationary.

9. 17. A process according to claim 16 wherein the stationary surface is heated.

10. 38. A process according to any preceding claim wherein each tube·, after formation of its hardened external surface, is transferred to a stove in which it is rotated about its axis, while the hot gas is passed over it, and also moved in a 10 direction normal to its axis.

11. 19. A process according to claim 18 wherein each tube is moved by successive contacts along the wall of the tube parallel to its axis.

12. 20. A process according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein 15 each tube is moved in the said direction oppositely several times.

13. 21. A process according to claim 7 wherein each tube is slit along its length by producing a relative· movement between the t u be .lint a cutting device. 20 22. A process according to claim 21 wherein the cutting device is fixed and integrally connected with a centering device which penetrates to the interior of the tube while the latter is moved along its axis.

14. 23. Apparatus for continuous manufacture of tubes from 25 fibrous felt containing a polymerisable binder, comprising;- a rotatable mandrel; means for heating the mandrel; rollers which are mounted for contact with a length of felt being formed into a tube on the mandrel; 30 means for removing each tube formed of felt rolled on the mandrel; - 17 - 2:9-8:-7 a smooth heated-surface-against which epelr-tube 3^moyedh:yy:-y hihyjlrbm-the iftshtTreij iiyiptessedi" Sndy yi:. . '. :y- . a-stove for /.gassing. :ftot gas overheachytSbei the.stove . _ : > including means-adapted-to .pass tubes successively through it.

15. 24. Apparatus according,to claim 23 including a device , . - - for tearing a web of-the felt into predetermined lengths; and a conveyor for transporting the lengths o£ felt successively- to the mandrel. - ----. - . -,-- - - --.

16. 25. Apparatus according, to claim -2.4-,wherein the-’otearihg · deVice compriEes-twp pairs of rollers rotatable at the-Sajf.e -yya.yy speed-and m synchronism with-the movement : of the conveyor, the ;-. down&tream psix 'OiyrOllers ibeing eontinuoiisiy rotatabla'and the -. upstream pair.-:p-f-.ro.il:ers being-intermittently rotatable sd-thst yyy the.'veb of . f e lt. a ccipi^ whetthe upstream miler 5--..- are not rotated, the. bight-being t alien up-when the upstream--'.· -.rollers are rotated "so-that-the web is torn in".the zone between--..: the two pairs of rollers' when .the rotation of:-the-upstreain . ’ '": rollers i s stopped. .. - .· .. . ' 26. · Apparatus according to claim 25. wherein the-duration of an intermittent rotation cycle determines the. length .of-the. . --.- - lengths felt and is regulated either by a time switch or in - accordance with progression-of tubes through the stove. -..-- - - 27 . . Apparatus aeedrdiiig .to -claim: 24-wherein the conveyor is a polyamide conveyor belt. . - y......-,,- - 28.‘-Apparatus according -to claim 27-wherein a frame --supporting-the. conveyor- belt -.terminates adjacent -the mandrel -- : :\ in a hinged project-ingl-por’tioh, thejheighlrbfVwb^ yy to the mandrel is adjustable; “ : _- ." .-- - Vy; "V ;-i?9;y.^:Appar acabrMhrg :;t.d:;-cIaj4.^ : yyy·: means .-for jh.gating-is babl^tb^eaiy ;yy -.yy:3S;y.:.K]^araius-aepdi3:lj^yiyi::Stty::0iyci^ ybywhere±hythb:mandjeiyisyh^ hhYyyig.yH:.yyy1-y-b - 18" - - -. . " . ' ' 4 39 8 7

17. 31. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the said rollers are three in number and equiangularly spaced about the mandrel.

18. 32. Apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the rollers r> are interconnected mechanically and moved away from the mandrel simultaneously at low speed to exert constant pressure on each tube during formation.

19. 33. Apparatus according to claim 23 including means for stopping rotation of the mandrel and for moving the rollers apart 10 when each length of felt has been formed into a tube on the mandrel, but the rollers keeping the tube in position and in rotation until shaping thereof has been completed.

20. 34. Apparatus according to claim 33 including means for rapidly releasing each tube from the rollers when it has been 10. completely formed. 3‘·. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the mandrel is in (wo axially separate parts, a jack being provided for moving the two parts axially apart for rapidly disengaging them after each tube has been formed, and a transfer channel being 20 provided to receive the tube when it has fallen from the separated mandrel parts.

21. 36. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the smooth heated surface is a surface of a heating plate against which each tube is pressed by a conveyor comprising a fine mesh belt.

22. 37. Apparatus according to claim 36 including means for heating the plate to 400°C.

23. 38. Apparatus according to claim 36 or claim 37 wherein the plate is heated electrically.

24. 39. Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 38 inclu- 30 ding a lifting system to place the plate into a position parallel to and above the belt. - 19 - 987 _ . , . ' 40. Apparatus according to any of claims 23 to -39 7; 77' wherein the stove ιϊ6ίορρΪΒ^^,ΐΓ^πβνβί.β6A^?ϊ^η&:Ιΐ^Ϊ8^:Βπ>^^ίι.-:\^·ΐ-A. • y '.^BCcest^^w'iihput :eptvfeacfc7 between adjacentiSufessy^-^his&vfers: :>··'·νν"ν' rI;-'-'. =; are giv^:a;-yertical:'ftiOveroeni£:.of: tAei-sSitie- ay^iiEufe f or'^sll·: EfieC.V·^;": . bars but displaced in phase from one. bar to the next so. that the bars displace t-heitubes -to: passtthem through -fehe 'EtOrvej and 77 77 7 7SXiSi. . - ' ~λ. 7:7 7 7741,7 Apparatus vSecordiftg'-. toi-Clairri 4Ch "wherein eaeh;-;Sar -is; 777-7£uppdrted7:at each enS Offi-.a pin:Of;a crankshaf t, .the pins-pfeach 777;:eraftkhh3ft -bGihg/felat-ively angularly-displaced,:such that; the :- -~ 7:7': axes:-'of/the bars;tjeffnef-a sinusoidal waveform which-is- moved by :77 rotation of the crankshafts. ";77 777:7; - :::- .-:'7 . . 4?. Apparatus according, to claim 40 or claim 41 wherein :7 77" the ends of .tfte :bars7&ng-ago ift.vertiealguldes. 7 /77

25. 43. Apparatus according to -any of claims :40--to:42wherein the stove comprises :.a7plurality :of-.:l~eveIs through which t.he tubes 7:. pass in succession, the directionvpfpi the tubes in the: stove being reversed from one level to the next. 77 :7::-7 44.-77A^aratus-aecording to eiaim:43 whereihmoygmentof tubes fr.osti- one level to the next is by gravity. - :7 7777: —77 #g.7:-7Apparatus accord;ing: t:o any7of claims-4Q\-to447 having a single ^ΐϊνθ:7ΐορ:τηονόΪΒ&ήϊ7€^7^ιΐ:-t|«iiarst 7777^77 46Apparatus according to any. .of claims 40 to 45 wherein . a. door-- is adapted to halt each tube momentarily before it enters the stove.· to position it·, parallel to the bars. : /-7-- 47:-.:- Apparatus, according- to any of claims 40 to 4(, whe re in the stove is heatedyby row-s- of .gasj/bur’ner-s arTSabgod;·-:^ - :77 gase:^ajii7bSfieith7:deffeetors7': ' . 7 . 7V7: 4-87/.¾ to./claim 47 wherein7the burners:·: :’ .:; are capable of heating gas in the stove to 250°C. ; " : - 20 - _ " ~" - 42987

26. 49. Apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 48 wherein an elevator transfers tubes from the said heated surface to an upper level of the stove, the elevator having a V-shaped member at its top to accommodate a tube which element pivots 'j to transfer the tube into the stove. ‘)0. Apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 49 wherein tubes leaving the stove fall to a lift which is displaceable between two fixed lateral guides for centering the tubes and to conduct them to two rotatable circular saws for 10 cutting the ends off the tubes.

27. 51. Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein the lift comprises two chains having plates which carry the tubes.

28. 52. Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein each tube during cutting is supported by a plate parallel to the rising 15 runs of the chains, the space between the plate and the said runs being adjustable to the tube diameter.

29. 53. Apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 52 including a device for longitudinally slitting the tubes, the device comprising a fixed knife formed by a triangular blade with a 20 point directed to advancing tubes, which blade is integrally connected to a cylindrical centering device whose diameter is loss than the internal diameter of the tubes and which is introduced into the tubes while the blade slits them. ‘34. Apparatus according to claim 53 wherein, during 25 slitting, each tube is supported and displaced by belts which form side walls parallel to the axis of the centering device.

30. 53. Apparatus according to claim 54 wherein the distance between the belts can be varied according to the external diameter of the tubes.

31. 56. Apparatus according to claim 54 or claim 55 where in plates are provided between belt runs. - 21 - 29 8 7 .ν'v^V: 57/' Apparatixa-:afeSSaafie :any^(rtXciairas\^ wherein each tube is transferred to the.slitting cievicc by a " 7: ^=7¾..::/:';:V,18i.^:Ap^¥at gsv^^or^iTig; ~K=c£Iaij€:K7=^ei^ /^/v...//.·^ J:v V;^r7i^;%vStQPi;3Bct /a/gaide^iflei^to a/y/£n=;ifc:>iit^ i .://:-./ tci iefcr^nv^Set^';;--7/:/::/:/7://:/:/::/^:7:77//:/ /// ν'///--;/::· ./7r5fe7-;-'A-:-^ac®j^A^jC-""^hs/^^-^Stf6u&77^'huiW?®¥^'-..^V:^fe,s'7r:.r · //// 7 from fibrous felt 0hJiBt/Miti^l^7^s//3ergto7 ?=7 7/, reference ;fea/tMe::&awiag:s.; =7//:::-=/7

32. 60. Apparatus for continuous manufacture of tubes from :-V 7 1 ibrous felt constructed and arrang^7siibstantial^7 as/he^eife v7 /7 ; ^esCTibea';and^hbwo>;in7^e/aceempaft.yfag:tJrawihgsl·^7//7-=/=7-/:7/:/7:7:7 ///// 7/'X :7//7 J^:^^^^ £bartE^;^'fettts: :7- A v' -: : 7vfi:":v : :7/7/:=/777777/7/:; :77^/Meroiob:/^7/ 7-: 3: 7 7W/7:: 7/7 /// 7 /7/=-77::/\7/-Tv /- /7-. ::7 7.:< -7/./-//7 1 =/-////;/>-/-:/ ~-'Z-; /--//--/-*.'’Ti iAV'-r /7-/-/ / - V r-7 .“..'/v 7/./: -"'--'//-“. 77/_-/- = -7/-/7-.1///:_: - 22 -