JP2018079983A - Method for wrapping fiber material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for wrapping fiber material such as cellulose acetate tow veil.SOLUTION: A method for wrapping fiber material comprises: locating fiber material at least between an upper sheet 2 and a lower sheet; compressing the fiber material; and wrapping 100% of surface area of the fiber material substantially by wrapping material including the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and 99% or more of the surface area of a veil 1 is enfolded with the wrapping material after residual force of the wrapped veil has reached a balance state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Priority claim
[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 62 / 395,482, filed September 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  [0002] The present invention relates generally to a method of packaging a fibrous material using at least an upper sheet and a lower sheet to form a packaged veil. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for packaging cellulose acetate tow bales, wherein more than 99% of the surface area of the bale is wrapped by the packaging material after the residual force in the packaged bale has reached equilibrium. .

[0003] Methods and materials for packaging fiber materials are known. For example, cellulose acetate tow is a fiber material that is usually compressed into a bale for packaging, storage and shipping. Cellulose acetate tow is a continuous band or bundle of cellulose filaments that can be processed into tobacco filters. In general, cellulose acetate tow has a low bulk density, eg, about 100 kg / m ^3, and is compressed to increase this bulk density to improve handling and transport efficiency. After being compressed into a bale, cellulose acetate tow exhibits an expansion force, which must be efficiently controlled to maintain the bulk density and size desired for storage and shipping. In order to suppress the expansion force of the tow veil, a packaging material such as a polyester strap is usually used.

  [0004] Many packaging methods have been proposed by the prior art. In US Pat. No. 8,161,716, the distance between the press bases is excessively 50-250 mm lower than the desired height of the packaged bale, more preferably 80-200 mm lower, more preferably 90-180 mm lower. Compressing, then adjusting the distance between the press bases to the desired height in the packed or unwrapped state, and then releasing the pressing force applied to the pressed bale. A method for packaging filter tow bales is disclosed.

  [0005] US Pat. No. 5,732,531 discloses a method of wrapping a bale of compressed elastic fibers comprising providing a reusable bale packaging kit comprising at least two pieces. . Each piece is adapted to substantially wrap and contain a bale of compressed elastic fibers when coupled to the other piece. A mushroom loop fastener is located along the edge portion of each piece and the fastener is adapted to connect the pieces together. An uncompressed elastic fiber is provided. A portion of the uncompressed elastic fiber is enclosed in the kit. The fiber is compressed and the mushroom loop fastener is engaged.

[0006] US Pat. No. 4,157,754 discloses wrapping compressed fiber, filament, or cable tows under an internal pressure of at least 0.2 daN / cm ² by external packaging. The overwrapped area is held by an adhesive, such as a neoprene-chloroprene rubber based adhesive. In this way, it is possible to omit straps, belts or wires that have been used previously for holding the package. As shown in FIG. 1 of US Pat. No. 4,157,754, this adhesive is a glue and is applied to the entire overlapped area.

  [0007] In GB1512804, a method of preparing and wrapping feed, partially wiping raw grass, and inserting compacted grass blocks into a bag or wrapper made of impervious plastic material Claiming a method comprising hermetically sealing a bag or wrapper against ingress of air and providing a check valve before or after sealing to vent the contents to the atmosphere .

  [0008] US Pat. No. 4,577,752 discloses an improved high density tow veil wrapped in a cover such as cardboard and held in compression by a plurality of straps extending around the bale. The tow veil has a plurality of pad patterns on the bottom for supporting the bale on the floor, and has an uneven area between the pads for receiving a strap along the pad.

  [0009] However, these existing packaging methods can be complex, expensive, and dangerous. For example, a metal strap that is under high pressure can break during storage or can spring back during unpacking. Vacuum sealing and heat sealing require additional equipment, and such sealing must be strong enough to maintain vacuum or airtight conditions during storage. In addition, these existing methods cannot adequately protect the fiber material that expands over time after compression. Thus, there is a need for an improved method for packaging fiber materials, particularly for packaging cellulose acetate tow bales, that adequately protects the fiber material that expands over time after compression.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,716 US Pat. No. 5,732,531 U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,754 GB151284 U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,752 US Patent No. 7,610,852 U.S. Patent No. 7,585,442 U.S. Patent No. 7,585,441 U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,624 US Pat. No. 6,924,029 US Pat. No. 7,487,720 US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0004765 EP 263278 A1 WO2013 / 037648A2 WO2012 / 150099A1 US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0233485 DE28 45 541 A EP1336683B1

ASTM D3759 PSTC-131 ASTM 6463-99, Procedure A DIN 53765: 1994-03, section 2.2.1

  [0010] In one aspect, the present invention is a method for packaging fiber material comprising: a) placing the fiber material between an upper sheet and a lower sheet; b) compressing the fiber material in a press Forming a bale; c) a packaging material comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet, substantially wrapping 100% of the surface area of the bale; and d) being packaged with the packaging material around the bale fixed. More than 99%, more than 99.5% or more than 99.9% of the surface area of the bale is wrapped by the packaging material after the packaged fiber material has been stored for at least 48 hours Is directed to the method. In some aspects, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet has a slit at each corner. This slit may be a Y-shaped slit, a V-shaped slit, or a U-shaped slit. In another aspect, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased at each corner. The packaging material may further include at least one side sheet. In some aspects, the at least one side sheet may include two side sheets. Step (a) or (b) may further comprise wrapping the fibrous material of step (a) in an unsealed liner, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the unsealed liner is The packaged fiber material is wrapped with packaging material after being stored for at least 48 hours. In some aspects, the top sheet has a greater surface area than the top surface of the fiber material, and step (b) further comprises folding a portion of the top sheet over at least one side surface of the bale. . In some aspects, the lower sheet has a greater surface area than the lower surface of the fibrous material, and step (b) further comprises folding a portion of the lower sheet over at least one side surface of the fibrous material. Including. The packaging material may be a cardboard material. Step (d) may include applying a strap around the wrapping material. The strap may be a plastic strap. In some aspects, step (d) includes applying a strap horizontally around the wrapper side. In a further aspect, step (d) includes applying a strap vertically around the wrapper. In yet a further aspect, step (d) includes applying straps horizontally and vertically around the wrapping material. In some aspects, the packaged material is not sealed under vacuum. The bale compression pressure applied to the upper and lower surfaces in step (b) is 689.5 to 3447.4 kPa (100 to 500 psi), such as 1379.0 to 2757.9 kPa (200 to 400 psi), 2068. 4 to 2757.9 kPa (300 to 400 psi). The fiber material of step (d) may have a total vertical expansion pressure of 6.9-68.9 kPa (1-10 psi). In addition, lateral bale expansion can occur. For example, the bale can expand less than 2.54 cm (1 inch) towards all sides, for example, less than 1/2 inch towards all sides. The packaging material in step (d) can be secured by at least one strap arranged vertically around the fiber material, the number of straps used being able to withstand the vertical expansion force on the strap. It can be a sufficient number. In some embodiments, after balance of residual forces, the ratio of the percentage of visible surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale is 1: 1 or less.

  [0011] In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for packaging compressed cellulose acetate tow, comprising: a) providing a compressed cellulose acetate tow between an upper sheet and a lower sheet; b) wrapping substantially 100% of the surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow with the wrapping material; and c) fixing the wrapping material to form a packaged veil, comprising 99% of the surface area of the bale. % Or more is directed to a method in which the packaged bale is wrapped with packaging material after being stored for at least 48 hours. In certain aspects, after equilibrium of residual forces in the packaged veil, the ratio of the visible surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale is 1: 1 or less. In other aspects, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet has a slit or cut at each corner. This slit may be a Y-shaped slit, a V-shaped slit, or a U-shaped slit. In another aspect, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased at each corner. In another aspect, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased along the edge of the outer edge (flap). The packaged bale may have at least one side sheet. The at least one side sheet may include two side sheets. Either of the first two steps may further include wrapping cellulose acetate tow in an unsealed liner, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the unsealed liner is packaged cellulose The acetate is wrapped with packaging material after being stored for at least 48 hours. In some aspects, the top sheet has a greater surface area than the top surface of the cellulose acetate tow, and step b) further comprises folding a portion of the top sheet over at least one side surface of the bale. . In some aspects, the lower sheet has a greater surface area than the lower surface of the fibrous material, and step (b) further comprises folding a portion of the lower sheet over at least one side surface of the fibrous material. Including. The packaging material may be a cardboard material. Step c) may comprise applying a strap around the wrapping material. The strap may be a plastic strap. In some aspects, step c) includes applying a strap horizontally around the wrapper side. In a further aspect, step c) includes applying a strap vertically around the wrapping material. In a still further aspect, step c) includes applying straps in the horizontal and vertical directions around the wrapping material. In some aspects, the packaged material is not sealed under vacuum. The cellulose acetate tow may have a total vertical expansion pressure of 6.9 to 68.9 kPa (1 to 10 psi). In addition, lateral bale expansion can occur. For example, the bale can expand less than 2.54 cm (1 inch) towards all sides, for example, less than 1/2 inch towards all sides. The packaging material in step c) can be secured by at least one strap arranged vertically around the fiber material, the number of straps used being sufficient to withstand the total vertical expansion force Can be a number. In some embodiments, after the residual force has reached equilibrium, the ratio of the compressed surface area of the cellulose acetate tow partner to the percentage of the vertical expansion of the veil is 1: 1 or less.

  [0012] In yet another aspect, the present invention is a method for packaging cellulose acetate tow comprising: a) placing a cellulose acetate tow between an upper sheet and a lower sheet; b) an upper sheet and Compressing the cellulose acetate tow containing the lower sheet in a press to form a compressed cellulose acetate tow; c) introducing the compressed cellulose acetate tow into the packaging station; d) compressing with the packaging material Substantially wrapping 100% of the surface area of the formed cellulose acetate tow; and e) securing the wrapping material to form a packaged bale, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the bale is packaged It is directed to a method in which the bale is wrapped with packaging material after being stored for at least 48 hours. In aspects of the invention, after balance of residual forces in the packaged veil, the ratio of the visible surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale is 1: 1 or less. In other aspects, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet has a slit or cut at each corner. This slit may be a Y-shaped slit, a V-shaped slit, or a U-shaped slit. In another aspect, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased at each corner. In another aspect, at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased along the edge of the outer edge (flap). The packaged bale may include at least one side sheet. The at least one side sheet may include two side sheets. Either step may further comprise wrapping the cellulose acetate in an unsealed liner, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the unsealed liner is such that the packaged cellulose acetate is at least 48 hours. Wrapped in packaging after being stored. In some aspects, the top sheet has a greater surface area than the top surface of the cellulose acetate tow, and step (b) further comprises folding a portion of the top sheet over at least one side surface of the bale. Including. In some aspects, the lower sheet has a greater surface area than the lower surface of the fibrous material, and step (b) further comprises folding a portion of the lower sheet over at least one side surface of the fibrous material. Including. The packaging material may be a cardboard material. Step (d) may include applying a strap around the wrapping material. The strap may be a plastic strap. In some aspects, step (e) includes applying a strap horizontally around the wrapper side. In a further aspect, step (e) includes applying a strap vertically around the wrapping material. In yet a further aspect, step (e) includes applying straps in the horizontal and vertical directions around the wrapping material. In some aspects, the packaged material is not sealed under vacuum. The cellulose acetate tow may have a total vertical expansion pressure of 6.9 to 68.9 kPa (1 to 10 psi). In addition, lateral bale expansion can occur. For example, the bale can expand less than 2.54 cm (1 inch) towards all sides, for example, less than 1/2 inch towards all sides. The packaging material in step (e) can be secured by at least one strap arranged vertically around the fiber material, the number of straps used being sufficient to withstand the total vertical expansion force Can be any number. In some embodiments, after balance of residual forces, the ratio of the percentage of visible surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale is 1: 1 or less.

  [0013] The invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of a packaged tow bale prepared in accordance with prior art aspects. [0015] FIG. 5 is a view of a packaged tow bale prepared in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0016] FIG. 3 is a partially packaged tow bale prepared in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 4 is a partially packaged tow bale prepared in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Introduction
[0019] The present invention relates to a method for packaging fiber material, particularly compressed fiber material. Since the internal force is generated in the fiber material after compression, the compressed fiber material exerts a force on the packaging material applied to it. Such forces also cause lateral expansion in addition to the vertical expansion of the fiber material. As a result, the packaging material can be damaged and the fiber material can be exposed to the environment. Such exposure of the fiber material to the environment, particularly exposure to moisture, can further cause damage to the fiber material. In the case of cellulose acetate tow veil, cardboard is a relatively inexpensive packaging method, but it is inelastic and susceptible to damage, and is particularly susceptible to damage at folding sites, especially corners. As shown in FIG. 1, a strap (5) can be used to help accommodate the bale (1), but cardboard packaging damage can occur at the corners of the packaging. FIG. 1 also shows the top packaging sheet (2) and the side packaging sheet (4). FIG. 1 shows that even if the fiber material is packaged, it can be exposed in certain areas (1 in FIG. 1). Damage to cardboard packaging, particularly during cornering of the packaging, during storage and shipping, as well as during deveiling to produce downstream products, has a detrimental effect. For example, the fiber material is no longer covered with cardboard packaging and can be exposed, for example, to moisture and debris. This can cause damage to the fiber material and can result in material bulging, fiber entanglement, or fiber tearing. In addition, fiber materials can become smudged or smelled as a result of environmental exposure. To solve this problem, surprisingly and unexpectedly, by designing the corners of the upper and lower sheets in a certain way, it is possible to avoid breakage of the packaging material, especially at the corners It was found. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging material is not damaged and the entire fiber material is still wrapped in the packaging material. In some embodiments, the method places the fiber material between an upper sheet (2) and a lower sheet (not visible in FIG. 2), and then compresses the fiber material in a press to form a bale. including. The method further includes wrapping substantially 100% of the surface area of the bale with a wrapping material comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In some aspects, at least one side sheet is also used. As used herein, “substantially encapsulate 100% of the surface area” is a packaging material that is at least 99%, eg, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, or 100% of the surface area of the bale. Refers to wrapping. The wrapping material is then secured around the fiber material to form a packaged bale. According to this method, 99% or more of the surface area of the bale is wrapped by the packaging material after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours. The period of 48 hours is selected because the internal force at the bale substantially reaches equilibrium at 48 hours, and the veil becomes “steady state”. As used herein, “substantially reaching equilibrium” refers to at least 80%, eg, at least 90%, at least 95% of the internal force in the bale reaching equilibrium. Therefore, it is not expected that the bale will expand further within the packaging after 48 hours. The surface area of the upper and lower sheets may be greater than the surface area of the upper and lower surfaces of the bale, which allows the upper and lower sheets to be folded onto the sides of the bale. . Each corner of the upper and lower sheets may have slits or may be creased to allow for improved foldability and durability. In addition, the longitudinal direction (outer side flap edge) side portions of the upper sheet and the lower sheet may be creased.

  [0020] In another aspect, the method includes packaging the compressed cellulose acetate tow by providing a packaging material that includes an upper sheet, a lower sheet, and at least one side sheet. The method further includes wrapping 100% of the compressed cellulose acetate tow within a packaging material to form a packaged cellulose acetate tow veil. The packaging material is then secured and then the compressive force applied to the packaged cellulose acetate tow veil is released so that the residual force in the tow veil falls to a level that may be contained by the packaging material. After the residual force in the tow veil reaches equilibrium, the ratio of the visible surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of the vertical expansion of the veil is not more than 1: 1. The percentage of tow bale expansion can be measured by measuring the surface area of the packaged veil immediately after packaging (within 1 hour) and 48 hours after packaging (or within 1 hour).

[0021] Compression of fiber materials and fiber materials
[0022] As described herein, the present invention is applicable to methods for packaging fiber materials. The fiber material may be any material that includes fibers that are packaged for use, storage, and / or shipment. In some embodiments, the fiber material can be selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, olefins and other polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the fibrous material can be grass or hay, such as timothy hay, alfalfa hay, camo hay, bermuda grass hay, oat hay, clover hay, pasture hay, oxenary hay, and blouse hay. In a still further aspect, the fiber material can be selected from the group consisting of cotton, glass fiber insulation, beet pulp, and wood chips. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of cellulose acetate tow, as indicated, usually compressed to form a veil prior to packaging. To do. Methods for preparing and bale cellulose acetate tow are described in US Pat. Nos. 7,610,852, 7,585,442, 7,585,441, and 8,308,624. No. 6,924,029 and 7,487,720, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  [0023] The fiber material may be compressed prior to packaging, or otherwise compacted. Generally, compression is performed in a bale press, which is covered with at least an upper sheet and a lower sheet. Compression during packaging may reduce the volume of the fiber material by at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, or more preferably at least 40%. Regarding the range, the volume of the fiber material may be reduced by compression by 10-80%, preferably 25-75% or 40-70%. In determining the amount of compression, the flammability of the fiber material can be taken into account, particularly when determining the amount of compression for fiber materials having a low ignition temperature, such as hay. In some aspects, the fiber material, such as cellulose acetate tow, may be compressed by at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, or more preferably at least 70%.

  [0024] After compression, the platen may be slightly retracted or opened before the packaging is secured. This retraction step can result in a volume increase of less than 20%, such as less than 15% or less than 10%, optionally 0.5-15%. The packaged fiber material obtained after opening the platen and releasing the packaged veil can further expand, thereby providing a limited degree of extension in the upper and lower sheets and / or straps. And a volume increase of less than 20%, for example less than 15%, calculated based on the difference between the volume or height when packaging is complete and the volume or height when expansion is substantially complete Alternatively, a volume increase of less than 10%, optionally 1-15%, for example 1-10%, is optionally provided.

[0025] As described in US Pat. No. 7,610,852, which is incorporated herein by reference, the fiber material can be placed in a can and then placed in a press wall during pressing. The fiber material is then pressed between the covered platens. The platen may be covered with at least a portion of the packaging material, such as a top sheet and a bottom sheet. In addition, at least one of the platens may be covered with a liner as further described herein. If a liner is included, cover the top and / or bottom platen so that the liner is over the top and / or bottom sheet so that the liner adheres to the fiber material and the top and / or bottom sheet adheres to the liner Like that. The platen may be a flat platen or shaped depending on the degree of compression and the desired final shape of the bale. It should be understood that by using a shaped platen, the top and / or bottom surface of the bale can initially be concave. Over time, as the internal force at the bale reaches equilibrium, the bale becomes substantially flat and, for example, does not have a distinct convex appearance at the top or bottom. A substantially flat bale can be stored and shipped in a lateral position (not on its side) and is easier to debale, for example, a convex bale because the bale is flat Substantially flat veils can be desirable, especially compared to veils having a distinct convex appearance on the top or bottom veils, resulting in less tow fiber entanglement. This debale problem is particularly relevant for cellulose acetate tow which may have a bulk density of at least 300 kg / m ³ .

[0026] Upper sheet, lower sheet, and side sheet
[0027] The upper sheet, the lower sheet, and when used, the at least one side sheet may be made of the same material or different materials. These sheets can be flexible or rigid and can be made from a dough, film or foil, such as a single layer extruded film or a multilayer extruded film. The film or foil may comprise one or more of paper, polymer or metal. In one aspect, the upper and lower sheets include cardboard. In another aspect, the one or both sheets comprise a polymer film or foil. The polymer film or foil can include ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene homopolymer, polypropylene homopolymer, ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyester, and polystyrene. The polyethylene film may be a long chain low density polyethylene film.

  [0028] In some aspects, the sheet can be formed from woven or woven and coated polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, scrim and other fiber reinforced films.

  [0029] The sheet may further comprise modifiers, pigments, processing aids, antistatic agents and other additives to alter the properties of the layer. For example, the film can be liquid impermeable, vapor impermeable, or both. Each sheet may be one continuous sheet that does not include seams or perforations. In some embodiments, the sheet may comprise a fiber or string reinforced polymer film.

  [0030] The sheet may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or of various colors. In one aspect, the film is black. In another aspect, the sheet is transparent.

  [0031] The sheet may have a thickness of 100-800 μm, preferably 200-600 μm, or more preferably 300-400 μm. The sheet has a tensile strength of 10 to 175 N per cm width, preferably a minimum value of 17 to 131 N per cm width, more preferably a minimum value of 43 to 87 N per cm width in both the machine direction and the cross machine direction. be able to. In some aspects, the sheet can have a tensile strength of about 87 N per cm width. In order to maintain the desired height and volume in the final toe veil package, the sheet elongation should not be excessive and the sheet elongation is 1-20%, preferably 1- It can be in the range of 10%.

  [0032] In other embodiments, the sheet can have a thickness of 1-20 mm, preferably 2-10 mm, or more preferably 2-5 mm. Sheets having such a thickness include fiberboard, solid fiber, cardboard, cardboard, and cardboard with flutes in between.

[0033] Fixing of packaging material
[0034] The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and at least one side sheet, if used, the packaging material, is made of a veil using tape, straps, adhesive (eg glue), or combinations thereof It may be fixed around. In some aspects, no adhesive is used and the wrapping material is secured only by the strap.

  [0035] In some aspects, the wrapping material is secured with a tape (optionally wound on a tape roll) that includes a substantially planar substrate having an adhesive on the surface. The tape can be any tape that is strong enough to withstand the expansion force of the fiber material without tearing and without causing excessive expansion after packaging as described above. . When the fiber material is cellulose acetate tow bale, the force applied to the tape can be in the range of 10 to 175 N / cm, such as 17 to 131 N / cm, 43 to 87 N / cm, or 87 N / cm or less.

  [0036] The tape can be selected to meet certain tensile strengths, such as tensile load requirements and / or constant shear loads. Tensile load requirements are measured in Newtons (N) per centimeter (cm) width in the cross machine direction or main load direction, and in accordance with ASTM D3759 or PSTC-131, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. You may measure. The tape may be able to withstand a tensile load of 10 to 175 N / cm, preferably 17 to 131 N / cm, more preferably 43 to 87 N / cm. In another aspect, the tape may be able to withstand a tensile load of at least 87 N / cm. Suitable tapes are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0004765, EP 263278 A1, WO 2013/037648 A2, and WO 2012/150099 A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0037] The constant shear load is measured in kilograms per square centimeter and may be measured using ASTM 6463-99 Procedure A, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The test is performed at the desired weight, and if the tape does not break after 3000 minutes, the tape shall be able to withstand a constant shear load. Failure is defined as tape slipping or peeling before 3000 minutes have passed. Tape, constant shear load of 0.5~10N / cm ^2, preferably 0.6~7N / cm ^2, more preferably 2~6N / cm ^2, and most preferably a constant shear load of 4~6N / cm ² May be able to withstand. In another aspect, the tape may be able to withstand at least a certain shear load of 4N / cm ^2.

  [0038] Other properties of the tape, including tear strength, bond strength, viscosity, glass transition temperature, elongation at break, peel strength, softening point may also be considered when selecting a tape for the method of the present invention. . The tape can have enough peel strength to facilitate handling, which is the ability of the tape to resist the forces of tearing itself. The peel strength can be high enough for handling and tape application, but can be lower than the force required to tear or cut the tape. The peel strength can be controlled by adjusting the adhesive strength of the tape. In some aspects, the tape has a peel strength of at least 2.7 N / cm, preferably as disclosed in US 2013/0233485, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It can have a peel strength of at least 4.3 N / cm. The peel force of the tape can depend on the width of the tape and the type of carrier used. The tape may have sufficient elongation to facilitate handling. In some embodiments, the tape may have an elongation of 1% to 25%, preferably 1% to 15%, more preferably 5% to 15%.

  [0039] The tape may comprise a substrate or carrier such as paper, laminate, film, foam or foam film. Films include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide (nylon-6, nylon-6,6, nylon-6,9, nylon-6,10, nylon 6,12, nylon-11, and nylon-12. Including), polyurethane, mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof. The film may be uniaxially stretched or biaxially stretched. Carriers also include fabric carriers such as knitted fabrics, scrims, tapes, braids, taffeta fabrics, felts, woven materials (including plain, twill and satin), reinforced fabrics, warp knitted and non-woven webs (fixed). Including staple fiber webs, filament webs, meltblown webs, and spunbond webs).

  [0040] The adhesive can be a pressure sensitive adhesive, for example, a viscoelastic composition that remains permanently tacky and adhesive in a dry state at room temperature. Bonding is achieved by applying pressure gently and instantaneously to virtually all substrates. The pressure sensitive adhesives used include those based on polymer blocks containing block copolymers. Such blocks may be formed from vinyl aromatics such as styrene (A block) and those obtained through polymerization of 1,3-dienes such as butadiene and isoprene or copolymers of the two (B block). preferable. Mixtures of different block copolymers can also be used. Preference is given to using partially or fully hydrogenated products. The block copolymer may have a linear ABA structure. Similarly, block copolymers having a radial architecture can be used, and star and linear multiblock copolymers can also be used. Instead of polystyrene blocks, other aromatic-containing homopolymers or copolymers (preferably C8-C12 aromatics) are used, for example polymer blocks having a glass transition temperature above about 75 ° C., eg containing α-methylstyrene It is also possible to use an aromatic block or the like.

  [0041] Polymer blocks based on (meth) acrylate homopolymers and (meth) acrylate copolymers and having glass transition temperatures above 75 ° C. are also available. In this context, it is not only possible to use block copolymers that exclusively utilize rigid blocks based on (meth) acrylate polymers, but also poly (meth) acrylate blocks as well as polyaromatic blocks such as polystyrene blocks. It is also possible to use what to do. Glass transition temperature values for non-inorganic and primarily non-inorganic materials (more specifically, organic materials and polymeric materials) are DIN 53765: 1994, incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise indicated in specific cases. Related to the numerical value Tg of the glass transition temperature as described in -03 (see section 2.2.1). Instead of styrene-butadiene block copolymers and styrene-isoprene block copolymers and / or their hydrogenated products (including styrene-ethylene / butylene block copolymers and styrene-ethylene / propylene block copolymers) It is equally possible to utilize block copolymers and their hydrogenated products, which additionally utilize containing elastomeric blocks, such as copolymers of two or more different 1,3-dienes. Functionalized block copolymers such as maleic anhydride modified styrene block copolymers or silane modified styrene block copolymers can also be used. Usual working concentrations for block copolymers are 30 wt. % To 70 wt. % Range, more specifically 35 wt. % To 55 wt. The concentration is in the range of%.

  [0042] Further polymers that may be included in the tape are pure hydrocarbon-based polymers, such as unsaturated polydienes such as natural or synthetically produced polyisoprene or polybutadiene, such as saturated ethylene-propylene copolymers, Elastomers with substantial chemical saturation such as α-olefin copolymers, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and chemically functionalized carbonization such as halogen containing polyolefins, acrylate containing polyolefins, or vinyl ether containing polyolefins Such as hydrogen, which may replace less than half of the vinyl aromatic-containing block copolymer.

  [0043] The tape may further comprise a tackifier or a tackifier resin. Suitable tackifying resins include partially or fully hydrogenated resins based on rosin or rosin derivatives. Hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins, such as hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins obtained by partial or complete hydrogenation of aromatic-containing hydrocarbon resins (eg, Arakawa's Arkon P and Arkon M series, or Eastman) Regalite series), hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene polymers (eg, Escorez 5300 series from Exxon), hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated C5 / C9 resins (Exxon) Escorez 5600 series), or hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated C5 resins (Eastman from Eastman), and mixtures thereof, can also be used at least in part. Hydrogenated polyterpene resins based on polyterpenes can also be used. Tackifying resins can be used both alone and in mixtures.

  [0044] The tape may also contain additional additives, including light stabilizers such as UV absorbers, sterically hindered amines, antiozonants, metal deactivators, processing aids, and endblock reinforcing resins. . Plasticizers can include liquid resins, plasticizer oils, or low molecular weight liquid polymers (including low molecular weight polyisobutylene having a molecular weight of less than 1500 g / mol (number average) or liquid EPDM grade).

  [0045] The tape may have a liner material that lines one or two layers of adhesive until use. Suitable liner materials include all of the materials listed comprehensively above. However, preference is given to using non-fluffing materials such as polymer films or well-sized long fiber paper.

  [0046] A mold release agent may be applied to the top surface of the carrier or film. Suitable release agents include surfactant-based release systems based on long chain alkyl groups such as stearyl sulfosuccinate or stearyl sulfosuccinamate, but also include polymers, For example, selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl stearyl carbamate, polyethyleneimine stearyl carbamide, chromium complexes of C14 to C28 fatty acids, and stearyl copolymers, as described in DE 28 45 541 A, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. it can. Likewise suitable are release agents based on acrylic polymers with perfluorinated alkyl groups, eg silicones or fluorosilicone compounds such as those based on poly (dimethylsiloxane). The release coating can include a silicone-based polymer. Particularly preferred examples of silicone-based polymers having such a release effect include polyurethane-modified silicones and / or polyurea-modified silicones, preferably organopolysiloxane / polyurea / polyurethane block copolymers, more preferably 70% silicone weight fraction. Described in Example 19 of EP 1336683B1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including anionically stabilized polyurethane-modified silicones and urea-modified silicones having a rate and an acid number of 30 mg KOH / g Things. In one embodiment, the release layer is 10-20 wt. %, More preferably 13-18 wt. % Release effect ingredient.

  [0047] Prior to packaging, the tape may be provided in the form of a roll, in other words in the form of an Archimedean spiral wound by itself, to which a release material such as a siliconized paper or a siliconized film is bonded. It may be provided by lining the agent side. A backside varnish may be applied to the backside of the adhesive tape to beneficially affect the unwinding characteristics of the adhesive tape wound on the roll.

  [0048] The tape may include a reinforcement composed of a bi-directional raid / woven fabric made from a low extensibility PET yarn or string. In particular, warp knitting with wefts is preferred because, in the case of raid fabrics, it means that no additional extensibility is introduced into the material without the corrugated structure of the warp. In other embodiments, the tape has no reinforcing strings or reinforcing fibers.

  [0049] The number of tape pieces, tape placement, and tape width can be selected depending on the tensile strength, shear strength, and load requirements of the end application of the tape. As described above, for the cellulose acetate tow application and tape in the preferred strength range described, the width of the tape is selected. The thickness of the tape can also be selected depending on the application and depending on the desired tensile and shear strength of the tape. The thickness of the tape can vary, but is preferably in the range of 50-400 μm, for example 75-200 μm or 100-150 μm. It is desirable to reduce the amount of tape used while fixing the packaging properly.

  [0050] In some aspects, the packaging material is secured by a strap. The strap can be secured by known means, including pressure welding or clipping for metal straps, and friction welding of plastic straps. Metal straps may be used, but plastic straps are preferred because they are less expensive and less dangerous. As with the tape, the number of straps, strap placement, and strap width can be selected depending on the tensile strength of the strap, the size and dimensions of the bale, and the load requirements of the final bale. In some aspects, the number of straps applied in the vertical direction is selected to be sufficient to withstand the full vertical expansion force of the fiber material. In other aspects, the number and placement of the straps is to prevent unacceptable veil bulging or distortion. In some aspects, two straps are secured vertically around the bale. In a further aspect, three straps are secured vertically around the veil. In a still further aspect, four straps are secured vertically around the veil. In a further aspect, five or more straps are secured vertically around the bale. Due to the method of compressing the fiber material, a strap that can be secured horizontally around the bale need not meet the same requirements as the tensile strength requirement of the vertically secured strap. In some aspects, the horizontal strap is a temporary strap for holding the wrapping material in place for a limited time. In some aspects, two straps are secured horizontally around the bale. In other aspects, three straps are secured horizontally around the bale. In a further aspect, four or more straps are secured horizontally around the bale.

  [0051] In addition, depending on the design of the upper seat, the lower seat, and the number of side seats, the vertical and horizontal straps can be variously arranged. In some aspects, the vertical straps and the horizontal straps are evenly disposed along the veil. In other aspects, such as when using a flat platen to compress the fiber material, the vertical straps are concentrated towards the center of the bale rather than evenly distributed, while the horizontal straps It may still be arranged evenly.

[0052] Packaging method
[0053] As described herein, the methods of the present invention relate to the packaging of fibrous materials, such as the packaging of cellulose acetate tow. Packaging may not occur under vacuum, ie no vacuum sealing process is used and the packaging is not intentionally airtight. The fiber material may be compressed before packaging. The uncompressed fiber material can be supplied in any shape, for example in the form of a cube, a right-angle prism, a cylindrical surface, preferably a right-angle prism. In a further aspect, uncompressed fiber material is fed into the liner, eg, between the fiber material and the sheet, to prevent odor or water ingress or other types of contamination. be able to. When used, it is preferred that the liner be merely protective, rather than used to accommodate any degree of compression of the fiber material. The liner can be any conventional liner known in the art. The liner may be a piece, for example a bag, which is placed over the top or bottom platen and then pulled over the compressed fiber material so that it is in intimate contact with the compressed fiber material. . In a further aspect, the liner may be two pieces, one piece over the top platen and one piece over the bottom platen. Optionally, the liner may be secured with an adhesive or tape. The same adhesive or tape described herein may be used to secure the liner. In a further aspect, the liner is not fixed and is held in place by the packaging material. The liner is neither heat sealed nor vacuum sealed and is therefore not airtight.

  [0054] The fiber material may be stored in a large can that serves to contain the fiber material at atmospheric pressure prior to packaging. The can may be opened to supply shaped fiber material. The fiber material can be compressed via known methods to form a compressed fiber material in the form of a cube or right-angle prism. The fiber material is placed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet before or after compression. The lower sheet rests on the lower platen and the upper sheet is removably attached or not attached to the upper platen. Each sheet can be placed on a respective platen and held in place by gravity and / or by known means including magnets, tapes, ropes, bungee cords, or other securing means, respectively Can be attached to any platen. In some aspects, the surface area of the lower sheet and / or the upper sheet is greater than the bottom surface area and / or the top surface area of the fiber material, respectively.

[0055] When uncompressed fiber material is placed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet (and possibly the liner), the press is activated to wrap the fiber material and raise the lower platen or lift the upper platen. The fiber material can be compressed down. Alternatively, both the upper and lower platens may be moved to compress the fibers. A target force is applied to compress the fiber material for a predetermined residence time. After compression, a certain percentage of withdrawal and relaxation is allowed as described above. The compressed fiber material includes residual forces maintained in the compressed fiber material after retracting the platen but before fully opening the platen to release the veil. In embodiments where the compressed fiber material is cellulose acetate tow veil, the residual pressure can be, for example, about 35 N / cm ² or less.

  [0056] When the bale is pressed, the upper and lower sheets wrap around the bale and can substantially wrap 100% of the surface area of the bale (or liner, if applicable). In some embodiments, at least one side sheet is also used as part of the packaging material. In some aspects, one side sheet is used and wraps around the bale horizontally. In a further aspect, two side sheets are used to wrap around the bale horizontally. In yet a further aspect, two side sheets are used, each sheet wraps around the bale vertically and wraps 100% of the surface area of the bale. The side sheets may overlap each other or themselves. This overlap can occur on the top sheet, on the bottom sheet, or along the sides of the bale, or any combination thereof.

  [0057] In aspects where the surface area of the lower sheet is greater than the surface area of the bottom surface, or in aspects where the surface area of the upper sheet is greater than the surface area of the top surface, the lower sheet and / or the upper sheet is at least one side of the bale. It is folded so as to overlap the surface. To facilitate both covering the platen and folding the sheet, the top sheet and / or the bottom sheet was cut into itself with respect to the creased corners, the cut corners, or the material to be removed You may have a corner which has a slit. An example of a cut portion at a corner is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the crease (dashed line) does not completely cut the sheet, but allows flexibility in the sheet so that it can be folded without folding, while the corner cut (6) (solid line) ) Allows further flexibility in the material without removing the material while maintaining integrity. Similarly, slitting each corner to remove material provides some elasticity to the sheet without compromising strength. The slits can be Y-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, but other shapes are possible. Furthermore, the top sheet may have a different slit shape than the bottom sheet. As shown in FIG. 4, each corner of the top sheet (2) and the bottom sheet (3) has a V-shaped slit (8). The corners may have some resiliency to allow for expansion without being torn or otherwise damaged, although they may meet initially when folded. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the edge in the longitudinal direction (outer side flap) of the sheet may be creased. The crease consists of a plurality of parallel crease lines that allow the sheet to be folded around the platen and then refolded around the bale after compression and lateral expansion.

  [0058] In some aspects, the upper sheet and / or the lower sheet may be folded before wrapping around the bale with at least one side sheet. In other aspects, at least one side sheet may be wrapped around the bale and then the upper sheet and / or the lower sheet may be folded around the side sheet.

  [0059] In some aspects, at least one side sheet may also have slits or folds as described herein to allow wrapping around the veil. In other aspects, the at least one side sheet does not have any slits or folds.

  [0060] Once the upper sheet, lower sheet, and at least one side sheet are in place, these sheets are secured as described herein to form a packaged bale. Wrapping material (eg, upper sheet, lower sheet and at least one side sheet) is 100% of the surface area of the compressed fiber material (veil) or the compressed fiber material is wrapped in a liner Covers 100% of the surface area of the liner. Generally, the packaging process is performed within 1 hour of pressing, for example, within 30 minutes, within 15 minutes, or within 10 minutes.

[0061] When the packaging material is secured and the press is opened to release the packaged bale, the packaging body expands vertically and laterally, and as the fiber material fills the packaging body, the expansion of the packaging material Can be caused. As the packaging material extends, the vertical compression force in the fiber material drops, but can still be a pressure of about 5 N / cm ² or less. The compressive force can remain in this range for about 48 hours. The compressive force can gradually decrease during this time. In general, it is understood that the compression force substantially reaches equilibrium in 48 hours, and for this reason a storage period of 48 hours is used to inspect the packaging for breakage.

  [0062] In some aspects (not shown), the fiber material is compressed and then disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet. In these aspects, the lower platen and the upper platen are not required and the sheet may be manually placed on the fiber material.

[0063] Once the fiber material has been compressed, packaging is preferably performed at ambient temperature and pressure before or after placement between the lower and upper sheets.
[0064] After a 48 hour storage period, the packaged bale is inspected, generally at ambient temperature and pressure. When packaging is performed according to the present invention, less than 1% of the surface area of the bale (or liner) is visible, for example, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1% or less than 0.01%. For a 1 meter x 1 meter square bale having a surface area of 6 square meters (or 600 cm), less than 6 square centimeters are considered visible, for example, less than 3 square centimeters, less than 0.6 square centimeters, or 0.06 square centimeters are visible it is conceivable that. Thus, the wrapping material can be 99% or more, such as 99.5% or more, 99.9% or more, or 99.99% of the surface area of the bale (or liner) after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours. It covers the above.

  [0065] In addition to reducing the percentage of visible surface area of the bale (or liner), the present invention also provides a reduction in the ratio of the percentage of visible surface area to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale. In some aspects, this ratio is 1: 1 or less, such as 0.9: 1 or less, 0.8: 1 or less, or 0.7: 1 or less. Such a decrease in ratio reflects the elasticity in the packaging material as the vertical surface area increases, indicating that the visible surface area increases, for example, at a smaller ratio if increased. doing.

  [0066] Although the fiber material disclosed in the drawings is shown in a cubic shape, other shapes may be used, and accordingly the folding process will involve overlapping sheets with tape, straps and / or adhesives. It should be understood that changes are made to allow connection.

  [0067] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Aspects of the invention and parts of the various embodiments and various features recited in the specification and / or the appended claims may be combined or interchanged in whole or in part. Should be understood. In the above description of various aspects, aspects referring to other aspects may be combined appropriately with other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention.

1 Bale 2 Top sheet, top packaging sheet, top sheet 3 Bottom sheet 4 Side packaging sheet 5 Strap 6 Corner cut 8 V-shaped slit

Claims (26)

A method of packaging fiber material,
a. Placing the fibrous material between an upper sheet and a lower sheet;
b. Compressing the fiber material in a press to form a veil;
c. Substantially wrapping 100% of the surface area of the bale with a packaging material comprising the upper sheet and the lower sheet; and d. Securing the wrapping material around the fiber material to form a packaged bale, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the bale after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours The method wrapped by the material.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet has a slit at each corner.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets has a longitudinal (outer edge flap) crease line.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sheets has a plurality of parallel longitudinal (outer side flap) crease lines.   5. A method according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets is disposed longitudinally (outer side flaps) disposed on the top and bottom sides of at least one of the upper and lower sheets. ) Method with crease lines.   The method according to claim 2, wherein the slit is a Y-shaped slit, a V-shaped slit, or a U-shaped slit.   The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is creased at each corner.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the packaging material comprises at least one side sheet.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein the top sheet has a surface area greater than the top surface of the bale, and step (c) comprises removing a portion of the top sheet from at least one side of the bale. The method further comprising folding over the surface.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lower sheet has a larger surface area than the lower surface of the bale, and step (c) comprises allocating a portion of the lower sheet to at least one side of the bale. The method further comprising folding over the surface.   The method of claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) includes placing the fibrous material in an unsealed liner before placing the fibrous material between the upper sheet and the lower sheet. The method further comprising wrapping, wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the unsealed liner is wrapped by the wrapping material after the bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.   The method of claim 1, wherein the packaging material covers 99.5% or more of the surface area of the bale after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein the packaging material covers 99.9% or more of the surface area of the bale after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.   2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the packaging material comprises a cardboard material.   The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) comprises applying a strap around the wrapping material.   The method of claim 16, wherein the strap is a plastic strap.   The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) includes applying a strap horizontally around the wrapping material.   The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) includes applying a strap vertically around the wrapping material.   The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) comprises applying straps horizontally and vertically around the wrapper.   The method of claim 1 wherein the packaged bale is not sealed under vacuum.   The method of claim 1, wherein the fibrous material of step (d) has a total vertical expansion pressure of 6.9 to 68.9 kPa (1 to 10 psi).   The method according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping material in step (d) is secured by at least one strap arranged vertically around the fibrous material and the number of straps applied is A method where the straps are sufficient to withstand the full vertical expansion force. A method of packaging compressed cellulose acetate tow,
a. Feeding compressed cellulose acetate tow between the upper and lower sheets;
b. Substantially wrapping 100% of the surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow with a packaging material; and c. Fixing the packaging material to form a packaged bale;
Wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the bale is wrapped by the packaging material after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours. A method of packaging cellulose acetate tow,
a. Disposing the cellulose acetate tow between an upper sheet and a lower sheet;
b. Compressing the cellulose acetate tow comprising the upper sheet and the lower sheet in a press to form a compressed cellulose acetate tow;
c. Introducing the compressed cellulose acetate tow into a packaging station;
d. Substantially wrapping 100% of the surface area of the compressed cellulose acetate tow with packaging material; and e. Fixing the packaging material to form a packaged bale;
Wherein 99% or more of the surface area of the bale is wrapped by the packaging material after the packaged bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein after balance of residual force, the ratio of the visible surface area percentage of the compressed cellulose acetate tow to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale is 1: 1 or less.

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