JPH08325967A - Method and apparatus for decreasing blow line interference during manufacturing cellulose composite material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for continuously producing cellulosic products using a reactive binder composition with markedly reduced or substantially dissolved blowline obstruction. SOLUTION: This apparatus for producing cellulosic binder composite is equipped with a blowline 16 that transporting cellulosic fibers from the outlet of the refiner 14 to the outlet of the blowline 16 into the dryer tube 26 at a high speed in the air flow and a binder outlet nozzle for injecting the binder material via the binder inlet into the blowline 16. In this case, this binder inlet is arranged along the blowline 16 almost nearer to the outlet of the blowline 16 than to the refiner outlet 14.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a product manufactured from a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Refined cellulosic and / or lignocellulosic materials (referred to as furnish) can be formed into finished products. An example of a method of forming such a product is described in Betzner, U.S. Pat.
771 and Harmon, US Pat. Nos. 5,093,058 and 5,188,785. The disclosure of Harmon's patent specification is incorporated herein by reference. Board products are formed from cellulosic furnish by first reducing cellulosic fibers to a desired size using a refiner. The refined cellulosic material is then mixed with a binder and possibly other chemicals including flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents. next,
The cellulosic material is partially dewatered, formed into a mat and heated between heated platens in a hot press to obtain a reinforced plate product.

Although many binders are used to form toughened board products, a particularly useful group of binders are isocyanates or polyisocyanates, which are collectively referred to herein as isocyanate binders. These binders are superior to other binders. For example, isocyanate binders have significantly better weather resistance than standard phenolic binders,
Processing time is short. In addition, a binder specifically formulated,
The use of phenolic binders, for example, is significantly more expensive.

Isocyanate binders are extremely reactive and are commonly used in furnishes as aqueous emulsions or dispersions. Isocyanate binders often react in a binder sorter before using the binder in the furnish. Isocyanate binders also adhere to other structures such as dryer walls,
It accumulates here and eventually forms the obstacle. For this,
The continuous operation of the processing system is disturbed. The reason is that the system must be closed and the obstacle removed. This has been found to be a particularly serious problem when the isocyanate binder composition is introduced into the equipment blow line at elevated temperatures. Isocyanate binders are more reactive at high temperatures,
Therefore, it cures rapidly in the blow line or dryer. Current methods of using a blow line and introducing an isocyanate binder into the blow line can only operate continuously within about 48 hours. Closing the device and removing the obstruction is unavoidable and expensive.

Known methods and apparatus using a fast-curing binder, such as an isocyanate, and a blow line for transporting cellulosic fibers from a refiner to a dryer, have a blow line on the binder that is near the refiner and far from the blow line exit. It was added. By doing this, a binder that moves at high speed
Provide adequate mixing time for the binder and cellulosic material before the fiber stream enters the dryer. But,
This need for proper mixing time exacerbates the problems of binder deposition and blow line and dryer obstruction.

Water-cooled isocyanate binder application devices have been developed to solve the problem of isocyanate reactivity on the surface. The water chiller reduces the temperature of the isocyanate binder composition, which increases the time required for binder precure.
However, it has been found that water cooling alone is not sufficient to overcome the problems of binder pre-cure and blowline obstruction.

Accordingly, a method and apparatus for properly mixing cellulosic fibers with a binder that is highly reactive in a binder-fiber stream, while at the same time eliminating the failure of the apparatus caused by premature binder curing. is necessary.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to use reactive binders, such as isocyanate binders, to significantly reduce or substantially eliminate equipment failures, especially blowline failures, while at the same time It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for producing a product from cellulosic furnish that provides a suitable mixing time of the binder and cellulosic fibers before the binder-fiber stream enters the dryer.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention achieves the objects set forth above and is capable of continuously producing cellulosic products formed from reactive binder compositions suitably mixed with cellulosic fibers, An apparatus and method are provided. In the present invention, surprisingly, obstruction or significantly reduced obstruction of the blow line and downstream equipment elements is achieved, while at the same time proper mixing of the binder and the fibers is achieved by blowing the binder into the fiber stream. It has been found that it can be provided by introducing inside the line but near the exit of the blow line rather than near the refinery blow line inlet.

In a preferred embodiment, using a blow line,
Transport the cellulosic furnish to a dryer. The binder application assembly applies the binder composition to the furnish in the blowline. An application assembly plumbed to the blow line near the blow line outlet has an air sheath defining a conduit through which the binder applicator extends. Air is drawn or forced into the air sheath to cool the binder composition. Air is expelled through a plurality of vent holes provided in the air sheath. The binder applicator is fitted with a nozzle for using the binder on the furnish in the blow line.

The binder application assembly is plumbed to the blowline, generally at an obtuse angle α defined between the application assembly and the wall downstream of the blowline. As used herein, "upstream" and "downstream" mean the direction in which the cellulosic furnish moves in the blow line, "upstream" is the opposite direction of movement, and "downstream" is the direction of movement. It is the same direction as the direction. Although the angle α can be varied and the device will still operate properly, the angle α can generally be varied between about 90 and about 135 °, with the preferred angle being about 110-110.
It is about 120 °. In addition, the binder application assembly may be placed on the blow line at about 6 inches from the blow line outlet to at least about 3.66.
m (about 12 feet) upstream, where the preferred connection is about 30.4 cm from the blowline outlet.
(About 12 inches) to about 122 cm (about 48 inches) upstream.

Generally, the blowline outlet is located inside the dryer. There is an opening through the wall of the dryer adjacent to the blow line inlet section for the binder application assembly. The blow line can operate at a pressure below ambient pressure (negative pressure) or above ambient pressure (positive pressure). When the blowline operates at negative pressure, air is drawn through the vents into the air sheath around the binder applicator to help cool the binder composition. When the blow line operates at positive pressure, the air sheath generally
It has a lid and has a pressurized air inlet. Pressurized air is introduced through the pressurized air inlet and flows around the binder applicator.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a binder-diluent mixer operably linked to the binder applicator. The binder-diluent mixer comprises a binder inlet for receiving a first stream containing binder,
A diluent inlet for receiving a second stream containing diluent and an in-line mixer fluidly coupled to the binder inlet and the diluent inlet to form a mixed stream. The mixed stream is transported to a binder applicator and used for furnish in a blow line.
The mixer can include an adduct inlet for receiving an adduct that is useful in making a cellulosic product. Additive materials include, but are not limited to, materials selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents.

Further, the apparatus may include a control valve at the binder inlet and a diluent control valve at the diluent inlet. These valves are actuated by fluid pressure and opened by the downstream pressures of the first and second streams, respectively, so that the first and second streams flow into the mixer through the inlets. It The valve is capable of closing in response to a decrease in downstream pressure exerted by the first and second flows, respectively. Also, a purger can be used to remove the binder from the mixer with a diluent. The purger maintains the downstream pressure in the diluent control valve and at the same time lowers the downstream pressure in the binder control valve to close the binder control valve, thereby allowing continuous flow of binder and diluent from the downstream portion of the device. To remove.

A particularly preferred example of this apparatus is used to make board products from cellulosic furnish and reactive isocyanate binder composition. The device includes a refiner that produces hot wet cellulosic fibers. The blow line transports cellulosic fibers from the refiner to the dryer through a blow line outlet located inside the dryer inlet. The binder application assembly described above uses a binder for furnish in a blowline. Also, the binder-diluent mixer is typically operably connected to a binder applicator. The conveyor transports the cellulosic material from the dryer to the mat forming device to form the mat. The heated press compresses the mat and hardens the binder to form a reinforced product.

The method of the present invention involves transporting the cellulosic material in the blowline to a dryer through a blowline outlet located within the inlet of the dryer. A binder is used with the cellulosic material in the blowline by the binder application assembly described above. Cellulosic material is formed into a mat,
The mat is compressed by a heated press to harden the binder.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is useful for making cellulosic or lignocellulosic products, particularly fiberboard, from furnish and isocyanate binders. FIG. 1 illustrates the method of the present invention. Briefly, FIG. 1 shows that a cellulosic material, for example, wood chips, is fed to a feeding device 10 to produce a digester 1
Indicates to send to 2. The cellulosic material is exposed to steam and high pressure in digester 12 to soften the cellulosic material and decompose lignin. Next, the processed chips are transported to the refiner 14. The refiner 14 separates the cellulosic material into its constituent fibers. The material in the refiner 14 comprises hot wet cellulosic fibers.

The hot wet fibers and steam are discharged from the refiner 14. The fibers move at high speed through the blow line 16 in a continuous moving stream. Binders and other compounds such as flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents are typically added to the furnish in blowline 16. Although the binder can be virtually any binder useful in making cellulosic materials, the present invention is particularly directed to highly reactive binders such as monomeric isocyanates, oligomeric isocyanates and mixtures thereof. It is particularly useful for binders selected from the group consisting of where the binder has an isocyanate functionality of at least 2.

Previously, a binder composition was added to ensure that the binder was properly mixed in the fiber stream.
It was introduced into the blow line 16 right next to the refiner 14. Thereby, the isocyanate binder,
It hardens and becomes obstructed inside the blow line 16, which requires periodic obstruction of the obstruction during which the device is closed. The apparatus and method of the present invention significantly reduce or substantially eliminate blowline obstruction by using a binder on furnish at a location downstream of the known practice of the invention and at the same time, still,
Surprisingly, it provides a proper mixture of binder and fiber. It has long been believed that the deposition of binder composition on the blowline wall 18 is minimized due to the presence of a continuous film of condensed water. Furthermore, it was believed that the turbulent flow in the blowline 16 exerted a cleaning action so that the blowline wall 18 did not adhere to the cured binder or the cured binder / cellulosic material mixture. Finally, blowline 1 which is on the order of a few seconds
It was believed that the binder residence time in 6 was short enough that the time and energy were insufficient for the detrimental isocyanate binder reaction to occur. These beliefs turned out to be false in nature. The above characteristics have not sufficiently prevented the failure of the blow line 16 to the extent that the cellulose binder composition can be efficiently and continuously produced. Prior to the present invention, the isocyanate binder / blow line addition process was
It was virtually impossible to operate continuously for more than an hour.

FIG. 1 illustrates a nozzle assembly 20 plumbed to an assembly for dispensing binder into the fiber stream in blowline 16, as described below. FIG. 1 shows that additional conventional nozzles 22, 24 are plumbed to the blow line 16 to allow other additives such as flame retardants,
It shows that release agents and sizing agents can be used for the fibers. Also, these additives are added to the fiber, the additional substance inlet line to the nozzle assembly 20, and the blow line 16
It can be used by connecting to each substance that can be added to the cellulosic material therein.

The fiber-binder stream is discharged from blow lie 16 through outlet 128 (FIG. 5) and into suction tube 106 leading to dryer section 26 for partial dewatering.
Enter. A cyclone 28 and an airlock 30 are provided to separate the cellulosic material from the dryer air stream. The fibers then pass through a blender 32, where additives including additional binders, sizing agents, release agents and / or other desired materials can be mixed with the cellulosic material. After adding all desired compounds to form the binder-cellulosic composite,
The composite material is guided through the transportation system 34. The transportation system 34 directly communicates with the second cyclone 36. The second cyclone 36 has an airlock 38,
It leads to a fiber storage bin 40. Fiber is stored from a storage bin 40 in one or more forming head devices 42.
Supply to. The device 42 dispenses the fiber mat 44 onto a forming belt 46. The mat 44 is degassed by one or more prepresses 48 and compressed by a hot press 50 to the final press thickness, which also cures the binder to form the desired product.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the mixing of binders, diluents, and other materials to form a binder composition prior to applying the composition to fibers. For example,
FIG. 2 shows that the release agent and sizing agent are added individually or together to binder stream 52, diluent stream 54, mixed binder-diluent stream 56, or directly to fiber stream 58 as shown by dotted line 60. Indicates that you can. Also,
Additional compounds may be added at various positions, eg dotted line 62
The binder composition can be formed at the positions indicated by ~ 66. In this way, the diluent, binder and adducts are combined or mixed just prior to use in the fiber stream 58.

FIG. 3 illustrates a mixing assembly 20 useful for mixing binders and diluents and other desired ingredients.
An example is shown below. FIG. 3 shows that the mixing assembly 20 has a diluent inlet 68, a binder inlet 70, and a mixing portion 72 for mixing the diluent and binder. Also,
The mixing assembly 20 may include threads 74 that connect the assembly 20 to other structural members, such as the binder applicator described below. A diluent, such as a stream of water, is introduced through the diluent inlet 68. A binder stream, preferably selected from the group consisting of isocyanates, polyisocyanates or other suitable thermosetting binders, is introduced through binder inlet 70. The diluent inlet 68 can include a quick fitting 76 that allows for rapid connection and disconnection with the diluent supply line 78. A pressure relief check valve 80 may be used for the diluent inlet 68. This valve 80 is actuated by a control spring 82 and is connected, for example screw-connected, to the joint 76. The diluent check valve 80 prevents the backflow from the mixing section 72 from entering the diluent supply line 78. Further, the diluent check valve 80 has a water flow pressure of about 1.05 kg / cm.
It only opens when some minimum pressure of ² (about 15 psi) is exceeded and allows diluent to enter the mixing section 72. This ensures that water and binder mixing does not occur until the water stream reaches the appropriate working pressure. This also ensures that the flow of diluent into the mixing assembly 20 is stopped immediately by stopping the flow of diluent flow or by reducing the pressure of the flow.
Suitable check valves 80 are commercially available.

The binder inlet 70 also includes a fitting 84 for connecting to a binder supply tube 86 having a fitting 88 for feeding the binder to the mixing assembly 20. A pressure relief check valve 90 is used for the binder inlet 70. The check valve 90 has a control spring 92 and is strutedly connected to a fitting 84. Check valve 9
0 has a function of preventing a backflow from the mixing section 72 from entering the binder supply line 86. Check valve 9
Zero also prevents the water and binder from mixing before the binder stream reaches the appropriate working pressure.

The mixing section 72 has an intersecting T
It has a section 94. The intersecting tees 94 are supportably coupled to the outlet of the diluent check valve 80 and the binder check valve 92 for receiving the binder stream 52 and the diluent stream 54. The T section 94 is also connected to an in-line mixing section 96, which comprises a plurality of internal baffles 98 for mixing the binder and diluent.
The exact number and shape of baffles 98 is not a critical feature. An important aspect of the mixing section 96 is that sufficient mixing results in the formation of a properly mixed binder composition for use in the fibers.

1 and 4-6 show blowline 16
Are typically surrounded by or located within the inlet of the dryer 26. further,
4-6 show that the blowline 16 has a downstream portion 100 that has a smaller diameter than the upstream portion 10 of the blowline 16. The velocity of the cellulosic material is accelerated as it enters portion 100, which facilitates mixing of the binder composition and cellulosic material. Part 10
The diameters of 0 and 101 can be changed depending on the cellulosic material throughput. One operating principle of the device is
Upstream portion 101 having an inner diameter of 15.24 cm (6 inches)
And a downstream part 1 having an inner diameter of 10.1 cm (4 inches)
Blow line 16 with 00 is used. These diameters are sufficient to process cellulosic material throughputs of about 79 to about 340 kg / min (about 175 to about 750 lbs / min). The diameter of the blow line 16 is 10
The amount to decrease from 1 to 100 is that the binder and the fibers are properly mixed from the position where the binder is introduced into the flow of fibers to the outlet of the blowline, as described below, to produce the desired binder. It must be of a degree that provides the desired effect in the fiber stream. It is presently believed that best results can be obtained by reducing the diameter of blowline 16 by about 30-35%, more typically about 33%.

In view of these and other dimensions, in practice, the dimensions of the various components of the fiberboard manufacturing system described above will vary widely depending on the equipment. In a working principle apparatus embodying the present invention, for example, dryer tube 26 is about 150 feet in length,
The inner diameter was about 1.8 meters (about 6 feet). The blow line 16 was about 60 feet in length from the refiner to the outlet in the inlet of the dryer tube 26. The main upstream part 101 of the blow line has an inner diameter of 1
The downstream portion 100, which is 5.24 cm (6 inches) and has a relatively small diameter, has an inner diameter of about 10.1 cm (about 4 inches).
And the downstream length is at least 3.7 meters (12 feet) and is generally greater than about 4.6 meters (15 feet). Dimensions of other components of the principle device are set forth for example purposes, where appropriate in the detailed description. Prior to the present invention, the binder inlet into the blowline was located 3.0 m (10 ft) from the refiner outlet. In operation principle, the binder inlet is
About 15.24 cm (about 6 inches) to about 9.14 m (about 1
It was located continuously at various distances from the blowline outlet within a range of 2 feet) and was always much closer to the blowline outlet than the blowline inlet.

4-6 illustrate coupling the binder application assembly 102 to the blowline section 100. FIG. 4 illustrates plumbing the binder application assembly 102 in the blowline section 100 at an angle α defined between the binder application assembly 102 and a portion of the wall 18 downstream of the binder application assembly 102.
One angle is the binder composition inlet 1 in the portion 100.
It was found to provide a convenient Venturi cure in the immediate vicinity of 04. This promotes thorough mixing of the binder-diluent composition and the cellulosic furnish. Also, the thorough mixing of the binder composition and the cellulosic material is due to the accelerated velocity that occurs as the cellulosic material enters the portion 100.

Binder application assembly 1
02, the dryer wall 106, the dryer wall entrance 10
Penetrate at 8. The binder application assembly 102 comprises two tubes, an outer air sheath 110 and a binder applicator 112. The binder applicator 112 penetrates the conduit defined by the air sheath 110. Air sheath 110 is part 1
Blow line wall 18 of 00, screw fitting 114
It is attached by. A gasket 116 is located around the air sheath 110 to reduce or prevent leakage of air through the inlet 108 around the air sheath 110. Also, the binder applicator 112
Are screwed to the blowline wall 18 by screw fittings 130.

The inner diameters of air sheath 110 and binder applicator 112 may vary depending on the particular application and cellulosic material throughput involved. In view of the amount of binder and other agents used in the cellulosic material transported into blowline section 100, it is believed that there is a practical upper limit to the diameter of binder applicator 112. This actual upper limit has not been determined, but it depends on several factors, including cellulosic material throughput. Air sheath 1 with an inner diameter of about 5.08 cm (about 2.0 inches)
10 and inner diameter of about 1.91 cm (about 0.75 inch)
The binder applicator is about 79 to about 340
It has been found to work effectively for cellulosic furnish throughputs of kg / min (about 175 to about 750 lbs / min).

The dryer 26 can operate at either positive or negative pressure with respect to the pressure outside the dryer wall 106 (referred to herein as ambient pressure). Figure 5
Is the binder application assembly 102
It is shown to be connected to the vacuum dryer 26 by a screw fitting 114. Air is drawn into the interior of the dryer 26 through the plurality of vent holes 118 in the air sheath 110 because the dryer 26 operates at negative air pressure. The working principle of the present invention is about 1.27 cm (about 0.5
Vents 118 having a diameter of inch) are used. Vents 118 are about 2.08 cm apart. Vents 118 are also typically air sheaths 110.
Is about 90 ° separated from the surroundings. The ventilation holes 118 are
Low temperature air is expelled from the air sheath 110 as a result of the pressure in the dryer 26 being lower than ambient pressure. Vent 11
The number of eight is best determined, inter alia, by taking into account the binder residence time in the binder applicator 112 before application to the cellulosic material, ambient pressure and the particular binder used and its reactivity. This example of the invention includes about 8 to about 12 vents 118. Vent holes 118 for binder application assembly 10
Some care must be taken to place it next to the two screw fittings 114 to prevent "hot spots" from occurring in this part of the device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the present invention useful for using the binder composition with cellulosic materials in blow lines operating at positive pressure. FIG. 6 shows that the binder application assembly 102 is connected to the positive pressure dryer 26 by a screw fitting 114. The application assembly 102 includes a lid 132, through which the binder applicator 112 extends. The air sheath 110 includes a pressurized air conduit 134.
Is provided. The conduit 134 is connected to the compressor 136 by a pressurized air line 138. Dryer 26
When the is operated at positive pressure, the compressed air is forced into the application assembly 102 by the compressor 136. The pressurized air flows around applicator 112 and through a plurality of holes 118 in air sheath 110.

5 and 6 show that the mixing assembly 20
It is shown that the binder applicator 112 is connected (piped) so that a fluid can flow therethrough. Mixing assembly 2
The present invention can be practiced using any suitable method of linking 0 to a binder applicator. For example,
5 and 6 show that the screw fitting 114 of the mixing assembly 20 can be threadedly coupled to the matching threads 120 of the binder applicator 112.

4 to 6 show the blow line unit 100.
The relationship between the binder application assembly 102 and the binder application assembly 102 is shown. More particularly, FIGS. 4-6 show that the preferred embodiment of binder application assembly 102 is positioned at an obtuse angle α with respect to the downstream portion of blowline wall 18. By joining the binder application assembly 102 to the portion 100 at an angle α greater than 90 °, an obtuse angle, a Venturi effect is obtained at the portion 100 adjacent the binder composition injection point 104. Further, the angle α is determined by the binder applicator 11
The binder composition discharged from the nozzle 122 attached to the No. 2 is dispersed, and the inner surface 12 of the blow line wall 18
4. It should only be applied to the furnish which is transported by air without impacting on 4.

The angle α also depends on the position of the nozzle 122 with respect to the injection point 104 of the nozzle 122 and the binder applicator 112. Nozzles 122 with various binder dispersion angles are commercially available. For example, a commercially available nozzle 122 can be purchased, where the spray dispersion angle is either 90 ° or 120 °. Nozzle 1 available in any of these markets
22 can be used to practice the invention, but the working principle of the invention is that here the spray angle is about 120 ° and the angle α is about 110-120 ° and the desired Venturi effect and A nozzle 122 is used that provides a binder-fiber mix. Nozzle 122 is air sheath 110
If too far away from, the binder dispersion angle from the nozzle 122 becomes more important.

Binder application assembly 1
The placement at an angle α of 02 and the distance of the nozzle 122 from the injection point 104 maximizes (1) the efficiency of the binder application in using the binder for the furnish being transported in the blowline 100 and ( 2)
It can be best determined by considering eliminating or significantly reducing the amount of binder composition collected on the inner surface 124 of the blowline wall 18.

Binder application assembly 1
The distance between the injection point 104 of 02 and the blowline outlet 128, measured along the blowline wall 18, is important for continuous unhindered binder-cellulosic products, but the dimensions of the various components and It can be changed depending on the shape. The location of the binder inlet relative to the blowline outlet operates continuously by (1) resulting in improper mixing of the binder composition and cellulosic furnish, and / or (2) avoiding system failures. It does not provide better results than previous inventions on doing. One independent location from the outlet 128 of the application assembly 102 binder inlet was evaluated in operating principles to determine the prevention of transported cellulosic material and blowline obstruction of the binder application. 1 in these independent positions
0.2, 15.2, 30.5 and 91.4 cm (4,
6, 12 and 36 inches) are included. About 79 to about 3
At a throughput of 40 kg / min (about 175 to about 750 lbs / min), at the 4 inch position, the mixing time for mixing the binder composition with the cellulosic furnish is inadequate.
The 6 inch position provides better mixing than the 4 inch position, but greater distances than 6 inches provide better mixing of the binder composition with the cellulosic furnish. Binder injection point 104 is now about 12 inches to about 48 inches from outlet 128.
Placed at a distance of 10 .mu.m, the binder-cellulosic material is properly mixed and blowline failure is prevented.

However, (1) the number of jams is reduced,
And (2) it is believed that there are other locations that provide a more appropriate mixing of the binder and cellulosic material than known methods. This distance is best described in terms of function rather than absolute distance. The throughput of cellulosic materials by the system often varies greatly. If the injection point 104 is too close to the blowline outlet 128, as the cellulosic material throughput that occurs during normal operation changes, the binder composition deposits at the outlet 128 of the blowline section 100 and then the dryer. 26 deposits on the walls. If this continues,
Blow line portion 100 and / or dryer 26
The binder material deposited therein carbonizes. The carbonized material begins to burn substantially inside the system, which significantly destroys the product.

The present invention allows continuous operation of the equipment, including the blow line, for a period of time significantly greater than the 48 hours achieved by the known invention. As a result of the test of the present invention, blowline failure did not start. Thus, the present invention provides significantly better results than previous devices and methods.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the apparatus and method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing mixing a binder and a diluent prior to use in a fiber.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an example of a nozzle useful in practicing the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a blow line and a dryer of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a binder application assembly connected to a negative pressure blow line.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a binder application assembly connected to a positive pressure blow line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Supply Device 12 Digester 14 Refiner 16 Blow Line 20 Nozzle Assembly 22, 24 Nozzle 26 Dryer Part 28 Cyclone 30, 38 Airlock 32 Blender 34 Transport System 36 Second Cyclone 40 Fiber Storage Bin 42 Forming Head Device 44 Fiber Mat 46 forming belt 48 prepress 50 hot press 52 binder flow 54 diluent flow 56 binder-diluent mixed flow 58 fiber flow 68 diluent inlet 70 binder inlet 72 mixing section 74 threaded section 76 quick joint 78 diluent supply pipe 80, 90 Pressure relief check valve 82, 92 Control spring 84, 88 Joint 86 Binder supply pipe 94 T part 96 In-line mixing section 98 Inner baffle 100 Downstream section 101 Upstream section 102 Binder application Assembly 104 Binder composition injection point 106 Dryer wall 108 Dryer wall inlet 110 Air sheath 112 Binder applicator 114, 130 Screw mounting component 116 Gasket 118 Vent hole 120 Aligning screw thread 122 Binder composition discharge nozzle 124 Inner surface 128 Blowline outlet 132 Lid 134 Conduit 136 Compressor 138 Pressurized air line

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Kenneth El Hutchison Oregon 97503 White City Avenue H 3521 (72) Inventor Roy El Poitevint Oregon 97501 Medford Mount Pit Avenue 1012 (72) Inventor Donald El Washburn United States Oregon 97504 Medford Moon Terrace 1402

Claims (52)

[Claims] 1. A device for producing a product from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive binder composition: a blowline for transporting cellulosic fibers at high speed in a stream of air from a refiner outlet through a blowline outlet into a dryer tube. A binder applicator having a binder outlet nozzle for injecting binder material into the blowline through the binder inlet, the binder outlet being located along a blowline substantially closer to the blowline outlet than the refiner outlet An apparatus for producing a product from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive binder composition, which comprises: 2. The blowline has a cross-section of gradually decreasing diameter along its length, the binder inlet being arranged along the cross-section.
The described device. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that a cross-section of decreasing diameter is present at the downstream end of the blowline. 4. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that a binder applicator nozzle is present at the outlet end of the binder applicator tube which crosses the blow line at an obtuse angle. 5. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that a binder applicator nozzle is present at the outlet end of the binder applicator tube which crosses the blow line at an obtuse angle. 6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a binder applicator nozzle is present at the outlet end of the binder applicator tube traversing the blowline at an obtuse angle. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the binder applicator includes an air jacket surrounding the applicator tube. 8. In an apparatus for producing a product from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive binder composition: a cellulosic furnish is transported through a blowline outlet to a dryer located adjacent to the blowline. And a binder application assembly for using the binder composition in a furnish in a blowline, the application assembly being plumbed to the blowline at a location adjacent to the outlet and using the binder in the furnish. For producing a product from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive binder composition, characterized in that it comprises an air sheath defining a conduit through which a binder applicator for. 9. Further comprising: a binder-diluent mixer operably linked to the binder applicator,
The binder-diluent mixer has a binder inlet for receiving a first stream containing binder, a diluent inlet for receiving a second stream containing diluent, and fluid communication to the binder inlet and the diluent inlet. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprising an in-line mixer connected to the mixer to form a mixed stream which is transported to a binder applicator for use in furnish in a blow line. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mixer has an adduct inlet for receiving an adduct selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the binder application assembly is plumbed to the blow line at an obtuse angle defined between the application assembly and the downstream wall of the blow line. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the angle is between about 90 and about 135 degrees. 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the blowline outlet is located within the dryer inlet and has an opening adjacent the dryer wall or the blowline outlet through which the binder application assembly passes. 14. The device of claim 8 wherein the air sheath has a plurality of vent holes extending therethrough. 15. The device of claim 14 wherein the blow line operates at a pressure below ambient pressure, which causes air to be drawn through the vents into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. . 16. The blow line operates at positive pressure and the air sheath is fitted with a source of pressurized air for introducing pressurized air into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. The described device. 17. The binder application assembly is in the blowline, at about 15.2 from the blowline exit.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is connected at a location 4 cm (about 6 inches) or more upstream. 18. The binder application assembly is in the blowline, at about 15.2 from the blowline exit.
4 cm (about 6 inches) to about 3.7 m (about 12 feet)
9. The structure is connected to an upstream position.
The described device. 19. The binder application assembly is in the blowline, about 15.2 from the blowline exit.
9. The device of claim 8 coupled to a location 4 to about 91.4 cm (about 6 to about 36 inches) upstream. 20. A binder control valve at the binder inlet and a diluent control valve at the diluent inlet, the valves being operable to open at fluid pressure by the downstream pressures of the first and second streams, respectively. A first and a second stream are flowed into the mixer through an inlet and these valves can be closed in response to a reduction in the downstream pressure exerted by the first and second streams, respectively. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that 21. An apparatus according to claim 20, comprising a purger for removing the binder from the mixer with a diluent. 22. A purger maintains the downstream pressure in the diluent control valve and at the same time reduces the downstream pressure in the binder control valve to close the binder control valve, thereby diluting the binder from the downstream portion of the device. 22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that it is removed by a continuous flow of agent. 23. An apparatus for producing a product from a cellulosic material and a reactive binder composition comprising: a cellulosic material refiner; transporting cellulosic material from the refiner to a dryer through a blowline outlet located within the inlet section of the dryer. The dryer has an opening through the wall, the opening being located adjacent the inlet; a binder application for using the binder in cellulosic material in the blow line. With assembly,
Where the application assembly passes through the opening,
A blower line is plumbed adjacent to the blowline outlet, the binder application assembly includes an air sheath defining a conduit through which the binder applicator passes, and the binderinterapplicator transfers the binder to the cellulosic material in the blowline. An apparatus for producing a product from a cellulosic material and a reactive binder composition characterized by being used. 24. A conveyor for transporting a cellulosic material from a dryer to a mat forming device to form a mat; as well as heating to compress the mat and harden the binder, thereby forming a reinforced board product. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, comprising a pressed press. 25. A binder-diluent mixer operably connected to the binder applicator, the binder-diluent mixer including a binder inlet for receiving a first stream containing binder, a diluent. A diluent inlet for receiving the second stream and fluidly connected to the binder inlet and the diluent inlet to mix the first stream and the second stream to form a third containing product. 24. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that it forms a stream and conveys it in a blow line to a binder applicator for use with cellulosic materials. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the mixer has an adduct inlet for receiving an adduct selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents. 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the binder application assembly is plumbed to the blow line at an obtuse angle formed between the air sheath and the downstream wall of the blow line. 28. The device of claim 23, wherein the air sheath has a plurality of vent holes extending therethrough. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the blow line operates at a pressure below ambient pressure, which causes air to be drawn through the vents into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. . 30. The blow line operates at positive pressure and the air sheath is fitted with a source of pressurized air for introducing pressurized air into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. The described device. 31. The binder application assembly is in the blowline, at about 15.2 from the blowline exit.
4 cm (about 6 inches) to at least about 3.7 m (about 12 inches)
24. The device of claim 23, which is plumbed upstream. 32. A binder control valve at the binder inlet and a diluent control valve at the diluent inlet, the valves operating and open at fluid pressure by the downstream pressures of the first and second streams, respectively, First and second
Flow into the mixer through the inlet and each of these valves is capable of closing in response to a decrease in downstream pressure exerted by the first and second streams. The described device. 33. An apparatus according to claim 32, comprising a purger for removing the binder from the mixer with a diluent. 34. A purger maintains a downstream pressure at the diluent control valve and at the same time reduces the downstream pressure at the binder control valve to close the binder control valve, thereby removing binder from the device and continuous diluent. 34. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that it is removed by means of a physical flow. 35. In an apparatus for producing board products from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive isocyanate binder composition: comprising a cellulosic material refiner; a cellulosic material from the refiner to a dryer and a blow located in the entrance of the dryer. There is a blow line for transport through the line outlet, the wall of the dryer has an opening therethrough, which is located adjacent to the blow line outlet; A binder application assembly for use in, wherein the application assembly extends through the opening and into the blowline about 12 inches upstream from the exit of the blowline from about 15.24 cm (about 6 inches) to at least about 3.7 m (12 feet). It is piped in the position The application assembly comprises an air sheath defining a conduit through which the binder applicator passes, and the binder application assembly is plumbed to the blow line at an obtuse angle formed between the air sheath and the downstream wall of the blow line, The air sheath has a plurality of vent holes therethrough; comprising a binder-diluent mixer operably connected to a binder applicator, the binder-diluent mixer comprising:
A binder inlet for receiving a first stream containing a binder, a diluent inlet for receiving a second stream containing a diluent, and a fluid inlet connected to the binder inlet and the diluent inlet to provide a first A cellulosic system comprising an in-line mixer that mixes the stream and the second stream to form a third stream containing the product and transports it to a blowline for use in cellulosic material. An apparatus for producing a product from a furnish and a reactive isocyanate binder composition. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the blow line operates at negative pressure and air is drawn into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. 37. The blow line operates at positive pressure and the air sheath is fitted with a source of pressurized air for introducing pressurized air into the air sheath and around the binder applicator. The described device. 38. A conveyor for transporting cellulosic material from a dryer to a mat forming device to form a mat; as well as heating to compress the mat and harden the binder, thereby forming a reinforced board product. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, comprising a pressed press. 39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the mixer has an addendum inlet for receiving an addendum selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents. 40. A binder control valve at the binder inlet and a diluent control valve at the diluent inlet, the valves operating and open at fluid pressure by the downstream pressures of the first and second streams, respectively, First and second
36 flow into the mixer through the inlet and each of these valves is capable of closing in response to a decrease in downstream pressure exerted by the first and second flows. The described device. 41. Apparatus according to claim 35, comprising a purger for removing the binder from the mixer with a diluent. 42. An apparatus for producing board products from a cellulosic furnish and a reactive isocyanate binder composition comprising: a cellulosic material refiner; a cellulosic material from the refiner to a dryer and a blow located in the inlet of the dryer. A blow line operating at either positive or negative pressure for transport through the line outlet is provided, the dryer having an opening through the wall, the opening being located adjacent to the blow line outlet. A binder application assembly for using the binder on furnish in a blowline, the application assembly penetrating an opening into the blowline, about 15.24 cm (about 6 inches) from the blowline exit. Inches) to at least about 3.7 meters (about 12 feet) At the upstream position, the binder application assembly is
A binder applicator includes an air sheath defining a conduit therethrough, and a binder application assembly is plumbed to the blow line at an obtuse angle formed between the air sheath and the downstream wall of the blow line, the air sheath extending therethrough. A binder-diluent mixer operably connected to a binder applicator, the binder-diluent mixer having a binder inlet for receiving a first stream containing binder, diluent. A diluent inlet for receiving a second stream, and an additive material inlet for receiving an additive material selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, release agents and sizing agents, and a fluid at the binder inlet and the diluent inlet. Operatively connected to mix a first stream and a second stream to contain a product-containing first stream. An in-line mixer that forms a stream of the same and transports it to a blowline for use in cellulosic material; a binder control valve at the binder inlet and a diluent control valve at the diluent inlet, these valves respectively Actuated and opened at fluid pressure by the downstream pressures of the first and second streams to allow the first and second streams to flow through the inlets into the mixer, where the valves are respectively the first and the second. Closable in response to a drop in downstream pressure applied by the second stream; provided with a purger for removing binder from the mixer with a diluent; transporting cellulosic material from the dryer to the mat former Conveyor for forming mats by pressing; as well as compressing mats and curing binders, thereby forming reinforced board products Because of the heated cellulosic furnish and apparatus for producing a plate product from a reactive isocyanate binder composition, characterized in that it comprises a press. 43. In forming a cellulosic product with a reactive binder composition: transporting the cellulosic material in a blowline through a blowline outlet located within the inlet of the dryer; binding the binder to the cellulosic material. Characterized in that the application assembly comprises an air sheath defining a conduit through which a binder applicator extends in the blow line, the application assembly being used by a Binter application assembly piped to the blow line at a position adjacent the blow line outlet,
A method of forming a cellulosic product using a reactive binder composition. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the application assembly is plumbed to the blow line at a location about 6 inches to about 12 feet upstream of the blow line outlet. the method of. 45. The method of claim 43, wherein the application assembly is plumbed to the blow line to form an obtuse angle between the air sheath and the downstream wall of the blow line. 46. The method of claim 43, further comprising: forming a cellulosic material into a mat; compressing the mat in a heated press to cure the binder. 47. The method of claim 43, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of monomeric isocyanates, oligomeric isocyanates and mixtures thereof. 48. The method of claim 43, wherein the binder composition comprises a material selected from the group consisting of flame retardants, sizing agents and release agents. 49. In producing a synthetic board from a cellulosic material and a reactive isocyanate binder composition: hot wet fibers are extracted from the cellulosic material; the fibers are blown in a blow line and located in the inlet of the dryer. Transported through line outlets; diluent stream and binder stream separately, generally in the direction of the blowline; combined diluent stream and binder stream to form a mixed stream; In the blow line,
Cellulosic materials and reactive materials, characterized in that the application assembly is provided with an air sheath defining a conduit through which the binder applicator passes and is used by a Binter application assembly piped to the blow line, adjacent to the blow line outlet. A method for producing a synthetic board from an isocyanate binder composition. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the application assembly is plumbed to a blowline at a location about 6 inches to about 12 feet upstream of the blowline exit. the method of. 51. The method of claim 49, wherein the application assembly is plumbed to the blowline to form an obtuse angle between the air sheath and the downstream wall of the blowline. 52. The method of claim 49, further comprising: forming the fibers into a mat after the step of using mixed streams; compressing the mat in a heated press to cure the binder.