US2721465A

US2721465A - Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabrics

Info

Publication number: US2721465A
Application number: US299067A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leslie L Walmsley
Original assignee: American Viscose Corp
Current assignee: Akzo Nobel UK PLC
Priority date: 1952-07-16
Filing date: 1952-07-16
Publication date: 1955-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1972-10-25

Description

Oct. 25, 1955 L. WALMSLEY APPARATUS FOR LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRICS Filed July 16, 1952 INVENTOR. LESLIE L. WALMSLEV A Tron/v5 United States Patent f APPARATUS FOR LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRICS Application July 16, 1952, Serial No. 299,067

3 Claims. (Cl. 68-62) This invention relates to apparatus for the liquid treatment of textile fabrics in continuous fashion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for treating textile fabrics while continuously running by means of liquids, such as may be used for washing, rinsing, scouring, sthenosizing, bleaching, dyeing, conditioning, softening, lubricating, setting or pro-setting, or several of such treatments simultaneously. An ancillary object is to provide an apparatus of versatile character which is adapted to dye and simultaneously subject the fabric to any one or more of the above-mentioned treatments, such as setting or pre-setting. Another object is to provide an apparatus of this type for effecting the liquid treating operation or operations in an efiicient and uniform manner. Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of this type which is adapted to carry out one or more of the above-mentioned operations simultaneously in either concurrent or countercurrent flow relationship between the liquid treating bath and the fabric. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawing and the description thereof hereinafter.

In the drawing, which is illustrative of the invention,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention with the nearest side Wall of the vessel removed to expose the contents thereof, and

Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

As shown, a fabric supply roll 3 is replaceably and rotatably mounted on a pair of spaced brackets 4 secured to a fixed support such as the end wall of the bath container or tank 5. The container 5 may be followed by one or more subsequent treating containers 6 and the fabric discharged from the system proceeds to a take-up roll 7 supported on suitable bearings 8 adjacent the end of the machine. The containers 5 and 6 are somewhat wider than the widest fabric that it is desired to handle so that the fabric may be treated in a fully open width. By width is meant the width either of a flat fabric or of a tubular fabric when flattened out. The apparatus is adapted to handle either a flat or tubular fabric of woven, knitted, or other construction.

In the main treating container 5, the liquid is adapted to assume a level indicated at 9 under the control of an overflow pipe 10. Means is provided at the entrance of container 5 for feeding the fabric thereinto. This means may comprise a roll or reel 11 extending substantially the full width of the container supported between bearings 12 mounted on fixed parts such as the side walls of the container 5. Adjacent the other end wall of the container 5 there is mounted a driven discharge means, such as the reel or roll 13 mounted in suitable bearings 14 which are supported on the side Walls of the container 5.

The container 5 is preferably quite shallow such as from one to two feet in depth when it is of a length on the order of six to twenty feet or more. It also has a fiat bottom disposed horizontally or substantially so. Midway between the liquid level as determined by the overflow pipe opening and the floor of the tank 5, there is provided 2,721,465 Patented- Oct. 25, 1955 ICC a horizontal or substantially horizontal partition 15 which extends longitudinally of the vessel 5 but terminates short of the end walls by a distance at least its distance above the floor. The plate 15 is unperforated and flat throughout its area and extends the full width or substantially the full width of the vessel 5 as measured in the plane of the plate. It is flat throughout its area and its upper face should be smooth. The plate may be supported by any suitable means such as bars, rods, or angle irons 16 which are fastened to the side walls of the tank 5 and project inwardly under suflicient width of the plate to give it the necessary rigidity. The members 16 may extend completely across the tank as shown. The downwardly projecting webs of members 16 are preferably made as shallow as is consistent with the necessary strength required to support the plate. For this purpose a larger number of transverse members 16 may be used to provide the proper support of heavier plates when such are employed so as to avoid increase in the depth of the downwardly projecting webs of such members. The purpose of the plate or partition 15 is to divide the container 5 essentially into two main channels, one above the other, extending the full length of the container except at the ends of the plate adjacent the ends of the container 5 where the two channels communicate with each other. The position of plate 15 should be from two-fifths to three-fifths of the depth of liquid in the container 5 to properly perform this function in an efficient manner.

Means is provided for submerging the fabric as it passes through the vessel 5. This means may comprise a plate supported above and parallel to the plate 15 or it may comprise fixed or movable surfaces, such as the surfaces of a plurality of cylindrical members, such as rolls or rods 17, which extend parallel to each other transversely of the vessel. Any number of such rolls may be used and they may have any size desired provided they are completely submerged when positioned just above the plate 15. Preferably their diameters do not exceed half the depth of the plate 15. A tangent to their lower peripheries is preferably parallel to the plate 15 and in close proximity thereto but sufliciently spaced to allow free passage of the fabric therebetween. A spacing of /2 to 1 inch or so between the surface of plate 15 and the tangent to the bottoms of members 17 is generally quite satisfactory.

The fabric proceeds from the supply roll 3 about the driven reel 11 down under the guide means 17 and then up over the discharge reel 13. It may then proceed about a fixed rod or rotor 18 which may be idle or driven and if it is desired to pass it through subsequent baths such as those in container 6, it may be passed under one or more fixed or rotatable guide members 19 (two being shown) and then discharged by a driven roller or reel 20 supported in bearings 21 on the opposite side walls of the respective tank 6. From the final one of such tanks 6, the fabric proceeds to the take-up 7.

Means is provided for circulating the liquid within the Vessel either in a concurrent or countercurrent direction relative to the path of the fabric. This circulating means may comprise means I for introducing additional fluid, such as steam or hot water. For example a supply pipe 22 may be connected by branch pipes 23 and 24 controlled by valves 25 and 26 respectively to submerged

headers

27 and 28 respectively at each end of the tank 5. As shown, these headers are near the bottom of the tank adjacent the end walls and they extend a considerable distance across the width of the tank.

Discharge branches

29 and 3% are connected to the

headers

27 and 28 respectively. These branches are spaced longitudinally of the respective headers so as to distribute the fluid, for example steam, across the width of the tank. These branches are preferably symmetrically distributed relative to the Width of the tank to effect a uniform distribution across the width. They are preferably open at their ends so as to discharge the fluid in jets or streams directed generally longitudinally of the channel beneath the plate within which the branches are disposed. The length of the

branches

29 and 30 are preferably at least sufficient to extend to the vicinity of a vertical plane through the closest end of the plate 15. Thus, pipes 29 should extend at least to a point near the right end of plate 15 whereas branches 30 should extend at least to a point near the left end of plate 15 as viewed in Figure 1, such branches in both cases being disposed beneath, or at a lower level than, the plate. Depending upon whether countercurrent or concurrent flow is desired, valve 26 or valve respectively is opened, the other being closed.

This system comprising pipes 29 or pipes 30 may be used to introduce steam, hot water or other hot liquids when it is desired to maintain a heated bath, as in dyeing, setting, or pre-setting and dyeing or setting and presetting. On the other hand, it may be any other liquid such as a solution comprising formaldehyde or other reactant intended to react chemically with the fibers of the fabric as in the case of the sthenosization of cellulosic fabrics.

The system may also comprise means for removing a part of the body of liquid within the container 5, for recirculating the liquid removed while introducing into it any desired ingredient or composition, such as a dyestuff, a dyeing composition, a size, softener, lubricant, finish or the like or mixtures thereof. This system may comprise a circulating pump 31, the suction side of which is connected by the conduit 32 to an opening 33 in the vessel 5. This opening 33 should be below the liquid level and as specifically shown, it is in the bottom thereof. A T 34 connects a branch 35 to the pipe 32 and this branch 35 may be open at the top where it is provided with a flared, funnel-like entrance 36 adapted to receive the ingredient or composition desired to be introduced for replenishing, fortifying, or modifying the bath contained in the vessel 5. Preferably, the top opening of 36 is above the level in the container 5 as determined by the overflow 10 so that When the pump 31 is stopped, there is no need to close the pipe 35. If 36 is placed at a lower level, a valve should be inserted in the pipe 35 to. prevent overflow when the pump is not operating. The discharge side of the pump is connected to a pipe 37 which is connected to a lateral pipe 38 extending lengthwise alongside the top of the container 5 and to a pipe 39- extending across the vessel and connected to a lateral pipe 40 extending lengthwise of the vessel alongside the other side wall thereof generally parallel to pipe 38. The pipe 40 is provided with valves 41 and 42 on opposite sides of the juncture of pipe 39 therewith and the pipe 38 is provided with

valves

43 and 44 on opposite sides of its juncture with pipes 37 and 39. The laterals 38 and 40 are connected to downwardly extending pipes 45 in the corners of the vessel 5. The pair of pipes. 45 at each end of the vessel are connected by a transverse pipe 46 which may be provided either with perforations along its length or, as shown, with a plurality of.

branches

47 and 48. The branches 47 extend from the pipe 46 at the left of the apparatus as viewed in Figures 1 and 2 and the pipes 48 extend from the pipe 46 at the right end of Figures 1 and 2. Like

branches

29 and 30,

branches

47 and 48 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the width of the tank and extend at least to a point adjacent the nearest end of plate 15.

Branches

47 and 48 are also open at their ends so as to direct the liquid jets or streams in a direction generally longitudinally of the channel below plate 15. By closing valves 41 and 43 and opening valves 42 and 44, concurrent flow may be obtained during the circulation through pipes 48 whereas by opening valves 41 and 43 and closing valves 42. and44 countercurrent flow may be obtained. The

recirculating. system comprising pump. 31 may. be used simultaneously with the circulating system derivedfrom either of

headers

27 and 28 or the first circulating system may be used at one time and the other comprising either of

headers

27 and 28 may be used at another time during the operation of the machine.

When certain types of fabric are treated, it may be necessary to provide means for spreading the fabric out and particularly for uncurling curled edges when tricot knit fabrics are to be handled. For accomplishing this purpose, the following means may be provided. A smooth-surfaced flat plate 49 is mounted in the vessel 5 on one or more transverse supports, such as the angle iron 59 secured at its ends to the side walls of the vessel 5. The plate 49 is inclined generally in a direction that would be taken by the fabric as it proceeds downwardly from the feed rotor 11 to the space between plate 15 and the nearest member 17. It extends from a point well above the surface of the bath in container 5 to a point adjacent the upper surface of the plate 15 and inward from the end of plate 15. The plate 49 may be perforated if desired but is preferably unperfor'ate'd. Plate 49 is preferably narrower than the width of the container 5 (while still being as wide as the widest fabric to be treated) and centered transversely of the container to provide approximately equal distances between its side edges and the side walls of the container to provide passages for the liquid to flow around the plate. This avoids turbulence of the liquid as it passes around the edges of plate 49. Inclined pipes 51 and 52' above the plate 49 are mounted in close proximity thereto and are inclined downwardly generally parallel to theplate and have a plurality of perforations 53 disposed along their length in such a manner as to direct fluid jets such as'jets of air outwardly and downwardly toward the edges of the fabric passing over the plate beneath the pipes. As shown, the

pipes

51 and 52 gradually diverge (Figure 2) in the direction of travel of the fabric so that the fluid jets discharged thereby gradually move their zones of maximum force outwardly to compensate-for the ever widening of the fabric resulting from the rapid uncurling of the edges by the jets. They thereby maintain the opened width of the fabric as it passes into the liquid bath. The

pipes

51 and 52 are connected together by a common header 54 which is connected to a supply pipe 55 connected to a source of compressed air. For certain purposes, the pipe 55 may be connected either to a source of air or of liquid such as water, either cold or hot, but for dyeing, it is desirable to use compressed air exclusively. Rods 72 and 73 extend transversely across the top of container 5, being supported in suitable brackets on the side walls of the container. These rods extend through ears or lugs of the fittings 74 which adjustably'support the

pipes

51 and 52 so'th at the' latter pipes may be adjusted to various positions across the container to accommodate different fabric widths and also to various positions relative to the liquid level9 from the position above the liquid level shown in' solid" lines, which is preferred for dyeing as it avoids turbulence to the dotted line position where they extend well below theliquid level and close to the member 17 The

several reels

11, 13 and 20 are driven by any suitable means such as by means of the gear box 56' which is driven byasprocke't or other means 57 operated from a power source'not shown. From gear box 56, the sprocket 58 is connectedby a chain 59 to a sprocket 60 for drivingthe reel 11; Sprocket 61' is connected by chain 62 to a sp'rocket63' for driving the reel 13 and a sprocket 64 at the other end of the shaft carrying reel 13 is connected by' a chain 65"to the sprocket 66 on the reel 20. The supply reel 3 may be'driven from the reel 12 by means of a sprocket 67 connected by a chain 68 to a sprocket 69 on the shaft of the supply roll 3. The reels 11 and 13 may be driven at the same speed, or at different speeds, for example, with-reel 13 going either faster or slower than reel 11, to provide for treatment under any desired tension condition including a complete lack of tension suflicient to allow shrinkage as Well as sufiicient tension to induce longitudinal stretching of the fabric as it proceeds through the bath.

A pipe 70 having the connection 71 to container 5 may be provided to facilitate the introduction of water or other liquid as desired.

The subsequent bath or baths 6 may be used for cooling, rinsing, neutralizing, or any other subsequent treatment desired. It or they may also be used for applying one or more finishing materials such as a softener or lubricator after the first liquid treatment in the vessel 5.

It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of textile fabrics comprising a container for a liquid treating bath having a floor, side walls, and end walls, a single horizontal flat plate in the container having its Width extending substantially the full width of the container and its ends terminating a distance from the end walls of the container at least as great as the height of the plate above the floor of the container, guide means in the container and above the plate for maintaining the fabric submerged in the bath along a path above the plate, circulating means for the treating bath comprising a discharge header extending transversely of the container near one end Wall thereof at a level below that of the plate and a plurality of branch pipes extending from the header generally parallel to the plate toward the other end wall for directing fluid streams toward the latter Wall of the container, and an intake for the circulating means positioned at the bottom of the container adjacent one end thereof.

2. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of textile fabrics comprising a container for a liquid treating bath having a floor, side walls, and end walls, a generally horizontal flat plate in the container having its width extending substantially the full width of the container and its ends terminating a distance from the end walls of the container at least as great as the height of the plate above the floor of the container, guide means in the container and above the plate for maintaining the fabric submerged in the bath along a path above the plate, a pump having its suction side connected to the container below the liquid level therein, and a discharge conduit for said pump positioned to direct liquid into the center of the container below the plate.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 having a rotor for feeding the fabric into the container, a rotor for withdrawing fabric from the container, means for driving the rotors at predetermined relative speeds, an inclined plate extending from a point adjacent the feeding rotor to a point above and adjacent the horizontal plate, a pair of inclined fluid jets disposed above the inclined plate and having their orifices arranged to direct the jets outwardly and downwardly against the inclined plate, means for axially adjusting the jets from a position in which the orifices are entirely above the bath to a position in which the orifices are below the surface of the bath.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 11,620 Le Blois July 13, 1897 101,812 Baker Apr. 12, 1870 603,915 Melrose May 10,1898 608,194 Greenwood Aug. 2, 1898 673,125 Jones Apr. 30,1901

1,294,455 Hardy Feb. 18,1919 1,555,673 Jensen Sept. 29,1925 1,598,627 Voegeli Sept. 7,1926 1,883,597 Cowles Oct. 18,1932 1,896,954 Heap Feb. 7,1933 2,267,117 Mann Dec. 23, 1941 2,344,557 Mann Mar. 21,1944 2,513,057 Sehrenk June 27, 1950 2,516,268 Spalding July 25, 1950 2,613,522 Heifelfinger Oct. 14,1952

Claims

2. APPARATUS FOR THE LIQUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRICS COMPRISING A CONTANER FOR A LIQUID TREATING BATH HAVING A FLOOR, SAID WALLS, AND END EALLS, A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL FLAT PLATE IN THE CONTAINER HAVING ITS WIDTH EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY THE FULL WIDTH OF THE CONAINER AND ITS ENDS TERMINATING A DISTANCE FROM THE END WALLS OF THE CONTAINER AT LEAST AS GREAT AS THE HEIGHT OF THE PLATE ABOVE THE FLOOR OF THE CONTANER, GUIDE MEANS IN THE CONTAINER AND ABOVE THE PLATE FOR MAINTAINING THE FABRIC SUBMERGED IN THE BATH ALONG A PATH ABOVE THE PLATE, A PUMP HAVING ITS SUCTION SIDE CONNECTED TO THE CONTAINER BELOW THE LIQUID LEVEL THEREIN, AND A DISCHARGE CONDUIT FOR SAID PUMP POSITIONED TO DIRECT LIQUID INTO THE CENTER OF THE CONTAINER BELOW THE PLATE.