WO1999047764A1 - Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it Download PDFInfo
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- WO1999047764A1 WO1999047764A1 PCT/DK1999/000150 DK9900150W WO9947764A1 WO 1999047764 A1 WO1999047764 A1 WO 1999047764A1 DK 9900150 W DK9900150 W DK 9900150W WO 9947764 A1 WO9947764 A1 WO 9947764A1
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/4209—Inorganic fibres
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G24/10—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor based on or containing inorganic material
- A01G24/18—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor based on or containing inorganic material containing inorganic fibres, e.g. mineral wool
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G24/40—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor characterised by their structure
- A01G24/44—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor characterised by their structure in block, mat or sheet form
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G24/60—Apparatus for preparing growth substrates or culture media
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/4209—Inorganic fibres
- D04H1/4218—Glass fibres
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/4209—Inorganic fibres
- D04H1/4218—Glass fibres
- D04H1/4226—Glass fibres characterised by the apparatus for manufacturing the glass fleece
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/58—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/587—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives characterised by the bonding agents used
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/58—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/60—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in dry state, e.g. thermo-activatable agents in solid or molten state, and heat being applied subsequently
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/58—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/64—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
- D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
- D04H1/732—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged by fluid current, e.g. air-lay
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
- D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
- D04H1/736—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged characterised by the apparatus for arranging fibres
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
- D04H1/74—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel (anisotropic fleeces)
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a mineral fibre based plant growth medium having a density gradient.
- a mineral fibre based plant growth medium is generally light, thus easy to handle and economical to transport, and such a medium is furthermore both sufficiently firm and chemically inert to resist degradation when used for hosting plant roots for a prolonged period of time.
- such an advantageous plant growth medium can be obtained by stacking and joining a number of discretely produced layers of glass fibres each having an increased surface weight or decreased fibre coarseness relative to the prior layer.
- US 5 009 030 discloses a similar soil-free growth substrate for plants exhibiting a controlled water gradient over the thickness of the product.
- the hydroretentivity gradient is obtained by means of a density or fineness gradient in the product.
- the varied density or fineness is obtained according to the document by superimposing a number of layers of glass wool webs having each a different density or fineness.
- an acceptable hydroretentivity gradient can be obtained according to US 5 009 030, the process for their manufacture is rather troublesome, as several layers of mineral fibre webs must be combined into one. These layers will furthermore, have to be adhered to each other in order to provide a sufficient strength against delamination, and such placement of a binder between the different layers might impair the migration of water and other substances over the layer boundaries.
- the product itself merely provides a stepwise hydroretentivity gradient, not a continuous gradient .
- This object is achieved by the process according to the invention which is characterized in providing a primary web comprising mineral fibre material and a binding agent, compressing the primary web in at least one longitudinally extending zone in such a manner that the applied pressure increases substantially continuously in the transverse direction of the zone so as to induce a compression gradient in said direction, forming a secondary web by bringing the primary web to overlap itself by laying it in a number of layers in the transverse direction of the secondary web and dividing the secondary web to form a plant growth medium.
- the invention is based on the recognition that by inducing a compression to the primary web, it is possible to essentially maintain the compression until the binding agent in the product is cured or hardened. It is thus possible to compress some parts of the primary web more than other parts and obtain products having varying density. Furthermore, by knowing which parts of the primary web go where, when the primary web is made to overlap itself, it is possible to predict where the more dense parts end up in the final product.
- a secondary web is formed by a number of mutually slightly displaced layers of the primary web which has been laid out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of said secondary web.
- the secondary web is optionally compressed and the binding agent in the product is cured or hardened.
- the thus cured secondary web can be cut out in a number of products having virtually any desired shape.
- a preferred method of laying out a mineral fibre web by pendulum distribution is i.a. disclosed in WO 88/03509 or WO 97/03509.
- the one side-edge of the primary web will eventually constitute the top layer of the final product and the opposite side-edge will constitute the bottom layer of the product. Accordingly, by compressing the primary web with an continuously increasing compressive force in the direction from the one edge to the opposite, it is possible to obtain a density gradient in the direction of height (from the bottom to the top) of the final product.
- the process according to the invention is more simple relative to the prior art process in terms of the number of steps of operation. Accordingly, it is now possible to perform the process as a continuous process and no stacking and/or joining step is necessary. Furthermore, it is an advantage of the process according to the invention, that the absolute density and the density gradient profile can be controlled in detail by simply controlling the pressure applied by the pressure applying means.
- the compression can be performed by any means capable of inducing a substantially continuous gradient of compression.
- the compression can e.g. be performed by means of conveyor belts, one or more cylindrical rollers having more or less angular axial suspension relative to the surface plane of the primary web and/or rollers having a conical shape.
- a number of rollers are used each having separate suspension.
- rollers having a diameter of 5-70 cm, more preferable 15-50 cm and even more preferable 20-40 cm. If the rollers are too small, the primary web will build up in front of the rollers and eventually the process must be stopped for cleaning. Too large rollers are generally more difficult to handle.
- rollers can be used for compressing the primary web, however it has proven particularly advantageous to use rollers having a width of around SO- 600 mm, more preferably around 50 to 300 mm, and even more preferably around 80 to 150 mm.
- the rollers can be disposed in a side by side manner or in a displaced manner along both the longitudinal and transversal direction of the web. It has proven to be particularly expedient to arrange the rollers in two rows arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the primary web in which rows the rollers are placed side by side in the transversal direction of the web with a gap between the rollers and, and in such a manner that the gaps between the rollers of the first row are covered by the rollers of the second row.
- rollers or wheels being somewhat resilient.
- Preferred rollers comprise a flexible suspension and/or a flexible coating, e.g. as a sort of tyres.
- the rollers are able to compensate for unevenness of the primary web.
- by using rollers having such a resilient surface or suspension it is possible to reduce the damage induced on the primary web by the compression in terms of fewer damaged or broken fibres.
- rollers having a smooth non-sticky pressure applying surface e.g. metal or polytetrafluoroethylene .
- the compression can be performed in one or more operations using any number of compression means.
- the density gradient profile can be linear or non-linear depending on the shape or operation of the compression means.
- the surface of the compression means may be smooth or have a pattern.
- the secondary web can be split into more products having one or more density gradients.
- the benefits of the present invention may be obtained by any process of the above kind where at least a part of the primary web is compressed before the primary web, e.g. by pendulum distribution or by preceding cutting off in sections as described in EP 0 297 111 Bl, is made to overlap itself under formation of a secondary web which is optionally compressed and eventually cured, and where it is possible to obtain a substantially continuous density gradient in the direction of height of the final product.
- the primary web When compressing the web using rollers, it is preferred to compress the primary web in an amount of about 0 to 400 kg/m (roller width) , preferably 0 to 250 kg/m and more preferably 0 to 100 kg/m in the one side of the zone and in an amount of about 500 to 3000 kg/m, preferably 750 to 2500 kg/m and more preferably 1000 to 2000 kg/m in the opposite side.
- By compressing the primary web using a continuous compression gradient not only a product having the desired density properties is obtained.
- By applying the pressure within the above disclosed ranges it can be obtained that an amount of fibres decompose or break where the highest pressure is applied and substantially no fibres decompose or break where the lightest pressure is applied.
- a continuous gradient of fibre coarseness is provided which even enhances the products water retention ability in terms of controlled capillary effect.
- the resulting density of the product is 40-180 kg/m 3 more preferable 50-120 kg/m " at the top surface and 10-120 kg/m', more preferable 30-120 kg/nr at the bottom surface, and that the products has a mean density of 30-180 kg/m 3 , more preferably 30-120 kg/m 3 a d even more preferably 40-80 kg/m 1 .
- 0.5-10 weight-" more preferable 0.5-5 weight-?-, and even more preferable 1-3 weight-% binding agent is added to the primary web. All binding agent weight-percentages is relative to the end- product.
- the product obtainable by the process according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as a plant growth medium, it can also be employed as heat or sound insulation.
- the invention also relates to a mineral fibre based plant growth medium obtainable by the process according to the invention.
- the product obtainable by the process according to the invention is superior over the prior art products in that it does not comprise any significant assembly planes and that the density gradient is substantially continuous rather than stepwise.
- the products according to the invention can be tailored to meet almost any requirements regarding water retention, air penetration and firmness.
- the products according to the invention can accordingly be made to suit the needs of a comprehensive variety of plants including tomatoes, cucumbers, roses and kalanchoe.
- the invention furthermore relates to the use of the product obtainable by the process according to the invention for culturing plants and in particular for the above mentioned plants as well as to an apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention.
- the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in comprising means for providing a primary web comprising mineral fibre material and a binding agent, means for compressing the primary web in at least one longitudinally extending zone said means being capable of compressing the primary web in such a manner that the applied pressure increases substantially continuously in the transverse direction of the zone so as to induce a compression gradient in said direction, means for forming a secondary web said means being capable of bringing the primary web to overlap itself by laying it in a number of layers in the transverse direction of the secondary web and means for dividing the secondary web to form plant growth media.
- Fig. 1 Shows a density gradient in the width direction of the primary web.
- Fig. 2 Shows a product according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 Illustrates a preferred way of producing the plant growth medium according to the invention.
- Figure 1 shows how the density varies in the width direction of the primary web after compression using a number of rollers compressing at an axis load of around 0- 1000 kg/m each, and each having a width of around 100 mm.
- the substantially continuous density gradient extends in the height direction of the secondary web. Accordingly, products having such substantially continuous density gradient can be cut from the secondary web.
- Figure 2 shows a product according to the invention which has a relatively low density at the bottom, a relatively high density at the top and a substantially continuous density gradient from the bottom to the top.
- the first step involves the formation of mineral fibres from a mineral fibre forming melt which is produced in a furnace 1 and which is supplied from a spout 2 of the furnace 1 to a total of four rapidly rotating spinning-wheels 3 to which the mineral fibre forming melt is supplied as a mineral fibre forming melt stream 4.
- a gas stream is simultaneously supplied to the rapidly rotating spinning-wheels 3 in the axial direction thereof causing the formation of individual mineral fibres or bunches or tufts of mineral fibres which are expelled or sprayed from the rapidly rotating spinning-wheels 3 as indicated by the reference numeral 5.
- the gas stream may constitute a so-called temperature treatment gas stream, normally a cooling gas stream.
- the mineral fibre spray 5 is collected on a continuously operated first conveyer belt 6 forming the primary mineral fibre web 7.
- a heat-curable bonding agent is also optionally added to the primary mineral fibre web 7 either directly to the primary mineral fibre web 7 or at the stage of expelling the mineral fibres from the spinning-wheels 3, i.e. at the stage of forming the individual mineral fibres .
- the binder can of course be any known binder for use in combination with mineral fibres, i.e. also a thermoplastic binder.
- the first conveyer belt 6 is, as is evident from Fig. 3, composed of two conveyer belt sections. A first conveyer belt section which is sloping relative to the horizontal direction and relative to a second substantially horizontal conveyer belt section. The first section constitutes a collector section, whereas the second section constitutes a transport section. This can of course be made in any other way known in the art.
- the conveyor belt(s) used for collecting the fibres are preferably foraminous and provided with means (not shown) for the suction of air through the belts to facilitate the layering of the fibres. This increases the homogeneity of the primary web 7 even further by ensuring a better distribution of the fibres, i.e. in terms of spots with low fibre density having the highest airflow through the belt which then leads to layering of more fibres there, etc.
- the compression of the primary web 7 is performed by roller 8 having an inclination from one side of the web to the other side and thus inducing a continuous compression gradient in the entire width-direction of the primary web and in such a way that the primary web 9 after longitudinal compression maintains a substantial amount of the compression induced, i.e. more compression in one side than in the other.
- the inclination of the roller can of course be adjusted to provide any desired compression profile.
- a similar effect can be obtained by using a number of rollers or bands and/or conically shaped rollers. In most cases it is preferable to compress the primary web in a zone along one side as much as possible while essentially not compressing at all along the other side.
- Various known means, e.g. in terms of compression aids or the like can advantageously be employed to ensure the correct density gradient is maintained/obtained in the final product.
- the first section of the first conveyer belt 6 constitutes as stated above a collector section, whereas the second section of the conveyor belt 6 constitutes a transport section by means of which the primary mineral fibre web having the continuous compression gradient in the width direction is transferred to a second and a third continuously operated conveyer belt designated the reference numerals 10 and 11, respectively, which are operated in synchronism with the first conveyer belt 6 sandwiching the compressed primary mineral fibre web 9 between two adjacent surfaces of the second and third conveyer belts 10 and 11, respectively.
- the secondary mineral fibre web 13 is consequently produced by arranging the primary mineral fibre web 9 in overlapping relation generally in the transversal direction of the fourth conveyer belt 12.
- a secondary web is produced in which the density varies substantially continuous in the height-direction (thickness), in terms of being lowest at the bottom and highest at the top.
- Bricks cut out of the preferably cured/hardened secondary web are exceptional for use as plant growth media, due to the controlled hydroretentivity gradient, i.e. improved water retention ability.
- primary mineral fibre web designates a newly formed mineral fibre web of a typical height (thickness) of 3-7 cm. which is meant for being sandwiched with a number of corresponding primary web layers, preferably constituted by the same primary web in order to obtain a secondary web.
- a particularly preferred way of obtaining such primary and secondary mineral fibre webs is disclosed in WO 97/01006.
- water retention ability as used herein defines a products ability to retain water as measured in volume percent.
- mineral fibre based plant growth medium as used herein comprises any products suitable as host for the roots of plants and which products comprise a substantial amount of mineral fibres, preferably in an amount of around 1-10 volume- o, more preferable around 2-5 volume-%.
- the plant growth medium according to the invention may comprise a number of components besides mineral fibres, e.g. lignite, clay and organic compounds such as coco peat.
- mineral fibres e.g. lignite, clay and organic compounds such as coco peat.
- mineral fibre as used herein comprises all types of man-made mineral fibres, such as rock, glass or slag fibres, in particular fibres used in materials for thermal or sound insulation purposes, and as filler in cement, plastics or other substances, or which are used as culture medium for plants .
- binding agent as used herein comprises any material which is suited as binding agent in mineral fibre materials for the above products, e.g. phenol formaldehyde urea, acrylic-copolymer, resorsinole, furan or melamine resin. Such binding agents are preferably supplied to the mineral fibre material in the form of aqueous suspensions.
- Mineral fibres are obtained by spinning in a spinning chamber, and are made to deposit on a conveyor belt under formation of a primary web having a width of about 1.8 m, and a surface weight of about 500 g/m 2 .
- a binding agent comprising phenol formaldehyde urea in aqueous suspension is continuously distributed to the fibres in the air in the spinning chamber prior to the fibres settling on the conveyor belt, the binding agent being added in an amount corresponding to a final concentration of phenol formaldehyde urea of about 3 ° in the final product.
- the primary web is compressed in its full width by means of a cylindrical roller suspended in such a manner that it is pressing against the web at one edge of the primary web at a pressure of 0 kg/m and at a pressure of 1000 kg/m at the opposite edge of the primary web and pressing at a substantially linear interpolated compression rate between these two values between the primary web side-edges.
- the primary web is laid out by pendulum distribution under formation of a secondary web having a width of about 2 m, the secondary web as seen in cross-section comprising about 12 layers of primary web.
- the secondary web obtained is compressed to a height of 100 mm, and cured in a curing oven.
- the plant growth media are provided by cutting off in the desired sizes from the thus cured secondary web.
- Plant growth media prepared by the process according to the example have a continuous density gradient ranging from 35 kg/m 3 at the bottom to 130 kg/m 3 at the top.
- the plant growth media according to the invention show no signs of delamination, and have an excellent water retention/diffusion ability.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
- Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SK1244-2000A SK12442000A3 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
JP2000536934A JP2002506660A (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for producing mineral fiber based growth medium, plant growth medium and use thereof |
PL99343031A PL343031A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
EP99908778A EP1064436A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
AU28266/99A AU2826699A (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
CA002322591A CA2322591A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DK0385/98 | 1998-03-19 | ||
DK38598 | 1998-03-19 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999047764A1 true WO1999047764A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 |
WO1999047764A8 WO1999047764A8 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
Family
ID=8092910
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/DK1999/000150 WO1999047764A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1999-03-19 | Method and apparatus for preparation of mineral fibre based growth medium, a plant growth medium and use of it |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1064436A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002506660A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2826699A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2322591A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL343031A1 (en) |
SK (1) | SK12442000A3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999047764A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002000009A2 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2002-01-03 | Rockwool International A/S | Method and apparatus for manufacturing a coherent growth substrate and the obtainable growth substrate |
EP1655399A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-05-10 | Heraklith Ag | Insulating product and its manufacturing process |
WO2007085260A1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Rockwool International A/S | Sandwich element |
CN102283091A (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2011-12-21 | 重庆天开景观工程有限公司 | Acrylic resin culture medium for planting plant and preparation method thereof |
EP2468935A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2012-06-27 | A. H. Meyer Maschinenfabrik GmbH | Non-woven fabric, tissue, fascine comprising or consisting of lignit fibrous material |
EP2950632A4 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2016-11-02 | Univ Guelph | Soilless pre-vegetated mat and process for production thereof |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH620861A5 (en) * | 1977-06-08 | 1980-12-31 | Flumroc Ag | Process for producing mineral fibre slabs, device for carrying out the process, mineral fibre slab produced by the process and use thereof |
EP0209958A1 (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1987-01-28 | Rockwool Lapinus B.V. | Water-absorbing porous product for the cultivation of plants and method for the cultivation of plants by means of a water-absorbing product |
US4777763A (en) * | 1986-06-17 | 1988-10-18 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Plant growing medium |
US5009030A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1991-04-23 | Isover Saint-Gobain | Substrate for soil-free culture having a controlled water content over its thickness |
-
1999
- 1999-03-19 EP EP99908778A patent/EP1064436A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-03-19 PL PL99343031A patent/PL343031A1/en unknown
- 1999-03-19 CA CA002322591A patent/CA2322591A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-03-19 WO PCT/DK1999/000150 patent/WO1999047764A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-03-19 AU AU28266/99A patent/AU2826699A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-03-19 JP JP2000536934A patent/JP2002506660A/en active Pending
- 1999-03-19 SK SK1244-2000A patent/SK12442000A3/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH620861A5 (en) * | 1977-06-08 | 1980-12-31 | Flumroc Ag | Process for producing mineral fibre slabs, device for carrying out the process, mineral fibre slab produced by the process and use thereof |
EP0209958A1 (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1987-01-28 | Rockwool Lapinus B.V. | Water-absorbing porous product for the cultivation of plants and method for the cultivation of plants by means of a water-absorbing product |
US4777763A (en) * | 1986-06-17 | 1988-10-18 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Plant growing medium |
US5009030A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1991-04-23 | Isover Saint-Gobain | Substrate for soil-free culture having a controlled water content over its thickness |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002000009A2 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2002-01-03 | Rockwool International A/S | Method and apparatus for manufacturing a coherent growth substrate and the obtainable growth substrate |
WO2002000009A3 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2002-05-10 | Rockwool Int | Method and apparatus for manufacturing a coherent growth substrate and the obtainable growth substrate |
EP1655399A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-05-10 | Heraklith Ag | Insulating product and its manufacturing process |
EP2468935A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2012-06-27 | A. H. Meyer Maschinenfabrik GmbH | Non-woven fabric, tissue, fascine comprising or consisting of lignit fibrous material |
WO2007085260A1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Rockwool International A/S | Sandwich element |
EA014260B1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2010-10-29 | Роквул Интернэшнл А/С | Sandwich element |
US8192818B2 (en) | 2006-01-26 | 2012-06-05 | Rockwool International A/S | Sandwich element |
CN102283091A (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2011-12-21 | 重庆天开景观工程有限公司 | Acrylic resin culture medium for planting plant and preparation method thereof |
CN102283091B (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2012-11-14 | 重庆天开园林景观工程有限公司 | Acrylic resin culture medium for planting plant and preparation method thereof |
EP2950632A4 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2016-11-02 | Univ Guelph | Soilless pre-vegetated mat and process for production thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2002506660A (en) | 2002-03-05 |
EP1064436A1 (en) | 2001-01-03 |
CA2322591A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 |
SK12442000A3 (en) | 2001-04-09 |
PL343031A1 (en) | 2001-07-30 |
AU2826699A (en) | 1999-10-11 |
WO1999047764A8 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
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