WO2020253927A1 - Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec - Google Patents

Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020253927A1
WO2020253927A1 PCT/DK2020/050175 DK2020050175W WO2020253927A1 WO 2020253927 A1 WO2020253927 A1 WO 2020253927A1 DK 2020050175 W DK2020050175 W DK 2020050175W WO 2020253927 A1 WO2020253927 A1 WO 2020253927A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
zone
zones
dry forming
suction
distribution unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2020/050175
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bjørn Balskilde ANDERSEN
Stig Gamborg
Original Assignee
Advance Nonwoven A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advance Nonwoven A/S filed Critical Advance Nonwoven A/S
Priority to CA3144286A priority Critical patent/CA3144286A1/fr
Priority to EP20740528.3A priority patent/EP3987099A1/fr
Priority to US17/620,616 priority patent/US20220267937A1/en
Publication of WO2020253927A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020253927A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01G—PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF FIBRES, e.g. FOR SPINNING
    • D01G25/00—Lap-forming devices not integral with machines specified above
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dry forming plant for dry forming of a fibrous tissue from a fibrous material chosen from amongst synthetic fibres and natural fibres
  • the dry forming plant comprises at least one distribution unit having a fibre and air inlet, and the at least one distribution unit being placed above a forming wire
  • the dry form ing plant further comprises at least one vacuum box which is connected to a suction unit, and the at least one vacuum box being placed below the forming wire
  • the at least one distribution unit has an open bottom for release of the fibre material onto the forming wire which is configured to be advanced below the distribution unit, and wherein one or more rotating rollers having protruding spikes are provided in the at least one distribution unit, the rotating rollers are arranged to cover the cross sec- tional area of the open bottom.
  • the invention relates to a method of dry forming of a fibrous tissue from a fibrous material chosen from amongst synthetic fibres and natural fibres, using a dry forming plant.
  • main distribution unit of this type are known, for instance from EP 0159618 Bl.
  • This application describes a main distribution unit provided with a bottom net or a sieve having a plurality of openings.
  • wings, rollers or other scraping or brushing devices which in an active manner re moves fibres from the sieve at the bottom of the main distribution unit.
  • a vacuum box is provided underneath the forming wire for drawing the fibres through the bottom and onto the forming wire.
  • the size of the openings in the mesh or sieve in the bottom of the forming box is decided by the fibres, which are to be distributed on the forming wire. This is par ticularly relevant in relation to the use of cellulose fibres in the manufacture of paper products including absorbing products, such as napkins. Thus, there has been a limitation in the length of the fibres used.
  • WO 99/36623 A1 describes a main distribution unit with an open bottom, i.e. without a bottom mesh or sieve.
  • the distribution of fibres is carried out by a plurality of rotating spike rollers. Said spikes are arranged to partly hold the fibres back against the effect from the suction of the under lying vacuum box.
  • the cloud of fibres which is formed inside the main distribution unit of single fibres, which are slit up and mixed in the air stream, are transferred down onto the underlying forming wire under the application of the rotating spike rollers. This increases the capacity of the forming apparatus significantly.
  • agglomerates of fibres may pass the spike rollers without being torn sufficiently apart by the spikes, resulting in an uneven distribution of fibres on the forming wire and therefore in an inhomogeneous final product.
  • EP 2078769 A1 describes a dry forming plant wherein the main distribution unit is divided into a plural ity of interconnected distribution units each of which comprises at least one rotating roller, which are provided with protruding spikes.
  • main distribution unit By dividing the main distribution unit into a plurality of interconnected distribution units, it was possible to obtain a more efficient disintegration of fibres compared to the known main distribution units.
  • the prior art dry forming plants according to either WO 99/36623 A1 or EP 2078769 A1 have a limitation in the width of the product to be formed. Even though the prior art dry forming plants makes it possible to produce uniform webs at high speeds then the variation of the thickness over the width of the product causes prob lems when a wide product is produced.
  • such fibres may be long fibres compared to the traditionally cellu- lose fibres used in the manufacture of paper products including absorbing products, such as napkins.
  • the prior art vacuum box according to WO 2004/065688 A1 comprises a suction area that is divided into a plurality of equally sized zones in the transverse direction and in longitudinal direction.
  • Each column of suction zones in the longitudinal direction is connected to individual suction ducts which again are connected to individual fans.
  • An electronic system is used to individually control the operations of the fan motors so that the suction in each longitudinal column can be varied.
  • Each transverse row of suction zones are connected to manually operated shutter members so that the suction force can be increased as the product moves along the transport wire.
  • a series of sen- sors are arranged downstream of the feeding head in order to detect the thickness or basis weight of the product, wherein the sensor signals are inputted to a control sys tem for adjustment of the shutter members and fan motors.
  • each of the at least one vacuum box is divided into at least three longitudinal zones in a direction transversal to the advance direction of the forming wire, wherein the longitudinal zones have upwardly orientated intakes arranged below the forming wire, and wherein each of the longitu dinal zones are connected with the suction unit via an outlet, the outlet comprises first shut-off means configured to partly or totally close the outlet, the first shut-off means are configured to be independently operated.
  • Each vacuum box forms a suction area extending in a transverse direction between opposite side edges and further in a longitudinal direction between a front edge and a back edge.
  • the side edges define a total width of the suction area where the longitudi- nal zones each have a local width.
  • the front and back edges define a total length of the suction area where the transverse zones each have a local length.
  • each distribution unit forms a distribution area extending in the transverse direction between opposite side edges and further in the longitudinal direction be tween a front edge and a back edge.
  • the side edges define a total width of the distribu tion area and the front and back edges define a total length of the distribution area.
  • the inventor has found that it has been possible almost to eliminate variation in the thickness over the width of the product.
  • the vacuum box is divided into at least three longitudinal zones in the direction transversal to the advance direction of the forming wire it is possible to have at least two side zones located at the side edges of the vacuum box which may be orientated below the side edges of a distribution unit opposite the vacuum box.
  • At least one central zone is provided. Seeing that the longitudinal zones are connected with outlet having first shut-off means it is possible to adjust the suction in the longitudinal zones and thus across the width of the web.
  • the first shut-off means are preferably individually operated so that the suction can be adjusted independently in each longitudinal zone.
  • the possibility of adjusting the suction in a longitudinal zone of the vacuum box which is situated below a side edge of a distribution unit is especially important when more distribution units are arranged side-by-side in a direction transversal to the advance direction of the forming wire.
  • these areas in the product would be provided in an intermediate position over the width of the product when the product is formed in a plant having more modular distribution units arranged side-by- side. It has shown advantageous to have a smaller side zone being arranged closest to a side edge of the vacuum box and then have a larger central zone being arranged next to the side zone.
  • a smaller side zone is arranged on either side of the larger cen tral zone.
  • the local widths of the side zones are smaller than the local width of the central zone.
  • the local width of one side zone is larger than the local width of the other side zone.
  • the central zone arranged between the side longitudinal zones would then be divided in at least one intermediate central zone arranged between at least two outer central zones.
  • the outer central zones are further arranged next to the side zones.
  • the outer central zones may be divided into further additional outer zones, if needed.
  • the intermediate and outer central zones may have equal local widths.
  • the local width of the intermediate central zone may be larger than the local widths of the outer central zones, or vice versa.
  • the intermediate and outer central zones may all have different local widths.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that the longitudinal zones are divided into a number of transversal zones, where at least in a number of the transversal zones a second shut-off means is arranged, the second shut-off means is configured to partly or totally close the intake to that transversal zone, the second shut-off means at least in the advance direction are configured to independently operated.
  • a product having a substantial thickness may have variation of properties over the thickness.
  • a vacuum box which at the upper side ar ranged closest to the forming wire would have a suction area divided into a grid hav- ing a number of intake orientated against the forming wire.
  • All or some of the trans versal zones provided in the longitudinal zones may be fitted with second shut-off means.
  • the second shut-off means in each transversal zone may be operated inde pendently so that it is possible to adjust the suction in the intakes as the web advances through the dry forming plant.
  • the transversal zones may all have equally local lengths. Alternatively, the transversal zones may all have different local lengths. Alternatively, the transversal zones may be arranged in groups where each group have different local lengths.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that the longitudinal zones and transversal zones are formed by partitions plates provided with cut-outs arranged for joining the partitions plates.
  • the longitudinal and transversal zones by partition plates it is possible to use thin plates. These plates are preferably made of metal and may be steel plates. Alternatively aluminium may be used.
  • the plates can be provided with cut-outs. Such cut-outs can be formed for cooperation with each other whereby it is possible to join the partition plates in a direction perpendicular to each other in order to form the grid.
  • the formation of cut-outs could be done with laser cutting or any other mechanical method.
  • the formation of a grid by bringing cut-outs into engagement with each other is well-known. When having the cut-outs with a width corresponding to the thickness of a plate, the connection of the crossing plates would form an airtight connection.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that the outlet of the longitudinal zones are connected with suction tubes being directed in the advance direction.
  • suction tubes are connected with the outlet to the longitu dinal zones.
  • One suction tube could be connected with more outlets as each outlet is independently operable.
  • the suction tubes are preferably directed in the advance di rection and arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the forming wire.
  • the height of the plant is as low as possible compared to an outlet tube orien tated in a downwardly oriented direction from the vacuum box.
  • suction units When more suction tubes are arranged side-by-side it is possible to have different length of a first portion of the suction tubes and then having a bending of the suction tubes leading the tubes to suction units arranged at the side of the form- ing wire.
  • the suction units may be arranged symmetrically at each side of the forming wire or be arranged only at one side of the forming wire. For larger width of the prod uct it is preferred to use the symmetrically arrangement of the suction units.
  • the suction units may be arranged at the front or back end of the dry forming plant which minimises the length of the suction tubes
  • the suction units may form an integrated part of the dry forming plant so that the plant has a compact configuration.
  • the suction units may also be external suction units capable of being connected to the suction tubes via a coupling interface.
  • the suction unit may be a fan driven by a motor, but other suction units may also be used.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that two or more independent distribution units are arranged side by side in direction transversal to the advance direction.
  • the dry forming plant is further peculiar in that the vacuum box comprises a longitudinal zone in an area where adjacent sides of the two or more independent distribution units are joined and that the longitudinal zone is a central zone and at that at least one side zone is provided on each side of the central zone.
  • two or more independent distribution units could be arranged in modular form and be arranged side-by-side in direction transversal to the advance direction in order to increase the width of the product to be formed. It is possible to use one or more vacuum boxes arranged opposite the distribution units in a position below the forming wire.
  • the vacuum box or vacuum boxes has/have a suction area corresponding to at least the distribution area of the distribution units.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that two or more independent vacuum boxes are arranged side by side in direction transversal to the advance direction.
  • the dry forming plant is further peculiar in that the at least one vacuum box unit comprises an outermost side zone arranged at a side of the at least one vacuum box, the outermost side zone having a local width be- ing smaller than a local width of another longitudinal zone of the at least one vacuum box.
  • the side zones arranged on each side of a central zone in the vacuum box(es) would normally - at the outermost side of the distribution unit or the outermost side of a number of distribution units arranged side-by-side - be sub-divided in such a way that it comprises an outermost longitudinal zone and at least one adjacent longitudinal zone.
  • the outermost side of the distribution unit(s) may be aligned with an outermost side zone arranged in the vacuum box(es).
  • the outermost side zone preferably has a local width that is smaller than the local width of any of the other side zones. This makes it possible to more precisely adjust the suction in a longitudinal zone of the vacuum box which is situated below a side edge of the distribution unit. Hereby it is possible to obviate variations which occur at the side edge of the distribu- tion.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that at least two of the distribution units and/or the vacuum boxes provided in the dry forming plant are either identical or symmetrical.
  • modular distribution units could be identical and be arranged with an independent fibre and air inlet.
  • the distribution units may be symmetrical, e.g. be a mirror image of each other.
  • a distribution unit would be provided with a flow of air-bom fibres which are led into the distribution units with an over pressure. Accordingly, the fibres and air inlet would be identical for each of the distri bution units in a dry-formed plant having more distribution units arranged side-by- side.
  • a false drag of air is established whereby the vacuum box would remove more air than entered through the fibre and air inlet.
  • This is obtained by providing the distribution units with adjustable plates arranged at the bottom of the plates at the entry side of the distribution unit and the outlet side as seen the advance direction of the forming wire. By adjusting such plates by a sliding movement in upwardly direction it is possible to establish a gap which makes it possible that a higher volume of air is removed through the vacuum box than the amount of air entered into the distribution unit in the combined fibre and air inlet.
  • each vacuum box could be provided side-by-side in direction transversal to the advance direction.
  • Such vacuum boxes would each comprise an independent outlet for connec tion to a suction unit.
  • Each vacuum box could be associated with its own suction unit or could be connected to a common suction unit through a manifold. It should be realised that each vacuum box will be divided into longitudinal zones as already explained and that each longitudinal zone would be connected with the first shut-off means.
  • the first shut-off means are arranged for independently operation of the outlet to each of the longitudinal zones.
  • first shut-off means which are independently operable for each of the lon gitudinal zones.
  • Such modular vacuum boxes could be identical or be symmetrical, e.g. be a mirror image of each other.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that the first shut-off means for each of the longitudinal zones are slide valves and that each is connected with independent operable first operation units.
  • first shut-off means are slide valves which each is connected with a first operation unit in order to be independently operable.
  • the shut-off means could be other form for valves, e.g. rotating valves or could be also be dampers which are rotating.
  • the slide valves are preferred, seeing that they are a technical simple construction which makes it possible to establish the individual operation of each longitudinal zone within a limited space.
  • the dry forming plant is peculiar in that the second shut-off means for the one transversal zone are ro- tary dampers which are mounted on a common pivotally mounted shaft being con nected with independent operable second operation units.
  • the second shut-off means are preferred to be rotary dampers which are arranged in side the intake which are provided the grid formed by the partition plates.
  • the second shut-off means will be arranged on a common pivotally shaft which is extending across the width of the vacuum box.
  • only one second operation unit is needed for a row of second shut-off means arranged side-by-side across the width of the vac uum box.
  • This is a convenient construction as there is a limited space in the area between the upper run and the lower run of the forming wire where the vacuum box is arranged. Accordingly, the second operation unit could be arranged outside the forming wire. Accordingly, they could be easy to adjust and to maintain.
  • each rotary damper for each intake formed in the grid could be independently operable.
  • each second shut-off means there is a limited need for such independ ent operation of each second shut-off means.
  • the use of the second shut-off means for the transversal zones is used for obviating the risk of different properties over the height of the product. As explained above it is therefore important that the second shut-off means are used for adjusting the suction to be effected over the length of the distribution unit as seen in the advance direction for the forming wire.
  • a row of second shut-off means arranged in transver sal direction would be operated by one second operating unit.
  • the method according the invention is peculiar in the steps of:
  • the inventor has found that it has been possible almost to elimi nate variation in the thickness over the width of the product using the present inven tion.
  • This allows for an improved dry forming process of fibrous webs as the suction is able to be precisely adjusted in critical areas, such as at the side edges and the area between adjacent distribution units.
  • the present invention also allows the dry forming plant to be easily adapted to produce webs/tissues made from different fibrous materi als or a mixture thereof.
  • the method according the invention is peculiar in that the at least one fibrous material is fed to at least two distribution units arranged side by side in direction transversal to the advance direction, where a local suction is provided in a central zone in an area where adjacent sides of the two distribution units are joined, and where the local suc tion is independently controlled in relation to a local suction provided in at least one side zone arranged on each side of the central zone.
  • the method according the invention is peculiar in that a local suction is provided in an outermost side zone arranged at an side edge of the at least one vacuum box, and where the local suction is independently controlled in relation to a local suction pro vided in at least one side zone arranged adjacent to the outermost side zone.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a prior art dry forming plant forming a part of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a plant according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 a partial schematic view of the plant illustrated in Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 4 a partial side view of the plant illustrated in Fig. 2,
  • FIG. 5 a partial view of a vacuum box of the plant illustrated in Fig. 2
  • Fig. 6 a perspective view of the vacuum box with partition plates mounted for de fining a grid of intake openings
  • Fig. 7 a view of the vacuum box provided with suction tubes and rotary dampers arranged in the intakes
  • Fig. 8 a side view of the vacuum box illustrating sliding plates establishing a gap for false drag
  • Fig. 9 a side view seen from the opposite side illustrating the slide plates and the rotary dampers in a vertical position leaving the intakes open
  • Fig. 10 a perspective sketch illustrating the principle of a first modular construction of the plant
  • Fig. 11 a perspective sketch illustrating the principle of a second modular construc tion of the plant
  • Fig. 12 a perspective sketch illustrating the principle of a second modular construc tion of the plant
  • Fig. 13 a perspective sketch illustrating the principle of a fourth modular construction of the plant
  • Fig. 14 a perspective sketch illustrating the principle of a construction of the plant.
  • Fig. 15 a schematic view illustrating how a product is built on a forming wire below a distribution unit.
  • amain distribution unit according to the invention comprises four distribution units. This is not limiting the invention.
  • the main distribution unit can comprise from one to a plurality of distributions units.
  • a main distribution unit 1 according to prior art is shown.
  • the main distri bution unit comprises four independent interconnected distribution units 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively.
  • Fibres are supplied to the first distribution unit 2 via an inlet 6.
  • a vacuum box 7 is positioned beneath a forming wire 8, and the main distribution unit is positioned above the wire.
  • suction is established through the forming wire and fibres 9 are air laid on the forming wire 8 to form a web 10 in a dry form ing process. Only an upper run 22 of the forming wire 8 is illustrated in fig. 1.
  • the forming wire is an endless wire belt.
  • the main distribution unit is shown with the interior elements visible in the fourth distribution unit 5.
  • the housing walls may be made from transparent or opaque materials.
  • the first distribution unit 2 comprises one rotating roller 11
  • the second distribution unit 3 comprises two rotating rollers 13
  • the third distribution unit 4 comprises one rotating roller 14
  • the forth distribution unit 5 comprises five rotating rollers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, placed in a substantially horizontal plane parallel to the forming wire 8.
  • the five rotating rollers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, which are placed within the forth distribu tion unit 5, can be said to make up the bottom of the main distribution unit wherein three rotating rollers 15, 16, 17 are placed by one side wall of the distribution unit and two rotating rollers 18, 19 at the opposite side.
  • Motors 20 arranged with the possibility for a variable rotation rate, drives each rotating roller, ensuring that it is possible to adjust the revolution rate of the en gines dependent of choice of rollers, spikes and the product, which is to be formed.
  • Each of the rotating rollers 11,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 has an axle 21, upon which spikes 12 in form of thread-formed elements are protruding.
  • the spikes 12 are established with a size and a mutual distance, which makes it possible to allow for a passage in-between for corresponding spikes 12 on a neighboring rotating roller.
  • the rotating spike rollers are in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 placed so that the outer ends of the spikes describe circles that do not overlap each other but can with in the scope of the invention also be meshing like toothed gear or touch each other during the rotation.
  • the fibres 9 are supplied to the main distribution unit 1 via inlets 6.
  • Said fibres will comprise agglomerates, lumps and/or shadows and when these comes into contact with the spikes 12, the agglomerates, lumps and/or shadows will be disinte grated or shred in order to ensure an even distribution of fibres 9 in the product 10 formed on the forming wire 8.
  • Fibres are supplied in an airflow to the first distribution unit 2 via an inlet 6.
  • the air- flow can be created by means of transport blowers, which are linked with pipes that lead to the distribution unit, but other ways of obtaining the airflow known to the per son skilled in the art are within the scope of protection.
  • the fibres are primarily led in from each side of the first distribution unit 2, but fibres could also be feed to the distribution unit by means of more inlet pipes on each side of said distribution unit or to several of the distribu tion units. It is hereby possible to vary the capacity of the main distribution unit by opening and closing the inlet pipes.
  • the fibres can be introduced to the main distribution unit in question by blowing them into said main distribution unit. This will ensure, that the fibres have a substantial velocity upon introduction to the unit, which provides that large concentrations variations throughout the main distribution unit will be reduced or even eliminated, ensuring a more uniform distribution of small fibres in the web .
  • the product shall be provided with super ab sorbents or other pow der products a more uniform distribution of such powder products is obtained.
  • the topmost first distribution unit 2 may or may not have a detachable lid 23 to allow inspection and maintenance of the main distribution unit, and to provide the possibility of admitting false drag so that a negative pressure does not build up in the main distribution unit and obstructs the continuous flow towards the forming wire obtained by means of the vacuum box 7.
  • the lid 23 has an air inlet opening 24 for admitting the false drag.
  • the opening may be provided in the lid 23 or any other suit- able site on the main distribution unit, e.g. in the axial side of the first 2 and/or sub sequent distribution unit, as well as more openings may be provided and favorable.
  • the openings for false drag may also be a gap at the bottom of the main distribution unit, which gap may be adjustable.
  • the uniform distribution is furthermore increased as the rotating rollers retain fibres before they are gradually sucked down via the vacuum from the vacuum box to the forming wire.
  • the rotating rollers works as a kind of buffer zone, ensur ing, that the fibres do not fall directly onto the forming wire.
  • Fibres or other product which are to be part of the final web could also be are added to several of the distribution steps of the main distribution unit according to the in vention, increasing the capacity of the main distribution unit.
  • the fibre material comprising the agglomerates, lumps and/or shadows which requires the highest impact force can be feed to the first distribution unit 2, and the fibre material which requires the lowest impact force to the forth distribution unit 5.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a dry forming plant having two distribution units 1 arranged side-by- side in direction transversal to the advance direction 26 for the forming wire 8.
  • the distribution unit which may be called a main distributor unit comprises a number of independent distribution units. This is in accordance with the explanation in con nection with Fig. 1. However, in the following the mentioning of a distribution unit would correspond to the main distribution unit explained in connection with Fig. 1.
  • the two distribution units 1 are identical and are arranged side-by-side in order to increase the width of the product 10 formed on the forming wire 8.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a plant according to the present invention and here it is seen that the former wire 8 has an upper run 22 and a lower run 25.
  • the forming wire 8 has a movement in direction of the arrow 26.
  • the vacuum box 7 is arranged in the area between the upper run 22 and the lower run
  • the vacuum box 7 is through funnels 27 (see Fig. 7) con nected with suction tubes 28.
  • the suction tubes 28 extend in the advance direction
  • the suction tubes 28 (see Fig. 7) have a bend 29 (see Fig. 7) and are connected with further suctions tubes 30 extending transversal to forming wire 8 where the tubes 30 are connected with suction units in form of suction fans 31 arranged at the side of the forming wire 8.
  • the suction fans 31 may be connected with the inlets 6 for the distributor unit 1.
  • Fig. 3, 8 and 9 illustrate partial views. A number of elements are not shown for clari ty. E.g. only one row of motors 20 for the rotating rollers is illustrated.
  • the distribu tion unit 1 is disclosed with a fiber cloud box 32 arranged above the distribution unit 1
  • the distribution unit 1 comprises at the inlet side 33 a sliding plate 34 which is used for establishing a gap 35 beneath a lower edge of the sliding plate 34 and the upper run 22 of the forming wire 8.
  • a possibility for false drag is established. This could be instead of the false drag through an opening 24 and/or be a further possibil ity for establishing false drag.
  • a sliding plate (not illustrated) corresponding to the sliding plate 34 is arranged at the outlet side 37 of the distribution unit 1 in order to adjust a gap (not visible) ar ranged at the outlet side 37 of the distribution unit 1.
  • Fig. 8 the vacuum box 7 1 is illustrated from one side
  • Fig. 9 the vacuum box 7 is illustrated from the other side, however, with the side plate removed where by the interior of the vacuum box is visible.
  • rotary damp ers 39 which each are arranged on a common pivotally mounted shaft 40.
  • the pivot ally shafts 40 are independently operable by means of second operating units (not shown) associated with each of the shafts 40.
  • the second operating units may be a rotary actuator or any other suitable actuation means, e.g. a handle that is manually operated.
  • the distribution unit is not illustrated. It will be arranged over the vacuum box 7 il lustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an end view of the dry forming plant illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 4 il lustrates the sliding plates 34 arranged in an upper respectively a lower position above the forming wire 8. The sliding movement is established as the plate 34 is pro vided with slits 41 cooperating with screws 42 which may be loosened and tightened for sliding and fixing the sliding plates 34 in any position.
  • a distribution unit 1 it is possible to use two or more sliding plates.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a vacuum box 7 used in the dry-forming plant illustrated in Figs. 2- 4.
  • the vacuum box 7 is divided into longitudinal zones 43 arranged side-by-side in a direction transversal to the advance direction 26. Accordingly, each of the zones 43 extends in direction of the advance direction 26.
  • the longitudinal zones 43 are established by longitudinal partition plates 44 which are provided with cut-outs 45 extending partly over the height of the longitudinal partition plate 44.
  • transversal partition plates 46 having corresponding cut outs 47 for engagement with the cut-outs 45 can be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal partition plates 44 in order to form a grid of individual intakes 48. Only a part of the intakes are illustrated for illustrative purpose.
  • the longitudinal partition plates 44 provided with openings 49 for passage of the common pivotally shafts 40 for the rotary dampers 39.
  • rotary dampers 39 are provided in the different intakes 48 of the grid formed by the crossing partition plates 44, 46.
  • the intakes 48 are directed upwardly against the forming wire and are arranged below the upper run of the form ing wire.
  • the longitudinal zones 43 are connected with the suction units 31 via an outlet 36 for each of the longitudinal zones 43.
  • cut-off means in form of slide valves 50 are arranged.
  • the slide valves 50 are independently operable by means of first oper ating units (not shown) associated with each of the slide valves 50.
  • the first operat ing units may be a linear actuator or any other suitable actuation means.
  • the vacuum box 7 is divided into at least three longitudinal zones 43.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the vacuum box 7 according to Fig. 5 including all longitudinal par tition plates 44 and all transversal partition plates 46. For clarity the rotary dampers and the slide valves are not illustrated in Fig. 6.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 is divided into seven longitudinal zones 43.
  • the embodiments are divided into six transversal zones 51 by means of the transversal partition plates 46.
  • each intake is pro vided in a crossing area where a longitudinal zone and a transversal zone are cross ing.
  • the vacuum box illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 is intended for being arranged below the two distribution unit 1 arranged side-by-side in direction transversal to the advance direction 21.
  • Fig. 4 it is illustrated that the vacuum box 7 is divided into the seven longitudinal zones 43. Lines 52 illustrate the position of the longitudinal partition plates 44. From Fig. 4 it is seen that a central zone denoted 54 is arranged in the vacuum box in an area 75 where adjacent sides 76 of the two distribution unit 1 are joined.
  • the vacuum box 7 comprises a first side zone 55 on each side of the central zone 54. Moreover, it is seen that a second side zone 56 is also arranged in a more outwardly position compared to the central zone 54. Finally, it is also seen that an outermost side zone 57 is arranged at each side of the vacuum box 7.
  • the dry-forming plant may be provided in modular form. Accordingly, modular distribution units 1 may be used.
  • These modular distribution units 1 can be used together with one single vacuum box 7 or together with a number of modular vacuum boxes 7 arranged side-by-side in a direction transversal to the advance direction 26.
  • Fig. 10-14 illustrate different embodiment for a dry-forming plant manufactured of a modular set of distribution units 1 and vacuum boxes 7. Other combinations than the illustrated combinations are possible.
  • the partitions plates in the vacuum boxes 7 are not illustrated. However the partition plates will be arranged according to the princi ples described above.
  • Fig 15 illustrate a different embodiment for a dry- forming plant manufactured of only one distribution unit 1 and one vacuum box 7.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates two identical distribution units 1 arranged in a position above one vacuum box 7.
  • the vacuum box is divided into three longitudinal zones 43 and com prises a central zone 54 arranged below the area 75 where sidewalls 76 for the distri bution units are combined.
  • a side zone 56 is ar ranged.
  • outermost side zones are provided at the outermost sides of the vacuum box 7.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a different embodiment having three identical distribution units 1 arranged side-by-side in a position above to two identical vacuum boxes 7 which are also arranged side-by-side. Instead, the two vacuum boxes 7 may be symmetrically arranged around the adjoining sides. Here the longitudinal zones are not illustrated.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a further embodiment which also has three identical distribution units 1 arranged side-by-side in a position above four identical vacuum boxes 7 which are also arranged side-by-side.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates a further embodiment where three identical distribution units 1 are arranged side-by-side. Below the distribution unit five identical vacuum boxes 7 are arranged.
  • the outer most side zone 57 needs only to be provided at the two outermost sides of the vacu um boxes arranged side-by-side.
  • Such outermost side zone 57 is intended for over coming problems with“elephant foot” in the outermost edge area of the product 10 formed closest to the outermost side of the distribution unit.
  • all vacuum boxes 7 can be identical, seeing that the control of the vacuum established in each of the longitudinal zones 43 can be adjusted.
  • the adjustment may be effected in such a way that an outermost side zone 57 of a vacuum box 7 arranged in an intermediate position in the row of side-by-side arranged vacuum boxes 7 may be controlled in the same manner as a neighboring longitudinal zone 43.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates one distribution unit 1 arranged in a position above one vacuum box 7.
  • the vacuum box 7 comprises a central zone 54 and on each side of the central zone 54 a side zone 55 is arranged. Furthermore, outermost side zones 57 are provid ed at the outermost sides of the vacuum box 7. The outermost zones 57 have a small er local width than the local width of the side zones 55. Further, the central zone 54 has a smaller local width than the local width of the side zones 55.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates the formation of the product 10 formed on the forming wire 8. It is seen that the product has very low height at the inlet side 33 of the distribution unit 1 and have a larger height at the outlet side 37 of the distribution unit 1. In order to establish a uniform suction force over the length of the product arranged below the distribution unit 1 the rotary dampers 39 are arranged under different angles.
  • a smoothening roller 58 is illustrated. This smoothening roller 58 may be provided for establishing a smoothening of the surface of the product 10.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une installation de formation à sec qui comprend au moins une unité de distribution qui a une entrée de fibre et d'air. Une telle unité de distribution est placée au-dessus d'un fil de formation à l'opposé d'au moins une boîte à vide qui est reliée à une unité d'aspiration. L'unité de distribution a un fond ouvert pour la libération du matériau fibreux sur le fil de formation sous l'unité de distribution. Davantage de rouleaux rotatifs ayant des pointes en saillie sont prévus dans l'unité de distribution pour couvrir la section transversale du fond ouvert. La boîte à vide est divisée en au moins trois zones longitudinales dans une direction transversale à la direction d'avance du fil de formation. Lesdites zones longitudinales comportent des entrées orientées vers le haut agencées sous le fil de formation. Les zones longitudinales sont reliées à l'unité d'aspiration par l'intermédiaire d'une sortie. La sortie comprend des premiers moyens d'obturation pour fermer partiellement ou totalement la sortie. Les premiers moyens d'obturation sont indépendamment actionnables.
PCT/DK2020/050175 2019-06-20 2020-06-18 Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec WO2020253927A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3144286A CA3144286A1 (fr) 2019-06-20 2020-06-18 Installation de formation a sec et procede de formation a sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation a sec
EP20740528.3A EP3987099A1 (fr) 2019-06-20 2020-06-18 Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec
US17/620,616 US20220267937A1 (en) 2019-06-20 2020-06-18 Dry forming plant and method for dry forming a fibrous tissue using such dry forming plant

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA201970387 2019-06-20
DKPA201970387 2019-06-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020253927A1 true WO2020253927A1 (fr) 2020-12-24

Family

ID=71620121

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK2020/050175 WO2020253927A1 (fr) 2019-06-20 2020-06-18 Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20220267937A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3987099A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA3144286A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020253927A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0159618B1 (fr) 1984-04-27 1988-01-07 MIRA LANZA S.p.a. Appareil pour la distribution uniforme d'une matière fibreuse désintégrée sur une surface de formation d'une couche fibreuse dans des ateliers de fabrication de papier sec
WO1999036623A1 (fr) 1997-12-23 1999-07-22 Marianne Etlar Eriksen Distributeur de fibres
WO2004065688A1 (fr) 2003-01-22 2004-08-05 A. Celli Nonwovens S.P.A. Dispositif de formation par voie pneumatique d'une bande de fibres a l'aide d'une caisse aspirante novatrice et procede associe
US20070044891A1 (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-03-01 Sellars Absorbent Materials, Inc. Method and device for forming non-woven, dry-laid, creped material
EP2078769A1 (fr) 2008-01-11 2009-07-15 Portico Ldt. Tête de formage pour la formation sèche d'un voile fibreux

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0159618B1 (fr) 1984-04-27 1988-01-07 MIRA LANZA S.p.a. Appareil pour la distribution uniforme d'une matière fibreuse désintégrée sur une surface de formation d'une couche fibreuse dans des ateliers de fabrication de papier sec
WO1999036623A1 (fr) 1997-12-23 1999-07-22 Marianne Etlar Eriksen Distributeur de fibres
WO2004065688A1 (fr) 2003-01-22 2004-08-05 A. Celli Nonwovens S.P.A. Dispositif de formation par voie pneumatique d'une bande de fibres a l'aide d'une caisse aspirante novatrice et procede associe
US20070044891A1 (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-03-01 Sellars Absorbent Materials, Inc. Method and device for forming non-woven, dry-laid, creped material
EP2078769A1 (fr) 2008-01-11 2009-07-15 Portico Ldt. Tête de formage pour la formation sèche d'un voile fibreux

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20220267937A1 (en) 2022-08-25
EP3987099A1 (fr) 2022-04-27
CA3144286A1 (fr) 2020-12-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4584449B2 (ja) 繊維分配装置
DK173925B1 (da) Apparat og fremgangsmåde til tilvejebringelse af et antal strømme af luftslæbte fibre
EP2238281B1 (fr) Tête de formation pour la formation à sec d'une nappe fibreuse
DK173926B1 (da) Apparat og fremgangsmåde til fremstilling af ved hjælp af luft udlagte fibervæv, der indeholder et antal komponenter
JP2541557B2 (ja) 分散粒子を含むファイバ・ウェブのエアレイ装置およびエアレイ法
US5306453A (en) Apparatus and method of making a non-woven fabric
CA2471345A1 (fr) Installation pour disperser un materiau, notamment des copeaux de bois, des fibres de bois ou similaires encolles, sur une bande transporteuse appropriee
WO2020253927A1 (fr) Installation de formation à sec et procédé de formation à sec d'un tissu fibreux en utilisant une telle installation de formation à sec
US5097574A (en) Method and apparatus for forming fluff pads for diapers and the like
WO2004065688A1 (fr) Dispositif de formation par voie pneumatique d'une bande de fibres a l'aide d'une caisse aspirante novatrice et procede associe
WO1996010663A1 (fr) Installation et procede de production par voie seche d'un produit en forme de bande
US7480966B2 (en) Mixing device for a head for dry-forming paper and associated method
US5044052A (en) Method and apparatus for forming fluff pads for diapers and the like
DE3750331T2 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Bildung von luftgelegten Faserbahnen mit vielen Bestandteilen.
US2744295A (en) Suction duct system for variable drafting heads
EP3884096B1 (fr) Tête de formage et appareil la comprenant
SU643574A1 (ru) Устройство дл сухого формовани бумаги
CZ20002014A3 (cs) Distributor vláken

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20740528

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 3144286

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2020740528

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020740528

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20220120