Abstract: An apparatus and process for extruding fiberforming thermoplastic polymers through spinning nozzles arranged in multiple rows are forming a non-woven web of high strength fibers. The molten fibers are accelerated by expanding hot gas flowing parallel to the extrusion nozzles and the fibers to a first velocity and cooled below their melting point, and subsequently accelerated to a higher velocity by an air jet fed with compressed cold air. The resulting fibers have a high degree of molecular orientation and tenacity and are collected on a moving collecting surface as a non-woven web.
Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt-blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers at high rates to form high-loft, low density fine fiber webs suitable for insulation applications. The high rates are achieved by mounting melt-blowing spinnerettes on the surfaces of a polygonal cylinder and spinning fibers in a radial fashion, then deflecting the fiber streams 90 degrees by a secondary stream of cold air.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 20, 1996
Date of Patent:
July 8, 1997
Assignee:
Biax-Fiberfilm Corporation
Inventors:
Eckhard C. A. Schwarz, Douglas B. Brown, Michael S. Angell
Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt-blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers to form fine fibers by extruding through spinning nozzles arranged in four or more rows. The molten fibers are accelerated to near sonic velocity by gas being blown in parallel flow through small circular gas orifices surrounding each nozzle. The air orifices are formed by a family of plates which effect the perfect centering of each nozzle in each of the circular air orifices.