Abstract: A method for the gas atomisation of melts comprises delivering of molten material into an atomising vessel (3); impinging the molten material, with a jet of heated atomising gas; and delivering the subsequently solidified, atomised particles of the formerly molten material suspended in the atomising gas to a cyclone (8) for transfer to a receiving vessel (12); wherein gas extracted from the atomising vessel (3) is cooled from its extraction temperature and then at least a proportion of this cooled gas, is re-circulated and re-introduced into the atomising vessel (3). The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the above defined method.

Abstract: Melt-blow head with a rectilinear row of nozzle bores arranged in a nozzle bar of a nozzle assembly, the nozzle bores serving to produce endless filaments formed from a melt, the nozzle bores being associated with blowing slots, in the form of longitudinal slots, to which nozzle bores the melt is fed, via melt feed pipes from one or more distribution bars and via melt pipes in a distribution block of the nozzle assembly. The blowing slots are supplied with the blow air through blow-air feed pipes in a blow-air feed element via blow-air distribution bores. A spinning width of the melt-blow head is variable, wherein only those blow-air distribution bores associated with the nozzle bores to be fed are connected to the blowing slots via blow-air pipes in the distribution block and, where appropriate, the other blow-air distribution bores are closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a particulate resin, including: a fine nozzle opening configured to extrude a melted resin mixture including a resin; an extrusion output control mechanism for controlling an extrusion output of the melted resin mixture; a collision mechanism configured to collide the melted resin mixture extruded from the fine nozzle opening with a high-temperature gas stream having a temperature of not less than a T1/2 temperature of the resin, so that the melted resin mixture is granulated to provide a particulate resin; a heat retention mechanism configured to retain the particulate resin in an atmosphere having a temperature of not less than a Tg of the resin for 0.01 to 10 seconds; and a cooling mechanism configured to cool the particulate resin; and a method for manufacturing a particulate resin using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using an electrospray device is disclosed. One or more capillary provided at its tip with a nozzle is positioned within a guide duct and precursors such as metal organic materials and metal halogen compounds, or nonvolatile substances or volatile substances are supplied to the capillary. Voltages are applied to the capillary and the guide duct, respectively, so that a voltage difference is generated therebetween and the highly charged liquid droplets from the capillary are sprayed. The sprayed liquid droplets are carried along the guide duct together with carrier gas injected into the guide duct. When heat energy is applied to the liquid droplets, chemical reactions of the liquid droplets occur. A collecting plate positioned in front of the guide duct collects ultra-fine particles formed by the chemical reactions.

Abstract: A process for micronization of pharmaceutically active agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming meltblown material from a molten polymer includes a die configured with channels in the tip of the die through which molten polymer is extruded for forming meltblown fibers. Air plates are disposed relative to the die tip to define air channels proximate to the die tip for directing attenuating air against the molten polymer fibers extruded from the tip. The air channels include a zone of convergence adjacent the apex of the die tip at an included angle that is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees such that each of the air channels defines a convergence angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the polymer channels of between about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees.

Abstract: Improved methods for forming fine particles of a material have been developed, wherein the method steps include dissolving the material in a solvent to form a dilute solution, immobilizing the dilution solution, and then removing the solvent to yield particles of the material. Methods of immobilizing the dilute solution include freezing, gelation, and chelation. In a preferred embodiment, the immobilized solvent is removed by lyophilization, i.e. reducing the ambient pressure while avoiding application of sufficient heat to power a phase transition. Essentially any material and solvent for the material can be used in the methods described herein. Proteins and peptides in an aqueous solvent are the preferred systems.

Abstract: A metal atomizing device includes a casing with an inlet tube for providing liquid metal into the casing and an outlet is defined through the casing. The inlet tube and the outlet share a common axis. A polygonal impact member is located at an outlet of the inlet tube and a plurality of gas inlets are connected to the casing so as to provide noble gas into the casing and mixed with the liquid metal that impacts on the impact member. A collection member is located at the outlet of the casing and a pipe communicates with the collection member and the inlet tube so as to send the larger particles into the casing.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing chitosan non-woven fabrics and an apparatus thereof. At first, a chitosan acidic solution is extruded to form a chitosan fibrous stream. Then, a solidifying agent is ejected to form a solidifying agent stream. The solidifying agent stream and the chitosan fibrous stream are combined to form a pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Then, high-pressure air is ejected on the pre-solidified chitosan fiber to stretch the pre-solidified chitosan fiber. Finally, the chitosan fibers are collected to form chitosan non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: Apparatus for the granulation of a predetermined substance provided in fluid, semi-fluid and similar state, comprising a prilling tower.

Abstract: A die tip adapted for extruding a plurality of meltblown multicomponent filaments that includes at least two series of conduits that extend and converge in to the interior of the die tip to convey a multicomponent thermoplastic structure in to the interior of the die tip to a series of capillaries that extend to a series of die opening for extruding multicomponent filaments is provided.

Abstract: A structure that includes a plurality of cells of a cured resinous material. Each cell is joined to at least one other cell.

Abstract: A nozzle for producing filaments or fibers of thermoplastic synthetic resin has at the nozzle end one or more bores, preferably opening at a flat surface and receiving respective inserts or shaped bodies which are formfitting in the bores and have along their peripheries respective nozzle channels opening at orifices through which the synthetic resin is discharged. Air streams may be directed at the strand at an acute angle when fibers are to be produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing globular grains of high-purity silicon by atomising a silicon melt (6) in an ultrasonic field (10). Globular grains having a grain size of 50 ?m can be produced by means of said method and device and can be used to separate high-purity silicon from silane in the fluid bed. The silicon melt (6) is fed into the ultrasonic field (10) at a distance of <50 mm in relation to a field node, and the atomised silicon leaves the ultrasonic field (10) at a temperature close to the liquidus point. The invention also relates to a use of the product produced according to the inventive method or using the inventive device, as particles for producing high-purity silicon from silane in a fluid bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are invented for producing fine particles, which can readily realize the formation of fine particles of sub-?m order to 100 micron order as well as fine particles of several micrometer which cannot be realized by a conventional method and apparatus available for producing fine particles, and a large quantity of fine particles having the desired particle diameter can be obtained with a high yield. A molten material (1), which is a molten raw material to be fragmented into fine particles, is supplied into a liquid coolant (4), boiling due to spontaneous-bubble nucleation is generated, and the molten material (1) is cooled and solidified while forming fine particles thereof by utilizing a pressure wave generated by this boiling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing lipid vesicles, which is equipped with a line (1) for transporting a polar liquid phase, with a line (2) for transporting an organic liquid phase containing lipids, with a collecting receptacle (7) for accommodating produced lipid vesicles, and with means for conveying the liquid phases through lines (1) and (2). At at least one location, the outer side of line (1) forms a common contact surface with line (2) inside of which a common opening (3) is provided that permits the flow of liquid and joins the inside of line (2) to the inside of line (1). Lines (1) and (2) do not contain agitating or dispersing aids in the area of the opening (3).

Abstract: Selected substances are applied to the inner surface of the bubble during blown-film extrusion, with the intent of altering the physical, chemical or biological properties of resin films manufactured by the extrusion process. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed, wherein a fluid preparation of selected substances is atomized from a point on the longitudinal axis of the bubble by one atomizing apparatus fixed on top of the die mandrel of a blown-film extruder. In the embodiments described, the atomizing apparatus is: (1) a tube that delivers fluid in a continuous manner to the center of the top surface of a spinning disc that atomizes the fluid towards the inner surface of the film bubble, or (2) a plurality of spraying nozzles connected to a tube that delivers the fluid to be atomized, and oriented to spray towards the inner surface of the film bubble.

Abstract: In a device for atomizing and granulating liquid oxidic slags such as, e.g., converter slags, blast furnace slags or waste incineration slags, including a slag tundish having an outlet opening into which a height-adjustable lance for a propellant jet opens and to which a cooling chamber is connected, the outlet opening is surrounded by an immersion tube arranged concentrically therewith while forming an annular gap. A guide body capable of being adjusted in the axial direction of the lance is arranged in the region of the nozzle mouth of the propellant jet lance, which guide body deflects the propellant jet in the radial direction.

Abstract: Methods for producing granular compositions comprise the steps of preparing a viscous liquid mixture, forming a plurality of ligaments from the viscous liquid mixture, cutting the ligaments with one or more liquid jet streams to form pieces, and drying the pieces to form the granular compositions. Apparatus for producing a granular compositions comprise a viscous liquid composition supply, a ligament forming device in fluid communication with a viscous liquid composition supply, one or more liquid jet nozzles adjacent an outlet of a ligament forming device, and a dryer.

Abstract: A nozzle for producing filaments or fibers of thermoplastic synthetic resin has at the nozzle end one or more bores, preferably opening at a flat surface and receiving respective inserts or shaped bodies which are formfitting in the bores and have along their peripheries respective nozzle channels opening at orifices through which the synthetic resin is discharged. Air streams may be directed at the strand at an acute angle when fibers are to be produced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making very fine particles containing at least an active principle inserted in a host molecule and a device for implementing said method. The method is characterized in that it consists in forming a solution of the active principle in a first liquid solvent and of a product formed by the host molecules in a second liquid solvent, then in contacting the resulting solutions with a supercritical pressure fluid, so as to precipitate the host molecules which are dissolved therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of spherical particles, whereby a molten prepolymer or precondensate is transformed into droplets by means of a drip nozzle, the droplets are subjected to a countercurrent with a gas in a precipitation column until at least partial crystallization is achieved and are then subjected to an additional post-crystallization phase. In order to economically produce higher quality particles at a high flow rate, the molten prepolymer is transformed into droplets by means of a vibrating nozzle plate and/or direct vibration of the molten prepolymer or polymer and resulting droplets are subjected to an air and gas countercurrent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing substantially endless fine threads from polymer solutions, especially spinning material for lyocell, wherein the spinning material is spun from at least one spinning hole or a spinning slot. The spun thread or film is drawn by high-speed accelerated gas flows using a Laval nozzle whose narrowest cross-section is located beneath the point where the spinning material exists. The threads are arranged on a strip in the form of a non-woven or are taken up in the form of a yarn and are subsequently separated in spinning baths by means of solvents.

Abstract: A support for a web forming machine which allows for vertical adjustment of a web forming belt with respect to at least one die head positioned above the web forming belt, and allows for tilting of the web forming belt. The support allows linear motion along a y-axis defined by a length of a guide shaft while preventing linear motion along a x-axis and a z-axis, e.g. the two axes perpendicular to the y-axis. Further, the support allows rotational or axial motion about the x-axis perpendicular to the y-axis but prevents rotational or axial motion about the y-axis and the z-axis.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid material with different configurations of air assisted fiberization or filament movement (e.g., meltblowing, controlled fiberization). In particular, front access for mounting a selected nozzle only requires adjustment of one lever and one fastener. Features of the lever and nozzle allow assisted ejection of the nozzle, even when the nozzle has become adhered to a die body through use. In addition, a nozzle mounting surface of the die body provides a universal interface to the various types of nozzles. An air cavity in the die body and air troughs in selected types of nozzles balance and adjust air flow.

Abstract: Melt blown nonwoven webs are formed by supplying attenuating fluid to a meltblowing die through an attenuating fluid distribution passage whose distribution characteristics can be changed while the die and manifold are assembled. By adjusting the distribution characteristics of the passage, the mass flow rate of attenuating fluid to channels in the meltblowing die and the temperature of the attenuating fluid at the die outlets can be made more uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming composite pellets containing active ingredients encapsulated in encapsulating material for the controlled release of the active ingredient in the treatment of humans, animals or plants that is capable of the following steps: producing solid granules containing encapsulating material and active ingredient; generating a flow of granules; heating the granules in flight so as to melt a portion of encapsulating material located at the surface of each granule, of melted encapsulating material spreading on the surface of each granule to form a substantially uniform surface layer so as to confer on the granules the form of pellets; cooling the pellets in flight so as to solidify at least the surface layer; collecting the pellets.

Abstract: Process and a device for producing metal powders from molten metal. The process includes directing at least three successive gas beams at a molten metal stream inside an atomization chamber, the at least three gas beams being oriented in different directions. The device includes a metallurgical vessel for holding molten metal provided with a nozzle element for discharging a molten metal stream into an atomization chamber as well as at least three gas nozzle elements for providing at least three gas beams of different orientation and directed at different points of the molten metal stream inside the atomization chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming particles of a substance, comprising the step of introducing into a mixing chamber (8), in which the temperature and pressure are controlled, a fluid gas (4) and at least one vehicle system (1) comprising at least one substance in solution or suspension such that droplet formation and extraction of the vehicle occur substantially simultaneously by the action of the fluid gas (4). Turbulence is induced in at least one of said fluid gas (4) and said vehicle system (1) so as to create a controlled disorder in the flow of the at least one of the fluid gas (4) or the vehicle system (1) in order to control the particle formation in said mixing chamber (8), said controlled disorder being created by at least one flow perturbation means (11).

Abstract: Method for making polymer particulates, such as spherical powder and whiskers, by melting a polymer material under conditions to avoid thermal degradation of the polymer material, atomizing the melt using gas jet means in a manner to form atomized droplets, and cooling the droplets to form polymer particulates, which are collected for further processing. Atomization parameters can be controlled to produce polymer particulates with controlled particle shape, particle size, and particle size distribution. For example, atomization parameters can be controlled to produce spherical polymer powders, polymer whiskers, and combinations of spherical powders and whiskers. Atomizing apparatus also is provided for atoomizing polymer and metallic materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming particles of a substance, comprising (a) introducing into a particle formation chamber, the temperature and pressure in which are controlled, a first supercritical fluid (SCF) and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle, (b) simultaneously introducing an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid (SCF), at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid, so as to increase the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the solution or suspension; and (c) using either or both of the first and the second supercritical fluids to disperse the solution or suspension, and to extract the vehicle from it, substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transversely aligned web having filaments aligned in a transverse direction, where the filaments are spun at a rate of at 30,000 m/min or more, the filaments extend continuously from one edge to the other edge in the width direction of transversely aligned web, and the width thereof is 300 mm or more. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for producing a transversely aligned web having filaments aligned in the transverse direction, comprising conveyor running in one direction, spinning nozzle disposed above the conveyor, an annular primary airflow nozzle, and at least one pair of secondary airflow nozzles disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the running direction of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for meltblowing multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration and further includes air discharge passages for impinging the discharged multi-component filaments with pressurized air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pelletizer vessel and a prilling head assembly for use in the pelletizer vessel for prilling a hard resid material. The pellitizer vessel has an has an upright pelletizing vessel with an upper prilling zone, a sphere-forming zone below the prilling zone, a cooling zone below the sphere-forming zone, a bath below the cooling zone, and a prilling head in the prilling zone rotatable along a vertical axis and having a plurality of discharge orifices for throwing molten material radially outwardly. A vertical height of the sphere-forming zone is sufficient to allow material discharged from the prilling head to form substantially spherical liquid pellets. Nozzles are provided for spraying water inwardly into the cooling zone to cool and at least partially solidify the liquid pellets to be collected in the bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for forming molten drops of precursors of thermoplastic polyesters or copolyesters as molten monomer, oligomer, monomer/glycol mixture or after partial polycondensator [sic] and melting to give a molten precursor, in which the precursor formed into drops is introduced into a gaseous medium, and the gaseous medium, after entry of the precursor formed into drops into the gaseous medium, accelerates the crystallization process by holding the drop-form precursor at a temperature above 100° C. and below its melting point for a limited time until crystallization of the drop at the surface of the precursor is complete. To this end, the apparatus has a fall tower, through which the gaseous medium flows in countercurrent from bottom to top, while the drops fall in the vertical direction from top to bottom into a collecting funnel with a precrystallized surface.

Abstract: A die head assembly for producing meltblown bicomponent fibers in a meltblown apparatus includes a die tip detachably mounted to an underside of a support member. The die tip has a row of channels defined therethrough terminating at exit orifices along a bottom edge of the tip. The channels receive and combine first and second polymers conveyed from the support member. A recess is defined along the top surface of the die tip and defines an upper chamber for each of the die tip channels. A plurality of breaker plates is removably supported in the recess in a stacked configuration. An upper one of the breaker plates has receiving holes defined therein to separately receive polymers from supply passages in the support member. The remaining breaker plates have holes defined therethrough configured to divide the polymers into separately polymer streams and to direct the polymer streams into the die tip channels, the number of polymer streams corresponding to the number of holes in the lowermost breaker plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for crystallization of amorphous and/or meta-stable crystalline regions of preformed particles by treating the particles with a supercritical or subcritical fluid containing an anti-solvent and a solvent. The invention further provides formulations comprising particles produced according to the present process containing one or more pharmacologically active substances and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, use of said formulations in the treatment of an allergic and/or inflammatory condition of the nose or lungs and methods for treatment of such conditions.

Abstract: A die head assembly for producing bicomponent meltblown fibers includes a die tip detachably mountable to a support member. The support member conveys first and second polymers separately to the die tip. The die tip has a row of channels defined therethrough that terminate at exit orifices or nozzles along the bottom edge of the die tip. These channels receive and combine the separate first and second polymers conveyed from the support member. An elongated recess is defined in the top surface of the die tip. The recess defines an upper chamber for each of the die tip channels. Stacked breaker plates are removably supported in the recess. The breaker plates have vertically aligned pairs of adjacent holes defined therethrough such that a pair of the aligned holes is disposed in each upper chamber of each channel. A filter screen is in the recess to separately filter the polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming particles of a substance, comprising (a) introducing into a particle formation chamber, the temperature and pressure in which are controlled, a first supercritical fluid (SCF) and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle; (b) simultaneously introducing an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid (SCF), at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid, so as to increase the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the solution or suspension; and (c) using either or both of the first and the second supercritical fluids to disperse the solution or suspension, and to extract the vehicle from it, substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle chamber.

Abstract: A meltblowing die includes a die tip having an outwardly projecting triangular nosepiece defining an apex therealong, a row of hot melt holes spaced along the apex, and air holes positioned in relation to the hot melt holes to cause at least some of the filaments discharging therefrom to flare outwardly so that the hot melt filaments deposited on an underlying moving substrate has a lateral dimiension greater than the length of the row of hot melt holes. The die may be operated to cause the filaments to be deposited on the substrate in a side-by-side sinusoidal, stitch-like pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for atomizing a liquid stream of metal or metal alloy. This invention relates to producing powders as well as to spray deposition process. During atomizing, a backpressure is created below the exit of the liquid delivery nozzle by the impingement of the atomization gas jets around the atomizdtion zone. And this may block further atomization. The present invention provides a method of atomizing and an atomizing apparatus to control the backpressure. During atomizing, the intensities and directions of the atomization gas jets affects the atomization characteristics. The present invention provides a method of atomizing and an atomizing apparatus to control both the intensities and directions of the atomization gas jets. This invention relates to a method and apparatus for atomizing a liquid stream of metal or metal alloy. This invention relates to producing powders as well as to spray deposition process.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cotton candy comprises a bowl and a motor with a spinner head mounted in the bowl and coupled to the motor for rotation about an axis. The spinner head comprises a perforated band which extends generally circumferentially around the spinner head to rotate with the spinner head for delivering molten sugar from the spinner head and into the bowl to make cotton candy. A film heater includes a film which is operable for generating heat when an electrical current is delivered thereto. The film heater is applied against a surface of the perforated band for heating the band and melting sugar proximate the perforated band to make cotton candy.

Abstract: A mist of liquid coolant is introduced into the path of atomized, molten, solder droplets. The mist and other conditions within the chamber are engineered to enable the liquid coolant droplets in the mist to contact the surfaces of molten solder droplets and be flash vaporized upon contact, thereby rapidly extracting heat from the molten solder droplets and accelerating cooling and solidification to produce an enhanced solder ball as a product of this process.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method and an apparatus for efficiently manufacturing microspheres having a uniform particle diameter. The apparatus is as follows: the case 1 comprises the lower body 1a and the upper body 1b. A seal ring 3, a first plate 4 which is comprised of a transparent plate such as a glass plate or a plastic plate, an annular spacer 5, an intermediate plate 6 which is comprised of a silicon substrate or the like, an annular spacer 7, a second plate 8 and a seal ring 9 are inserted in this order into a concave portion 2 formed in the lower body 1a. The upper body 1b is superposed thereon. Further, the upper body 1b is attached to the lower body 1a with bolts or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for melt blowing thermoplastic fibers especially suited for recycled plastic where molten polymer is extruded through a die head into an array of removable nozzles, each nozzle having a shoulder back end in contact with the die head, and discharged into ambient air while surrounded by a high velocity, high volume discharge of hot air wherein the nozzles are inserted through an array of nozzle holes in the back end of a strand plate bolted to the die head, and pass through an air chamber defined by the interior of the strand plate, air is heated to high temperatures with a direct flame and channeled to the air chamber, the outside face of the back end of the strand plate includes recessed areas corresponding to each nozzle hole, for receiving the shoulder back end of each nozzle, each of the nozzles can be serviced and replaced simply by releasing the strand plate and withdrawing one or more nozzles therefrom, a desired spatial configuration of and proper alignment of the nozzles is maintained wit

Abstract: I have developed an agglomeration process by which granules are formed by the steps of: (a) injecting polymer having sufficient viscoelasticity, and (b) impacting particles on the polymer at the injection point. The present invention is advantageous because it overcomes the problems of previous granulation process and subsequent art processes by having a very low recycle rate and allowing for control of granule size. It is particularly useful for fertilizer granule formation using a ureaform polymer and particles comprised of ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, including a die, for forming meltblown material. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned proximate to the die tip to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.

Abstract: In a process for granulating and disintegrating molten slags, in particular blast furnace slags, with water, a compressed water jet is directed into the slag and the slag is ejected as the jacket of the compressed water jet. The device for carrying out the process comprises a slag vessel for molten slag including an outlet opening for the molten slag, wherein a lance opens into the axis of the slag outlet opening such that the molten slag is ejected by compressed water or vapor introduced through the lance.

Abstract: The method for granulating liquid slag melts, in particular blast furnace slag, in which the melt (2) is ejected into a cooling chamber via a slag tundish (1) and in which fluid under pressure, in particular compressed gas, vapor or pressurized water, is injected in the direction of the slag exit (6) in order to eject said liquid slag, is characterized in that the pressure fluid jet discharges into a throttle pipe (3) which is immersed in the slag bath and whose lower edge is mounted so as to be adjustable in the height direction (4). The corresponding device comprises a lance (7) which is surrounded by a height-adjustable throttle pipe (3) whose lower edge (5) is immersed in the slag bath (2) contained in the tundish (1) and forms a throttling cross section between the slag exit (6) and the slag bath (2).

Abstract: A segmented die assembly comprises a plurality of side-by-side and separate units. Each die unit, includes a manifold segment and a die module mounted thereon. The manifold segments are interconnected and function to deliver process air and polymer melt to the modules. Each module including a nozzle through which the polymer melt is extruded forming a row of filament(s). The filaments from the array of modules are deposited on a substrate or collector. The die assembly is preferably used to apply a hot melt adhesive to a substrate, but also may be used to produce meltblown webs.