Using centrifugal pumps in the foam process of producing non-woven webs
US6733631B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D19/0052
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A non-woven web of fibrous material is produced using a moving foraminous element in the practice of the foam process. A first foam slurry of air, water, fibers and a surfactant is generated and centrifugally pumped into contact with the moving foraminous element. Substantially fiber-free foam is withdrawn from the foraminous element while forming a non-woven web of fibrous material on the foraminous element, and at least a part of the substantially fiber-free foam is used in the generation of the first foam slurry. Recycling is also typically practiced using a centrifugal pump, and the centrifugal pumps are preferably degassing pumps which remove some of the gas from the foam. By practicing the invention it is possible to produce fibrous webs using the foam process that are more than two meters wide, and at a forming speed of more than about 100 m/min (e.g. about 200-500 m/min).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.