US 2001/0018786 A1 · Fabric hydroenhancement method & equipment for improved efficiency

Abstract

Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. For example, a low energy per pass of {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (1/48)} the total energy delivered in 10 passes or more can obtain good enhancement results as compared to conventional hydroenhancing at higher total energy levels delivered in fewer passes. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other variations for improving hydroenhancement include angling the manifold at a diagonal to the fabric travel direction, using a high density number or double rows of jets to eliminate interference patterns, using combined upstream and downstream manifolds together for improved coverage on the fabric, and providing a baffle in the manifold in proximity to the jet strip to generate constantly fluctuating jets for improved utilization of enhancement energy.

Claims49

Dependent claims

An improved hydroenhancing equipment, comprising:

a manifold having a row of jet orifices which emit a curtain of fluid jets at a given level of total delivered energy per weight of fabric;
transport means for transporting the fabric in a travel direction at a given speed relative to the manifold so that the curtain of fluid jets impacts on the fabric;
wherein the manifold is operated in movement relative to the transporting of the fabric such that the curtain of fluid jets is delivered to the fabric at a low energy per pass which is a selected fraction of the given level of total delivered energy and in a high number of passes on the fabric which is a multiple corresponding to the selected fraction, whereby an improved conversion of delivered energy to enhancement energy is obtained on each pass and waste of energy is reduced.

An improved manifold for hydroenhancing fabric, comprising:

a manifold body having a main plenum in a central portion thereof and at least one cavity formed in a peripheral portion thereof and extending in an axial direction of the manifold body for removably mounting a flow module assembly therein;
a flow module having an upper wall defining an inlet for receiving high pressure fluid from said main plenum of said manifold body, a lower wall having means for holding a jet strip having a row of jet orifices for emitting fluid jets from the manifold, and module walls defining an interior plenum therein for distributing a flow of the high pressure fluid received through the inlet to the orifices of the jet strip;
wherein said manifold body cavity has cavity walls of a shape corresponding to the external shape of the flow module walls so as to allow insertion of the flow module into said cavity along the axial direction with a clearance space therebetween;
and
a pair of rigid, elongated sealing strips which are forcibly inserted in the axial direction between the cavity walls of the manifold body and the walls of the inserted flow module on opposite sides of the lower wall of the flow module holding said jet strip therein, for holding said flow module tightly in said cavity and sealing the cavity.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fabric hydroenhancement method & equipment for improved efficiency

Life of this patent

Fabric hydroenhancement method & equipment for improved efficiency

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49