Low turbulence die assembly for meltblowing apparatus
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsBryan Haynes, Michael Cook
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims17
An apparatus for forming meltblown material from a molten polymer, said apparatus comprising:
- a die head configured with channels through which molten polymer is extruded for forming meltblown fibers, said die head further comprising a generally V-shaped die tip defining outlets for said channels in an apex of said die tip;
- at least one pair of air plates disposed relative to said die tip to define air channels proximate to said die tip for directing attenuating air against the molten polymer fibers extruded from said outlets;
- at least one of said air channels further comprising a first zone of convergence at a first included angle, and a second zone of convergence adjacent said die tip apex at a second included angle that is less than said first included angle.
An apparatus for forming meltblown material from a molten polymer, said apparatus comprising:
- a die configured with channels through which molten polymer is extruded for forming meltblown fibers, said die further comprising a generally V-shaped die tip defining outlets for said channels in an apex of said die tip;
- at least one pair of air plates disposed relative to said die tip to define air channels proximate to said die tip for directing attenuating air against the molten polymer fibers extruded from said outlets;
- said air channels further comprising a zone of convergence adjacent said die tip apex at an included angle that is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees such that each said air channel defines a convergence angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said polymer channels of between about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.