Methods and apparatus for meltblowing of polymeric material utilizing fluid flow from an auxiliary manifold

A method of meltblowing, comprising:

• expelling polymeric material from a plurality of filament orifices of a die;
• directing a stream of gas towards the expelled polymeric material;
• and
• dispensing fluid from an auxiliary manifold, wherein the fluid is dispensed between the stream and the filament orifices to substantially isolate the polymeric material from areas of recirculation.

A meltblowing apparatus, comprising:

• a die having a plurality of filament orifices for expelling polymeric material, the die expelling streams of polymeric material entrained in streams of air from a plurality of air knives within the die;
• at least one duct positioned to direct a secondary flow of gas towards the expelled polymeric material and in a direction away from the die;
• and
• at least one auxiliary manifold positioned relative to the die and the at least one duct such that a fluid is dispensed from the auxiliary manifold into a location between the secondary flow and the streams of polymeric material and toward an area of recirculation zones of gas that is adjacent the die and with a mass flow rate less than the mass flow rate of the secondary flow to thereby substantially isolate the recirculation zones between the duct and the plurality of orifices.