Washing system for cleaning a moving web
AssigneeOwens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
InventorsWilliam R. Cooper, Donald R. Miller, Peter A. Dunkailo, Lynn S. Bair
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A washing system for cleaning a moving web includes an array of a plurality of stationary nozzles arranged in sets controlled by a control valve and operated in groups. The array includes sufficient nozzle sets each having a spray width of from 5% to 50% of the web width, such that the combined spray width of all nozzle sets is necessary and sufficient to cover substantially the entire web width with cleaning spray. Groups of valves may be operated such that some nozzle sets are turned on while other remain off, thus conserving washing fluids. The nozzles operate at pressures of 1500 to 3500 psi, or 2000 to 3000 psi. Preferably the web is a continuous loop web.
Claims12
1-10. (canceled)
A method for cleaning a web, comprising:
- moving a web in a length direction relative to an array of a plurality of nozzles positioned across a width of the web, the width being transverse to the length direction, wherein each nozzle has a defined spray path and is fluidly connected to a source of washing fluid through a control valve;
- and
- wherein the array of nozzles is spaced such that the combined spray paths of all of the nozzles of the array substantially covers the entire width of the web with sprayed washing fluid;
- selectively opening the control valves for a first portion of the nozzles while the control valves for some other nozzles are closed;
- and
- alternately opening the control valves for a second portion of the nozzles while the control valves for some other nozzles are closed, such that less than an entirety of the width of the web is sprayed at one time, wherein the selective opening of the control valves for a first portion of the nozzles and the control valves for a second portion of the nozzles are repeatedly cycled such that the entire web is sprayed upon only after multiple cycles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.