Fiber Forming Device and Process Using Same
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsBryan D. Haynes, Douglas J. Hulslander, Craig A. Barnes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fiber forming device is disclosed that is well suited to producing nonwoven webs having excellent barrier properties. In one aspect, the fiber forming device can be used to produce meltblown webs or coform webs. The fiber forming device includes a die head containing multiple rows of polymer nozzles for forming fibers. Air flow paths are positioned on either side of the rows of polymer nozzles. In addition, an air flow path is positioned in between the rows of polymer nozzles. The air flow paths produce an attenuating gas stream that attenuates fibers being produced by the polymer nozzles and directs the fibers onto a forming surface for forming nonwoven webs.
Claims21
1-13. (canceled)
A process for forming a nonwoven web comprising:
- forming two rows of fibers from a molten polymer material;
- contacting the fibers with a plurality of gas streams for attenuating the fibers, the gas streams including a first gas stream that impinges on a first row of fibers from a first side, a second gas stream that impinges on a second row of fibers from a second side, and a third gas stream that is directed between and impinges on the first row of fibers and the second row of fibers, the first gas stream being emitted by a first air flow path at a first pressure, the second gas stream being emitted by a second air flow path at a second pressure, and the third gas stream being emitted by a third air flow path at a third pressure, and wherein the third pressure is greater than the first pressure and the second pressure;
- and
- depositing the attenuated fibers onto a forming surface for forming a nonwoven web.
A process for forming a nonwoven web comprising:
- forming two rows of fibers from a molten polymer material;
- contacting the fibers with a plurality of gas streams for attenuating the fibers, the gas streams including a first gas stream that impinges on a first row of fibers from a first side, a second gas stream that impinges on a second row of fibers from a second side, and a third gas stream that is directed between and impinges on the first row of fibers and the second row of fibers, the first gas stream being emitted by a first air flow path, the second gas stream being emitted by a second air flow path, and the third gas stream being emitted by a third air flow path;
- maintaining gas pressure through the third air flow path above a pressure of a gas exiting the first air flow path and of a gas exiting the second air flow path, wherein the gas pressure through the third air flow path is maintained via a fluid flow regulator in communication with the gas flow path to the third air flow path;
- and
- depositing the attenuated fibers onto a forming surface for forming a nonwoven web.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.