Method of, and means for, reducing the liquid content of air-permeable material in tubular form

Abstract

A method of reducing the liquid content of air-permeable material in tubular form, especially for reducing the moisture content of tubular fabric, involves moving the tube of material longitudinally through a device for applying suction to the outer surface of the tube, either in a single area which extends all round the tube or in a plurality of areas which together extend substantially all round the tube. Means for carrying the method into effect may comprise one or more hollow members defining a frame to surround the tube of material from which liquid is to be removed. Each hollow member has apertures in its inwardly-facing wall, each of which apertures communicates with the hollow interior of its hollow member, and means is provided for creating a sub-atmospheric pressure in each hollow member. Preferably, the apertures are in the form of elongate slots having a length considerably greater than their width, and the axis of each slot is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 10 degrees to the direction of advance of the tubular fabric. The liquid extraction means may be combined with hot air drying apparatus disposed downstream of the suction applying means and/or with squeeze rollers disposed upstream of the suction applying means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.