Process and apparatus for the mercerization of slivers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for mercerizing a cellulosic fiber-containing sliver with an aqueous solution of caustic soda of high concentration. The sliver is transported between a belt conveyor and a press belt to hold it in place and transported in a downwardly inclined direction, then transferred from the belt conveyor onto a net conveyor having mesh openings and transported by said net conveyor such that the excessive caustic soda solution drips through the mesh openings of the net conveyor and the caustic soda is finally squeezed out of the sliver by means of squeezed rollers. The squeezed sliver material is then washed with water by transporting it to another net conveyor containing press rollers thereupon by passing the sliver between the net conveyor and press rollers located in a water-washing tub. An apparatus to effect this process also constitutes part of the present invention. The disclosed method makes it possible to mercerize a sliver containing cellulosic fibers so that it is not broken and to accomplish this mercerization in an efficient and economical manner, whereby mercerized yarns and knit fabrics can be produced which are excellent in bulkiness and softness.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.