Apparatus for drying a moving web
AssigneeImpact Systems, Inc.
InventorsErik Stephansen, Rajeeva Sharma, Michael Richie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cross-direction web dryer includes a support structure arranged transversely across the web of moving paper. The drying apparatus has as its main structural support a large diameter structural member which is pivotally mounted on two end supports so that the associated cantilevered heating or drying modules can be rotated away from the moving web when desired. The structural member also provides an electrical wireway or conduit for the power cables to the individual dryer modules. Individual heater modules are arranged so that the cooling air enters a built-in plenum where air pressures are equalized for effective cooling of the quartz lamp heaters in the modules.
Claims12
Apparatus for drying a moving web comprising:
- an elongated structural member having a length at least as great as said web in a transverse cross-direction and forming the main structural support for said drying apparatus;
- a plurality of dryer modules;
- support means for receiving said dryer modules in a side-by-side relationship and for replaceably supporting them in positions across said web to dry said web, said support means being cantilevered from and fixed to said member;
- fixed support means for rotatably supporting said structural member at both ends including means therein for rotating said dryer modules into and out of proximity to said web;
- forced air cooling means said support means forming an enclosed structure that carries cooling air to said dryer modules and including a blower attached to said support means for providing said cooling air;
- each of said dryer modules including a plurality of spaced, parallel, heater elements in the form of glass tubes having their integral ends pinched flat with electrical conductors extending therefrom, and including a pair of retaining clips fastened to said flat ends, said flat ends and clips providing for free flow of said cooling air to cool said glass tubes.
Apparatus for drying a moving web comprising:
- an elongated structural member having a length at least as great as said web in a transverse cross-direction and forming the main structural support for said drying apparatus;
- a plurality of dryer modules;
- support means for receiving said dryer modules in a side-by-side relationship and for replaceably supporting them in positions across said web to dry said web, said support means being cantilevered from and fixed to said member;
- fixed support means for rotatably supporting said structural member at both ends including means therein for rotating said dryer modules into and out of proximity to said web;
- forced air cooling means said support means forming an enclosed structure that carries cooling air to said dryer modules and including a blower attached to said support means for providing said cooling air;
- each dryer module including a plenum chamber for equalizing air pressure from said forced air cooling means;
- and each dryer module including a plurality of spaced, parallel, elongated heater elements, said plenum chamber having a bottom wall formed of a ceramic slab having a plurality of slots aligned with said heater elements to allow cooling air to pass from said plenum chamber to said heater elements, said elements being offset from said slots of said ceramic slab to prevent radiant energy from said heater elements being transferred through said slots to said plenum chamber.
Apparatus for drying a moving web comprising:
- an elongated structural member having a length at least as great as said web in a transverse cross-direction and carrying a plurality of side-by-side heater modules for drying said web, and including an air plenum connected to all of said heater modules;
- forced air cooling means for supplying cooling air to said air plenum;
- each dryer module including a plurality of spaced, parallel, elongated heater elements in close proximity to said web and including a solid barrier carried by said dryer module between said heater elements and said web, substantially transparent to the heat producing radiation of said heater elements, and including at least one narrow slit in said barrier parallel to said heater elements for allowing the passage of air from said air plenum to the space between said web and barrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.