System for preparing polymer encapsulated glass fiber pellets
AssigneeOwens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
InventorsMichael A. Strait, Homer G. Hill, Robert A. Schweizer, Stephen Seng, Leonard J. Adzima
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.
Claims15
An apparatus for producing glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand comprising:
- a. an applicator for applying an aqueous hydrating solution to chopped glass segments formed from a multi-filament glass strand;
- b. a pelletizer for imparting a tumbling action to said chopped strand segments, said pelletizer having a residence time sufficient to ensure that the chopped glass segments become substantially coated with the hydrating fluid;
- c. a drier;
- and
- d. a binder coating applicator.
An apparatus for producing glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand comprising:
- a. a hydrating solution applicator;
- b. a drum rotationally driven about its longitudinal axis, said drum having a first and second end, said first end having an inlet opening and said second end having an outlet opening, the center of said outlet opening being radially distant from the rotational axis of said drum;
- c. a zig-zag hollow tube rotationally driven about a longitudinal axis, said tube having a first and second open end, said first open end being attached to said outlet opening of said drum such that material within said drum can pass into said tube upon rotation of said drum and tube, said second open end providing a discharge outlet;
- d. an oven having an inlet and an outlet;
- and
- e. a spray chamber equipped with spray nozzles disposed therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.