Fabric hydroenhancement method & equipment for improved efficiency

Abstract

Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. For example, a low energy per pass of {fraction (1 / 10)} to {fraction (1 / 48)} the total energy delivered in 10 passes or more can obtain good enhancement results as compared to conventional hydroenhancing at higher total energy levels delivered in fewer passes. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind / windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other embodiments employ a manifold or manifold system that is reciprocated, oscillated, or rotated to simulate multiple passes on the fabric. Other variations for improving hydroenhancement include angling the manifold at a diagonal to the fabric travel direction, using a high density number or double rows of jets to eliminate interference patterns, using combined upstream and downstream manifolds together for improved coverage on the fabric, and providing a baffle in the manifold in proximity to the jet strip to generate constantly fluctuating jets for improved utilization of enhancement energy.

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of hydroenhancing surface properties of textile fabric by subjecting it to hydrojet treatment, and more particularly, to improving the efficiency of fabric hydroenhancement methods and equipment.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002] Prior hydroenhancement technology teaches that certain properties of woven or knitted fabrics, such as cover, yarn blooming, surface texture, hand, drape, etc., can be enhanced by impacting the surface of the fabric with rows of jet streams from a series of overhead manifolds as the fabric is conveyed on a support surface, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. Such conventional hydroenhancing equipment is described in greater detail in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,456 of Sternlieb et al., issued on Nov. 6, 1990, entitled "Apparatus and Method For Hydroenhancing Fabric", which is incorporated herein by reference.[0003] Generally, the conventional view has been that the degree of enhancement is related to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This method achieves efficient fabric enhancement with reduced equipment costs and energy consumption, minimizing fabric shrinkage and interference patterns, and allowing for greater flexibility in treating various fabric types.

Problems solved by technology

However, the requirements for handling high fluid pressures or fluid energies or multiple manifolds can increase the equipment size and complexity, as well as equipment and maintenance costs, significantly.

The use of high delivered energies can also cause greater fabric shrinkage, and can exacerbate the problem of interference patterns generated on the surface of the fabric by making traces of the jet streams more prominent in contrast to the yarn spacing in the fabric.

However, it has a large capital cost which may only be justified for operations that can utilize very high output rates.

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