Container drying system and method

Abstract

A method of drying an interior of a container (22) formed from a fiber suspension includes directing a gas flow into an opening of the container at a location offset from a center of the opening. Also disclosed are a nozzle module (200) for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, a fiber-based container drying system (100) for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, and a container obtainable by or by a manufacturing method comprising the disclosed method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, such as a fiber suspension comprising pulp. The container may form a consumer package, such as a bottle, for containing liquids, powders, other flowable materials or solid objects. Background Art

[0002] There is a desire to reduce the use of plastic in consumer products, especially packaging. Trays and other simple shapes are often made from pulp, but more complex objects, such as bottles, are more difficult to design.

[0003] The container formed from the fiber suspension may be subjected to one or more drying processes during its manufacture. For example, the container may be dried after it has been formed to remove residual liquid in the fiber suspension and / or one or more coatings on the container may be dried. Such drying processes typically include heating the container to shorten the drying time, but overheating may result in damage to the container and / or any coatings on the container. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of drying the interior of a container formed of a fiber suspension, the method comprising directing an airflow into an opening of the container at a position offset from the center of the opening. It is known to direct an airflow into the opening of a container to assist in drying the interior of a container. By deviating the airflow from the center of the opening, the airflow is caused to flow along one side of the interior of the container to the base of the container, flow along the base of the container, and then flow along the other side of the interior of the container to the opening and back through the opening. This helps to remove moisture from the interior of the container.

[0005] In some examples, the method is a method of drying the interior of a bottle formed from a fiber suspension. In some examples, the method is a method of drying an interior coating of a container.

[0006] In some examples, directing includes directing the airflow into the opening of the container at a location offset from the center of the opening so that the airflow travels along a side of the interior of the container. It has been found that directing the airflow along the inside of a container in the form of a bottle causes the airflow to pass over the shoulder of the bottle and follow the shape of the shoulder of the bottle (e.g., under the influence of the Coanda effect), which does not occur when the airflow is directed into the opening rather than along the inside of the bottle.

[0007] In some examples, the method includes emitting an airflow from a nozzle, and causing relative movement between the container and the nozzle. This relative movement causes the opening to move relative to the airflow source, which in turn can change the path taken by the airflow within the interior of the container over time. This can cause the airflow to pass over a larger surface area of ​​the interior of the container than if no relative movement occurs, which can shorten the drying time of the interior of the container.

[0008] In some examples, the relative movement is in a first direction, and the position is a position laterally offset from the center of the opening relative to the first direction. The magnitude of the lateral offset of the position can cause the airflow to travel along the interior of the container laterally relative to the first direction, with the advantages described above.

[0009] In some examples, the speed of the airflow is 0.5m / s to 5m / s. Airflow within this speed range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to faster or slower speeds. Faster speeds may risk damaging the interior of the container and / or the interior coating of the container. At slower speeds, the airflow may not travel as far as the base of the container and / or may not fully drain the moisture in the interior of the container. In some examples, the airflow is emitted from the nozzle at a speed of 0.5m / s to 5m / s.

[0010] In some examples, the temperature of the airflow is 40 to 100 degrees Celsius. Airflow within this temperature range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to higher or lower temperatures. Higher temperatures may risk damaging the interior of the container and / or the interior coating of the container. Lower temperatures may not be sufficient to cause evaporation of moisture within the interior of the container. In some examples, the temperature is 55 to 85 degrees Celsius.

[0011] In some examples, the method includes directing a plurality of airflows into an opening of a container, wherein at least two of the plurality of airflows are directed into the opening at different corresponding positions that deviate from the center of the opening relative to the center of the opening, wherein the magnitude of the corresponding offset is such that at least two airflows travel from the opening along different sides of the interior of the container. This enables at least two airflows to flow along different routes within the interior of the container. This can make it possible to dry the interior of the container and / or the interior coating of the container faster and more evenly. This can also reduce the temperature and / or flow rate required for a plurality of airflows. These positions may also not be located at the opposite side of the opening. In such cases, the routes of the airflows will not overlap each other, and therefore the area percentage of the inner surface of the airflow passing through the container is greater than that of directing only one airflow into the opening.

[0012] In some examples, multiple airflows are directed sequentially into the opening of the container. By directing multiple airflows sequentially into the opening, each airflow can freely enter the container without being disturbed by other airflows at the opening. This can help to reliably remove moisture from the container, which in turn can shorten the drying time of the interior of the container.

[0013] In some examples, the method includes directing multiple airflows into the opening of the container non-simultaneously with each other. Interference between the airflows in the interior of the container may cause interference currents and / or eddies to form, which may prevent the humid air from flowing out of the container. In turn, the humid air trapped in the interior of the container may slow down the drying process of the interior of the container.

[0014] In some examples, the method includes emitting each of the plurality of airflows from a corresponding nozzle in the plurality of nozzles, and causing relative movement of the container and the plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles are offset from one another in a direction of the relative movement. This can help ensure that the plurality of airflows are directed into the opening sequentially, because due to the relative movement, the timing at which the opening of the container is aligned with each of the plurality of nozzles is different from the timing at which the opening of the container is aligned with another of the plurality of nozzles.

[0015] In an example, only one of the nozzles is aligned with the opening at any one time. This can help ensure that the multiple airflows are directed into the opening non-simultaneously with each other, which can reduce interference between the multiple airflows within the interior of the container.

[0016] In some examples, at least two of the plurality of nozzles are offset from each other perpendicular to the direction of relative movement. Thus, airflows emitted from at least two of the plurality of nozzles may enter the opening at different lateral positions relative to the direction of relative movement.

[0017] In an example, one or all of the airflows emitted from at least two of the plurality of nozzles travel along a lateral side of the interior of the container relative to the direction of relative movement. This can help increase the percentage of the area of ​​the interior surface of the container that the airflow passes through.

[0018] In some examples, each nozzle is configured to direct the corresponding airflow substantially vertically downward. It has been found that this can adequately cover the interior of the container when the container is oriented with its opening facing substantially vertically upward. This also helps prevent the airflow from exerting lateral forces on the container, which, for example, could cause the container to tip over during the drying process.

[0019] In some examples, the method includes emitting respective air streams from a plurality of nozzles at substantially the same speed as one another. This can help improve the reliability and repeatability of the method because each of the air streams enters the container at substantially the same speed and thus provides substantially similar drying effects to the interior of the container.

[0020] In some examples, the method includes emitting a gas flow from each nozzle in a first group of the plurality of nozzles at a first speed, and emitting a gas flow from each nozzle in a second different group of the plurality of nozzles at a second speed different from the first speed. This may help improve controllability of the method.

[0021] In some examples, the method includes emitting respective air streams from a plurality of nozzles at substantially the same temperature as one another. This can help improve the reliability and repeatability of the method because each air stream enters the container at substantially the same temperature and thus provides substantially similar drying effects to the interior of the container.

[0022] In some examples, the method includes emitting a gas flow from each nozzle in a first group of the plurality of nozzles at a first temperature, and emitting a gas flow from each nozzle in a second different group of the plurality of nozzles at a second temperature different from the first temperature. This may help improve controllability of the method.

[0023] In some examples, the method includes directing an additional airflow toward an outer surface of the container. This can help to simultaneously dry the exterior of the container.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a nozzle module for drying the interior of a container formed by a fiber suspension, the nozzle module comprising a plurality of nozzle groups, wherein the nozzle groups are aligned successively along a path, and wherein the nozzles in each nozzle group are laterally offset from each other relative to the path, so that in use, the nozzles in the nozzle groups are configured to emit corresponding airflows into different corresponding regions of the opening of the container. By entering the container opening at different regions, each airflow emitted from the nozzle group takes a different route in and out of the container. Therefore, a greater proportion of the interior is dried by the airflow than when a plurality of airflows all enter the container at the same position in the opening. This can make it possible to dry the interior faster and more evenly. This can also reduce the temperature and / or flow rate required for the airflow.

[0025] By positioning the nozzle groups successively, the airflow emitted from one of the nozzle groups can freely leave the container via the opening without being disturbed by the airflow emitted from the successive nozzle groups in the nozzle groups. This can help to reliably remove moisture from the container, which in turn can shorten the drying time inside.

[0026] Providing multiple nozzle groups may allow for simultaneous drying of multiple containers, for example, with one container aligned with at least one nozzle in one of the nozzle groups and another container aligned with at least one nozzle in another of the nozzle groups.

[0027] It has been found that providing nozzles rather than simple holes can provide better directionality for the corresponding airflow.

[0028] In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0029] In some examples, the length of the path is in the range of 0.5 m to 1.5 m.

[0030] In some examples, the path is linear. This enables linear relative movement of the container and nozzle group while ensuring that the nozzles will all be aligned with the openings when required. This, in turn, can simplify the construction and operation of a drying system in which the nozzle module can be employed.

[0031] In some examples, the nozzle module includes a tray for supporting the nozzles, the tray including a plurality of hole groups corresponding to the plurality of nozzle groups. In some examples, each nozzle includes a flange configured to engage with a rear surface of the tray. This has been found to be a simple and effective method of accurately holding the nozzles in their respective desired positions.

[0032] In some examples, a nozzle module includes 10 to 20 nozzle groups.

[0033] In some examples, the nozzles in each of the nozzle groups are longitudinally offset from each other along the path. In use, the container can be moved relative to the nozzle module so that the opening of the container moves along the path. By arranging the nozzles in the nozzle groups in positions that are longitudinally offset from each other, each individual airflow emitted from the nozzle module can enter the opening of the container non-simultaneously with any other airflow from one of the nozzles. Directing the airflows into the container non-simultaneously can help prevent the airflows from interfering with each other as they flow through the interior of the container. In turn, this can help ensure that the airflows are quickly discharged from the container.

[0034] In some examples, each nozzle in one of the nozzle groups is aligned with a corresponding nozzle in each of the other nozzle groups in a direction parallel to the path. Since corresponding nozzles in different nozzle groups direct their corresponding airflows into the same corresponding area of ​​the opening of the container, this can provide greater reliability and repeatability when drying the interior of the container. Thus, the airflow is directed into and through the interior of the container in a repeatable manner.

[0035] In some examples, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in any one of the nozzle groups is substantially equal to the spacing between other adjacent nozzles in any one of the nozzle groups. This can help improve the controllability of the nozzle module during use.

[0036] In some examples, the spacing between adjacent groups in the nozzle groups along the path is greater than each spacing between adjacent nozzles in any of the nozzle groups. This can further help the airflow emitted from one of the nozzle groups to freely exit the container through the opening without being interfered by the airflow emitted from another of the nozzle groups.

[0037] In some examples, the nozzles in each of the groups are arranged in the same manner as the nozzles in every other of the groups. This can help improve the controllability of the method.

[0038] In some examples, the nozzle module includes a heater configured to increase the temperature of the corresponding airflow above the ambient temperature. This can help to shorten the drying time of the container.

[0039] In some examples, the heater is configured to cause the corresponding airflow to be at a temperature of 40 to 100 degrees Celsius, such as 55 to 85 degrees Celsius. Airflow within this temperature range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to higher or lower temperatures. Higher temperatures may risk damaging the interior of the container. Lower temperatures may not be sufficient to evaporate moisture within the interior of the container.

[0040] In some examples, the heater is configured to cause all of the respective airflows to be heated to substantially the same temperature as one another. This can provide more reliability and repeatability when drying the interior of the container, because each of the airflows is thus emitted at substantially the same temperature and thus provides a substantially similar drying effect to the interior of the container.

[0041] In some examples, the heater is configured to heat the airflow emitted from a first set of nozzle groups to a first temperature, and to heat the airflow emitted from a second set of nozzle groups to a second temperature different from the first temperature. As the container becomes drier, it may be beneficial to increase the temperature of the airflow, for example to shorten the drying time of the interior of the container.

[0042] In some examples, the nozzle module is configured to emit a corresponding airflow from the nozzle at a speed of 0.5 m / s to 5 m / s. Airflow within this speed range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to faster or slower speeds. Faster speeds may risk damaging the interior of the container. At slower speeds, the airflow may not travel to the base of the container and / or may not be able to fully drain moisture from the interior of the container.

[0043] In some examples, the nozzle modules are configured to emit all respective air streams at substantially the same speed. This can provide more reliability and repeatability when drying the interior of the container because each of the air streams is emitted at substantially the same speed and thus provides substantially similar drying effects to the interior of the container.

[0044] In some examples, the nozzle module includes additional nozzles configured to direct the respective airflow toward the outer surface of the container. This can help to dry the exterior of the container at the same time.

[0045] In some examples, the nozzle module includes a plurality of parallel rows of nozzles, each row including a plurality of corresponding groups of nozzles, wherein the nozzles in a first one of the rows are spaced apart from the nozzles in an adjacent second one of the rows by a distance greater than the distance between adjacent groups of nozzles in each of the first and second rows. This can allow the nozzle module to dry multiple rows of containers simultaneously.

[0046] In some examples, the nozzles in each of the rows are arranged in the same manner as the nozzles in each of the other rows. This may help improve the controllability of the method.

[0047] In some examples, a distance between a leftmost nozzle and a rightmost nozzle within the nozzle group (laterally relative to the path) is less than a distance between nozzles in the first row and nozzles in the second row.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fiber-based container drying system for drying the interior of a container formed by a fiber suspension, the drying system comprising a container support for supporting the container and a nozzle group arranged to direct a corresponding airflow to the container support, wherein the container support and the nozzle group are relatively movable in a moving direction, and wherein the nozzles in the nozzle group are laterally and longitudinally offset from each other relative to the moving direction, so that in use, during relative movement, the corresponding airflows are successively directed into different corresponding regions of the opening of the container. By entering the container opening at different regions, each airflow emitted from the nozzle in the nozzle group takes a different route to enter and exit the container. Therefore, a greater proportion of the interior is dried by the airflow than when a plurality of airflows all enter the container at the same position in the opening. This can make the interior dry faster and more evenly. This can also reduce the temperature and / or flow rate required for the airflow. When in use, the relative movement of the container support and the nozzle group causes the container to pass through the nozzle group so that the corresponding airflows from the nozzles successively enter the opening of the container.

[0049] In some examples, the airflows emitted from the nozzle groups enter the openings of the container non-simultaneously. By applying the airflows non-simultaneously, each airflow can freely exit the container through the opening without being interfered with by other airflows. This can help to reliably remove moisture from the container, which can in turn shorten the drying time of the interior of the container.

[0050] It has been found that providing nozzles rather than simple holes can provide better directionality for the corresponding airflow.

[0051] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system is a bottle drying system.

[0052] In some examples, a fiber-based container drying system is used to dry an interior coating of a container.

[0053] In some examples, each nozzle is configured to direct the corresponding airflow substantially vertically downward. It has been found that this can provide adequate coverage of the interior of the container when the container is oriented with its opening facing substantially vertically upward. This also helps prevent the airflow from exerting lateral forces on the container, which, for example, could cause the container to tip over during use of the fiber-based container drying system.

[0054] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system is configured to emit a corresponding airflow from the nozzle at a speed of 0.5 m / s to 5 m / s. Airflow within this speed range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to faster or slower speeds. Faster speeds may risk damaging the interior of the container. At slower speeds, the airflow may not travel to the base of the container and / or may not be able to fully drain moisture from the interior of the container.

[0055] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system is configured to emit all of the respective airflows at substantially the same velocity. This can provide more reliability and repeatability when drying the interior of the container because each of the airflows is emitted at substantially the same velocity and thus provides substantially similar drying effects to the interior of the container.

[0056] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a drying chamber between the nozzle assembly and the container holder, and an exhaust system for extracting air from the drying chamber. Extracting humid air from the drying chamber can help reduce the amount of heat required to dry the container and / or the velocity of the corresponding airflow. In some examples, the container holder can be air permeable, for example, can include a plurality of holes or slots to allow the exhaust system to extract air through the container holder and away from the container located on the container holder.

[0057] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a recirculation system to direct air from the exhaust system to the nozzle bank. This can improve the efficiency of the drying system: for example, in examples where the corresponding airflow is heated to a temperature above the ambient temperature. When the temperature of the recirculated air is higher than the ambient temperature, the recirculation system can help reduce the energy required to heat the corresponding airflow.

[0058] In some examples, the nozzle bank is located above the vessel holder and the exhaust system is located below the vessel holder. This can provide a more efficient system because the airflow emitted from the nozzle is generally directed toward the exhaust system.

[0059] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a regulator to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the container holder. This can allow the drying system to be used to dry containers of different sizes. It has been found that a distance of 5 mm to 30 mm between the nozzle and the opening of the container is beneficial. At a greater distance, the corresponding airflow may diffuse before entering the container. At a smaller distance, the airflow may be too strong and may, for example, blow the coating on the inner surface of the container too violently, so that the coating may become uneven and / or the entire thickness of the coating is not dried sufficiently.

[0060] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a heater configured to increase the temperature of the corresponding airflow above the ambient temperature. This can help to shorten the drying time of the container.

[0061] In some examples, the heater is configured to provide a temperature of the corresponding airflow of 40 to 100 degrees Celsius, such as 55 to 85 degrees Celsius. Airflow within this temperature range has been found to provide a beneficial drying effect compared to higher or lower temperatures. Higher temperatures may risk damaging the interior of the container. Lower temperatures may not be sufficient to evaporate moisture in the interior of the container.

[0062] In some examples, the heater is configured to cause all corresponding airflows to be heated to substantially the same temperature. This can provide more reliability and repeatability when drying the interior of the container, because each of the airflows is thus emitted at substantially the same temperature and thus provides a substantially similar drying effect on the interior of the container.

[0063] In some examples, the container is a circular container and has a central opening, and the fiber-based container drying system includes an alignment mechanism to align the container relative to the nozzle group.

[0064] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a plurality of nozzle groups aligned sequentially along a path, wherein the spacing along the path between adjacent groups in the nozzle groups is greater than each spacing between adjacent nozzles within any one of the nozzle groups. This can further help the airflow emitted from one of the nozzle groups to freely exit the container through the opening without being interfered by the airflow emitted from another of the nozzle groups. This can allow the drying system to dry multiple containers simultaneously.

[0065] In some examples, a nozzle module includes 10 to 20 nozzle groups.

[0066] In some examples, each nozzle in one of the nozzle groups is aligned with a corresponding nozzle in each of the other nozzle groups in a direction parallel to the path. This can provide greater reliability and repeatability for drying the interior of the container.

[0067] In some examples, the spacing between adjacent nozzles in any one of the nozzle groups is substantially equal to the spacing between other adjacent nozzles in any one of the nozzle groups. This can help improve the controllability of the nozzle module during use.

[0068] In some examples, the nozzles in each of the groups are arranged in the same manner as the nozzles in every other of the groups. This can help improve the controllability of the method.

[0069] In some examples, the heater is configured to heat the airflow emitted from a first group of nozzles to a first temperature, and to heat the airflow emitted from a second group of nozzles to a second temperature different from the first temperature. This can allow the drying system to have more control over drying.

[0070] In some examples, the fiber-based container drying system includes a plurality of parallel rows of nozzles, each row including a plurality of corresponding groups of nozzles, wherein the nozzles in a first one of the rows are spaced apart from the nozzles in an adjacent second one of the rows by a distance greater than the distance between adjacent groups of nozzles in each of the first and second rows. This can allow the fiber-based container drying system to dry multiple rows of containers simultaneously.

[0071] In some examples, the nozzles in each of the rows are arranged in the same manner as the nozzles in each of the other rows. This may help improve the controllability of the method.

[0072] In some examples, a distance between a leftmost nozzle and a rightmost nozzle within a nozzle group (laterally relative to the path) is less than a distance between nozzles in the first row and nozzles in the second row.

[0073] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container obtainable by or by a manufacturing method comprising the method of the first aspect of the present invention. For example, the container may be obtainable by or by the method of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0074] The manufacturing method may include at least one additional process. The at least one additional process may include molding the container to produce a molded container. The at least one additional process may include coating the container or the molded container to produce a coated container. The at least one additional process may include applying a closure to the container, the molded container, or the coated container.

[0075] In some examples, the container is a bottle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an example process for making a bottle from paper pulp;

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fiber-based container drying system for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension;

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an example nozzle module for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension;

[0080] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D is a schematic plan view of a container relative to an exemplary nozzle bank for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension;

[0081] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of example airflow through the interior of an example fiber-based container;

[0082] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting an example method of drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension; and

[0083] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting another example method of drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the accompanying drawings, serves to explain principles of embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 1 A process for making a bottle from pulp (i.e., pulp that may form the basis of an example fiber suspension) is shown. The process is merely exemplary and is provided to provide context for an example of the invention. Broadly speaking, the exemplary process includes providing a fiber suspension, introducing the fiber suspension into a mold cavity of a porous first mold and draining a liquid (such as water) from the fiber suspension using the porous first mold to produce a wet precursor or embryo (which itself may be considered a molded container), further molding the wet precursor in the mold to produce a further molded container, coating the further molded container to produce a coated molded container, drying the coated molded container to produce a dry container, and applying a closure to the dry container. As will be apparent at least from the following description, the exemplary process may be modified to provide variations thereof in which other examples of the invention may be embodied.

[0086] In this example, providing a fiber suspension includes preparing a fiber suspension by its components. More specifically, the preparation includes providing a pulp fiber, such as a pulp fiber, and mixing the pulp fiber with a liquid to provide a hydrated pulp fiber. In this example, the pulp fiber is provided by a supplier in the form of a sheet, and the liquid includes water and one or more additives. In this example, the liquid is mixed with the pulp fiber to provide a hydrated pulp fiber with a solid fiber content of 1wt% to 5wt% (based on the dry mass of the fiber). In the example, one or more additives include a shorting agent, such as an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). The hydrated pulp fiber generally includes an AKD accounting for 0.4wt% of the total dry mass of the solid fibers in the hydrated pulp fiber. In some examples, when the pulp fiber is mixed with the liquid, one or more additives are present in the liquid. In some examples, after the pulp fiber is mixed with the liquid, one or more additives are included in the hydrated pulp fiber (e.g., the pulp fiber is hydrated for a period of time, such as from 2 to 16 hours, and then one or more additives are supplied to the hydrated pulp fiber). The hydrated pulp fibers pass between the plates of a valley beater 11 or refiner that move relative to each other. This fibrillates some or all of the fibers, meaning that the cell walls of the fibers are partially delaminated so that the wetted surfaces of the fibers include protruding hairs or fibrils. These fibrillated structures will help increase the bond strength between the fibers in the dry final product. In other examples, the valley beater 11 or refiner may be omitted.

[0087] The resulting treated pulp is stored in a barrel 12 in a relatively concentrated form (e.g., having a solid fiber content of 1 wt% to 5 wt%) to reduce the storage space required. At an appropriate time, the treated pulp is transferred to a mixing station 13 where it is diluted in more water and optionally mixed with one or more additives (as well as or in place of one or more additives provided with the hydrated pulp fibers) to provide a fiber suspension ready for molding. In this example, the solid fibers comprise 0.7%wt (based on the dry weight of the fibers) of the resulting fiber suspension, but in other examples, the proportion of solid fibers in the fiber suspension may be different, such as another value in the range of 0.5wt% to 5%wt or 0.1wt% to 1wt% (based on the dry weight of the fibers) of the fiber suspension. In some examples, the one or more additives mixed with the treated pulp and water include a dewatering agent, such as modified and / or unmodified polyethyleneimine (PEI), for example, available under the trade name SK. In some examples, one or more additives are mixed with water, and then the water and one or more additives are mixed with the treated pulp; in other examples, the treated pulp and water are mixed, and then the one or more additives are mixed with the treated pulp and water. The fiber suspension typically includes an amount of 0.3 wt% of the total dry mass of solid fibers. SK. Mixing the fiber suspension at the mixing station 13 helps to homogenize the fiber suspension. In other examples, the processed pulp or fiber suspension may be provided in other ways, such as in a ready-made form.

[0088] In this example, the porous first mold 15 includes two half molds that can move toward and away from each other, in this case using hydraulic cylinders. In this example, each of the half molds is an integral or single tool that defines a mold contour formed by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and when the half molds contact each other, their corresponding mold contours cooperate to define a mold cavity in which a wet precursor or molded container is to be formed. Each half mold itself can define a smaller molding cavity, and when it cooperates with the second half mold, the smaller molding cavity can be combined to provide an overall mold cavity. The two half molds themselves can be considered as "splits" or "molds", and the overall porous first mold 15 can be considered as a "split mold" or again considered as a "mold". In other examples, the porous first mold 15 can include more than two splits, such as three, four or six splits, which cooperate to define a molding cavity.

[0089] exist Figure 1 In the present invention, a fiber suspension (also called slurry) is filled into a porous mold 15 from the top, which is different from the molding process in which the mold is immersed in the slurry. The fiber suspension is drawn into the porous mold 15 via a pipeline 16 under vacuum conditions, wherein the excess suspension is drawn through the porous mold 15 into a tank 17 under vacuum conditions via a pipeline 18. The injection quality can be controlled by measuring (e.g., weighing) the amount of liquid drawn into the tank 17. Figure 1 17. The weighing platform supporting the tank 17 can be seen in the figure. Once the desired amount of liquid (e.g. a predetermined volume, such as 10 liters, or a predetermined mass, such as 10 kg) has been collected in the tank 17, the suction of the suspension liquid through the porous mold 15 is stopped and the porous mold 15 is opened to the ambient air. In this example, the suspension liquid extracted in the line 16 together with the fiber suspension is water, or mainly water (because additives may also be present). The liquid extracted under vacuum via the line 18 and entering the tank 17 is substantially free of fibers, because these fibers remain on the walls of the porous mold 15 to form the embryo of the molded container.

[0090] In one form, in order to further remove the suspension liquid (e.g., water) from the embryo and form or consolidate the three-dimensional shape of the container, an impermeable inflatable element 19 (e.g., a collapsible bladder) is inserted into the porous mold 15 and expanded to act as the internal high-pressure core structure of the porous mold 15. This process can enhance the strength of the wet embryo so that it can be handled and drain water between the fibers, thereby improving the efficiency of the subsequent drying process. The inflatable element 19 is actuated and regulated using a hydraulic pump 20. The pump 20 has a cylinder that moves the fluid in the pipeline 21 into the inflatable element 19 so that the inflatable element 19 expands radially and conforms to the mold cavity. The fluid in the pipeline 21 is preferably incompressible, such as water. The advantage of water over other incompressible liquids is that any leakage or rupture of the bladder 19 will not introduce new substances into the system (because the suspension liquid is already water or mainly water).

[0091] Demolding occurs when the porous mold 15 is opened to remove the self-supporting molded container 22. Mold cleaning 23 is preferably performed afterwards to remove small fibers and maintain the porosity of the porous mold 15. In this example, when the mold 15 is opened, a radially emitted high-pressure jet is inserted into the mold cavity. This will cause the fibers to fall off the mold cavity wall. Alternatively or in addition, water from a tank 17 is pressurized through the back of the porous mold 15 to cause trapped fibers to fall off. The water is drained to circulate back to the upstream part of the system. It is worth noting that cleaning is important to condition the porous mold 15 for reuse. After removing the container, the porous mold 15 may appear clean, but its performance may be compromised if it is not cleaned.

[0092] according to Figure 1 The formed but unfinished container 22 is then transported to a second molding station where pressure and heat are applied in, for example, an aluminum mold 25 to thermoform to a desired neck and surface finish, optionally including embossed and / or intaglio surface features. After the two halves of the mold 25 are closed around the container 22, a pressurizer is engaged. For example, a bladder 26 (e.g., a thermoforming bladder 26) is inserted into the container 22. The bladder 26 is inflated by a pump 28 supplying a pressurized fluid (e.g., air, water, or oil) via a pipeline 27. Optionally, during supply, the pressurized fluid is heated, for example, by a heater, or alternatively cooled, for example, by a heat exchanger. The outer mold block 24 of the mold 25 and / or the mold 25 itself may also or alternatively be heated. The state of the molded container 22 after thermoforming is much harder than when it was demolded from the porous mold 15, with the sidewalls being more compressed.

[0093] As shown, a drying stage 29 (e.g., a microwave drying process or other drying process) is performed downstream of the thermoforming. In one example, the drying stage 29 is performed before the thermoforming. However, some moisture is required when molding in the mold 25 to assist bonding during the compression process. Figure 1 Drying stage 29 is followed by a further drying stage 30, which may utilize hot air circulated over the molded container 22, such as in a "hot box." In some examples, microwave or other drying processes may be performed at multiple stages throughout the manufacturing process.

[0094] The molded container 22 then enters a coating phase, during which, in this example, a spray gun 31 is inserted into the molded container 22 and applies one or more surface coatings to the inner wall of the molded container 22. In another example, the molded container 22 is instead filled with a liquid that coats the inner wall of the molded container 22. In fact, such a coating can provide a protective layer to prevent the contents from penetrating the bottle wall, thereby preventing it from penetrating or weakening the bottle wall. The choice of coating will depend on the intended contents of the container 22, such as beverages, detergents, medicines, etc. In some examples, a further drying phase 30 is performed after the coating phase (or before and after the coating phase). In this example, the molded container 22 then undergoes a curing or drying process 34, which can be configured or optimized according to the coating, such as drying for twenty-four hours under ambient conditions or by a rapid drying method. In some examples, the curing process 34 can be omitted, such as when the further drying phase 30 occurs after the coating phase.

[0095] At an appropriate stage of production (e.g., during thermoforming, or before or after coating), the molded container 22 may be subjected to a closure or finish forming process. Figure 1 As shown, the neck fitting 35 can be secured. In some examples, an outer coating is applied to the molded container 22, as shown in a further coating stage 32. In one example, the molded container 22 is immersed in a liquid that coats its outer surface, such as Figure 1 As shown. One or more further drying or curing processes may then be performed. For example, the molded container 22 may be allowed to dry in warm air. Thus, the molded container 22 may be fully formed and ready to receive contents therein.

[0096] Figure 2 is a container for drying a fiber suspension (e.g., as in reference Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a fiber-based container drying system 100 for an interior of a container 22 as described above. The system 100 may be Figure 1The drying process may be used at any suitable point in the exemplary process of , such as, for example, during (or in place of) one or more of the drying stages 29 , 30 , and 34 .

[0097] The system 100 includes a drying chamber 102 through which a plurality of containers 22 having corresponding openings pass during drying by the system 100. The containers 22 are supported on a container support 104, which in this example is a gas permeable belt 104. The belt 104 is provided with a Figure 2 104 passes from the entrance 106 of the drying chamber 102 to the exit 108 of the drying chamber 102 at a variable speed of 5 m / h to 15 m / h in the direction of movement shown by the arrow D in FIG. In other examples, the speed is 0.1 m / h to 100 m / h. In this example, the return section of the belt 104 passes under the drying chamber 102, but in other examples, the return section of the belt 104 passes through the drying chamber 102. In this example, a single belt 104 is used, but in other examples, two or more belts can be positioned in series or in parallel. In some cases, the belts operate at different speeds from each other.

[0098] The inlet 106 and outlet 108 of the heating chamber 102 are of sufficient height and width to allow the container 22 and other items (such as Figure 2 Items larger than the molded parts depicted in the figure) enter and exit respectively.

[0099] The system 100 includes two nozzle modules 200 located above the belt 104. Each nozzle module 200 includes a tray 211 and a plurality of groups of nozzles 210 supported by the tray 211. The plurality of nozzle groups 210 are aligned successively along a linear path extending parallel to the moving direction D. Although three nozzle groups 210 are shown on each nozzle module 200, in other examples, the number of nozzle groups 210 is different. Some example nozzle modules 200 have about fifteen nozzle groups 210 extending along a path having a length of about 1.5 m. Although three nozzles are shown in each nozzle group 210, in other examples, each nozzle group 210 may include a different number of nozzles. The movement of the belt 104 in the moving direction D causes the relative movement of the container 22 and the nozzle 210.

[0100] Each of the nozzles in the nozzle group 210 is configured to direct the corresponding air flow substantially vertically downward toward the air permeable belt 104 when the container 22 is located below the nozzle, thereby entering the opening of the container 22. The corresponding air flow is emitted at a speed of about 3m / s, which provides a balance between drying time and reducing the risk of damaging the container or the coating thereon. In other examples, the air flow speed may be different.

[0101] The nozzles in the nozzle group 210 are offset from each other laterally and longitudinally relative to the moving direction D, as described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5B Therefore, in use, during relative movement, the respective airflows are sequentially and non-simultaneously directed into different respective regions of the opening of the container 22. Therefore, the respective airflows do not interfere with each other when traveling through the interior of the container 22.

[0102] The spacing along the path between adjacent groups in the nozzle groups 210 is greater than the spacing between adjacent nozzles in any one of the nozzle groups 210, as described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5B This helps ensure that the airflow from a nozzle bank 210 has completely exited the container 22 before the container 22 is aligned with a subsequent nozzle bank 210 .

[0103] The tray 211 of each nozzle module 200 is movably fixed to an adjuster 112, which in this example is a track 112, so that movement of the tray 211 along the track 112 changes the distance between the nozzle group 210 and the container support 104, thereby changing the top of the container 22 in use, such as Figure 2 1 and 2. An alternative position of the nozzle module 200 is shown in dashed lines. The position of the tray 211 on the track 112 is determined by the control system 114 and is based on the height of the container 22. In this example, the vertical gap between the nozzle group 210 and the top of the container 22 is about 2.5 cm. It should be understood that in other examples, any suitable mechanism can be used to adjust the distance between the nozzle group 210 and the container holder 104, thereby adjusting the distance between the tops of the containers 22 in use, including manual adjustment. In other examples, the belt 104 can move vertically toward and away from the tray 211 within the drying chamber 102.

[0104] The system 100 includes an exhaust system 120 to draw air from the drying chamber 102, as indicated by arrow B. The exhaust system 120 is located below the nozzle module 200 so that the airflow emitted from the nozzle group 210 is generally directed toward the exhaust system 120. During drying by the system 100, the airflow may become more saturated than the surrounding air, so it may be beneficial to draw the airflow out of the drying chamber 102 relatively quickly.

[0105] The system 100 includes a recirculation system 130 to direct air from the exhaust system 120 to an inlet duct 132 via a transfer duct (not shown), as indicated by arrow C. The inlet duct 132 is connected to each nozzle in the plurality of nozzle groups 210 to deliver air to each nozzle.

[0106] The system 100 includes a heater 134, which in this example forms part of the recirculation system 130. The heater 134 heats the airflow entering the drying chamber 102 via the inlet duct 132 so that the airflow emitted by the nozzle group 210 has a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. In this example, the heater 132 is configured to heat the airflow to a temperature of approximately 65 degrees Celsius. In other examples, the system 100 may include a plurality of heaters 134, which are configured to heat the airflow emitted from one of the nozzle groups 210 to a temperature different from that of the airflow emitted from another of the nozzle groups 210.

[0107] Although not shown, the system 100 includes a plurality of sensors to sense the temperature and humidity of the air within the drying chamber 102. The control system 114 is operable to control the exhaust system 120 and the recirculation system 130 during drying by the system 100 based on the sensed temperature and humidity. In an example, the control system 114 is configured to determine whether the humidity of the air in the drying chamber 102 exceeds an activation humidity threshold. If the activation humidity threshold is exceeded, the control system 114 is configured to activate the exhaust system 120 and the recirculation system 130 until the control system 114 determines that the humidity of the air in the drying chamber 102 is below a deactivation humidity threshold.

[0108] The system 100 includes an alignment mechanism 140, which in this example is in the form of two opposing walls upstream of the inlet 106 of the drying chamber 102. The opposing walls are further apart relative to the inlet 106 at the distal end of the alignment mechanism 140 than at the proximal end of the alignment mechanism 140, and are centered on the path along which the plurality of nozzle groups 210 are arranged. The distance between the proximal ends of the alignment mechanism 140 is substantially equal to the diameter of the container 22. When the container 22 is brought toward the inlet 106 on the gas permeable belt 104, the walls of the alignment mechanism 140 push the outer wall of the container 22 until the container passes between the proximal ends and is thus aligned with the path. In other examples, the alignment mechanism 140 may take any other suitable form.

[0109] although Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a row of multiple nozzle groups 210, but each nozzle module 200 includes multiple rows of multiple nozzle groups 210, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 This can increase the container drying capacity of system 100 as described in more detail.

[0110] Figure 3 yes Figure 2200. The nozzle module 200 includes multiple rows 202, 204, 206, 208 of nozzle groups 210, which are arranged on a tray 211, and the tray has multiple groups of holes to accommodate the corresponding nozzle groups 21. Although three nozzles 212, 214, 216 are shown in the figure, in other examples, each nozzle group 210 includes a different number of nozzles. Although four rows 202, 204, 206, 208 are shown in the figure, in other examples, the nozzle module 200 includes a different number of rows. Although linear rows are shown in the figure, in other examples, the rows can be non-linear, such as curved. Although three nozzle groups 210 are shown in each row 202, 204, 206, 208, each row 202, 204, 206, 208 can also alternatively include a different number of nozzle groups 210. In another example, each row includes about 15 nozzle groups 210 and is about 1.5m long.

[0111] Each nozzle 212, 214, 216 in the nozzle group 210 is configured to emit a respective airflow. The nozzles 212, 214, 216 in each nozzle group 210 are arranged along a diagonal relative to each other, and the diagonal extends laterally and longitudinally relative to the respective path 218 defined by the respective rows 202, 204, 206, 208. Therefore, when the container moves along the respective rows 202, 204, 206, 208, the respective airflow is directed into the opening of the container at a different position offset from the center of the opening, as described below with reference to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Described in more detail.

[0112] The nozzle groups 210 in the respective rows 202, 204, 206, 208 are aligned successively along the respective paths 218 defined by the respective rows 202, 204, 206, 208. In use, for example, in reference Figure 2 When used in the described fiber-based container drying system 100, the container 22 is moved relative to the nozzle module 200 parallel to the corresponding path 218 so that the airflow emitted from the first nozzle group 210a is directed into the opening of the container, and then the airflow emitted from the second nozzle group 210b located downstream of the first nozzle group is directed into the opening.

[0113] In this example, each nozzle 212, 214, 216 in one of the nozzle groups 210 is aligned with a corresponding nozzle 212, 214, 216 in each of the other nozzle groups 210 in a direction parallel to the path 218. In this example, the first nozzle 212 in each of the nozzle groups 110 is located on a first side of the path 218, at a first distance from the path 218. The second nozzle 214 in each of the nozzle groups 110 is located on the path 218. The third nozzle 216 in each of the nozzle groups 110 is located on a second side of the path 218 opposite the first side, at a second distance from the path 218. In this example, the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal. This provides a repeatable pattern of airflow into the opening of the container 22 as the container travels along the path 218.

[0114] In this example, each of the nozzles 212, 214, 216 has an inner hole 217 having a diameter of approximately 7 mm and is arranged to direct air into an opening having a diameter of approximately 35 mm. Alternative inner hole 217 diameters are possible, but should be smaller than the diameter of the opening of the container 22 to facilitate exhausting air from the container 22. Generally, it may be beneficial for the diameter of the inner hole 217 to be much smaller than the diameter of the opening of the container 22 (approximately 1 / 8 to 1 / 4 of it). As a result, the airflow travels along the side of the container with enhanced directionality compared to airflow emitted from a nozzle having an inner hole 217 having a diameter closer to the opening diameter.

[0115] The inner holes 217 of adjacent nozzles 212, 214, 216 in nozzle group 210 are spaced apart by a longitudinal distance 220 parallel to path 218, which is sufficient to ensure that the corresponding airflows enter the opening of the container non-simultaneously. Therefore, the airflows do not interfere with each other when inside container 22.

[0116] A longitudinal gap 222 parallel to the path 218 between a third nozzle 216 in a nozzle group 210 and a first nozzle 212 in an adjacent nozzle group 210 in a row 202, 204, 206, 208 is greater than the longitudinal distance 220 between adjacent nozzles 212, 214, 216 in a single nozzle group 210. This can help ensure that the airflow emitted by a nozzle group 210 has completely exited the container 22 before the airflow from an adjacent nozzle group 210 enters the container 22.

[0117] The rows 202, 204, 206, 208 are arranged at substantially equal distances 224 from each other. The distance 224 between the nozzles 212, 214, 216 in a first row 202 of the rows 202, 204, 206, 208 and the nozzles 212, 214, 216 in an adjacent second row 204 of the rows 202, 204, 206, 208 is greater than the longitudinal gap 222 between adjacent nozzle groups 210 in each of the first row 202 and the second row 204. This can help prevent containers 22 traveling along adjacent paths 218 from contacting each other, which can reduce the risk of damaging the outer surfaces of the containers 22.

[0118] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The container (in this case bottle 230) is schematically shown relative to Figure 3 2 is a plan view of the nozzle group 210 of the nozzle module 200 in different corresponding positions. The bottle 230 has a central opening 232, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the outer wall 234 of the body of the bottle 230. In this example, the bottle 230 moves relative to the nozzle group 210 on the container holder 104, as described above with reference to Figure 2 described.

[0119] exist Figure 4A In the embodiment, the first nozzle 212 in the nozzle group 210 is aligned with the opening 232 of the bottle 230. When in use, the airflow emitted by the first nozzle 212 is directed downward along the right side of the interior of the bottle 230 (eg, Figure 4A 218, the airflow is directed along the base of the bottle 230 and upward along the left side of the bottle 230, and then exits the bottle 230 via the opening 232. During the movement of the bottle 230 parallel to the path 218, the opening 232 moves relative to the first nozzle 212, so the airflow emitted from the first nozzle 212 travels along different routes through the interior of the bottle 230, but all routes generally begin on the right side of the bottle 230. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the interior of the bottle 230 through which the airflow travels is relatively large compared to the diameter of the inner hole 217 of the nozzle 212.

[0120] exist Figure 4B In the embodiment, the second nozzle 214 in the nozzle group 210 is aligned with the opening 232 of the bottle 230. When in use, the air flow emitted by the second nozzle 214 is directed downward along the front side of the interior of the bottle 230 (eg, Figure 4B The bottle 230 is guided relative to the relative movement direction shown by arrow D), then travels along the base of the bottle 230 and upward along the rear side of the bottle 230, and then leaves the bottle 230 through the opening 232. Figure 4CIn this position, the second nozzle 214 is still aligned with the opening 232 of the bottle 230. In this position, the airflow emitted by the second nozzle 214 is directed downward along the rear side of the interior of the bottle 230 (eg, Figure 4C The bottle 230 is guided along the base of the bottle 230 and moves upward along the front side of the bottle 230, and then leaves the bottle 230 through the opening 232. Figure 4B The position shown is Figure 4C During movement between the positions shown, the airflow emitted by the second nozzle 214 passes through the opening 232, and thus in some positions, the airflow is not directed exclusively along one side of the bottle 230, such as Figure 5A Best shown.

[0121] exist Figure 4D In the embodiment, the third nozzle 216 in the nozzle group 210 is aligned with the opening 232 of the bottle 230. When in use, the airflow emitted by the third nozzle 216 is directed downward along the left side of the interior of the bottle 230 (eg, Figure 4A The airflow emitted from the third nozzle 216 travels along different routes through the interior of the bottle 230, but all routes generally start from the left side of the bottle 230. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the interior of the bottle 230 through which the airflow travels is relatively large compared to the diameter of the inner hole 217 of the nozzle 216.

[0122] Figure 5A and Figure 5B FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a bottle 230 as its interior is dried by the second nozzle 214 in the nozzle group 210 of the nozzle module 200. Figure 5A In the embodiment, bottle 230 is in Figure 4B and Figure 4C 232. That is, the nozzle 214 is aligned with the center of the opening 232. The arrows show the approximate path of the airflow emitted from the nozzle 214 through the interior of the bottle 230. The airflow is directed straight toward the base 240 of the bottle 230. The shoulder 236 of the bottle 230 between the opening 232 and the outer wall 234 of the body creates "dark spots" 238 that the airflow cannot reach or can only reach when the airflow leaves the bottle 230 and is therefore relatively saturated compared to the airflow entering the bottle 230. Therefore, if the airflow is directed into the bottle 230 only at the center of the opening 232, these "dark spots" will dry more slowly than other areas inside the bottle 230.

[0123] exist Figure 5B In the embodiment, the bottle 230 is in a position relative to the nozzle assembly 210. Figure 4B The arrows show the approximate path of the gas stream emitted from the nozzle 214 through the interior of the bottle 230. Figure 5A By directing the airflow along one side of the opening 232, the airflow "sticks" to the inside of the bottle 230 as it travels over the shoulder 236, thereby traveling through the "dark spot" 238, thereby drying the interior of the bottle 230 more evenly, compared to the airflow path shown in FIG. Figure 5B In the position shown, relatively dry air entering the bottle 230 passes through Figure 5B The leftmost "dark spot" 238, and the relatively saturated air leaving the bottle 230 passes through Figure 5B The "dark spot" on the far right.

[0124] When the bottle 230 is in a position relative to the nozzle assembly 210 Figure 4C In the same position as shown, the air flow emitted from the nozzle 214 travels through the interior of the bottle 230 along the same path as Figure 5B The route shown will be reversed. Figure 4C In the position shown, relatively dry air entering the bottle 230 passes through Figure 5B The rightmost "dark spot" 238, and the relatively saturated air leaving the bottle 230 passes through Figure 5B Thus, over time, during movement of the bottle 230 relative to the set of nozzles 210 in the direction of movement D, relatively dry air entering the bottle 230 passes through two “dark spots” 238 .

[0125] Figure 6 A container formed by drying a fiber suspension (e.g., as described above with reference to Figure 1 The method 300 may be formed as described above with reference to the example method 300 of the interior of the container 22). Figure 1 Part of the process described is performed, for example, as part of a drying phase 29 , 30 or a curing process 34 .

[0126] As shown in frame 302, method 300 includes that from the corresponding nozzle in the nozzle group, at different corresponding positions relative to the center of the opening and deviating from the center of the opening, a plurality of airflows are launched into the opening of the container successively and non-simultaneously.Therefore, the airflow travels along different routes in the inside of the container, so that when compared with a single airflow being directed into the opening, the surface area of ​​the inside of the airflow contacting the container is larger.By guiding the airflow successively and non-simultaneously, the airflow will not interfere with each other when flowing along the side of the inside of the container, which can contribute to reliably removing the moisture in the container.In other examples, a plurality of airflows can be directed into the opening simultaneously, which can increase the airflow in the inside of the container, but interference may hinder the airflow from flowing out of the inside of the container.

[0127] Emitting the airflow from a nozzle may provide better airflow directionality than emitting the airflow from a hole, for example, this may enable more of the airflow to travel along one side of the interior of the container.

[0128] In some examples, method 400 includes directing two or more than three air streams into the opening of the container. However, it has been found that the example of providing three air streams sufficiently covers the interior of the container by the three air streams, thereby substantially evenly drying the interior.

[0129] The airflow velocity is about 3m / s and the temperature is about 65 degrees Celsius. In general, hotter and faster airflows achieve faster drying, but this increases the risk of potential heat-related damage to the container or its coating. Cooler and slower airflows can lead to slower drying speeds or uneven drying. The selected airflow parameters should provide a balance between drying time and reducing the risk of overheating of the container or its coating. By emitting airflows with substantially the same parameters in each drying cycle, higher controllability of drying can be provided.

[0130] As shown in block 304, method 300 further includes causing relative movement of the container and the nozzle assembly. Such relative movement can be caused, for example, by positioning the container on a support that is movable relative to the nozzle. Causing relative movement of the container and the nozzle causes the location at which the airflow is directed into the opening to change over time. In turn, this causes the airflow to travel along a larger surface area of ​​the interior of the container than if the container and the nozzle were stationary relative to each other.

[0131] The nozzles in the nozzle group are offset from one another in parallel to the direction of relative movement and normal to the direction of relative movement by such a distance that the individual air streams enter the opening of the container successively and non-simultaneously.

[0132] In this example, the nozzle group includes three nozzles, and method 300 includes emitting the first airflow, the second airflow and the third airflow from the corresponding first nozzle, the second nozzle and the third nozzle. The first nozzle is located upstream and on the left side of the second nozzle and the third nozzle relative to the moving direction. The second nozzle is located downstream and on the right side of the first nozzle relative to the moving direction, and is aligned with the center of the opening along the moving direction. The third nozzle is located downstream and on the right side of the second nozzle relative to the moving direction. Therefore, during the relative movement of the container and the three nozzles, the first airflow is first directed into the opening and guided along the left side of the inside of the container relative to the moving direction. Then, the second airflow is directed into the opening and guided along the front side of the inside of the container relative to the moving direction. Then, the second airflow is directed into the opening and guided along the tail side of the inside of the container relative to the moving direction. Finally, the third airflow is directed into the opening and guided along the right side of the inside of the container relative to the moving direction.

[0133] As shown in block 306, the method 300 further includes: relative to the relative movement, emitting corresponding airflows from a plurality of other nozzle groups located downstream of the nozzle group. The nozzles in each of the plurality of other nozzle groups are each arranged in the same manner as the nozzles in the nozzle group. By repeatedly directing the airflow into the opening of the container during the relative movement, lower temperatures and airflow velocities can be used to achieve drying of the interior of the container. In addition, multiple containers can be dried simultaneously.

[0134] As shown in block 308 , the method 300 further includes emitting an additional airflow toward an outer surface of the container to simultaneously dry the exterior of the container.

[0135] In some examples, one or more parts of the method 300 described with reference to blocks 304, 306, and 308 may be omitted. In some examples, the guide may not be substantially vertical downward. For example, in some examples, the container is placed on its side, and the guide may be substantially horizontal. In some examples, relative movement may be omitted. In such examples, the nozzles in the nozzle group are sized relative to the opening and are arranged so that the airflow from each corresponding nozzle in the nozzle group and each airflow in the other airflows take different routes through the interior of the container. Multiple continuous airflows are emitted from each nozzle into the opening to dry the interior of the container.

[0136] Figure 7 Another method 400 according to an example is shown. The method 400 may form the above reference Figure 1 Part of the process described is performed, for example, as part of a drying phase 29 , 30 or a curing process 34 .

[0137] As shown in block 402, method 400 includes directing an airflow into an opening of a container at a location offset from the center of the opening so that the airflow travels along one side of the interior of the container. The directing enables drying of the interior of the container and drying of any interior coating or coatings of the container. By directing the airflow at the offset location, the airflow flows along one side of the interior of the container toward the base of the container, flows along the base of the container, and then flows along the other side of the interior of the container toward the opening and through the opening. This helps remove moisture from the interior of the container compared to directing the airflow at the center of the opening. Method 400 may also include reference to Figure 6 Any portion of method 300 described.

[0138] Method 300, 400 or other methods falling within the scope of the claims may be described, for example, by reference to Figure 2 The described fiber-based container drying system 100 or the variations thereof discussed herein may be implemented.

[0139] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been discussed with reference to the illustrated examples. However, it will be appreciated that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, the method comprising directing an air flow into an opening of the container at a position offset from the center of the opening.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the directing comprises directing the airflow into the opening of the container at the location offset from the center of the opening so that the airflow travels along a side of the interior of the container.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising emitting the gas flow from a nozzle and causing relative movement of the container and the nozzle.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the relative movement is in a first direction and the position is a position laterally offset from the center of the opening relative to the first direction.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the velocity of the gas flow is 0.5 m / s to 5 m / s.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature of the gas stream is 40 to 100 degrees Celsius.

7. A method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising directing a plurality of air flows into the opening of the container, wherein at least two of the plurality of air flows are directed into the opening at different respective positions offset from the center of the opening relative to the center of the opening, wherein the magnitude of the respective offsets is such that the at least two air flows travel from the opening along different sides of the interior of the container.

8. The method of claim 7, comprising directing the plurality of air streams into the opening of the container non-simultaneously with one another.

9. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, comprising: emitting each of the plurality of air streams from a corresponding nozzle of the plurality of nozzles; as well as Relative movement of the container and the plurality of nozzles is caused, wherein the nozzles are offset from one another in a direction of the relative movement.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein at least two of the plurality of nozzles are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the relative movement.

11. A nozzle module for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, the nozzle module comprising a plurality of nozzle groups, wherein the nozzle groups are aligned successively along the path, and The nozzles in each nozzle group are laterally offset from each other relative to the path so that, in use, the nozzles in a nozzle group are configured to emit respective airflows into different respective areas of the opening of the container.

12. The nozzle module of claim 11, wherein the nozzles in each of the nozzle groups are longitudinally offset from one another along the path.

13. A nozzle module as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein each nozzle in one of the nozzle groups is aligned with a corresponding nozzle in each of the other nozzle groups in a direction parallel to the path.

14. A nozzle module as described in any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising a plurality of parallel rows of nozzles, each row comprising a plurality of corresponding nozzle groups, wherein the distance between the nozzles in a first row of the rows and the nozzles in an adjacent second row of the rows is greater than the distance between adjacent nozzle groups in each of the first row and the second row.

15. A fiber-based container drying system for drying the interior of a container formed from a fiber suspension, the drying system comprising: A container support, the container support is used to support the container; as well as a nozzle group, the nozzle group being used to direct the corresponding airflow toward the container holder, wherein the container holder and the nozzle group are relatively movable in a moving direction, and The nozzles in the nozzle group are laterally and longitudinally offset from each other relative to the movement direction so that in use, during the relative movement, the respective air flows are successively directed into different respective areas of the opening of the container.

16. The fiber-based container drying system of claim 15, comprising a drying chamber between the nozzle bank and the container holder, and an exhaust system for extracting air from the drying chamber.

17. A fiber-based container drying system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, comprising an adjuster to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the container holder.

18. The fiber-based container drying system of any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a heater configured to cause the respective airflow to have a temperature above ambient temperature.

19. A fiber-based container drying system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising a plurality of nozzle groups aligned successively along a path, wherein the spacing along the path between adjacent ones of the nozzle groups is greater than each spacing between adjacent nozzles within any one of the nozzle groups.

20. A container obtainable by or obtainable by a method of manufacturing comprising the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the container is a bottle.

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