Device for producing nonwoven webs and method for assembling such a device

Abstract

Device (100) for the production of nonwoven webs, comprising a nonwoven fabric production unit (15) arranged in an assembled state (200) on a support structure (10) and an auxiliary unit (2) comprising at least one liquid tank (22). The auxiliary unit (2) is provided to have a platform (25) on its upper surface (20a), and the nonwoven fabric production unit (15) and the auxiliary unit (2) are arranged relative to each other such that the nonwoven fabric production unit (15) is accessible from the platform (25) for assembly, operation, and / or repair.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device, or also called a system, for the production of nonwoven webs, in particular by wet process, comprising a nonwoven production unit arranged in an assembled state on a support structure, in particular on an upper surface of the support structure, and an auxiliary unit comprising at least one liquid tank. The invention further relates to a method for assembling such a device.

[0002] Such devices, also called fiber nonwoven machines, wet forming systems, or wet nonwoven production systems, are known in numerous designs and usually form a section of a production or manufacturing line divided into several sections. These devices can be integrated as a single unit or modularly constructed. In the latter case, the device comprises, in particular, modules or subassemblies that are joined together to form the device, that can be independently exchanged or replaced, and / or that can, for example, be pre-assembled as a unit by a manufacturer, transported to a customer, and only require final assembly there. In the present case, for example, the nonwoven production unit with its support structure can be considered a first module, and the auxiliary unit, which includes at least the liquid tank, can be considered a second module of the device.The supporting structure can serve, in particular, as a foundation or elevation for the nonwoven fabric production equipment. It should be clear that the assembled state referred to here is one suitable for operating the equipment, i.e., for producing nonwoven webs. Alternatively, the equipment can optionally be in a transport state, as described here, suitable for transporting or storing the equipment or individual modules. Furthermore, it should be noted that the expression "in or within the supporting structure" used below is always to be understood as in or within a space surrounded by the supporting structure, and not as in or within the material or substance of the supporting structure itself.

[0003] In wet web production, nonwoven fibers are introduced into a liquid medium, such as water, evenly distributed within the liquid, and collected on a forming screen to create a homogeneous fiber web layer, with the liquid being drained away. The web production equipment typically includes a liquid spray or distribution system for the uniform distribution of the fiber-infused liquid supplied to the equipment, as well as a screen, also called a forming screen, such as an inclined screen or belt screen, for separating, and in particular draining, the liquid from the fibers. The liquid is usually collected below the screen in the web production equipment and then returned, for example, to the liquid tank. The web production equipment can be fluidically connected to the liquid tank for this purpose.The fiber web deposited on the forming screen of the nonwoven fabric production machine is then removed from the screen or conveyed further, for example, to a subsequent machine in a production line for further processing. This process is usually continuous. For this purpose, the forming screen is preferably designed as an endless loop, for example, as a continuous screen belt, whereby the production of the continuous screen belt can be carried out with or without a seam.

[0004] To drain the liquid that has passed through the sieve, the geodetic height difference between the liquid level in the sieve area, especially in a drainage box located below the sieve, and a water level prevailing in the liquid tank is usually used.

[0005] For this purpose, the liquid tank is typically positioned lower than the sieve. To avoid excessive height, such devices are usually arranged on two levels or floors, for example, a factory building and a basement below. Such devices therefore regularly require specific structural engineering considerations and are relatively space-intensive. Furthermore, these devices are generally designed as stationary installations, permanently installed for as long a period as possible.

[0006] The liquid collected in the liquid tank can be pumped back to the nonwoven fabric production equipment via a piping system, in particular a short circuit arranged on the supply side. Specifically, any excess liquid can be returned to a stock preparation system, in particular a fiber preparation system for the wet lay-up process, and reused for fiber processing.

[0007] Typically, all components and assemblies of the device, such as the nonwoven fabric production unit, the device's drives, and the liquid tank, are arranged together as a single unit or as subassemblies within a limited area defined by the production line. To avoid negatively impacting machine operations or obstructing access to at least certain parts of the system, the drives and connecting pipes are usually located on one side of the nonwoven fabric production unit, particularly on a so-called drive side, which is typically opposite an operator side from which the nonwoven fabric production unit is accessible for operation and maintenance.

[0008] Due to the size and complexity of such devices, the individual components, such as the nonwoven fabric production unit, are often pre-assembled by the manufacturer, at least partially disassembled for transport, and then fully reassembled at the final operating location. Furthermore, WO 2008 / 018819 A1 discloses such a device that is designed to be fully assembled by the manufacturer and placed as a whole into a transport container, which is then transported to the final operating location. However, a disadvantage of this design is the limited accessibility, particularly during operation, to individual components of the nonwoven fabric production unit, especially those requiring intensive maintenance, such as the forming screen or the device for draining the liquid from the forming screen, due to the compact design.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for the production of nonwoven webs that improves at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, in particular being space-saving and user-friendly in an operating state, and being quick and inexpensive to assemble and disassemble for transport.

[0010] The invention solves the stated problem by means of a device with the features of the main claim, and by means of a method with the features of claim 11.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0012] According to the invention, the auxiliary unit has a platform on its upper side, and the nonwoven fabric production unit and the auxiliary unit are arranged relative to each other such that the platform provides access to the nonwoven fabric production unit for assembly, operation, and / or repair. This allows a work platform, particularly for direct and close operation of the nonwoven fabric production unit, to be provided on the upper side of the auxiliary unit. For this purpose, the platform, also called a work platform, is preferably arranged at least at the same height as the nonwoven fabric production unit. Most preferably, the platform is formed by the entire surface of the upper side of the auxiliary unit.For relatively easy access to the platform and safe freedom of movement for a person on the platform, an advantageous embodiment may include auxiliary and safety devices on the auxiliary unit, such as stairs, a ladder, and / or fall protection like a railing. This allows a person to access the platform relatively easily and safely and to move around on it safely. Particularly preferred are the auxiliary and safety devices that can be easily removed from the auxiliary unit and stored within it for transport. In this context, the auxiliary unit is understood to be a separately designed assembly of the device, which may, for example, consist of the liquid tank and a frame structure.

[0013] According to the invention, in the assembled state, the auxiliary unit is arranged laterally adjacent to the support structure of the nonwoven fabric production device. This allows the nonwoven fabric production device located on the support structure to be integrated into a production line, while the auxiliary unit can be arranged laterally adjacent to or beside the production line. This advantageously provides lateral access to the nonwoven fabric production device. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary unit is arranged adjacent to one longitudinal side of the support structure; in particular, with one longitudinal side, such that the auxiliary unit and the support structure are arranged essentially parallel to each other in their respective longitudinal extents. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the auxiliary unit arranged parallel to the support structure extends over the entire length of the support structure and / or nonwoven fabric production device.This allows a workstation for one or more persons to be provided for the installation, operation or maintenance of the nonwoven production equipment, accessible to all parts arranged in the production direction, close to the machine and relatively large in area, and in particular unaffected by the nonwoven production equipment, by means of the auxiliary unit arranged adjacent to the supporting structure.

[0014] Particularly preferred is the arrangement of the auxiliary unit and the supporting structure in the assembled state on the same plane – preferably horizontal – and especially at the same floor level. This avoids the need for a floor-by-floor arrangement of the individual modules of the device and allows the entire device to be erected on the same floor or factory floor. This is particularly advantageous for buildings or sites – usually those owned by the customer – without an additional floor. It should be made clear that the term "same plane" or "same geodetic height" refers to the same floor level or ground level, not to a millimeter-perfect alignment of two planes.Vertical deviations between the auxiliary unit and the supporting structure, for example caused by uneven ground, slopes, or other conditions, of up to + / - 1 m, are also considered to be on the same plane. Preferably, the auxiliary unit and the supporting structure, particularly at their support points, can have maximum vertical deviations from each other of up to + / - 0.5 m, and more preferably up to + / - 0.1 m.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the top of the auxiliary unit and the bottom of the nonwoven fabric production unit are arranged in the same—preferably horizontal—plane, and in particular at a substantially identical geodetic level. This allows advantageous lateral access to preferably all components of the nonwoven fabric production unit, which in its assembled state is arranged on the top of the unit or on top of the supporting structure, including, for example, components located particularly low on the nonwoven fabric production unit. Again, the term "same plane" or "same geodetic level" refers to the same floor level or ground level, not to a millimeter-precise alignment of two planes. Vertical deviations can be in the range of up to + / - 1 m, preferably up to + / - 0.5 m, and particularly preferably up to + / - 0.1 m.

[0016] In principle, for the purpose of operating, installing, and / or maintaining the nonwoven fabric production equipment, the platform located on the top of the auxiliary unit can have a raised floor surface, at least in some areas and / or at least temporarily, compared to the underside of the nonwoven fabric production equipment and / or the top of the auxiliary unit. This can improve the accessibility of the nonwoven fabric production equipment for a single person – for example, for handling or inspecting parts, especially those located relatively high up on the equipment.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the supporting structure and the auxiliary unit are of the same height, or in other words, they have the same height. This allows the supporting structure and the auxiliary unit to be arranged on a flat surface, and the platform and the underside of the nonwoven fabric production device to be at the same height, in particular in the same plane.

[0018] Preferably, the support structure and the auxiliary unit also have the same width and length. This makes it particularly easy to define the space required for the respective arrangement of the support structure and auxiliary unit, and to represent and implement it in a particularly simple way – for example, when planning a production line. Particularly preferably, the support structure and the auxiliary unit each have external dimensions with a maximum length of 16 m, a maximum width of 2.5 m, and a maximum height of 2.7 m. This allows the support structure and the auxiliary unit to fit, for example, into a standard transport container and, in this configuration, to be transported particularly easily. Preferably, the length of the support structure and / or the auxiliary unit is 13.5 m, more preferably 5.9 m, and more preferably 12 m. Preferably, the width of the support structure and / or the auxiliary unit is 2.4 m, and more preferably 2.35 m.The height of the support structure and / or the auxiliary unit is preferably 2.4 m. The support structure and the auxiliary unit can also be significantly smaller, particularly depending on the size of the nonwoven fabric production facility.

[0019] Preferably, in its assembled state, at least part of the nonwoven fabric production unit can be moved towards the auxiliary unit, particularly into an area above the auxiliary unit. This allows – for example, for maintenance or replacement – ​​the entire nonwoven fabric production unit, or just a part of it, to be moved from a position above the support structure, preferably laterally out of the production line, towards or above the auxiliary unit. This facilitates particularly easy installation and / or maintenance of the device. Furthermore, this allows – for example, during commissioning – a web of material to be fed along a designated path or into a specific area in a user-friendly manner. For example, it may be provided that a screen belt unit or…A screen belt frame can be moved towards the platform for the purpose of inspection or replacement of the screen belt. For this purpose, at least a suitable guide arrangement can be provided, such as a guide rail on which the nonwoven fabric production equipment or a part of the nonwoven fabric production equipment is slidably mounted.

[0020] Preferably, the supporting structure and the auxiliary unit are mechanically connectable. This provides a particularly stable foundation for the device. For example, the connection can be made using a detachable coupling device, preferably forming a positive-locking connection, preferably at adjacent corners of the supporting structure and auxiliary unit.

[0021] Preferably, the auxiliary unit has a frame structure that at least surrounds the liquid tank. This allows the frame structure to support the side walls of the liquid tank, particularly laterally over its entire height. Furthermore, a particularly space-saving device can be provided. The frame structure and the supporting structure can, for example, be formed by several interconnected legs, longitudinal beams, and transverse beams. The supporting structure and / or the frame structure can thus serve as a protective, standing, or supporting structure, particularly for setting up the device, especially for foundation work, storage, relocation, or moving. In an alternative embodiment, the frame structure can be at least partially formed by the liquid tank itself.In particular, the side walls of the liquid tank can replace at least some struts and supports of the frame structure, so that a particularly compact device can be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, the frame structure can provide a suitable foundation for the relatively heavy liquid tank, both when assembled and in operation. This ensures a stable foundation for the liquid tank, particularly in areas with unknown subsurface conditions, such as gravel or sand. The liquid tank preferably occupies approximately two-thirds of the space enclosed or spanned by the frame structure. A pump for circulating the fluid stored in the liquid tank is also preferably arranged within the space enclosed by the frame structure.

[0023] Preferably, in the assembled state, a fluidic connection is provided between the nonwoven fabric production unit and the liquid tank by means of at least one piping system, wherein the piping system comprises at least one pipe that is routed into and / or through the support structure and / or the auxiliary unit on at least one side. This allows, in particular, especially free and, as far as possible, unrestricted access to the nonwoven fabric production unit on the side facing the platform. The pipes can serve as either a supply or discharge line for the liquid, with the supply line being understood to be a pipe containing a fluid flowing towards the nonwoven fabric production unit, and the discharge line being understood to be a pipe containing a fluid flowing away from the nonwoven fabric production unit.

[0024] For example, a first pipeline serving as a supply line from the liquid tank to the nonwoven fabric production unit, in particular to a distributor of the nonwoven fabric production unit, is led out of the space surrounding the auxiliary unit at its front end, upwards, and then partially above the auxiliary unit before finally entering the nonwoven fabric production unit laterally. This results in a section of the pipeline located above the auxiliary unit that is relatively easily accessible to a person standing on the platform. This can be advantageous, for example, for assembly, for visual inspection of the fluid, or for installing an additional intermediate tank, such as a mixer.

[0025] Furthermore, a fluid circuit can be provided between the nonwoven fabric production equipment, in particular the distributor, and a stockhead pump, formed by the aforementioned first pipeline serving as the supply line and a second pipeline serving as the discharge line. This fluid circuit can be arranged on the nonwoven fabric production equipment, particularly on the supply side, and is therefore also referred to as the supply-side fluid circuit.

[0026] The inlet fluid circuit can, for example, be connected to the stock pump, which conveys the liquid, usually water, supplied in the liquid tank along with a fibrous material evenly upwards to the nonwoven fabric production unit. A further fluid circuit, in particular the main fluid circuit, can be formed by the aforementioned first pipeline and at least one pipeline connecting the nonwoven fabric production unit to the liquid tank and serving as a drain.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one pipeline acting as a drain is guided, at least with a section below the nonwoven fabric production unit, from a first side of the support structure through the support structure to a second side of the support structure – in particular, opposite the first side wall. The second side of the support structure can, in particular, be the side facing the auxiliary unit. In this case, the pipeline is preferably substantially C-shaped, with an upper connection to the nonwoven fabric production unit, in particular to a cross-flow distributor, and guided downwards in a substantially vertical section. In a lower section, it is guided through the support structure with a slight gradient in the intended flow direction to the auxiliary unit, where it is connected, for example, to a pipeline section leading into the liquid tank.This ensures that on the side of the nonwoven production facility facing the platform, there is particularly free and, if possible, unrestricted access to the nonwoven production facility.

[0028] Preferably, in the transport state, the nonwoven fabric production unit is surrounded by the support structure. In particular, in the transport state, the nonwoven fabric production unit can preferably be arranged as a whole within the support structure – that is, as already mentioned above, within the space defined by the support structure. Furthermore, preferably, at least in the transport state, the liquid tank, the liquid transfer pump, and the piping system can also be arranged within the auxiliary unit, especially within the space defined by the frame structure of the auxiliary unit. This allows for a particularly space-saving configuration of the device during transport. For this purpose, the support structure preferably has larger dimensions in height, length, and width than the nonwoven fabric production unit, so that the nonwoven fabric production unit can be surrounded by the support structure in the transport state.In particular, arranging the nonwoven fabric production unit within the support structure does not require any modification or disassembly of the unit from its assembled state to its transport state – and vice versa. Specifically, the nonwoven fabric production unit can be moved or inserted into the support structure in its assembled configuration. For this purpose, individual struts or supports of the support structure can preferably be removed. Preferably, the frame structure of the auxiliary unit also has a greater height than the nonwoven fabric processing unit and / or the liquid tank.

[0029] Particularly preferred in a transport configuration are the nonwoven fabric production unit with its support structure and the auxiliary unit, each designed such that they can be arranged in a single transport container. This allows for particularly advantageous transport of pre-assembled components and reduces the effort required for final assembly. Specifically, the nonwoven fabric production unit with its support structure and the auxiliary unit with its frame structure can each be placed in and transported in a single transport container, such as a 20" or 40" container.In this way, the modular components of the device, such as the nonwoven fabric production unit, liquid tank and piping system, can each be fully pre-assembled by the manufacturer with the respective protective support or frame structure, inserted into a transport container, transported to a customer using the transport container, and then removed from the transport container at the customer's site and assembled into a complete system particularly quickly and in a relatively simple manner to produce the assembled state.

[0030] The inventive method for assembling an inventive device comprises the following steps: removing the pre-assembled nonwoven fabric production unit with its support structure from a first transport container, removing the auxiliary unit from a second transport container, detaching the nonwoven fabric production unit from at least a part of the support structure and positioning the nonwoven fabric production unit on a top side of the support structure, establishing a fluidic connection between the nonwoven fabric production unit and the auxiliary unit, in particular with the liquid tank contained therein.

[0031] Preferably, before establishing a fluidic connection, the auxiliary unit is positioned adjacent to the supporting structure and optionally mechanically connected to the supporting structure. This results in particularly secure stability.

[0032] Preferably, to establish a fluidic connection, at least one pre-assembled pipeline is removed from the support structure or auxiliary unit and connected to the nonwoven fabric production unit, the liquid tank, and / or a stock pump. The components can all be pre-assembled and simply need to be connected to each other, thus enabling particularly rapid assembly.

[0033] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show schematically: Figure 1 – an embodiment of the device according to the invention in an assembled state in a perspective view; Figure 2 – the device in another perspective view; Figure 3 – the device according to Figure 2 during a screen belt change; and Figure 4 - the device in a transport state in a perspective view.

[0034] In the Figures 1 to 3 Two different perspective views show a device 100 for the production of nonwoven webs in an assembled state 200. The device 100 is formed by a first system module 1, the so-called production unit, and a second system module 2, the so-called auxiliary unit, wherein the two system modules 1 and 2 are connected to each other in the assembled state shown, at least by a piping system 3. The assembled state is understood here to mean a state suitable for operating the device 100.

[0035] The production unit 1 comprises a nonwoven fabric production unit 15 and a support structure 10 on which the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 is arranged. The auxiliary unit 2 comprises a liquid tank 22, a stock pump 23, and a frame structure 20 surrounding these components 22 and 23. The piping system 3, which connects the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 and the liquid tank 22, can also be considered part of the auxiliary unit 2. In particular, the piping system 3 can be considered part of the auxiliary unit 2 in a transport state 201 of the device 100, as shown in Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary unit 2 is stored within a space 21 surrounded by the frame structure 20. The transport condition 201, in this context, refers to a condition suitable for transporting the device 100.

[0036] The nonwoven fabric production unit 15, also called a treatment unit or fiber nonwoven machine, particularly for the production of wet-laid nonwovens or for carrying out a wet flow process known per se, can be part of a production line comprising several sections (not shown here) and can, in particular, be integrated into such a production line. The production line can, for example, include sections for drying, calendering, and / or winding the nonwoven fabric and typically extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the support structure 10 shown here. The position or arrangement of a machine located in the production line, such as the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 shown here, is not to be determined by the machine's design.The entire manufacturing unit 1 is often also referred to as the "drive side" of the device 100, whereas a position adjacent to the nonwoven manufacturing device 15, in particular the position of the auxiliary unit 2 in the present case, is often also referred to as the "operator side".

[0037] The nonwoven fabric production device 15 is designed as a fiber nonwoven fabric production machine known per se, comprising a cross-flow distributor 17, a headbox 18, and an inclined screen or endless screen belt 19. During operation of the nonwoven fabric production device 15, a mixture of a liquid, in particular water, and nonwoven fibers contained therein is supplied to the nonwoven fabric production device 15, in particular to the cross-flow distributor 17. These fibers are then formed into a continuous nonwoven web in the area of ​​the headbox 18 and the screen 19 with controlled discharge of the liquid.

[0038] Liquid tank 22 is provided to supply the liquid required for production. Liquid tank 22 contains, in particular, water, also called white water, and is designed as a storage or reservoir integrated into the frame structure 20. Liquid tank 22 has several fluid connections for connecting the piping system 3. These connections can, for example, also be located on side walls of the frame structure 20 (not shown here) and, in particular, create a connection from the chamber 21 to the environment or to a connecting section of piping in the environment. A compressed air cushion can be formed in an upper region of liquid tank 22 above the liquid level, which can dampen pulsations and reduce pump hammer occurring in the system.

[0039] The stock pump 23 is also arranged in a space 21 spanned by the frame structure 20, adjacent to the liquid tank 22, in particular on a base of the frame structure 20. The stock pump 23 serves to continuously pump the liquid from the liquid tank 22 into the nonwoven fabric production unit 15. The liquid can originate partly from the liquid tank 22 and partly from a supply-side liquid circuit 32 formed by the piping system 3.

[0040] The piping system 3 comprises a supply section 31, which includes the liquid circuit 32, and a discharge section 35. The supply section 31 serves in particular to supply the liquid from the liquid tank 22 to the nonwoven fabric production unit 15, and the discharge section 35 serves in particular to discharge the liquid from the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 to the liquid tank 22. The supply circuit 32 associated with the supply section comprises a first pipe section 33 arranged between an outlet of the stock pump 23 and an inlet of the cross distributor 17, and a second pipe section 34 arranged as a return between an outlet of the cross distributor 17 and an inlet of the stock pump 23.The discharge section 35 comprises several, in this case five, essentially parallel pipes 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, each arranged between an outlet of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 located approximately below the inclined screen 19 and an inlet of the liquid tank 22. The supply section 31 and the discharge section 35 thus form, together with the liquid tank 22 and the stock pump 23, a further liquid circuit, the main fluid circuit.

[0041] The supporting structure 10 is designed as a structure spanning a space 11, consisting essentially of vertically arranged stilts and horizontally arranged longitudinal and transverse beams. Side walls, a floor, and / or a ceiling can be arranged between the stilts and beams to delineate the space 11 from its surroundings; however, these are omitted here for clarity. Figure 1 , 2 and 4not shown. The supporting structure 10, for example, is made of steel and is therefore relatively dimensionally stable. In this case, the supporting structure 10 has, for example, a length L1 of approximately 12 meters, a height H1 of approximately 2.30 meters, and a width B1 of approximately 2.3 meters. In the Figure 1 and 2In the assembled state 200 shown, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 is arranged on a top surface 10a, i.e., on top of the support structure 10. In the assembled state 200, the support structure 10 thus serves as the foundation for the nonwoven fabric production unit 15, in particular for raising or elevating the assembly of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 relative to a substrate. In the assembled state 200, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 has, for example, a length L15 of approximately 5.15 m, a width B15 of approximately 2.05 m, and a height H15 of approximately 2.2 m up to the upper screen belt deflection roller. The total height of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 is, for example, approximately 3.2 m. In the Figure 4In the transport state 201 shown, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 is preferably arranged in a fully or partially assembled state, i.e., merely modified, not completely disassembled, within the space 11 spanned by the support structure 10. For this purpose, in transport state 201, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 preferably has slightly smaller overall dimensions than the support structure 10, for example, a length of approximately 11 m, a width of approximately 2 m, and a height of approximately 2.2 m. Furthermore, in order to be able to move the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 into the transport state 201 surrounded by the support structure 10, it is possible that the unit only has smaller dimensions than the support structure 10 in the area of ​​the struts and supports of the support structure 10. In this case, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 can, in particular, at least partially surround the struts and supports on at least two longitudinal sides.

[0042] The frame structure 20 of the auxiliary unit 2 is essentially identical in construction to the supporting structure 10 and comprises, in particular, stilts, longitudinal and transverse beams, as well as the same length L2, width B2 and height H2. It may also include side walls, a floor and / or a ceiling, which, for better clarity, is shown, for example, in Figure 1 and 3 shown, but not in the Figures 2 and 4For example, the auxiliary unit 20 has a length L2 of approximately 12 meters, a height H2 of approximately 2.30 meters, and a width B2 of approximately 2.3 meters. Within the space 21 surrounded by the stilts and supports, the liquid tank 22 and the mass pump 23 are arranged in the assembled state 200. In the transport state 201, the piping system 3, for example, disassembled into individual components and / or groups, can also be arranged, in particular stored in the liquid tank 22, which is usually empty in the transport state 201, as shown in Figure 4 depicted.

[0043] In the Figures 1 to 3In the assembled state 200 shown, the supporting and frame structures 10 and 20 are positioned directly next to each other, and in particular, essentially parallel along their longitudinal extent. Thus, the supporting structure 10, with one longitudinal side surface 10b facing the auxiliary unit 2, is in contact or not in contact with one longitudinal side surface 20b of the frame structure 20 facing the supporting structure 10. To increase stability, the structures 10 and 20 can be mechanically connected to each other via a coupling device (not shown in detail), for example, at the contacting corners.

[0044] The nonwoven fabric production device 15, arranged on the upper surface 10a of the support structure 10, has two support feet or rails formed from beams or struts 10d. These beams 10d can be part of the support structure 10, particularly in the base area of ​​the support structure 10, and can be detached from the support structure 10 to support the nonwoven fabric production device 15.

[0045] On a ceiling or top surface 20a of the frame structure 20 - as for better clarity in Figure 1 merely by lines and in Figure 3 A platform 25 is shown in its entirety. The platform 25 can, in its simplest form, be formed by a ceiling of the frame structure 20, in particular with a continuous or full-surface platform floor, as shown in Figure 3The platform 25 serves in particular as a work platform for the nonwoven fabric production equipment 15 and is designed to be accessible. Specifically, the platform 25 can be accessed by one or more persons. For this purpose, the auxiliary unit 2 or the frame structure 20 advantageously includes auxiliary and safety devices, such as a staircase 26, a ladder, and / or a fall protection device, such as a railing 27. The railing 27 can be positioned as shown in Figure 3The platform 25 extends, as can be seen, into the area above the supporting structure 10. By arranging the platform 25 on the upper surface 20a of the auxiliary unit 20, particularly suitable and advantageous access to the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 and / or the piping system 3 is provided in the assembled state 200, for example for assembly, operation, maintenance, or the like. At the same time, the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 and the liquid tank 22, both supported by their respective structures 10 and 20, can be arranged on the same floor level, in particular a level E1, thus eliminating the need for an additional floor provided by the building or the surrounding terrain.

[0046] It may be provided that, for example, for the purpose of assembly, operation, maintenance or a complete replacement of the nonwoven production equipment 15, at least a part or assembly of the nonwoven production equipment 15 can be moved laterally from a position located above the support structure 10 in the direction of the platform 25, as shown in Figure 3 is shown. In particular, in Figure 3A frame (not shown) supporting the screen belt 19, which can be designed as part of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 or separately, is arranged on the platform 25 next to the nonwoven fabric production unit 15. This allows the screen belt 19 to be easily removed from or mounted on the deflection rollers of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 by sliding it laterally. Furthermore, the entire nonwoven fabric production unit 15 can be moved laterally from the top 10a of the support structure 10 to the top 20a of the frame structure 20 – and thus out of the production line. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the top 20a of the second frame structure 20 and the bottom 16 of the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 are arranged in a common plane E2.

[0047] To avoid impairing the accessibility of the nonwoven fabric production facility 15, the discharge pipes 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e are arranged on a side 10c of the support structure 10 opposite the auxiliary unit 2 and have a substantially C-shaped design. In particular, the pipelines 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e are led out of the nonwoven production unit 15 with an upper section on one side of the auxiliary unit 2 opposite the nonwoven production unit 15 and then extend downwards forming one or more bends, and are led in a lower section of the C-shape on side 10c into and further through the space 11 of the support structure 10 arranged below the nonwoven production unit 15 to the side 10b facing the auxiliary unit 2, and finally into the space 21 of the auxiliary unit 2 spanned by the frame structure 20 to an inlet of the liquid tank 22.The first pipe section 33 of the circuit 32, serving as supply line 31, also extends laterally, particularly at the end, out of the frame structure 20 and then continues upwards in one or more bends to above the auxiliary unit 2 or the platform 25, reaching the inlet of the cross distributor 17. This arrangement allows access to the supply pipe 33, which opens into the cross distributor 17, from an operator standing on the platform 25, for example, to check fiber mixing, to manually feed fibers, or to connect a central or circular distributor. The pipe section 34 of the circuit 32, serving as the return, extends downwards from an outlet of the cross distributor 17, again located on the side facing away from the auxiliary unit 2, in one or more bends, through space 11, into space 21, and within that space to the stock pump 23.

[0048] In the Figure 4In the transport state 201 of the device 100 shown, the components intended for the production of the nonwoven web, such as the nonwoven production unit 15, the liquid tank 22, the stock pump 23, and the piping system 3, are stowed within the support and frame structure 10, 20. In particular, the nonwoven production unit 15, whose supporting support rail 10d is arranged as a base support or underside of the support structure 10, as well as the piping lines 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e of the discharge section 35, are arranged within the support structure 10 and together with it form the first plant module 1. The piping system 3 and the platform 25 are shown in [reference missing] for clarity. Figure 4 not shown. The liquid tank 22, the mass flow pump 23 and the pipe sections 33, 34 of the supply-side liquid circuit 32 are arranged within the frame structure 20 and together with it form the second plant module 2.

[0049] For transport, the first plant module 1 is planned to be located in the Figure 4 The arrangement shown is to be inserted into a first transport container 40 and the second system module 2 into a second transport container 41. The transport containers 40 and 41 are each designed as standardized, so-called 40-foot containers. This allows the system modules 1 and 2 to be inserted into their respective transport containers 40 and 41 almost fully assembled and transported to a production site. At the production site, the system modules 1 and 2 are to be removed from the transport containers 40 and 41 and then assembled, in particular by placing the support and frame structures 10 and 20 adjacent to each other and the nonwoven fabric production unit 15 on the top surface 10a of the support structure 10. The empty transport containers 40 and 41 can then be transported back to the manufacturer, for example.

[0050] It should be clear that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment. In particular, the design of the supporting and frame structure as well as the arrangement of the piping system can certainly be modified without altering the core of the invention. Reference symbol list:

[0051] 1. First plant module, production unit 2. Second plant module, auxiliary unit 3. Piping system 10Supporting structure 10aTop, ceiling 10bLong side, long side wall 10cLong side, long side wall 10dFloor beam, underside 11Room 15 Nonwoven fabric production unit 16 Underside 17 Cross-flow distributor 18 Stock headbox 19 Belt screen, inclined screen 20 Frame structure 20a Top, ceiling 20b Long side Long side wall 21 Room 22 Liquid tank, white water tank 23 Substance inlet pump 25 Platform 26 Stairs 27 Railing 31 Supply section 32 Liquid circuit 33 First pipe section 34 Second pipe section 35 Drain section 35a Pipe, drain 35b Pipe, drain 35c Pipe, drain 35d Pipe, drain 35e Pipe, drain 40transport containers 41transport containers 100 Device 200 Assembled state 201 Transport state Level 1 Level Level 2 H1 Height H2 Height H15 Height B1 Width B2 Width B15 Width L1 Length L2 Length L15 Length

Claims

1. Apparatus (100) for producing nonwoven-fabric webs, having a nonwoven-production device (15), which in a constructed state (200) is arranged on a supporting structure (10), and having an auxiliary unit (2), which has at least one liquid tank (22), wherein the auxiliary unit (2) has a platform (25) on an upper side (20a), and the nonwoven-production device (15) and the auxiliary unit (2) are arranged in relation to one another such that, for the purposes of assembling, operating and / or repairing the nonwoven-production device (15), the nonwoven-production device (15) can be accessed from the platform (25), characterized in that the auxiliary unit (2) is a separate assembly and, in the constructed state (200), the auxiliary unit (2) is arranged directly or indirectly alongside the supporting structure (10).

2. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the constructed state (200), the auxiliary unit (2) and the supporting structure (10) are arranged at the same geodetic height.

3. Apparatus (100) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the constructed state (200), the upper side (20a) of the auxiliary unit (2) and an underside (16) of the nonwoven-production device (15) are arranged in a single plane (E).

4. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the constructed state (200), at least part of the nonwoven-production device (15) can be shifted in the direction of the auxiliary unit (2), in particular into a region above the auxiliary unit (2).

5. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (10) and the auxiliary unit (2) can be connected to one another mechanically.

6. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary unit (2) has a frame structure (20), which encloses at least the liquid tank (22) or which is formed at least in part by the liquid tank (22).

7. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the constructed state (200), a fluidic connection is provided between the nonwoven-production device (15) and the liquid tank (22) by means of at least one pipeline system (3), and the pipeline system (3) comprises at least one pipeline (33, 34, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e), which is guided into and / or through the supporting structure (10) and / or the auxiliary unit (2) on at least one side.

8. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 7, characterized in that a pipeline (34, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e) provided in the form of a discharge line (35) for a liquid has at least one portion arranged beneath the nonwoven-production device (15) from a first side (10c) of the supporting structure (10), through the supporting structure (10), to a second side (10b) of the supporting structure (10).

9. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a transportation state (201), the nonwoven-production device (15) is enclosed by the supporting structure (10).

10. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a transportation state (201), the nonwoven-production device (15), along with its supporting structure (10), and also the auxiliary unit (2) are each formed in such a way that they can be arranged in a respective transport container (40, 41).

11. Method for assembling an apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - removing the preassembled nonwoven-production device (15), along with its supporting structure (10), from a first transport container (40), - removing the auxiliary unit (2) from a second transport container (41), - releasing the nonwoven-production device (15) from at least part of the supporting structure (10) and positioning the nonwoven-production device (15) on an upper side (10a) of the supporting structure (10), - establishing a fluidic connection between the nonwoven-production device (15) and the auxiliary unit (2), in particular with the liquid tank (22) contained therein, characterized in that, prior to a fluidic connection being established, the auxiliary unit (2) is positioned adjacent to the supporting structure (10).

12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that, prior to a fluidic connection being established, the auxiliary unit (2) is positioned adjacent to the supporting structure (10) and, optionally, the auxiliary unit (2) is connected mechanically to the supporting structure (10).

13. Method according to either of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that, for the purpose of establishing a fluidic connection, at least one preassembled pipeline (33, 34, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e) is removed from the supporting structure (10) or the auxiliary unit (2) and the at least one pipeline (33, 34, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e) is connected to the nonwoven-production device (15), the liquid tank (22) and / or to a headbox pump (23).

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