Adjustable Immersion Bath for Web Impregnation Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying a liquid or pasty medium to fibrous webs, such as paper or banknote paper, face limitations in quickly switching between sump bath and immersion bath operations, and are restricted by lower web speeds and shorter exposure times.

Innovation Solution

A device with an adjustable immersion bath that allows for extended exposure time and higher web speeds, featuring a feed device with a liquid sump and a nozzle gap that can be precisely adjusted, enabling operation as both a sump bath and immersion bath without requiring costly changes, and accommodating various web angles and paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a liquid sump is formed between two support rollers with a metering device, then the level of the liquid sump can be kept constant, but the exposure time of the liquid medium on the fibrous web can only be increased by reducing the web speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure timeVSAvoidweb speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable immersion bath device that can dynamically change the exposure length. The immersion bath depth and position are made adjustable, allowing the exposure time to be extended independently of web speed. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling long exposure times at high web speeds through mechanical adjustment rather than speed reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an immersion bath is arranged below a squeeze press, then the fibrous web can be impregnated with liquid medium, but time-consuming conversions and changes to the web run guide are required to operate as a size press with sump operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode changeoverVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal application device that can operate in multiple modes (sump bath operation and immersion bath operation) without requiring structural changes. The immersion bath device is integrated into the existing web run guide and can be quickly adjusted between operational modes, eliminating the need for time-consuming conversions and making the device versatile for different impregnation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the level of the liquid sump is limited by the smallest roll diameter, then the device structure is compact, but the exposure time cannot be extended without reducing web speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure timeVSAvoidliquid sump level
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the exposure length in the vertical dimension by introducing an adjustable immersion bath device. Instead of being limited by the horizontal roll diameter, the exposure time is extended by increasing the vertical immersion depth of the web into the liquid medium. This dimensional change allows exposure time extension without increasing the horizontal footprint or reducing web speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick changeovers between sump bath and immersion bath operations, allowing for higher web speeds and longer exposure times, reducing operational complexity and maintenance costs while ensuring efficient application of the medium.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid sump forming in the roller inlet area of the two application rollers during operation of the device, through which the moving fibrous web runs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

feed device for the liquid or pasty medium in the roller inlet area of the two application rollers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2550111B1Device and method for application of material onto both sides of a moving web
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP2550111B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2550111B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2550111B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to device (1) for applying a liquid or pasty medium (2) to a moving fibrous web (3), in particular a paper, bank note paper, cardboard, or packaging paper web, on both sides, comprising a first application roller (5.1) and a second application roller (5.2), which extend at least over the width of the moving fibrous web (3) and which form a roller gap (N) having a roller inlet area (6), through which roller gap the moving fibrous web (3) can be fed, and comprising a feed device (7) for feeding the liquid or pasty medium (2) into the roller inlet area (6) of the two application rollers (5.1, 5.2), wherein during the operation of the device (1), a liquid sump (8) is formed in the roller inlet area (6) of the two application rollers (5.1, 5.2), through which liquid sump the moving fibrous web runs, and by means of which feed device the level (9) of the liquid sump (8) can be adjusted. The device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that at least one immersion bath device (10) that also accommodates the liquid or pasty medium (2) is arranged upstream from the liquid sump (8) and the roller gap (N) as viewed in the web movement direction (L) of the moving fibrous web (3).