Oblique Foam Nozzle Application for Fiber Web Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam application methods for fiber webs suffer from backflow issues, where the applied substance flows in the opposite direction to the web's movement, leading to accumulation and operational parameter limitations.
Innovation Solution
The method and system adjust the angle of foam application to less than 90 degrees, typically between 30-85 degrees, using a nozzle or application device with adjustable or fixed mechanisms to ensure the foam flow aligns with the web's direction, minimizing backflow and expanding the operational window for application parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam is applied onto the fiber web by a vertical nozzle flow at a constant angle (90 degrees), then the application method is simple, but back flow occurs causing substance accumulation and limited operational parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of nozzle angle from the conventional 90 degrees to an oblique angle between 10-80 degrees relative to the web running direction. This parameter change eliminates back flow by directing foam application in the direction of web movement, while maintaining operational simplicity through fixed or adjustable nozzle mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If foam application uses a vertical nozzle flow, then the device structure is simple, but the operational window for application parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capability through adjustable nozzle angle mechanisms that allow the nozzle to be positioned at different oblique angles (10-80 degrees) depending on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment expands the operational window for application parameters while keeping the base device structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If foam is applied with high volume flow rate to increase application amount, then productivity improves, but back flow increases causing substance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by directing the foam flow at an oblique angle in the direction of web movement before back flow can occur. This pre-directed flow approach counteracts the tendency for substance accumulation, enabling higher productivity without the harmful effects of back flow.
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
This approach prevents backflow, enhances curtain quality and evenness, allows higher application amounts and speeds, improves strength and bulkiness of the fiber web, and reduces material usage and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a foam flow C through the nozzle opening 16... an angle, in which the foam flow through the nozzle opening meets a target surface, is less than 90 degrees
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for applying at least one substance layer in form of foam onto a moving fiber web (W) directly or indirectly by foam application through at least one opening of at least one nozzle opening (16) of a nozzle tip (15) of an application device (C10; C20; C30) as a foam flow (C). In the method an angle (A), in which the foam flow (C) through the nozzle opening (16) meets a target surface, is less than 90 degrees, advantageously 30-85 degrees, which target surface is in direct application the surface of the fiber web and in indirect application the surface of a roll, or of a belt or of a wire or of a felt or of like. The invention also relates to a system for applying a substance layer onto a moving fiber web (W) directly or indirectly by foam application comprising an application device (C10; C20; C30) comprising at least one nozzle tip (15) with at least one nozzle opening (16) for a foam flow (C). The system comprises means (17; 18; 19,20) configured to set/adjust an angle (A), in which the foam flow (C) through the nozzle opening (16) meets a target surface to less than 90 degrees, advantageously 30-85 degrees, which target surface is in direct application the surface of the fiber web and in indirect application the surface of a roll or of a belt or of a wire or of a felt or of like.