Transfer Surface Chemical Softener Application for Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spray systems for applying chemical additives to fibrous structures, such as tissue paper, face challenges in achieving even coverage and high transfer efficiency due to high pressure, leading to spotty finishes and equipment contamination, especially when dealing with high viscosity additives and delicate webs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transfer surface with a chemical additive, where a speed differential exists between the transfer surface and the fibrous structure, allowing for efficient application of the additive via a discharge surface in contact with the structure for a sufficient distance, and using nozzles with a liquid exit orifice close to the fibrous structure to ensure uniform treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure spray systems are used to apply chemical additives to fibrous structures, then application speed increases, but coverage uniformity deteriorates resulting in spotty finishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer surface (intermediary component) between the spray system and the fibrous structure. The treating composition is sprayed onto the transfer surface first, then transferred to the fibrous structure through contact. This intermediary approach allows high-speed application while ensuring uniform coverage, as the transfer surface distributes the composition evenly across the web without the ricochet effects of direct high-pressure spraying.
2Productivity
If high pressure spray systems are used to apply chemical additives, then application efficiency increases, but equipment contamination increases due to overspray and kgnarr formation
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer surface acts as an intermediary that contains the treating composition during application. By spraying onto the transfer surface rather than directly onto the web, the system prevents overspray from mixing with dust and forming kgnarr. The transfer surface confines the composition to the intended application area, eliminating the harmful contamination effects while maintaining high application efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the treating composition application process into a separate stage: first applying to the transfer surface, then transferring to the web. This separation removes the source of contamination (the spray process) from direct contact with the web and surrounding environment, preventing kgnarr formation and equipment contamination while preserving application speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If chemical softeners are added to the wet end of the papermaking process, then softness improvement is achieved, but negative side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the treating composition (chemical softener) after the fibrous structure has been dewatered and is partially or entirely dried, rather than adding it to the wet end during papermaking. This preliminary action at a later stage allows the softener to be applied to a more stable substrate, achieving the desired softness improvement while avoiding the negative side effects associated with wet-end addition, such as interference with paper formation and excessive chemical consumption.
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 method provides a reliable and efficient application of chemical additives to fibrous structures at high speeds, minimizing contamination and ensuring even coverage, thereby enhancing the softness and hygiene of sanitary tissue products.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the fibrous structure with the transfer surface such that the chemical additive is transferred to the fibrous structure, wherein a speed differential exists between the transfer surface and the fibrous structure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for treating a fibrous structure in need of treatment with a chemical additive, such as a chemical softener, and products produced therefrom, are provided.