SONIC DRYING OF WEBS

• US 3,694,926 A
• Filed: 06/17/1970
• Issued: 10/03/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: General Electric Canada (GE Aerospace)
• Original Assignee: Eustace Cosmo Shuffler, Stephen Anthony Rodwin
• Inventors: Rodwin, Stephen Anthony, Shuffler, Eustace Cosmo
• Primary Examiner(s): Dority, Jr., Carroll B.
• Application Number:
  US05/046,979
• Time in Patent Office: 839 Days
• Field of Search: 34/23,69,155,158,18
• US Class Current: 34/69
• CPC Class Codes: D21F 5/00 Dryer section of machines for making continuous webs of paper
• CPC Class Codes: D21F 5/006 Drying webs by using sonic vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 5/02 by using ultrasonic vibrations using sonic energy generated by pulse jet combustion F26B23/026
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 7/00 Drying solid materials or objects by processes using a combination of processes not covered by a single one of groups F26B3/00 and F26B5/00 F26B1/005, F26B5/04, F26B23/026 take precedence

Abstract

A paper dryer is provided with a sonic drying section through which the web is passed and subjected to high intensity noise from grouped noise generators, usually air operated, to dislocate moisture from the web for enhanced drying rates.

Claims

1. Web drying apparatus having a passage for an endless web therethrough for controlled diminution of liquid within the surface of an elongated permeable web, having web positioning means to laterally locate a said web relative to the longitudinal edges thereof on passage through said apparatus, a plurality of sound generating whistle means on one side of a path of travel of said web in mutual spaced relation arranged to provide a sound field having a plurality of sequential high intensity zones, spaced along the web path of travel, and to propagate longitudinal sound waves in a direction substantially normal to the web, first gaseous fluid supply means connected to said sound generating means in energizing relation therewith to generate in operation said longitudinal sound waves, second gaseous fluid supply means having outlets intermediately of at least some of said zones to provide a wiping gaseous flow in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the web, plural housing means extending transversely of said web path respectively located adjacent at least some of said high intensity sound zones to provide a plurality of gaseous fluid return flow paths extending away from said web path, to receive said wiping gaseous flow having liquid and vapor entrained therewith, and recirculation means to recirculate a selected portion of return gaseous flow to the web, to provide control of web drying conditions.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including sound hood means to intensify said sound field at the surface of a said web.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said recirculation means includes fan means for returning said selected portion in downflowing bypass relation with said whistle means;

and controllable air admission means to admit additional air for mixing with said recirculation air, in controlling the psychrometric condition of said wiping fluid.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including air heating means to provide temperature control of gaseous fluid within said apparatus.