Die, system, and method for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers
First Claim
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1. A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers, comprising:
- a. a primary fluid passage;
b. one or more distribution plates, each of said plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said plates being in fluid communication with said primary fluid passage and structured to deliver a layer of fluid to said primary fluid passage; and
c. a microlayer assembly, comprising(1) a microlayer fluid passage, and(2) a plurality of microlayer distribution plates, each of said microlayer plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said microlayer plates being in fluid communication with said microlayer fluid passage and structured to deliver a microlayer of fluid to said microlayer fluid passage, said microlayer plates being arranged to provide a predetermined order in which the microlayers are delivered to said microlayer fluid passage to form a substantially unified, microlayered fluid mass in said microlayer fluid passage,wherein, said microlayer fluid passage is in fluid communication with said primary fluid passage such that said microlayered fluid mass flows from said microlayer fluid passage and into said primary fluid passage.
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Abstract
A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers includes one or more distribution plates for forming relatively thick layers, and a microlayer assembly for forming a plurality of microlayers. The die further includes internal fluid passages and/or forming surfaces to allow the microlayers to assemble into a microlayered fluid mass prior to merging with the relatively thick layers from the distribution plates.
77 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers, comprising:
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a. a primary fluid passage; b. one or more distribution plates, each of said plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said plates being in fluid communication with said primary fluid passage and structured to deliver a layer of fluid to said primary fluid passage; and c. a microlayer assembly, comprising (1) a microlayer fluid passage, and (2) a plurality of microlayer distribution plates, each of said microlayer plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said microlayer plates being in fluid communication with said microlayer fluid passage and structured to deliver a microlayer of fluid to said microlayer fluid passage, said microlayer plates being arranged to provide a predetermined order in which the microlayers are delivered to said microlayer fluid passage to form a substantially unified, microlayered fluid mass in said microlayer fluid passage, wherein, said microlayer fluid passage is in fluid communication with said primary fluid passage such that said microlayered fluid mass flows from said microlayer fluid passage and into said primary fluid passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers, comprising:
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a. an annular forming stem having an inner surface and an outer surface; b. one or more distribution plates, each of said plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from at least one of said plates being in fluid communication with, and structured to deposit a layer of fluid onto, the outer surface of said forming stem; and c. a microlayer assembly, comprising a plurality of microlayer distribution plates, each of said microlayer plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said microlayer plates being in fluid communication with, and structured to deposit a microlayer of fluid onto, the inner surface of said forming stem, said microlayer plates being arranged to provide a predetermined order in which the microlayers are deposited onto said inner surface in order to form a substantially unified, microlayered fluid mass thereon, wherein, said inner and outer surfaces of said forming stem are structured to cause said microlayered fluid mass to merge with the fluid from said distribution plates. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers, comprising:
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a. a microlayer assembly, comprising (1) a microlayer forming surface, and (2) a plurality of microlayer distribution plates, each of said microlayer plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from each of said microlayer plates being in fluid communication with said microlayer forming surface and structured to deposit a microlayer of fluid onto said microlayer forming surface, said microlayer plates being arranged to provide a predetermined order in which the microlayers are deposited onto said microlayer forming stem to form a substantially unified, microlayered fluid mass on said microlayer forming surface; and b. one or more distribution plates, each of said plates having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet from at least one of said distribution plates being in fluid communication with said microlayer forming surface such that said microlayered fluid mass merges with fluid from said distribution plates.
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Specification