Method and apparatus for forming a fibrous media

摘要

Methods and apparatuses for forming a nonwoven web are described herein. The apparatus includes a mixing partition defining one or more openings therein that permit fluid communication between two fluid flow streams, at least one of which includes a fiber. The apparatus also includes an enclosed region surrounding at least a portion of the mixing partition. The enclosed region is adapted to provide an applied pressure to a fluid flow stream to urge the stream through one or more of the openings in the mixing partition. The apparatus also includes a receiving region designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream.

主权项

1. An apparatus for making a nonwoven web, the apparatus comprising:
a) one or more sources configured to dispense a first fluid flow stream and a second fluid flow stream, wherein at least the first fluid flow stream comprises a fiber; b) a mixing partition downstream from the one or more sources, the mixing partition positioned between the first and second flow streams, the mixing partition defining two or more openings in the mixing partition that permit fluid communication between the two flow streams; c) an enclosed region comprising an enclosure with at least one inlet for dispensing a fluid therein, wherein the enclosed region is situated downstream from the one or more sources, wherein the enclosed region surrounds at least a portion of the mixing partition, wherein the enclosed region is adapted to apply a pressure to the fluid and wherein the apparatus is configured so that the enclosed region is substantially filled with the fluid and no appreciable airspace is present in the enclosure during dispensing of the fluid through the openings; and d) a receiving region situated downstream from the one or more sources and designed to receive at least a combined flow stream and form a nonwoven web by collecting fiber from the combined flow stream, wherein openings of the mixing partition are above the receiving region.