PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR PUMPING GASES IN A FILM

摘要

The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or "tape" that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapp ed within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping roller s that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a pluralit y of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. T he pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.