Treatment of bast fiber tow, especially hemp, prior to carding

摘要

After removal of the woody portions and prior to carding, the dry tow is sprayed with water, steam, oil or a water-oil emulsion. Independent claims are also included for two types of application equipment. In one type a spray nozzle, e.g. a steam nozzle (7) is placed above a conveyor belt (2). The tow is fed through an inlet (3) by a roller (5) into a bell-shaped chamber (4) in a housing (8). In an alternative design the conveyor (2) is replaced by shaker bars.