High expression squeeze roll liquor extraction of nonwoven batts

摘要

A squeeze roll arrangement and method is disclosed for high expression squeeze roll liquor expression of non-woven fiber batts. An auxiliary conveyor belt is provided to squeeze the batt before passing through the nip of the squeeze rolls with the batt. In this way, a portion of the liquor carried by the batt is expressed prior to passage of the batt through the nip. Since the batt is carried by the auxiliary conveyor belt, disruption of the batt is minimized. Preferably, chains are provided on either side of the batt to maintain a preferred orientation of the batt. Various sprockets and pulleys are provided as desired to guide the chains with various turn rollers provided to carry the conveyor belt. The chains are flexibly attached to the edges of the belt to continuously guide the belt. In this way, alignment of the belt on the turn and squeeze rolls is maintained.