US2313125A - Machine for producing cellulose sheets and the like - Google Patents

Description

March 9, 1943. E. CZAPEK 2,313,125

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSB SHEETS AND THE LIKE Original Filed Aug. 12, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'INVENTOR I 5 1/4 Cz/wfk I March 9, 1943;

E. CZAPEK 2,313,125 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE SHEETS AND THE LIKE Original Filed Aug. 12, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f*T' -f -1r -ucf Z INVENTOR f/n/L C24PK Patented Mar .9, 1943 mom son rnonuonvc CELLULOSE snEa'rs AND 'rne mm s Emil Czapek, New York, N. Y.

Original application August 12, 1937, Serial No.

158,747. Divided and this application August3, l 1940, Serial No. 350,290

This invention relates to devices for producing improved cellulose sheets, films or the like, and

the present application constitutes a division of my co-pending application Serial No. 158,747 filed August 12, 1937.

Among the objects of the present invention, it is aimed to provide devices for producing an proved cellulose sheet, film or the like of an exceedingly uniform physical structure throughout having a practically equal tension and shrinkage characteristic in length as well as in width.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devices for producing an improved cellulose sheet, film or the like of an exceedingly slight thickness as an instance having a weight per onethousand square inches of less than 0.40

ounce without striations and the like and having a width offorty inches or more by means of a continuously operating process.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devices for producing an improved cellulose sheet, film or the like of unusual thickness with an exceedingly uniform physical structure throughout.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide devices for carrying out improved processes for producing the aforesaid improved cellulose sheets, films and the like.

These and other features, capabilities and advantages of the invention will appear from the sub-joined detail description of specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which I Figure 1 is a section of one embodiment more 'or less diagrammatically shown;

Fig. 2 is a section of another embodiment more i or less diagrammatically shown;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental end elevation of a stripping device used in these embodiments; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmental section of the stripping device shown in Fig. 3.

To carry out this invention, apouring base is used upon which a cellulose solution in the form of a layer is spread. The layer becomes solidified as the result of immersing the base into a coagulation liquid. A

The essential novelty and' the advancement I achieved resides in the fact that not only is the coagulationof the layer carried out on the base but part of the subsequent regeneration of the coagulated strip is also so carried out on the base and, at least, long enough so that the strip will become sufliciently solidified so that it cannot be stretched and deformed thereafter.

A further innovation of this invention resides in the provision of a device which enables in-,

troducing a coagulation solution under the strip and to wet the base during the process to aid in the regeneration reaction.

In the process carried out by the present device 4. By moving or rotating the pouring base 3 the so spread cellulose-layer 5 passes into a suitable coagulation liquid 6 provided in the container or trough I.

The character of the liquid vIi depends upon the cellulose solution being used. For viscose a sulphuric acid bath with a supplementary agent of sodium, ammonia or a similar sulphate is chosen as the coagulation and regeneration liquid. The strength of the solution must be chosen to correspond to the effect desired as is hereinafter set forth.

In accordance with the present invention; the coagulation of the layer 5 starts while the layer passes the point 8 on the surface 2,.where the layer 5 on the base enters the coagulation bath. The velocity of the movement of the base 3 and the concentration of the liquid 6 is of such a character, that the coagulation is completed before it passes the point indicated est! in Fig. 1.

II! which will-hereinafter be set forth-in detail.

This device I0 takes the place of the surface 2 for a short time as the-strip 5 slides over it while the device In moistens the lower side of the strip 5 as well as the surface 2 of the base 3 during this short period.

Beyond the" device III, the strip again passes I onto the surface 2 and while so spread on ,it.

may thus be moistened with a fresh coagulation fluid and regenerated without being stretched,

extended or shrunk.

The device In while not necessarily positioned above the level of the bath 6 is so-illustrated in Fig. 1; as exemplifying one embodiment of the invention, but at least should be positioned at a 'point where the coagulation fluid begins to penetrate the strip or layer 5 to the surface 2.

V If necessary, the roller H, as shown in Fig. 2, may be provided to guide the strip '5 as it passes the removalv of the strip 5 at the roller i2 will take place very easily and safely, particularly as compared to the processes heretofore known.

Consequently, there is no danger of the strip sticking to the surface 2 nor in being impaired or injured when being removed from the surface 2.

The moisture which remains on the surface 2.

after the removal of the strip,'isswiped off by scraping means, such as the pivotally mounted scrapers l3 so that the surface 2 will be dry again after passing such scrapers it. As a spebefore retu g-to the nozzle 4 the remaining moisture, if a may be wiped off or evaporate by warm air supplied by the blower it.

After the strip 5 is removed by the roller i2, it is passed through diflferent'treatment baths, washed andthe like and finally dried. The device l shown in Figs. .3 and 4 comprises a main body 2| which is pivotally mounted on the shaft 22 or the like. At the end of this main body 21 which is removed from its pivotal point 22, there is provided a flexible blade 24 preferably composedof metal which is placed in .a slit 23 in the present instance and secured by'screws 25. The blade 24 is mounted to press against the surface 2 and is ground in such a way that it lies in intimate engagement with thesurface 2 throughout its whole width.

Transversely through the cial preca'utiog effectively to dr this surface 2,

channel to receive the coagulation liquid supplied thereto by any suitable .means such as a pump or the like. I

This chamber 26 may other liquid'between the'strip and the surface 2. The quantity of the liquid so supplied will of course be controlled by the pump (not shown).

A large number of minute orifices such as 21, 28 and 29 are provided to form communications between the chamber 26 and the inner or lower surface of the strip 5, the surface 2 and even the blade24. v

The device Ill preferably also is tapered at its end adjacent to its shaft 22 as shown and provided with a slit 3!! and screws 3| to receive and secure the blade 32 preferably composed of rubher which intimately engages the surface 2.

The blade 24, which constitutes the advance edge relative to the movement of the pouring base 3 efiect's the transfer of the strip 5 from the surface 2 to the back of the device 10. The supply of liquid through" the orifices 2'! and 29 facilitates the transfer-of the strip 5 onto the back of the device Hi. The blade 32 guides the strip 5 back to the surface 2, so that throughout this path of movementthe strip 5 is constantly supported, o that it may not acquire any striations, streaks or irregularities. The strip 5 while so advanced on the back of the device ID, the surface 2 is supplied with liquid through the orifices 28' and thereby moistened.

The mode of operation main body 2|, there extendsthe supply chamber 25 which forms a of the process made.

possible with these devices comprises completing not only the coagulation upon the surface 2 but also the subsequent reactions, for the period required completely to solidify the strip 5. Dur ing the .main coagulation reaction, the pouring base 3 is dry but thereafter and that is just before arriving at the device ill and the covered part beyond it, the pouring base 3 is moistened with coagulation fluid or with a similar suitable liquid. This process is particularly characterized by providing the device II) which supplies a fresh reaction liquid between the strip 5 and the surface, 2 and insures that the strip 5 at this time 1s nottransported without an effective support and furthermore in that between the removing roller I2 and the pouring base 3, the surface 2 -ls-freed of molsture and arrives in a dry condition at; and under the nozzle 5.

.be used to supply any In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the device it .is located above the level of the coagulation fluid 6,the guiding roller H of Fig. 2 dispensed with and the strip 5 preferably-removed by the conveyor 33 extending around the rollers 34 and 35, the roller 35 being disposed above the trough 36 into which the strip 5 is then advanced, from which the strip 5 is fed by any suitable means to one or more or other treatment baths and,the like according to the process being practiced.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, on the other hand, after the strip 5 is removed by the roller l2, it passes under the idler 31 and then overthe roller 38 whereupon it is advanced down into the trough 38. i

Preferably especially when the device I0 is positioned below the level of the liquid 6, in order to insure maintaining the stripping blade 24 in intimate engagement with the surface 2 of the base 5, the shaft 22 has fixed thereon a lever 40 to receive the weight 4| as shown to exercise a torqueon the shaft 22 and in turn to press the blade 24 into intimate engagement with the surface 2 of the base 3 as shown.

'It is obvious that various changes and modifl-' .coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, adevice for freeing the formedfllm layer from the supporting base. continuing to support the fllm layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action. said device including'a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at both ends ofsaid surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the fllm layer to the base after completing the freeing action.

2. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacentto the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base after completing the freeing action.

3. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten thesame, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base after completing the freeing action, and having a coagulation fluid supply chamber, and having orifices communicating with said supporting base and the inner face of said layer V to supply coagulation fiuid thereto during the freeing action.

4. The combination of a rotatable supportin base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of .viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing thefreeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base-after completing the freeing action, and a stripping device-for stripping the layer from said base after the coagulation has been fully effected.

5. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a'feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to' moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer tosaid base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base after completing the freeing action, a stripping device for stripping the layer from said base after the coagulation has been fully effected, and scrapers for freeing the base of any coagulation fluid deposits after the layer has been stripped.

6. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the basewithout passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a 'super for directing a -warm blast of air :onto the base so freed from any coagulation fiuid deposits so that the face of the base presented to the feed 7 will always be dry.

'7. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until-the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeingthe formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to'support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and being tapered at both edges of said surface, and guiding blades associated with said edges to guide the film layer from the supporting base, over said device, and back onto the supporting base.

8. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fiuid of action and guides at both ends of said surface the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a devicefor freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing thfreeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guidesat both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and-returning the film layer to the base after completing ab'ovethe level of. said coagulating bath."

9. The combination of a supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the 'form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly ontothe base without passing through any-unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base aftercompleting the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at .both ends of said surface associated with said h ing base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing tosupport the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base after completing the freeing action;

and a weighted arm for maintaining the advance 2,818,125 the. freeing" action, said device being disposed.

4 to the supporting base thereby to moisten the edge of said device in intimate engagement with said supportingbase.

l1. The combination of a rotatable supporting base, a feed having its discharge end disposed adjacent to the base for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions directly onto the base without passing through any unsupported intervening free space, a coagulating bath, means for rotating said base through said coagulating bath until the coagulatlng fluid of the bath has started penetrating same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing action and being tapered at its advance edge, and a guiding blade secured to said tapered edge and forming a continuation of said tapered advance edge extending between said supporting base and the supported film layer.

1-2. The combination of a supporting base, a feed for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions onto the base, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through said coagulating bath until the c0aguaction and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base, one of which guides serves as a stripper to free the film from the supporting base and the other of which guides serve to return the layer to the supporting base after leaving the device;

13. The combination of a supporting base, a feed for pouring in the form of a layer of viscose and the like cellulose solutions onto the base, a coagulating bath, means for actuating said base through saidcoagulating bath until the coagulating fluid of the bath has started penetrating to the supporting base thereby to moisten the same, a device for freeing the formed film layer from the supporting base, continuing to support the film layer during the freeing action, and returning the layer to said base after completing the freeing action, said device including a supporting surface for the film during the freeing.

action and guides at both ends of said surface associated with said device for detaching and returning the film layer to the base, a coagulation fluid supply chamber in said device, and apertures in said device extending from the chamber to'the guides to supply coagulation fluid thereto during the freeing action.

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