Effect of geometry on the performance of intermingling nozzles

This study investigates the effect of nozzle geometry on the intermingling process. The dimensions of intermingling nozzles with single air inlets ext ended across the width of a rectangular yarn channel are systematically var ied. Nozzles with this cross-sectional shape prove to be easy to manufactur e and efficient at intermingling. The performance is evaluated by visually inspecting the intermingled yarns and by measuring the nip frequency. We ha ve found that the performance of nozzles with large inlet widths is weakly dependent on yarn channel geometry. The performance of nozzles with the sma llest air inlet widths, on the other hand, is sensitive to yarn channel geo metry. The smallest and largest yarn channels we have considered give poor intermingling results. Control of the yarn path is beneficial for the succe ss and consistency of the intermingling process. Using yarn guides to creat e a diagonal yarn path across the nozzle has the additional advantage of de creasing noise production. Our extended air inlet slot ensures continuous e xposure of the yarn to the supply air stream across the entire width of the yarn channel in this arrangement. We also compare our designs with four in dustrial nozzles under identical process conditions. This study reveals sim ilar trends for nip frequency and power consumption. The results agree with the broad trend established in the geometry study that the shape of the ya rn channel is not critical, provided the air inlet is large enough.