Improvement of the efficiency of energy transfer in the hydro-entanglementprocess

Hydro-entanglement is a versatile process for bonding non-woven fabrics by the use of fine, closely-spaced, high-velocity jets of water to rearrange a nd entangle loose arrays of fibres. The cost of the process mainly depends on the amount of energy consumed. Therefore, the economy of the process is highly affected by optimisation of the energy required. In this paper a par ameter called critical pressure is introduced which is indicative of the en ergy level requirement. The results of extensive experimental work are repo rted and analysed to give a clear understanding of the effect of the web an d fibre properties on the critical pressure in the hydro-entanglement proce ss. Furthermore, different energy-transfer distribution schemes are tested on various fabrics. The optimum scheme which involves the lowest energy con sumption and the best fabric properties is identified. (C) 2001 Published b y Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.