WO2001061097A9

WO2001061097A9 - A wet processing textile machine

Info

Publication number: WO2001061097A9
Application number: PCT/IN2001/000013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Devendra Somabhai Naik
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-02-02
Filing date: 2001-02-02
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2002-08-02
Also published as: GB2363613A8; AU4272701A; WO2001061097A1; GB2363613A; GB0123211D0

Abstract

A wet processing textile machine for wet treatment of yarns/fabrics in rope form comprises an autoclave (1) substantially of annular duct form placed horizontally and provided with a pair of inlet-cum-outlets (11, 12) at its top side for feeding the fabric to be treated and for taking out the treated fabric. A basket (2) substantially of annular duct form made of spaced apart rods or perforated sheet, open at top end and adopted to be rotatably placed inside the said autoclave (1). A processing fluid circulating means (13, 19, 29) provided for circulating the processing fluid, a pair of nozzles (22, 23) provided, one each, at the said inlet-cum-outlets (11, 12) and connected to the discharge side of the said fluid circulating means (13) through flow control means/valves (24, 25), a pair of sensors (26, 27) provided, one each, at the said inlet-cum-outlets (11, 12) for sensing the fabric movement and giving signals to the electronic control devices (36, 37) for regulating the fluid through the nozzles (22, 23), one by one (only one at a time), and controlling the direction of the rotation of the said basket (2) in a synchronized manner, after each rotation, thereby intermittently reversing the direction of fabric movement.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A Wet Processing Textile Machine

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The invention relates to improvements in Textile machines used for wet processing/treatment of yarn/fabrics in rope form, such as dyeing, bleaching, scouring, weight reduction, drying or the like. More particularly the invention related to improvements in transportation of fabric during processing by rotating the fabric as well as the fabric holding basket horizontally and intermittently, in forward and reverse/backward directions, after each rotating, in synchronized manner, to enable the wet processing of all type of fabrics including the delicate quality fabrics, without any distortion and entanglement and with reduced fabric to liquor ratio (short/small bath ratio) and for increasing the capacity/productivity of wet processing textile machine. By "fabric in rope form" is meant both woven fabrics and knitted fabrics, the latter being either rectilinear or open or tabular, treated in rope form.

BACKGROUND ART:

The wet processing such as fabric dyeing process consumes large quantity of water dyeing- chemicals, steam or thermal energy for heating the dyeing liquor and electric energy for circulation of dyeing liquor and at the same time poses a big problem of effluent disposal there by creating pollution.

Machines for dyeing cloth in the rope form known in the prior art, whether they relate to dyeing becks with a very long bath ratio, jet machines or overflow box machines which use a long bath ratio, or recent machines with a short bath ratio, are equipped with means designed to ensure the circulation of the ropes of fabric in the machine and their folding. Thus becks, which have a bath ratio of the order of 1:20 to 1:30, are generally equipped, for the folding of the fabric, with an oval or triangular roll which deposits the rope in folds on an inclined plane in a full bath. However, in this type of dyeing machine, the circulation of the ropes, each being of rather short length (200 m at the maximum), and their movement within the storage compartment, are effected through the dye bath, which disturbs the folding and which causes the formation of loops and of knots in the fabric, which interferes with the circulation of the latter and have an unfavorable influence on the quality of the dyeing.

In conventional jet or overflow box dyeing machines, which use a bath ratio of the order of 1 :8 to 1:10, the movement of the ropes is also effected through the dye bath, the folding being carried out at the exit from the dyeing system by mechanical means such as crank, cone, perforated or non-perforated, an inclined plane or by using the inner space of the machine itself. In these machines, the intervention of the dye bath to ensure the movement of the fabric has also the effect of disturbing the folding and of being the cause of the formation of loops and of knots which interfere with the circulation of the ropes and alter the quality of the dyeing.

In the conventional jet dyeing machine the fabric is used in rope form to retain the bulkiness of the fabric. In the jet dyeing process the fabric as well as the dyeing liquor are in motion and hence the dyeing liquor is able to pass though warp and weft interstices in the fabric without any flattening of fabric structure there by the dyeing quality is good, and there fore jet dyeing is preferred over the beam dyeing. Further jet dyeing requires a low fabric to liquor ratio in comparison with beam dyeing, resulting into saving on water, steam, dyeing chemicals, power/ electricity charges, resulting into higher productivity with lesser pollution or effluent disposal problem. One of the conventional jet dyeing machine mainly comprises an autoclave, heat exchanger, dye stuff and chemicals service tank and liquor circulation pump. The autoclave of the existing jet dyeing machine is a long horizontal, substantially straight cylindrical pipe in which fabric to be dyed floats in the dyeing liquor and move forward with the circulating dyeing liquor. In this jet dyeing machine, though the fabric gets more space for swelling and fabric remains loose, which is good for dyeing various fabrics such as cotton fabric, cotton mix synthetics fabrics, micro-polyester fabric and the like, but it requires a high, fabric to liquor ratio, dyeing cycle is longer, steam, water, dyestuff and chemicals, thermal energy and power/electricity consumption are high and thus lower productivity associated with effluent disposal problem. Further this jet dyeing machine requires large floor space for its installation.

The existing jet dyeing machine as described above, has been improved and the improved jet dyeing machine, known in the art, mainly comprises an autoclave, substantially of U- shaped vertical duct, one of the arm of the U-shaped duct being provided with an inlet-cum- outlet for entering the fabric to be dyed and for taking out dyed fabric, the two arms of the duct being connected at the top end by a pipe, a perforated basket provided inside the said U-shaped duct, a heat exchanger provided vertically and having connecting means for circulating heating media for increasing the temperature of dye liquor and connecting means for circulating cooling water for cooling the dye liquor before disposal, a pump rotated by a motor for circulating the dye liquor, a fresh water supply line connected to the inlet side of the pump and outlet of the pump being connected to the inlet side of the said heat exchanger, a dyestuff and chemicals service tank connected to the inlet side of the pump, a set of nozzles provided near the said inlet-cum-outlet and the said nozzle being connected to the heat exchanger outlet for producing a jet of dye liquor to circulate fabric in the autoclave, a fabric piling mechanism provided at the top of the other arm, opposite to the arm having inlet-cum-outlet, for producing a wavy form of fabric rope while entering into said perforated basket, a frame work and platform for supporting and mounting the said autoclave, heat exchanger, pump and motor on the ground.

This jet dyeing machine is also having some drawbacks or limitations, such as fabric remains compact and does not get enough space for swelling, which is not preferred for dyeing some fabrics, such as cotton and synthetic (polyester) mix fabric, micro-polyester fabrics and the like. Further the liquor remains in the bottom of the autoclave and the lower portion of the fabric only comes in contact of liquor, this results in poor quality of some varieties of dyed fabrics. Further fabric entanglement also takes place which results in poor quality of dyed fabrics with lower capacity of the jet dyeing machine thereby requiring more water, steam, dyestuff, chemicals and more power consumption. Further when liquor level, kept at the bottom of the autoclave, is low, eddy currents are formed at the suction side of the liquor circulation pump and the air is sucked in to the system which obstructs the proper liquor circulation and to overcome or for preventing such a situation liquor level in the autoclave is kept high, thereby fabric to liquor ratio becomes high resulting into associated problems of more water, steam, power, dyestuff and chemicals consumption and effluent disposal/pollution problem. Further the construction and use of this jet dyeing machine is quite cumbersome.

Machines with a very short bath ratio (1:1.5 to 1:2) of the type, which is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,759, enable a fabric storage essentially more satisfactory than the other known dyeing- machines, in that the textile material is stored therein outside of the bath and is not, for this reason subject to any disturbance due to the bath, since it is no longer the latter which causes the fabric to advance, said fabric being moved only by mechanical means. However, in the case of the treatment of light fabrics and/or the treatment in the machine of several ropes at the same time, by a same dyeing system, with storage of the fabric in the same storage compartment, loops and knots can again nonetheless be formed in the fabric, which interfere with the circulation of the latter and alter the quality of dyeing, in spite of the use of mechanical means, which are generally constituted by the rotation of the storage compartment, or by an inclined plane on which the stock of fabric folds, which is delivered therefrom by pivoting of the inclined plane.

In addition, even in machines in which the movement of the fabric is not caused by the dye bath, as is the case in the known machines mentioned above with a very short bath ratio, the dye bath will nonetheless interfere with the folding and storage of the fabric, to impede these: in fact, the dyeing system is placed at the descent of the fabric, just before the return of the latter into the storage compartment, so that the bath sprayed outside of the dyeing system situated in the descent path of the fabric, disturbs, even in such machines, the operations of folding, notably in the case where two ropes are circulating in the same system, in which the dye bath thrown out of the dyeing system situated in the descent path of the fabric can cause the separation of the two ropes, during the operations of folding and of storage, such a separation being capable of resulting, on the reascent, in the formation of loops or of knots.

To minimize the disturbances resulting therefrom on folding, there is a tendency to reduce the flow rate of the bath in the dyeing system for optimizing the operations of folding and of storage, but to the detriment of the dyeing operations. US Patents No. 4291555, describes a wet treatment machine, notably for dyeing or bleaching of fabric in rope form, which is equipped with a dyeing system and include means for circulating, storage and folding, and fabric unloading means. It comprises, in combination: at least one dyeing system arranged in the upward path of the fabric, slightly beyond the exit of the latter from at least one storage compartment; mechanical means or returning means for returning the fabric in to the one or more dyeing systems arranged in the upward path of the fabric, which means are mounted at the exit of this or these dyeing systems and are, if necessary, associated with means for folding the fabric; at least one receiving and guiding device for the fabric to the one or more storage compartments, mounted in the return path of the fabric to said one or more storage compartments, beyond the mechanical fabric return means; and at least one fabric storage compartment provide with a conveyer belt for moving the fabric. The rotation of the said compartment around its vertical axis can also constitute the means for moving the fabric. The rotation of said means are associated with pump for circulating the dye bath or the like in the machine, with heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of said bath, and with a strainer or similar filter for purifying said bath before its recycling in the machine. It is also provided with folding means and the J-box for receiving and guiding the fabric to storage compartment, the latter is equipped with safety devices which detects the high storage of fabric in J-box. This machine is also not able to eliminate and entanglement of fabric thereby distortion of the fabric and also the bath ratio is not optimized.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a textile machine for the wet treatment of the yarn/fabric in rope form which responds to the necessities of practice better than previously known machine for the same purposes, notably in the wet treatment, circulation system are provided which eliminate the drawbacks of the corresponding systems known in the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a wet processing textile machine for the treatment of yarn/fabrics in rope form comprising an autoclave having means for loading fabric for wet treatment/processing and means for unloading the treated fabric, means for circulating processing fluid through the autoclave characterized by that the said autoclave is substantially of annular duct form placed horizontally and provided with a pair of inlet-cum-outlet, a pair of nozzles, one each, provided with the said inlet-cum-outlet and connected to the said processing fluid circulating means for spraying the processing fluid on the fabric, controlling/synchronizing means for regulating the fluid flow through one nozzle at a time and intermittently reversing the fluid flow after each rotation, a basket substantially of annular duct form and open at top, being rotably mounted inside the said autoclave for holding the yarn/fabric rope, means for rotating the said basket and controlling/synchronizing means for reversing the direction of rotation of the basket, intermittently in forward and reverse direction after each rotation in synchronization with the force and direction of fluid flow out of the said nozzles.

In an embodiment of the present invention the said basket consists of bottom and side walls and preferably the said side walls are made convex for increasing the fabric holding and processing capacity of the machine.

In another embodiment of the invention, the said basket consists of only a bottom and open on three sides, for further increasing the fabric holding capacity of the machine as well as allowing the fabric to strike the autoclave walls during processing. In accordance with this invention, the said basket is fitted with a chain, at the bottom on its under side, engaging with a sprocket provided in the autoclave for rotating the said basket through a prime mover, in operating configuration of the machine.

In accordance with this invention, the said autoclave is provided with rail(s)/railing(s) or the like, fitted with bearings or the like, in spaced apart manner and a sprocket or the like connected to a prime mover provided in the autoclave for rotably mounting the said basket inside the autoclave.

In accordance with this invention, the said prime mover rotating the said sprocket is provided with a controlling/synchronizing means for moving the basket in controlled manner in forward and reverse direction, intermittently, after each rotation. In accordance with this invention, the controlling/synchronizing means are electronic control devices for controlling the movement of basket as well as for controlling the fluid flow.

In accordance with this invention, the electronic control devices include a pair of sensors provided one each at the said inlet-cum-outlets for sensing the fabric movements and signaling the electronic control device for operating the nozzle one by one (only one at a time) thereby intermittently reversing the direction of fabric movement and simultaneously synchronizing the basket movement in forward and reverse direction. In accordance with this invention, the said electronic control devices control the basket movement according to the variation in fabric movements caused by fluid force, of any of the two nozzles. In accordance with this invention, a pair of fabric piling mechanism is provided, one-each, at the top of the said inlet-cum-outlets for producing wavy form of the yarn/fabric rope while feeding into the said basket inside the autoclave. In accordance with this invention, the means for circulating processing fluid comprises a heat exchanger, discharge side of which is connected to the said nozzles through a pair of control valves and inlet side connected at the bottom of the autoclave, a pump provided in between the autoclave and the heat exchanger for re-circulating the processing fluid from the autoclave through the heat exchanger, in a closed circuit.

In accordance with this invention, a heating media such as steam or hot oil, is circulated through the said heat exchanger, for heating the processing fluid.

In accordance with this invention, a cooling media, such as water is circulated through the said heat exchanger, for cooling the processing fluid, after the fabric treatment is over, before its disposal.

In accordance with this invention, dye-stuff and/or chemical service tank for preparing processing fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pump for circulating the said fluid through the heat exchanger and the autoclave. According to an embodiment of this invention, the basket is made of Teflon or stainless steel or the like rods, placed spaced apart and rigidly connected at the ends, to a framework.

According to another embodiment of this invention, the basket is made of stainless steel, or the like, perforated sheet. According to an advantageous feature of this invention, Teflon or stainless steel rods are provided in the said inlets-cum-outlets, for imparting impact or drumming effect to the fabric, being treated.

According to yet another feature of this invention, stainless steel bends are provided, one each, in the said inlet-cum-outlet, for feeding the fabric into the said basket smoothly, without giving impact or drumming effect to the fabric. According to yet another advantageous feature of this invention, a deflector plate is provided, one each, in the said inlets-cum-outlets, for guiding the fabric rope into the basket and reducing the fabric entanglement and distortion caused thereby. According to yet another advantageous feature of this invention, an eddy current or whirl breaking means, preferably consisting of fins, is provided at the suction side of the said fluid circulating pump at the bottom outlet of the said autoclave for breaking the eddy currents or whirl formation caused due to the low fluid level in the said autoclave and thereby preventing the air ingress into the pump or fluid circulation system and permitting a very low level of fluid maintained in the autoclave to further reduce the bath ratio. According to yet another embodiment of this invention, a fabric drive reel/winch is provided above the said nozzles and mounted on the said autoclave and provided with a controlling/synchronizing means for synchronizing the movement of the reel/winch according to the movement of the said basket and fluid flow through the nozzle. According to this invention, the fabric drive reel/winch consists of a pair of spaced apart side plates interconnected with a plurality of rods/angles provided peripherally forming a roller, a central shaft rotably passing through the said side plates and extended outside the autoclave in, a leak proof manner and connected to a prime mover through an electronic controlling/synchronizing means for rotating the said fabric drive reel/winch in a desired/controlled manner.

In accordance with this invention, the extended shaft of the reel is provided with mechanical sealing means or gland packing for preventing any leakage of the fluid form the autoclave as well as any ingress of air in to the autoclave.

According to yet another advantageous feature of this invention, the central shaft is not extended through the autoclave and is rotated by the prime mover through a magnetic clutch means.

In accordance with this invention, the magnetic clutch means, comprises a housing with magnets provided outside the autoclave and connected to the prime mover shaft, another housing having magnets, provided inside the autoclave and connected to the said central shaft of the reel.

According to yet another embodiment of this invention, a wet processing textile machine for the treatment of yarn/fabrics in rope form comprises an autoclave having means for loading fabric for processing and means for unloading the treated fabric, means for circulating processing fluid through the autoclave characterized by that the said autoclave is substantially of annular duct form placed horizontally and provided with a pair of inlet- cum-outlets, a pair of nozzles, one each, provided in the said inlet-cum-outlets and connected to the said processing fluid circulating means for forcing the processing fluid on the fabric, a controlling/synchronizing means for regulating the fluid flow through both the nozzles, such that one nozzle forcing the fluid at a higher desired pressure in flow direction and the other nozzle spraying fluid with low pressure in counter flow direction and intermittently reversing the fluid flow after each rotation, a reel/winch provided above the said nozzles and mounted above the said inlet-cum-outlets of the autoclave for lifting and guiding the fabric movement, a basket substantially of annular duct form and open at top being ratably mounted inside the said autoclave for holding the fabric/yarn rope, means for rotating the said basket and controlling/synchronizing means for reversing the direction of rotation of the basket, intermittently in forward and reverse direction, after each rotation, in synchronization with fluid force and the direction of fluid flow and the rotation of the said reel/winch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig.l - shows schematic perspective view of the wet processing textile machine, according to an embodiment of this invention. Figs. 2.8c 3 - show the plan and elevation, respectively, of the wet processing textile machine of fig. 1, without fluid circulating system, for the sake of clarity.

Fig. 4 - shows in part sectional elevation, the autoclave with basket and its rotating arrangement. Fig. 5 - shows the same view as fig. 4, showing another type of basket.

Fig. 6 - shows in partial elevation, the autoclave showing fluid flow and fabric movement in forward direction and tefion/S.S. rods, provided in inlet-cum- outlets, for fabric impact/imparting drumming effect to the fabric. Fig. 7 - shows the same view as fig. 6, with fluid flow and fabric movement in reverse direction and S.S. bends provided in inlet-cum-outlets for smooth flow of fabric, without imparting drumming effect. Sensors have also been shown for sensing and reversing the fluid flow.

Fig.8 - shows in schematic elevation, the eddy current/whirl breaking means, provided in the bottom of the autoclave, at the suction side of the pump, and the controlling/synchronizing means for controlling the flow of fluid and basket movement. Figs. 9&10 - show in plan and elevation, the fabric drive reel/winch mounted in the autoclave, above the j et-nozzles . Fig. 11 - shows in plan, the fabric drive reel mounted above the autoclave nozzles and connected to prime mover using mechanical seal or gland packing. Fig. 12 - shows in plan, the fabric drive reel/winch, mounted above the autoclave, nozzles, with magnetic clutch means for connecting the prime mover and also showing the controlling/synchronizing means.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to figs. 1 to 12, the wet processing textile machine according to an embodiment of this invention, mainly comprises an autoclave 1 which is substantially of annular duct form kept horizontally. A fabric holding compartment /oasket 2 which is of substantially, annular duct form and open at its top is provided inside the autoclave 1 horizontally, in ratable manner, in operational condition of the machine (figs. 1, 2 and 3). The basket 2 is made of Teflon rods or stainless steel (S.S.) rods or the like, kept spaced apart and rigidly connected at the ends to a frame-work or it can be made of perforated sheet (fig. 1). The basket 2 is preferably having a bottom 3 and two sides 4 with open top. Alternatively an opening 5 (fig. 4) is provided in the top side of the basket for feeding the fabric in pleated/piling form. The sides 4 of the basket 2 are made, preferably convex shaped, in order to increase its capacity, otherwise these may be straight or any other shape. In order to further increase the capacity and for rubbing the moving fabric (which is advantageous for some fabrics) with autoclave walls the sides 4 of the basket 2 can also be avoided (fig. 5). For rotating the basket 2, horizontally, in forward/clockwise and reverse/anti-clockwise directions, intermittently, after each rotation, a basket rotating means is provided. The basket rotating means is comprising of a chain 6 fixed at the bottom 3 of the basket 2 and engaging with the sprocket 7, provided inside the autoclave at its bottom side, which is rotated by a prime mover say motor 8 in a controlled manner (figs. 2,4,5,8). The basket 2 is supported on bearings 9 attached to the rails 10 (figs. 4,5) fitted at the bottom of the autoclave 1 at the iriner side. The autoclave 1 is provided with a pair of inlets-cum-outlets 11, 12 (figs. 1,2,6) at its top side, through which fabric is fed for wet processing, say dyeing and taken out after dyeing (fabric can be loaded and unloaded from any of the two). A compact multiple heat exchanger 13 is provided which is having connections for circulating heating media, like steam or thermal oil, for increasing temperature of processing fluid, say dyeing liquor, and also connections for circulating cooling water for cooling the liquor, before disposal, after dyeing the fabric. Figure 1 shows steam inlet 14, condensate outlet 15, cooling water inlet 16, cooling water outlet 17, liquor drain 18, for draining out the liquor after dyeing, dye stuff and chemicals service tank 19 connected to the suction side of a liquor circulating pump 20 which is connected to a prime mover such as motor 21 having controlling/synchronizing means such as electronic device known as inverter 36 (fig. 8), for regulating the speed/force of liquor flowing through the nozzles provided in the inlet-cum- outlet 11, 12 and a fresh water inlet 40 connected to the suction side of the pump 20. Pump 20 is connected in between the heat exchanger 13, at its discharge side, and to the bottom side of the autoclave 1, at its suction side and circulates the processing fluid/dyeing liquor through the autoclave during the dyeing process. In order to spray the liquor on the fabric and helping the fabric movement in forward and reverse (backward) directions, intermittently, a pair of nozzles 22,23 are provided at the inlet cum outlet 11,12, one each, which are connected to the top/discharge side of the heat exchanger 13, through regulators / valves 24,25 (figs. 1,2,3,8). The liquor is passed through the nozzles 22,23, only one operating at a time, which generally form a jet and forces the fabric to move in a particular direction. The nozzles 22, 23 are adjustable and can be used for soft flow, jet flow and overflow as desired depending upon the type of fabrics and processing. While dyeing some delicate quality fabrics of low yarn strength such as cotton-knitted fabrics, less (low) twisted yarn polyester fabrics or certain light weight fabrics, liquor force coming out of nozzles 22, 23 causes distortion of such fabrics and the fabric movements are not smooth. Thus for smooth movements of such fabrics and enabling dyeing of such delicate fabrics/yarns without any distortion, according to another embodiment of this invention a fabric drive reel/winch 43 (figs. 9,10,11,12) is provided above the nozzles 22, 23 and mounted on the inlet-cum-outlets 11, 12 of the autoclave 1 (on its under side) and the fabric is passed over the fabric drive reel/winch 43 which provides smooth movements of such fabrics/yarn in forward and baclcward directions. The fabric drive reel/winch 43 is rotated in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions with the help of a prime mover 48, provided outside the autoclave 1, in a controlled manner and in synchronized relationship with direction and force of the fluid/liquor flow, coming out of the nozzles 22, 23, as well as basket movements, with the help of an electronic device/inverter 49 (fig. 12). The fabric drive reel/winch 43 mainly consists of a pair of spaced apart side- plates 44, 45 interconnected by a plurality of rods/angels 46 and having a central shaft 47, rotably passing through the side plates 44, 45 and connected to the prime mover 48. The π rods/angles 46 are provided, preferably with a gap in-between and form a roller over which yarn/fabric to be dyed/processed is passed and rotated in a desired/controlled manner, without any distortion.

By opening one nozzle say 22 and closing the other nozzle 23 automatically, through an electronic device 36, fluid is sprayed on the fabric which is also rotated in one direction say clock-wise and then by opening the nozzle 23 and closing the nozzle 22, fluid is sprayed on the fabric and which is also rotated in reverse direction, i.e. anti-clockwise, intermittently, after each rotation. The forward and reverse rotation/movement of fabric is continued till the dyeing process is completed. For reversing the direction of rotation of the fabric, sensors 26,27 are provided at the inlet-cum-outlets 11,12 (figs. 6,7) which sense the fabric end, when it reaches near the inlet-cum-outlet, ahead and then opens the other nozzle to reverse the direction of moving fabric. Further as basket is also kept rotating horizontally, in forward and reverse direction, intermittently, synchronization of jet nozzle force (flow and pressure), fabric drive reel/winch rotation and basket rotation is very much essential, which is carried out and controlled by using the sensors and electronic devices (Inverters) 36,37,49 (figs. 8,12). By synchronizing all these motions i.e. of fabric drive reel/winch, fluid flow through nozzles and of basket, entanglement of fabrics are avoided and wet processing/dyeing of all the fabrics i.e. fabrics of various types and quality, without any distortion and with optimum fabric to liquor ratio is made possible in the wet textile processing machine of this invention.

According to another embodiment of this invention Teflon/stainless steel rods 28,29 (figs. 6,8) are provided at the inlet cum outlets 11,12 for imparting fabric impact or drumming effect as and when desired. This is required for some fabrics like polyester for giving bulkiness or drumming effect. As an alternative the Teflon/stainless steel rods 28,29 can be replaced by a simple stainless steel bends 32,33 (fig. 7) for dyeing the fabrics like cotton, which do not require drumming effect.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of this invention, at the suction side of the pump an eddy current or whirl breaking means, for example, consisting of fins 34 (fig. 8) is provided at the bottom of the autoclave 1, say in the suction pipe 35 of the pump 20. This avoids any air to pass into the liquor circulating system even when liquor level in the autoclave is quite low. Otherwise when liquor level is less/low, air in the closed autoclave forms eddy current or whirl at the suction side of the pump and try to ingress in the system though the pump. By providing this whirl breaking means/fins 34 whirl formation is broken and air ingress is prevented, thereby liquor circulation is made perfect even with quite low level of liquor in the autoclave. This further reduces fabric to liquor/bath ratio. According to a further embodiment of this invention, a pair of deflector plates 38,39, (figs. 3,10), is provided in the inlet-cum-outlets 11,12, one each, for guiding the yarn fabric rope into the basket and reducing the yarn/fabric entanglement and distortion caused thereby. For feeding the yarn/fabric rope in to the basket 2 in pleated/piling (wavy) form a pair of pleat forming/piling, device 30,31 (figs. 3,8) is provided in the inlet-cum-outlets 11,12, one each, above the nozzles 22, 23, similarly for unloading the treated fabric/yarn after the processing is over, a fabric unloading device/reel (not shown), is provided above the inlet- cum-outlets 11,12, of the autoclave 1.

For operating the fabric moving reel/winch 43, according to one embodiment of this invention, the central shaft 47 is extended out of the autoclave 1 through a hole 50 for connecting to the shaft 51 of the prime mover 48. To prevent processing fluid leakage as well as any ingress of air, mechanical seal means 52 or gland packing are used (fig. 11). Alternatively according to another embodiment of this invention, the central shaft 47 is not extended through the autoclave 1, but is fitted with a housing 53 having magnets 54, and fixed on the inner side of the autoclave 1. Similarly another housing having magnets 55 is provided on the outer side of the autoclave and connected to the shaft 51 of the prime mover 48.

For processing the fabric/yarn in rope form, fabric is loaded into the basket 2 with the help of piling means. First water is forced through nozzle to wet the fabric and load the fabric in the basket in pleated form. Then the two ends of the rope are tied. Processing fluid such as dyeing liquor, prepared in the tank 19 is heated in the heat exchanger 13 and sprayed through the nozzle 22, in one direction and after one rotation, through the nozzle 23 in reverse direction. Basket 2 is also rotated accordingly in forward and reverse direction. Fabric in the basket remains static and basket along with fabric moves through the autoclave in forward and reverse direction, inteπnittently, after each rotation, thereby there is no entanglement of the fabric rope and thus no distortion or elongation of the fabric. When winch/reel 43 is used, it is also rotated in forward and reverse direction intermittently, after each rotation in synchronization with the basket movement as well as fluid flow. One rotation is considered from the knot at the two tied ends of the rope reaching the nozzle ahead. The sensors 26, 27 after sensing the knot give signals to the electronic controlling/synchronizing devices 36,37,49, which are controlling the fluid flow, basket movement and reel movement. The important feature of this invention lies in synchronizing the movement of fluid flow, basket movement and reel movement, in forward and reverse direction, after each rotation. By providing whirl breaking means 34 in to the bottom of autoclave a minimum possible processing fluid level can be maintained thereby reducing the bath ratio.

Further in the wet processing textile machine of this invention, fluid flow through nozzles can be adjusted to provide soft-flow, jet flow and over flow, by adjusting the gap of the nozzles.

Further instead of getting fluid flow through one nozzle at a time, fluid flow from both the nozzles is also possible. In this case one nozzle say 22 will force the fluid at high pressure say 3 psi, in one direction (forward) and the other nozzle 23 will spray the fluid at very low pressure say 0.3 psi, in reverse direction, to provide fluid spray in counter-flow manner to achieve better dyeing/processing of fabric. Thus the wet processing textile machine of this invention provides a versatile/universal wet processing machine for treating yarn/fabric of all types and qualities. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The wet processing textile machine of this invention is very useful for treating the yarn/fabrics in rope form especially for dyeing, bleaching, scouring, weight reducing and drying (partially) with optimum bath ratio and eliminating the chance of entanglement or lcnotting of the yarn/fabric rope. The machine according to this invention provides wet treatments of yarn/fabric with a large number of variations in the processing parameters such as it can provide wet treatment with very low bath ratio as desired and at the same time it can provide wet treatment with partial floated and fully floated conditions, as and when required. All the fabrics including any delicate fabric can be processed in the machine according to this invention. Fabric/yarn is held in the basket and basket along with the fabric is rotated thereby there is no distortion or elongation in the fabric and the processed fabric is of very high quality. By rotating the basket holding fabric, in forward and reverse direction at a higher speed, than the processing speed, partial drying and drumming of fabric/yarn can be achieved. This invention provides' a universal wet processing textile machine in which drumming effect can be achieved, if required. It can provide perfect weight reduction, in fully floated, partially floated or without floating situations. It can work without caustic dye liquor in basket thereby fabric treated is without any patching. The machine of this invention can provide soft-flow, soft flow with counter flow, over flow, jet flow with counter flow and due to the provision of fabric drive reel/winch it can work without water flow, for the fabric movement. Also direct and indirect heating of the processing fluid is possible. The above description with reference to drawing is given just to understand the invention rather than to limit its scope as various modifications and improvements are possible, which will be evident to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the main theme of this invention and all such modifications and improvements should be considered within the ambit and scope of this invention and the appended claims. The means of ratably supporting the basket in the autoclave and rotating the same may be of any known type.

Claims

1. A wet processing textile machine for the treatment of yarn/fabrics in rope form comprising an autoclave having means for loading fabric for wet treatment/processing and means for unloading the treated fabric, means for circulating processing fluid through the autoclave characterized by that the said autoclave is substantially of annular duct form placed horizontally and provided with a pair of inlet-cum-outlet, a pair of nozzles, one each, provided with the said inlet-cum-outlet and connected to the said processing fluid circulating means for spraying the processing fluid on the fabric, controlling/synchronizing means for regulating the fluid flow through one nozzle at a time and intermittently reversing the fluid flow after each rotation, a basket substantially of annular duct form and open at top, being rotably mounted inside the said autoclave for holding the yarn/fabric rope, means for rotating the said basket and controlling/synchronizing means for reversing the direction of rotation of the basket, intermittently in forward and reverse direction after each rotation in synchronization with the force and direction of fluid flow out of the said nozzles.

2. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1 wherein the said basket consists of bottom and side walls and preferably the said side walls are made convex for increasing the fabric holding and processing capacity of the machine.

3. A wet processing textile machine, according to claim 1 wherein the said basket consists of only a bottom and open on three sides, for further increasing the fabric holding capacity of the machine as well as allowing the fabric to strike the autoclave walls during processing.

4. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the said basket is fitted with a chain, at the bottom on its under side, engaging with a sprocket provided in the autoclave for rotating the said basket through a prime mover, in operating configuration of the machine.

5. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 4, wherein the said autoclave is provided with rail(s)/railing(s) or the like, fitted with bearings or the like, in spaced apart manner and a sprocket or the like connected to a prime mover provided in the autoclave for rotably mounting the said basket inside the autoclave.

6. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 5, wherein the said prime mover rotating the said sprocket is provided with a controlling/synchronizing means for moving the basket in controlled manner in forward and reverse direction, intermittently, after each rotation.

7. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the controlling/synchronizing means are electronic control devices for controlling the movement of basket as well as for controlling the fluid flow.

8. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 7, wherein said electronic control devices include a pair of sensors provided one each at the said inlet-cum-outlets for sensing the fabric movements and signaling the electronic control device for operating the nozzle one by one (only one at a time) thereby intermittently reversing the direction of fabric movement and simultaneously synchronizing the basket movement in forward and reverse direction, intermittently, after each rotation.

9. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the said electronic control devices control the basket movement according to the variation in fabric movements caused by fluid force, of any of the two nozzles.

10. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein a pair of fabric piling mechanism is provided, one-each, at the top of the said inlet-cum-outlets for producing wavy form of the yarn/fabric rope while feeding into the said basket inside the autoclave.

11. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein the means for circulating processing fluid comprises a heat exchanger, discharge side of which is connected to the said nozzles through a pair of control valves and inlet side connected at the bottom of the autoclave, a pump provided in between the autoclave and the heat exchanger for re-circulating the processing fluid from the autoclave through the heat exchanger, in a closed circuit.

12. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 11, wherein means for circulating heating media such as steam or hot oil, is circulated through the said heat exchanger is provided, for heating the processing fluid.

13. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein means for circulating cooling media, such as water is circulated through the said heat exchanger is provided, for cooling the processing fluid, after the fabric treatment is over, before its disposal.

14. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein a dye-stuff and/or chemical service tank for preparing processing fluid is connected to the inlet side of the pump for circulating the said fluid through the heat exchanger and the autoclave.

15. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein the said basket is made of Teflon or stainless steel or the like rods, placed spaced apart and rigidly connected at the ends, to a frame work.

16. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein the basket is made of stainless steel, or the like, perforated sheet.

17. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein Teflon or stainless steel rods are provided in the said inlets-cum-outlets, for imparting impact or drumming effect to the fabric.

18. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein stainless steel bends are provided, one each, in the said inlet-cum-outlet, for feeding the fabric into the said basket smoothly, without giving impact or drumming effect to the fabric.

19. A wet processing textile machine according to claim 1, wherein a deflector plate is provided, one each, in the said inlets-cum-outlets, for guiding the fabric rope into the basket and reducing the fabric entanglement and distortion caused thereby.

20. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein an eddy current or whirl breaking means, preferably consisting of fins, is provided at the suction side of the said fluid circulating pump at the bottom outlet of the said autoclave for breaking the eddy currents or whirl formation caused due to the low fluid level in the said autoclave and thereby preventing the air ingress into the pump or fluid circulation system, thereby permitting a very low level of fluid maintained in the autoclave to further reduce the bath ratio.

21. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fabric drive reel/winch is provided above the said nozzles and mounted on the said inlet-cum-outlets of the autoclave and provided with a controlling/synchronizing means for synchronizing the movement of the reel/winch according to the movement of the said basket and fluid flow through the nozzles.

22. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fabric drive reel/winch consists of a pair of spaced apart side plates interconnected with a plurality of rods/angles provided peripherally forming a roller, a central shaft rotably passing through the said side plates and extended outside the autoclave in, a leak proof manner and connected to a prime mover through an electronic controlling/synchronizing means for rotating the said fabric drive reel/winch in a controlled/synchronized manner.

23. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein the said extended central shaft of the reel is provided with mechanical sealing means or gland packing for preventing any leakage of the fluid form the autoclave as well as any ingress of air in to the autoclave.

24. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein the central shaft is not extended through the autoclave and is rotated by the prime mover through a magnetic clutch means.

25. A wet processing textile machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein the magnetic clutch means, comprises a housing with magnets provided outside the autoclave and connected to the prime mover shaft, another housing having magnets, provided inside the autoclave and connected to the said central shaft of the reel.

26. A wet processing textile machine for the treatment of yarn/fabrics in rope form comprises an autoclave having means for loading fabric for wet treatment/processing and means for unloading the treated fabric, means for circulating processing fluid through the autoclave characterized by that the said autoclave is substantially of annular duct form placed horizontally and provided with a pair of inlet-cum-outlets, a pair of nozzles, one each, provided with said inlet-cum-outlets and connected to the said processing fluid circulating means for forcing the processing fluid on the fabric, a controlling/synchronizing means for regulating the fluid flow through both the nozzles, such that one nozzle forcing the fluid at a higher desired pressure in flow direction and the other nozzle spraying fluid with low pressure in counter flow direction and intermittently reversing the fluid flow after each rotation, a reel/winch provided above the said nozzles and mounted above the said inlet-cum-outlets of the autoclave for lifting and guiding the fabric movement, a basket substantially of annular duct form and open at top being ratably mounted inside the said autoclave for holding the fabric/yarn rope, means for rotating the said basket and controlling/synchronizing means for reversing the direction of rotation of the basket, intermittently in forward and reverse direction, after each rotation, in synchronization with fluid force and the direction of fluid flow and the rotation of the said reel/winch. A wet processing textile machine substantially as herein described and illustrated in the figures of the drawings accompanying the specification.