W. R. Grace Co.-conn.

Kenneth J Moran

Richard J Wimberger

Michael O Rocheleau

Infrared air float bar for use in floating and drying a continuous planar web of a material in a dryer. Direct radiated or reflected infrared electromagnetic energy from an infrared bulb in a removable air bar channel assembly accelerates drying, or evaporation of solvents, or curing of planar web material passing in proximity to the infrared air float bar either by infrared electromagnetic energy, or in combination with Coanda air flow. The infrared bulb is cooled by pressurized air passing through an interior portion of the removable air bar channel.

Infrared air float bar

A chill roll for cooling a web, such as in the printing industry, where a uniform temperature across the chill roll is maintained. Journals support an outer roll assembly and an inner roll assembly. The inner roll assembly is bearing mounted on the inner ends of opposing journals and the outer roll is rotated about the inner roll, which is weighted to free-wheel about the bearings to minimize rotary motion. Coolant is introduced through the journal on one end and into a center tube, where the coolant uniformly flows in an annular space between the rolls and along the length of the inner and outer roll assemblies to circumferentially traverse between the rotating and stationary outer and inner rolls. This coolant flow provides enhanced heat transfer from the outer rotating chill roll to the circulating coolant. Heated coolant collects and returns through a center tube, and exhausts through the center tube and out through the journal. Turbulence inducer bars between the inner and outer roll assemblies creates a turbulence in the coolant flow between the outer and inner rolls to further enhance heat transfer.

Growing community of inventors

Appleton, WI, United States of America

Kenneth J Moran