Clump removal devices

Abstract

Clump-removal devices are disclosed for separating unacceptably large clumps from an air stream containing both clumps and substantially individualized fibers. The devices include an inlet duct for receiving the air stream containing the fiber/clump mix; a foraminous separating surface movable past the inlet duct for intercepting the air stream to prevent clumps from passing therethrough; pressure control means for establishing a pressure drop through the separating surface to direct the air stream and the substantially individualized fibers entrained therein through the separating surface for subsequent deposition on a forming surface in the form of a fibrous web or batt; air-flow directing means spaced from the inlet duct and closely adjacent the high pressure side of the separating surface for confining the flow of inrushing air so that it is directed into engagement with the separating surface at an acute angle opposed to the direction in which the separating surface is movable, whereby the forces imposed upon the clumps by movement of the separating surface and the inrushing air agitates the clumps by causing them to vigorously roll and impact against the separating surface to aid in separating fibers which are entrained within the clumps to permit the separated fibers to pass through the separating surface and be deposited upon the forming surface; and clump-removal means for removing clumps which do not pass through the separating surface.