Apparatus for pad batch dyeing of tubular knitted cotton fabrics

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for pad batch dyeing of tubular knitted fabrics of substantial cotton content, typically 50% or more. One or more connected strings of tubular knitted fabric are advanced toward the dyeing apparatus, where the fabric is gripped across its full width and positively advanced toward the dye solution. A ring guide spreader is positioned in close coupled relation to the driven entry roller and spreads the fabric to flat form and to its natural greige width. Closely coupled to the ring guide means is a dye pad station comprising a pair of horizontally opposed, resilient squeeze rollers, a treating roller forming a submerged dye nip with the front squeeze roller, and a submerged guide roller to receive the fabric as it travels in a downward incline through the dye nip and redirect it to a vertically upward path for passage through the squeeze nip. The squeeze rollers are submerged in the dye liquor to a depth less than half their diameter, so that fabric exits from the dye bath in traveling to the squeeze nip. An exit guide roller is provided directly above the squeeze nip, to guide the dyed fabric symmetrically away from the nip. The submerged treating roller and submerged guide roller are mounted within and by a solution pan for containing the dye, providing unique advantages in terms of mechanical simplicity, facility of clean out and restart for successive batch operations, and processing efficiency. Substantial cost and operating benefits are realized.