Optimum Design for the Dual Slot Die Parameters of Melt Blowing Process

Abstract

Melt blowing process can produce superfine fibers. In this process, the polymer is drawn by the high velocity hot air jets from the dual slot die. The die parameters have great effects on the fiber diameter. In this paper, the die parameters of the dual slot die in an industrial melt blowing equipment are studied using the orthogonal experimental design method. Three parameters namely the inset distance, slot width and slot angle are considered. Each parameter has three levels. Nine sizes of dual slot dies with different design parameters are numerically simulated using the established air flow field model of melt blowing process. Distributions of air velocity and air temperature of nine air jet flow fields are obtained. Effects of the three parameters are studied with range analysis and variance analysis. The results show that the inset distance and slot width have significant effects on the air flow field while effect of the slot angle is unremarkable. Finally the optimal die parameters are obtained. The results lay the theoretical foundation for further studies on the computer assisted design for the dual slot die in the melt blowing process.