System and method for application of nano staple

Abstract

A system for the application of nanofiber to a substrate includes a tank having an outlet, an agitator disposed in the tank, a pump located at the tank outlet and an applicator disposed proximate to the substrate. One or more fluid conduits extend from the tank to the pump and from the pump to the applicator. The fluid conduits are configured so as to minimize bends and interferences. The system includes a controller. A nanofiber formulation in a fluid carrier in the tank is pumped from the tank to the applicator for application to the substrate at a predetermined flow rate. The pump is controlled by the controller to vary the output of the pump to match the predetermined flow rate, and the nanofiber formulation is applied by the applicator head at a predetermined coat weight on the substrate. A method for the application of nanofiber to a substrate is disclosed.

1 . A system for the application of nanofibers to a substrate, comprising:
 a tank having an outlet;   an agitator disposed in the tank;   a pump located at the tank outlet;   an applicator disposed proximate to the substrate; and   one or more fluid conduits extending from the tank to the pump and from the pump to the applicator, the fluid conduits configured so as to minimize bends and interferences; and   a controller,   wherein a nanofiber formulation in a fluid carrier in the tank is pumped from the tank to the applicator for application to the substrate at a predetermined flow rate, the pump being controlled by the controller to vary the output of the pump to match the predetermined flow rate, and wherein the nanofiber formulation is applied by the applicator head at a predetermined coat weight on the substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  including one or more flow monitors to monitor the flow of the fluid carrier into the tank and/or the flow of the nanofiber formulation from the tank and/or the flow of nanofiber formulation at a discharge of the pump. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the agitator is a variable speed agitator and wherein the controller controls the speed of the pump. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the applicator includes one or more nozzles for application of the nanofiber formulation to the substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the nozzles are configured to spray the nanofiber formulation onto the substrate. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the nozzles are configured to atomize the nanofiber formulation for application to the substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  including a conveyor for moving the substrate relative to the applicator. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the controller controls movement of the conveyor. 
     
     
         9 . A method for the application of nanofiber to a substrate comprising the steps of:
 providing nanofiber in a carrier to form a nanofiber formulation, the nanofiber formulation stored in a storage tank;   agitating the nanofiber formulation in the storage tank;   pumping the nanofiber formulation from the storage tank to an applicator; and   discharging the nanofiber formulation from the applicator onto the substrate at a desired rate.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 10  including the step of controlling a rate of discharge from the pump to the applicator. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the nanofiber formulation is discharged as a spray onto the substrate. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the nanofiber formulation is atomized for application onto the substrate. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  including the step of conveying a substrate past the applicator, and controlling a speed of conveyance of the substrate. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  including the step of controlling a rate of discharge from the pump to the applicator.