Method and system for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of: preparing a mouldable fiber material; forming the mouldable fiber material in a mould into a primary packaging unit with a compartment; providing a moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit and forcing the flow through the fiber material of the primary packaging unit; and controlling the moisturized flow depending on the permeability of the primary packaging unit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process, the method comprising the steps of:
 preparing a mouldable fiber material;   forming the mouldable fiber material in a mould into a primary packaging unit with a compartment;   providing a moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit and forcing the flow through the fiber material of the primary packaging unit; and   controlling the moisturized flow depending on the permeability of the primary packaging unit.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a moisturized flow comprises providing an over-saturated moisturized air flow. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein controlling the moisturized flow involving directly or indirectly taking into account the permeability of the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing a pressure difference over the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to the  claim 4 , wherein providing the moisturized flow comprises directing the moisturized flow to a first side of the primary packaging unit, and providing an under pressure at the other second side of the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to the  claim 5 , wherein controlling the moisturized flow comprises steering the pressure on the other second side of the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 4 , further comprising the step of measuring a pressure difference over the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of maintaining the moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit in a time interval in the range of 10 milliseconds to 60 seconds, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 20 seconds, and most preferably in the range of 3.0 to 10 seconds. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a moisturized flow comprises providing a flow per gram of primary packaging unit in the range of 2.0 to 20 l/min. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing the moisturized flow simultaneously to two or more primary packaging units. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein, in case the moisturized flow of one of the two or more primary packaging units is lower, the controller adapts the pressure on the other second side of the primary packaging unit that is subjected to the lower moisturized flow. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of providing a distribution system configured to provide the moisturized flow simultaneously to a number of primary packaging units. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing an additive to the moisturized flow. 
     
     
         14 . A system for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process, wherein the system is configured for performing a method for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process, the method comprising the steps of:
 preparing a mouldable fiber material;   forming the mouldable fiber material in a mould into a primary packaging unit with a compartment;   providing a moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit and forcing the flow through the fiber material of the primary packaging unit; and   controlling the moisturized flow depending on the permeability of the primary packaging unit.   
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising a controller configured for controlling at least the providing of the moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 15 , wherein the controller comprises a pulse width modulation valve. 
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising a distribution system configured to provide the moisturized flow simultaneously to two or more primary packaging units. 
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising a sensor system configured to determine a pressure difference over the primary packaging unit. 
     
     
         19 . A method for introducing moisture in a moulded fiber packaging unit in a manufacturing process, the method comprising the steps of:
 preparing a mouldable fiber material;   forming the mouldable fiber material in a mould into a primary packaging unit with a compartment;   providing a moisturized flow to the primary packaging unit and forcing the flow through the fiber material of the primary packaging unit; and   controlling the moisturized flow depending on the permeability of the primary packaging unit,   wherein the step of providing a moisturized flow comprises providing an over-saturated moisturized air flow,   further comprising the step of providing a pressure difference over the primary packaging unit,   wherein providing the moisturized flow comprises directing the moisturized flow to a first side of the primary packaging unit, and providing an under pressure at the other second side of the primary packaging unit.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , further comprising the step of providing the moisturized flow simultaneously to two or more primary packaging units, wherein, in case the moisturized flow of one of the two or more primary packaging units is lower, the controller adapts the pressure on the other second side of the primary packaging unit that is subjected to the lower moisturized flow, further comprising the step of providing a distribution system configured to provide the moisturized flow simultaneously to a number of primary packaging units.