GB922289A - Apparatus for treating yarns - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0922289/IV(a)/1> Apparatus for treating yarns comprises an autoclave with a support having perforated walls, therein associated with two centrifugal pumps for circulating liquid through the autoclave in two opposite directions, each pump being actuated by an independent motor, the motors being associated with means for making the pumps operative at alternating intervals. In the embodiment shown, autoclave 1 having a cover 2 is fitted with a support device 4 for the material to be treated. Centrifugal pump 5 driven by motor 7 through hydraulic coupling 8 is capable of circulating liquid through the material 3 from the inside to the outside whilst pump 6 similarly driven from another motor 7 is capable of circulating liquid through material 3 from the outside to the inside. The starting of each pump and the stopping at predetermined alternating time intervals in order to reverse the direction of flow may be controlled manually or by automatic means. The pumps are so constructed and dimensioned as to ensure that in a given time the quantities of liquid circulated in the two directions are equal. A heat exchanger 9 may be fitted to the autoclave for heating or cooling the liquid therein and a centrifugal pump 10 may be provided for establishing a high head in the autoclave. For this purpose the pump 10 is connected to an expansion reservoir 11 and sucks a small quantity of liquid therefrom and forces it into the short duct between the orifices of the pumps 5, 6. A valve 14 in duct 12 from the top of the autoclave to the reservoir 11 serves to control the pressure in the autoclave and any vapour or air collecting in the autoclave can escape via duct 12.