'Neutro-Vac' web cleaning systems improve quality and productivity.

In today's just-in-time world, the pressure is on converters and extruders to produce high quality, low cost goods and produce them faster than ever before. These demands require streamlining of existing machinery and thoughtful improvements with cost efficiency the primary goal. However, increased web speed results in increased generation of static charges on the surface of the material due to the contact and separation (friction) of two materials, such as substrate and the machine roller.

The generation of static charges causes problems because the moving substrate (nonwoven material) attracts and retains airborne contamination similar to a magnet attracting metal. This attraction makes it virtually impossible to produce a cost effective, contamination free, quality product.

Static neutralization equipment such as static bars will remove the charge from the surface of the material. However, the particulate contamination normally remains, leaving the surface no cleaner than prior to neutralization. Ionized air nozzles can successfully neutralize the static and dislodge some of the particulate from the surface using compressed air. However, this does not stop dust and dirt from collecting on the substrate further downstream, because the ambient air becomes contaminated with suspended dust and dirt particles.

A surefire solution to the problem is a custom-engineered Neutro-Vac Web Cleaning System, SIMCO's combination static eliminator, aggressive particle agitor and vacuum for containment and collection of the dislodged debris.

Developed with a wide variety of production requirements in mind, Neutro-Vac Systems feature four cleaning/vacuuming options including both non-contact (compressed air) and contact (brush) cleaning systems.

Found to be extremely successful on porous nonwoven materials, Neutro-Vac's non-contact system uses an aggressive air-blast on the surface of the material, which successfully dislodges for vacuum removal.

Four types of standard vacuum hoods are used when configuring Neutro-Vac Systems. The most recent addition to the line of hoods is the triple draft hood, found to be extremely efficient at handling the unique needs of large webs from 84-144 inches in width.

The third and final component of the Neutro-Vac System vital to its success is the dust collector. Two types are offered as standard units with a variety of sizes available in each type. The most efficient dust collector is self-cleaning and uses a pleated media cartridge filter that is rated 99% efficient at 0.5 micron particle size.

The end result of applying a custom-engineered Neutro-Vac System from SIMCO - increased cleanliness, improved quality and higher production yields while maintaining web speeds and reducing downtime for cleaning of materials or machines.

For more detailed information and application assistance, contact Simco at [phone].