Patent EA-004625-B1 (EA)
Title: Heat/sound insulation product based on mineral wool and method
Inventor: BEAUFILS SEBASTIEN
IPC: D04H1/4218
Filed: 2001-07-12
Abstract: 1. Process for manufacturing a thermal and/or acoustic insulation product based on mineral wool by internal centrifuging, with a production line comprising n fiberizing members in series, characterized in that at least one fiberizing parameter of two successive fiberizing members in the production line are set differently from the setting adopted for the other fiberizing members of the line. 2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that each production member comprises: a spinner capable of rotating about an axis, especially a vertical axis, the peripheral band of the spinner being pierced with a plurality of holes; a hot-gas extending means in the form of an annular burner; a pneumatic means for channelling the fibres, in the form of a blowing ring; and a means for applying a sizing composition to the fibres coming from the spinner, for example in the form of a sizing spray ring. 3. Process according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiberizing parameter that is set differently depending on the fiberizing member is chosen from at least one of the following parameters: the amount or the nature of the sizing composition delivered by the means for applying the said composition; the pressure of the gases emitted by the blowing ring, the number of holes in the spinner, the chemical glass composition, the viscosity, the temperature, the temperature or the speed of the gases emitted by the annular burner, the temperature of the spinner. 4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiberizing parameter that is adjusted differently is the addition, for one or more fiberizing members, of a step of applying a composition having softening properties, containing a cationic-type surfactant and/or non ionic surfactant, especially by a means of the spray ring type. 5. Process according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: the pressure of the gases emitted by the blowing ring of the first and/or of the last fiberizing member is less than that of the other fiberizing members, especially at least 20% and preferably between 30 and 50% less, especially so that the insulation product has a surface layer, on at least one part of its external surface, having longer fibres. 6. Process according to claim 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that: the pressure of the gases expelled by the annular burner of the first or of the first two and/or of the last or of the last two fiberizing members is greater than that of the burners of the other members, especially approximately 10 to 25% greater; and/or the number of holes in the spinner of the first or of the first two and/or of the last or of the last two spinners is greater than that in the other spinners, especially 15 to 25% greater, especially so that the insulation product has a surface layer with, on at least one part of its external surface, fibres having a smaller diameter or lower micronaire value. 7. Process according to claim 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that: the pressure of the gases emitted by the annular burner of the first or of the first two and/or of the last or of the last two fiberizing members is less than that of the burners of the other members, especially approximately 10 to 25%, and/or the number of holes in the spinner of the first or of the first two and/or of the last or of the last two spinners is less than that in the other spinners, especially having 15 to 25% holes less, especially so that the insulation product has a surface layer with, on at least one part of its external surface, fibres having a larger diameter or higher micronaire value. 8. Process according to one of claims 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that a smaller amount of sizing composition is sprayed onto the fibres coming from the first or from the first two and/or from the last or from the last two fiberizing members, especially at least 10 or 20% less sizing composition, so that the insulation product has, on the surface, on at least one part of its external surface, a lower sizing content than within its thickness. 9. Thermal and/or acoustic insulation product based on mineral wool, obtained especially by the process according to one of the preceding claims. 10. Thermal and/or acoustic insulation product according to claim 9, characterized in that it exhibits, through its thickness, variations in its mechanical properties and/or its thermal/acoustic insulation properties, and/or in its capacity to react or resist fire and/or in its hydrophobicity. 11. A product according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that that it is in the form of a felt having layers having different characteristics/properties, and having notably on at least one of its faces, a surface layer with characteristics/properties which are different from those of the product at its core. 12. The product according to claim 11, characterized in that the fibres of the mineral wool have a lower micronaire value or a smaller diameter and/or a greater length on a surface layer of at least one of the faces of the said product, especially so as to give the said product a more agreeable feel. 13. The product according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the fibres of the mineral wool have a lower and/or different content of sizing composition and/or are impregnated with an additional composition having softening properties, comprising a surfactant, on a surface layer of at least one of the faces of the said product, especially so as to give the said product a more agreeable feel. 14. The product according to claim 11, characterized in that the fibers of the mineral wool have a higher micronaire value or a larger diameter on a surface layer of at least one of the faces of the said product, especially so as to give the said product a mechanically strengthened external superficial layer and/or to improve the gluing of a supporting sheet and/or to improve the printing of information on said superficial layer. 15. The product according to claim 14, characterized in that it is a felt which is to be rolled, its external surface being mechanically strengthened.