Crosslinking agent application method and system

Abstract

Methods and systems for applying crosslinking agent to a sheet of cellulose fibers are described. In the method crosslinking agent is applied to one or both sides of the sheet and results in a sheet having a high loading of crosslinking agent that is uniformly distributed within the sheet.

1 . A method of applying crosslinking agent to a moving sheet of cellulose fibers comprising: 
 passing the sheet of cellulose fibers having a first side and an opposing second side past a fluid dispenser;    dispensing the crosslinking agent from the fluid dispenser onto the first side of the sheet of cellulose fibers; and    forming a pond of crosslinking agent in contact with the first side of the sheet of cellulose fibers by passing the sheet of cellulose fibers treated with crosslinking agent through a press.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising contacting the second side of the sheet of cellulose fibers with the crosslinking agent downstream of the dispensing step and upstream of the press.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the press is a horizontal press comprising two rolls each having an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of one roll being offset horizontally and vertically from the axis of rotation of the other roll.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising the step of forming a puddle of crosslinking agent in contact with the second side of the sheet of cellulose fibers.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the puddle is not coextensive with the pond on the first side of the sheet.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the axis of rotation of one roll is offset radially from the axis of rotation of the other roll by about 5 to 30 degrees.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the press is a vertical press.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising contacting the second side of the sheet of cellulose fibers with the crosslinking agent downstream of the dispensing step and upstream of the press and forming a puddle.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the puddle is not coextensive with the pond on the first side of the sheet.