Method and apparatus for introducing a component into a fluid supply

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for producing a substrate are described. A method and apparatus for introducing a component into a fluid supply is also presented. A method can include providing a first fluid supply. The fluid supply can be configured as a foam in some embodiments. The method can also include providing a component feed system and a supply of the component. The method can include introducing the component to a fluid supply in an eductor in some aspects. A resultant slurry including a fluid supply and the component can be transferred through a headbox. The resultant slurry can be dewatered to provide a substrate including the component.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for introducing a component into a fluid supply, the method comprising:
 providing a component feed system;   providing a supply of the component to the component feed system;   providing a fluid supply;   introducing the component into the fluid supply; and   controlling gas entrainment into the fluid supply as the component is introduced into the fluid supply.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein introducing the component into the fluid supply comprises transferring the fluid supply through an eductor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein controlling gas entrainment into the fluid supply as the component is introduced into the fluid supply comprises sealing the component feed system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein controlling gas entrainment into the fluid supply as the component is introduced into the fluid supply further comprises controlling air flow into the component feed system. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 providing a housing surrounding the component feed system.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the component feed system comprises a bulk solids pump. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the component is a particulate. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the particulate is superabsorbent material. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid supply comprises a foam. 
     
     
         10 . A method for introducing a component into a fluid supply, the method comprising:
 providing a component feed system, the component feed system comprising an outlet conduit;   providing a supply of the component to the component feed system;   providing a fluid supply;   transferring the fluid supply through an eductor, the eductor comprising a venturi section;   introducing the component into the fluid supply; and   controlling a pressure on the component feed system by controlling a position of a distal end of the outlet conduit within the venturi section of the eductor.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 providing a housing surrounding the component feed system to seal the component feed system.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein controlling the pressure on the component feed system further comprises bleeding in at least some air flow to the component feed system. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the component is superabsorbent material. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the fluid supply comprises a foam, the foam comprising a fluid and a surfactant. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the foam further comprises a plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for introducing a component into a fluid supply, the apparatus comprising:
 a component feed system comprising:
 a component supply area; and 
 an outlet conduit configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid supply; and 
   a fluid control system configured to control entrainment of fluid within the fluid supply downstream of the component feed system.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid control system comprises a housing sealing the component feed system. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid control system further comprises a bleed-in orifice. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the bleed-in orifice is configured to provide air flow into the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 an eductor, the eductor being in fluid communication with the outlet conduit of the component feed system and the fluid supply, wherein the eductor comprises a venturi section, and wherein a distal end of the outlet conduit is disposed within the venturi of the eductor.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid control system is configured to control entrainment of gas within the fluid supply downstream of the component feed system.