Thermal Prediction
Mathematical simulations used to predict evaporation rates of liquids or finishes from a textile surface operate at a constant temperature to ensure consistency. Use of isothermal volatilization modeling helps engineers design more efficient finishing ranges by calculating the necessary residence time in a heat setter. It accounts for the vapor pressure of the chemicals used in linen treatments.
Solvent Recovery
Data points collected from thermogravimetric analysis provide the foundation for these calculations. When a linen fabric passes through a finishing bath containing volatile organic compounds, isothermal volatilization modeling predicts how much of the solvent will be released in the first zone of the oven. This information is necessary for the design of air filtration systems and solvent recovery units.
A model might show that holding a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius for forty seconds is sufficient to remove ninety percent of the carrier fluid.
Model Constraint
Predictions are only valid as long as the temperature remains stable throughout the measured period. If the airflow inside the oven fluctuates, the isothermal volatilization modeling loses its accuracy because the convection coefficients change. Thermal stability must be maintained within a two-degree margin to ensure the mathematical predictions align with the physical outcome.
