Processing Variable
Thermal state of the water bath used to soften pectin during the wet-spinning of flax controls the drafting behavior of the roving. Maintaining the correct roving trough temperature ensures that the bundles split into finer elementary fibers as they pass through the rollers. This heat acts as a catalyst for the separation of the natural adhesives holding the fibers together.
Softening Mechanism
Water heated to approximately sixty degrees Celsius allows for the smooth attenuation of the linen strand. If the roving trough temperature drops too low, the pectin remains hard and the yarn comes out thick and uneven. Conversely, excessive heat can damage the fiber or cause the water to evaporate too quickly.
This balance is critical for producing fine counts. The temperature must be high enough to make the fibers slippery but not so high that it weakens the cellular structure of the flax.
Operational Constraint
Continuous monitoring of the bath prevents defects like slubs and thick spots in the finished yarn. Because the roving trough temperature affects the viscosity of the liquid, it also influences how much water the yarn carries into the drying stage. Automated sensors usually regulate the steam valves to keep the heat within a narrow range.
