Methods of Monitoring Parameters of the Blending of Dissimilar Fibers

A survey is made of the methods used to monitor parameters of the blending of dissimilar fibers. The methods that are based on visual analysis are time-consuming and are used only under laboratory conditions, since the product is destroyed in the course of the test. In addition, special preparation of the product is necessary to obtain a representative cross section and a satisfactory image of it. A new method is proposed in this article, the method involving an upgrade of existing capacitance-based electronic instruments by providing them with an additional transducer that can evaluate the efficiency with which fiber blends are processed under factory conditions. The coefficient of variation of the anisotropy coefficient for permittivity is determined to show the degree of nonuniformity of products’ compositions. Units based on the use of electromagnetic radiation in the IR and SHF ranges are examined, these instruments making it possible to determine the percentage contents and linear densities of the components of a blend. A new system for automatic monitoring of parameters that characterize the blending of natural and chemical fibers is described. The system is based on a universal attachment for electro-optic transducers that monitor blending parameters on the basis of multiple total-internal-reflection spectroscopy.