Verfahren zur Herstellung von Faserplatten

EP 1285736 A UPAB: 20030410 NOVELTY - The fronds are chopped and divided by air classification into stem and leaf blade chips, the latter predominantly separated as fines. The stem chips are then disintegrated, fraying them out. They are dried in a mixer with a suitable binder; and/or are coated with an adhesive in the blowing line. They are carried to a scattering station, where a mat of pressed material is produced by spreading them out. A hot press operating continuously or in cycles, applies heat and pressure to make a fibrous strip or fibrous panel, which is hardened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Preferred features: A similar variant of the process is described, based on the foregoing principles. A drum- or disc chopping unit is employed. The air classifier is a zig-zag cascade classifier, or a transverse flow classifier. Scattering is carried out with a free fall of 200 mm or more. The chopped material is dried and held in a storage vessel or intermediate heap storage. USE - To make fibrous panels from palm fronds. ADVANTAGE - The fibrous panel manufactured, has properties comparable with those of panels made from softwood or deciduous hardwood. Air classification replaces manual separation of stem and fronds, which is not feasible in mass production. Separation achieved, improves on sieving methods. The chopped stem length, 15-30 mm, is ideal for both separation and subsequent crushing. Sand may be sieved-off. The pressing process resembles conventional particle board manufacture.