Inventors:
Shau-Tarng Lee - Oakland NJ
Andrew Oiestad - New Providence NJ
Assignee:
Sealed Air Corporation - Saddle Brook NJ
International Classification:
B29C 6722
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for accelerating the removal of blowing agent from elongate, flexible polyolefin foam bodies, such as polyethylene foam sheeting, in the absence of substantial tension on the foam body so as to avoid breaks in the foam body. The elongate flexible foam body is introduced into a heating zone and draped over a plurality of substantially parallel bars in an endless path. Tension on the foam body is avoided because the foam loops are free hanging between these parallel bars. An endless drive means transports the parallel bars through the heating zone about the endless path, thereby transporting the foam body through the heating zone for removal of blowing agent. Forced heated air is blown over the exposed surface of the foam body at a pre-determined temperature and for a pre-determined time sufficient to remove a substantial portion of the residual blowing agent and to cause sufficient air to diffuse into the foam body so that there is no substantial reduction in the thickness of the foam.