Analysis of the Weft Insertion Process and Development of a Relay Nozzle Concept for Air-Jet Weaving

Air jet weaving is the most productive method for the production of fabrics. However, the energy consumption of air jet weaving machines is signifi cantly higher than the consumption of other weaving machines. Almost 80% of the energy consumed can be attributed to the losses at the relay nozzles. At the Institut fur Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany diff erent novel relay nozzle geometries with lower air consumption have been developed on the basis of simulations and trials. The simulations have shown potential energy savings up to 50% compared to conventional relay nozzles. Furthermore, practical validations of the results of these simulations have been done. The velocity, stagnation pressure and volume fl ow were measured in the reed channel. In addition, an energetic and economic evaluation of the best relay nozzle geometry was done. The evaluations have shown that up to 50% of the energy can be saved.