| abstract |
The present disclosure provides a mold assembly (10) for making a microcapillary membrane (54). The die assembly (10) includes a first die plate (12, 28), a second die plate (12, 28), a plurality of jack bolts connecting the first die plate (12, 28) to the second die plate (12, 28) A tensioner (30), a manifold (36) and a plurality of nozzles (58). A manifold (36) is located between a pair of templates and defines a plurality of membrane channels (38) therebetween. The plurality of membrane channels (38) converge into an elongated outlet (52), wherein the thermoplastic material (4) can be extruded through the plurality of membrane channels (38) and the elongated outlet (52) to form a microcapillary membrane (54). A plurality of nozzles (58) are located between the plurality of membrane channels (38). A plurality of nozzles (58) are operably connected to a source of channel fluid (66, 68) for discharging channel fluid (66, 68) between the layers of the microcapillary membrane (54), thereby allowing the microcapillary membrane (54) A plurality of microcapillary channels (68) are formed therein. |