Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers, that include additives that modify one or more properties of the produced fibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Fiber producing devices with features that enhance fiber production and adaptability to different types of fiber are described.

Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. To improve the formation of fibers, various devices and systems for controlling the micro-environment around the fiber producing device are described.

Rotary spinner apparatuses, systems and methods for producing fibers from molten materials are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments include rotary spinners including a hub, a slinger, an annular member, a retaining member, and a plurality of fasteners. In certain embodiments the hub, the retaining member, and the plurality of fasteners are structured to limit axial movement of the annular member relative to the hub member and to allow radial expansion and contraction of the annular member relative to the hub member. In certain embodiments the annular member is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas. In certain embodiments the slinger is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas.

Rotary spinner apparatuses, systems and methods for producing fibers from molten materials are disclosed. Certain exemplary embodiments include rotary spinners including a hub, a slinger, an annular member, a retaining member, and a plurality of fasteners. In certain embodiments the hub, the retaining member, and the plurality of fasteners are structured to limit axial movement of the annular member relative to the hub member and to allow radial expansion and contraction of the annular member relative to the hub member. In certain embodiments the annular member is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas. In certain embodiments the slinger is structured to contact the hub at a plurality of contact areas and is spaced apart from the hub at a plurality of gap areas.

An apparatus for manufacturing mineral wool includes means for producing molten mineral material, and a fiberizing device for forming fibers, into which fiberizing device the molten mineral material is fed and by which fibers are formed. The fiberizing device has, rotationally arranged around a vertical axis, at least one fiberizing plate with a vertical peripheral edge, into which are formed numerous small-sized holes, through which the molten material is led by centrifugal force to form fibers. Into the fiberizing device are arranged elements to produce a vertical flow of blowing medium to be led around the fiberizing plate, the flow causing the fibers to turn downwards and, at the same time, to thin. Downstream the fiberizing device is arranged a collection device, into which the formed fibers are led and collected into a mat-like material. In connection with said at least one fiberizing plate is arranged a substantially horizontal, relatively narrow channel, through which the fibers are brought into the chamber space of the collection device. A method for manufacturing mineral wool and a mineral wool product manufactured by the method are also disclosed.

An apparatus for and a method of manufacturing mineral wool are disclosed, wherein multiple fiberizing devices form discrete groups of mineral wool fibers that are separately conveyed to a common collection device. When the groups of mineral wool fibers are conveyed through separate channels, the channels can differ by shape and/or size, as well as location relative to the collection device.