Various embodiments provide for bistable collapsible tubular mast (Bi-CTM) booms. Various embodiments provide CTM booms that may be bistable in nature, thereby achieving intrinsic benefits bistability may bring. Bistability may be achieved in various embodiments through specific combinations of the thin-shell cross-section geometry and the composite laminate selected for each thin-shell segment. Additionally, in various embodiments, the thin-shell geometry of each boom half may be different. Various embodiments may include combinations of circular, ellipsoidal, or parabolic segments that form each shell.

A machine direction oriented film comprising a multimodal copolymer of ethylene and at least two alpha-olefin-comonomers having: a) a density of from 906 to 925 kg/m.sup.3 determined according to ISO 1183, b) an MFR.sub.21 of 10-200 g/10 min determined according to ISO1133, wherein the multimodal copolymer of ethylene comprises c) a first copolymer of ethylene and a first alpha-olefin comonomer having 4 to 10 carbon atoms; and d) a second copolymer of ethylene having an alpha-olefin comonomer different from the first copolymer, said second alpha-olefin comonomer having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

The present invention relates to an external cooling system for a molten film tube produced by a blown film tubular extrusion process, comprised of a divergent cooling element with a divergent cooling interface containing a cooling gas deflector spaced adjacent to the molten film tube and providing an expelled cooling gas (i) in a path opposing the flow of the molten film tube toward a first exit gap and (ii) in a path with the flow of the molten film tube toward a second exit gap. A minimum gap between the divergent cooling interface and the molten film tube occurs at the first exit gap and/or the second exit gap. Advantageously, the divergent cooling interface is provided with one or more compound angles to maximize stability and cooling efficiency. Additionally, multiple cooling elements can preferably be arranged in a stackable configuration to achieve higher throughput rates. Operation is characterized by improved film holding forces without the presence of high noise levels or detrimental vibration, flutter, and drag. Additionally, employing simplified single air delivery channels, and a stackable design, significantly reduces complexity and manufacturing costs.

The invention relates to a monitoring method for monitoring a film bubble (FB) in a discharge region (112) downstream of a discharge nozzle (110) of a blown film device (100), comprising the following steps: optically detecting at least one contour parameter (KP) of a film contour (FK) of the film bubble (FB) in the discharge region (112), comparing the at least one detected contour parameter (KP) with a specific preset value (VW), determining a contour deviation (KA) between the at least one detected contour parameter (KP) and the specific preset value (VW), outputting the contour deviation (KA) as monitoring result (UE).

The present invention provides a multilayer packaging film characterized by an improved sealability even through contamination with excellent shrinkability good optics and strength without using internal layers of stiff resins and cross-linking, to flexible containers made therefrom, such as bags, pouches and the like, useful for packaging articles, in particular food items.

The present invention relates to an external cooling system for a molten film tube produced by a blown film tubular extrusion process, comprised of one or more enclosures with one or more respective cavities that directly receive a portion of cooling gas emanating from one or more associated cooling elements. Each enclosure includes a port containing a variable exhaust device and optional flow buffer, acting to maintain a pressure differential between the cavity and an adjacent inside volume of the molten film tube, adjustable to optimize molten film tube stability cooling element efficiency and spaced apart dimension between cooling elements. Additionally, at least one cooling element is provided, comprised of a divergent cooling element with a divergent cooling interface containing a cooling gas deflector spaced adjacent to the molten film tube and providing an expelled cooling gas.

A multi-layer foam film comprising polypropylene for direct and non-direct food contact and aseptic packaging application is disclosed. In an embodiment, the film has a bulk density of less than 0.962 gr/cm.sup.3 wherein more than 50% of the cells in the foam layer are closed cells. In an embodiment, the foam films are thin (generally less than 8 mils thick) and have a bending stiffness value of less than 18, in Taber stiffness unit configuration according to TAPPI/ANSI T 489 om-15, and the ratio of the mass per unit area (the mass of a unit area of the film in gram per meter-squared (gr/m.sup.2)) over the stiffness value in Taber unit configuration is equal to or more than 13. In an embodiment, the film has a very smooth surface with a smoothness value of less than 25 in Sheffield smoothness unit configuration according to TAPPI T 538. The described foam film can have a water vapor transmission rate value of less than 1 gr/m.sup.2/24 hr, according to ASTM E398-13. The described foam film can have an oxygen transmission rate value of less than 10 cc/m.sup.2/24 hr, according to ASTM D3985.

A multi-layer foam film comprising polypropylene for direct and non-direct food contact and aseptic packaging application is disclosed. In an embodiment, the film has a bulk density of less than 0.962 gr/cm.sup.3 wherein more than 50% of the cells in the foam layer are closed cells. In an embodiment, the foam films are thick (generally more than 8 mils thick) and have a bending stiffness value of more than 18, in Taber stiffness unit configuration according to TAPPI/ANSI T 489 om-15, and the ratio of the mass per unit area (the mass of a unit area of the film in gram per meter-squared (gr/m.sup.2)) over the stiffness value in Taber unit configuration is equal to or less than 13. In an embodiment, the film has a very smooth surface with a smoothness value of less than 25 in Sheffield smoothness unit configuration according to TAPPI T 538. The described foam film can have a water vapor transmission rate value of less than 1 gr/m.sup.2/24 hr, according to ASTM E398-13. The described foam film can have an oxygen transmission rate value of less than 10 cc/m.sup.2/24 hr, according to ASTM D3985.

A film molding device includes: a cooling unit that cools a molding material discharged from a mold; and a rectifying unit that rectifies cooling air blown out from the cooling unit. The rectifying unit includes a suction portion that suctions the cooling air.

A film forming apparatus includes a die device which extrudes a molten resin in a tube shape to form a film, a measurement unit which measures a thickness profile of a film in a circumferential direction, a plurality of adjustment portions which change the thickness profile of the film, and a controller which controls the plurality of adjustment portions such that the thickness profile approaches a target thickness profile. The controller changes the target thickness profile based on the measured thickness profile.