Explains what a steaming basket is

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The steaming yarn pot is a process that utilizes hot and humid conditions to stabilize the twist of yarns. Setting the yarn tension prevents knitting and piling that occur when the yarn relaxes, thus avoiding defects such as weft shrinkage in the fabric. After being fed into the steaming yarn pot, the fibers in the yarn experience tensile forces, which generate internal stresses against further twisting, thereby preventing the twist level of the yarn from remaining stable. Increasing the temperature or moisture content can weaken the forces between the fiber macromolecules, causing the fibers to relax and eliminating the internal stresses that resist twisting, thereby achieving stability in the yarn’s twist. There are three methods for setting the twist of yarns: 1. The natural moisture absorption method using a steaming pot – the drawn yarn or roving is placed in a chamber with a relatively high humidity level for about 24 hours to allow it to absorb moisture naturally, after which the twist is set. The advantage of this method is that the yarns are less prone to contamination, the yarn tubes do not deform easily, and the width of the woven fabric remains relatively stable. However, its disadvantages are long storage time, large floor space requirement, and large yarn inventory. This method is commonly used for yarns made of cotton, linen, wool, etc. 2. Steaming tank: The wet-setting method involves immersing the spun yarn or tube yarn in water for a certain period of time to increase its moisture content. To accelerate the penetration of water into the yarn layer, an appropriate amount of penetrant can be added to the water. Commonly used penetrants include Turkish red oil, lifting powder, sodium ricinolate, etc. This method uses simple equipment, requires a short setting time, and can reduce the yarn inventory. However, the surface of the roving and spun yarns tends to get dirty, the wooden weft tubes are prone to deformation, and the width of the woven fabric is unstable. Suitable for strongly twisted yarns such as cotton or silk, wool, etc. 3. Steaming basket – Heat and moisture setting method: The spun yarn or roving is placed in a special steaming basket, where it is heated and moistened at specified temperatures, pressures, and for a set duration; afterward, it is cooled for a certain time. Alternatively, the yarn spools or roving can be placed in a steaming chamber where they are wetted and set using steam. The heat and humidity control system ensures stable quality; it can automatically regulate temperature and humidity, reducing the workload on workers and shortening the setting time. However, the temperature inside the yarn steaming pot must be adjusted according to the yarn material, twist level, and baling format. The steaming yarn pot is suitable for spinning pure synthetic fibers such as strong-twist silk and polyester, or blended yarns with other natural fibers. Yarn is often moistened and set with steam. The shrinkage rate of yarns after twist setting varies depending on the type of fiber.