an improved method and apparatus for forming nonwoven webs by spinning filaments into a quench chamber where they are contacted with a quenching fluid , then utilizing the quench fluid to draw the filaments through a two - dimensional nozzle spanning the full machine width , and collecting the filaments as a web on a porous surface . in contrast with the prior art , low motive fluid pressures can be used , and a non - eductive drawing means utilized to minimize air turbulence and the resulting filament entanglement in the drawing means while maintaining substantially constant cross machine filament distribution . the apparatus and process reduce problems relating to filament breakage and spreading and result in increased productivity and improved web formation . other advantages include the ability to continuously spin highly pigmented polymer filaments and reduced hazards associated with high noise levels .