A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SHRINKAGE AND/OR STRETCHING OF A PAPER WEB IN THE DRYING SECTION OF A PAPER MACHINE, IN THE FORM OF A CYLINDER DRIER AND/OR FAN DRYER, TRANSVERSELY TO THE FEED DIRECTION OF THE WEB; AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD |
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申请号 | EP85901109.0 | 申请日 | 1985-02-11 | 公开(公告)号 | EP0174945B1 | 公开(公告)日 | 1989-05-10 |
申请人 | Fläkt Aktiebolag; | 发明人 | FELLERS, Christer; HTUN, Myat; HANSSON, Torbjörn; | ||||
摘要 | Arrangement and method for controlling or regulating shrinkage and/or stretching of a paper web transversely to the transport direction thereof in a drying section of a paper machine, this drying section having the form of a cylinder dryer (6) and/or a fan dryer. At a point in the drying process at which the paper web exhibits a dry solids content of at most 75% the paper web (10) is subjected to an outwardly directed force which is forced to act in the edge portion (10a, 10b) of the web. The forces are caused to act adjacent parallel edge portions (10a, 10b) of the paper web and are directed away from each other. The magnitude of these forces is selected so that they fall beneath shrinkage forces occurring momentary on the paper web at the dry solids content in question by at most 50%. | ||||||
权利要求 | |||||||
说明书全文 | The present invention relates to a method for controlling or regulating shrinking and/or stretching of a paper web transversely to the transport direction of the web in the drying section of a paper machine in the form of a cylinder drier and/ or a fan dryer. The invention also relates to arrangements for controlling shrinkage and/or stretching of a paper web in the drying section of a paper machine in the form of a cylinder dryer and/or a fan dryer, transversely to the transport direction of the web. A number of mutually different drying sections intended for paper machines are known to the art, the majority of which sections incorporate a cylinder dryer and/or a fan dryer with which to effect drying of the web. It has long been known that when drying a paper web in the drying section of a paper machine the web tends to shrink in both the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof. It is also known that shrinking of the web in its transport direction or machine direction can be controlled by driving mutually adjacent drying means in the drying section at different speeds. It is also known that improved values, or an improved index, can be achieved with regard to the strength properties of paper, by controlled reduction of shrinkage of the paper web in its axial or transport direction. It is also known that control reduction in web shrinkage transversely to the web axis cannot be achieved in dryers of the aforesaid kind. It has been shown, however, that a small force of certain magnitude acts across the whole width of the paper web, from the centre of the web outwards, as a result of the friction prevailing between the peripheral surface of a drying cylinder and the web. In connection with the known art there is described and illustrated in US-A-3,650,043 (base for the preamble of claim 1) an arrangement designed to stabilize a dried paper web, by blowing air thereonto in a manner to stretch the web. The US―A―3,452,447 also describes an arrangement for stabilizing a dried paper web, by blowing streams of air thereonto, so that the web is stretched. It should be emphasized here that these paper webs have a dryness in excess of 75% and preferably about 95%. With regard to the prior technical standpoint in this art, the realization that the final strength properties of a dried paper web are dependent on the extent to which the finished paper has been permitted to shrink in different directions and that different degrees of shrinkage will result in varying properties in different directions, means that a technical problem must be considered to exist in the provision of conditions, with the aid of simple means, which enable all strength properties of a dried paper to be controlled or regulated, such as flexural rigidity, tensile strength, tensile rigidity and compression strength in the various directions. It must also be considered a more qualified technical problem to take such measures that the strength properties can be regulated in a simple fashion transversely to the transport direction of a paper web to be dried. Another technical problem in this regard is one of providing with the aid of simple means conditions which enable shrinkage of a paper web to be dried to be controlled and counteracted transversely to the transport direction of the web, and also to provide conditions whereby the web can be stretched in said transverse direction. When considering the fact that a varying degree of stretch, to counteract shrinkage or elongation in different directions, will impart varying properties to the finished paper in different directions, it must be considered a technical problem with view to the present standpoint of the art to create with the aid of simple means conditions which enable these properties to be substantially equalized in the various directions. Another technical problem is one of enabling measures to be taken which ensure that the paper web in the dryer section is dimensionally more stable. A further qualified technical problem is one of ensuring that a paper web dried in the drying section of a paper machine obtains a uniform transverse profile, thereby to reduce the occurrence of so-called margin or edge effects, by which is meant marginal dried-web portions of lower strength properties. A still further technical problem relates to the use of the specific peculiarity that variations in the extent to which stretching is effected, to counteract shrinkage or to produce elongation in different directions, will result in a finished paper having varying properties in said different directions, such that these properties can be adapted to predetermined requirements with the aid of simple means. Another technical problem is one of providing a simple, inexpensive and operationally reliable arrangement which affords a solution to the aforementioned technical problems and which can be adapted for ready installation in existing drying sections. A further technical problem is one of providing ways and means whereby stretching of the paper web transversely to its longitudinal axis can be adapted so as not to result in a reduction of the mechanical properties desired in the paper web in its transport direction. It must also be considered problematic from a technical aspect to obtain, with the aid of simple means, a dried paper web of improved quality, so as to enable thereby the selection of a lower surface weight and an increased filler mixture or an admixture of cheaper fibres to be used while maintaining the properties of the paper. Another technical problem is one of providing means which enable those forces which are applied to the edge portions of a paper web to counteract the shrinking tendencies of the paper or which, when increased slightly cause the paper web to stretch in its transverse direction, to be applied to the web at the lowest possible dry solids content thereof, i.e. preferably in or immediately downstream of the press section, preferably when the dry solids content of the paper web is somewhat above 30%. As will readily be understood, those forces applied to the edge portions of a paper web of low dry solids content, to counteract shrinkage, will not be as high as the forces applied to a web of higher dry solids content for the same purpose, and consequently a further technical problem is one of providing means whereby the forces applied to the said edge portions can be controlled identically or substantially identically and/ or mutually differently, in dependence on the properties desired, in order to counteract the lateral shrinkage tendency of the paper web. The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for regulating or controlling the shrinkage and/or stretching of a paper web which is to be dried in the drying section of a paper machine, in the form of a cylinder dryer and/or fan dryer, transversely to the feed direction of the web as is stated in the preambles of claims 1 and 15. The features of the present invention are stated in the characterising parts of claims 1 and 15. Further embodiments of the invention are stated in the sub-claims. Those advantages primarily afforded by. a method and arrangement according to the invention reside in the possibility of controlling the strength properties of a dried paper web in the transverse direction thereof, by applying to the web during the drying process, at a location therein where the web has a dry solids content of 75%, stretching or resisting forces such as to counteract shrinking tendencies of the web. In this way there is obtained a dried paper web of improved and controllable properties, e.g. such properties as flexural rigidity, tensile rigidity, tensile strength and compression strength, in all directions. The main characteristic features of the method according to the invention are set forth in the characterizing clause clause of Claim 1, while the main characteristic features of the arrangement according to the invention are set forth in the characterizing clause of Claim 15. Other advantages afforded by the invention are disclosed in the claims appended to the aforesaid claims. Proposed embodiments at present preferred and exhibiting the significant features of the invention and capable of being used to advantage in a method according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 illustrates schematically and in side view a drying section which forms part of a paper machine and which includes upper drying cylinders 6, lower drying cylinders 6', upper felt-guide rolls 7, and lower felt-guide rolls 7'. The paper web to be dried is referenced 1. Extending over the upper drying cylinders 6 and the upper guide rolls 7 is an upper drying felt 8, while a lower drying felt 8' extends over the cylinders 6' and the rolls 7'. Located on either side of the paper web in the open draw between the cylinders 6 and 6' adjacent edge portions 1a a and 1b of the web are box-like structures 2 and 2', so-called blow boxes, which are adapted to cover the edge portions of the web. The blow boxes 2 are shown more clearly in Figure 3. Pressurized air is supplied to the blow boxes 2, 2a through a respective inlet 4 and 4a and is caused to flow therefrom at high velocity through channels 3 directed obliquely outwards towards and away from the paper web. The streams of air thus produced bear against the web and the resultant frictional forces acting outwardly on the web prevent the web from shrinking in its transverse direction, and may also result in a certain amount of stretch. For the purpose of increasing the frictional forces acting between the air streams and the web, it is proposed that friction- enhancing strips 9 and 9' are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the edge portion 1 a of the web, and also the edge portion 1b thereof. The arrangement illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 is intended for use in paper machine where the drying section incorporates a so-called slalom wire. In a drying section which incorporates a slalom wire, the paper web lies between drying cylinders and wire, over each alternate cylinder. Over the "next" alternate cylinder the wire lies between the drying cylinder and the web. In the Figure 4 embodiment, the wire 11 has grooves 12, 12' provided along the edges thereof. As illustrated in the Figure, the edge portion 10a of the web 10 is pressed into the grooves 12 by a pressurized air jet 13 exiting from a nozzle, and is held in said groove by the jet. Similarly, the other edge portion 10b of the web 10 is pressed into a groove 12' and held therein by a pressurized air jet 13' exiting from a nozzle 14'. As shown in Figure 5, the paper web 10 may also be held to the wire in the groove 12 or 12' during passage of the web 10 over the cylinder 6 with the aid of two rings 15 and 15' respectively, peripherally arranged on the cylinder and engaging the grooves 12, 12', to press the web thereinto. Figure 6 illustrates another variant in which the paper web is held pressed into respective grooves 12 and 12' with the aid of a respective strip-like member 16 and 16', so as to hold the web to the wire 11. Figures 7-11 illustrative other arrangements and devices for holding the edge portions of the paper web against the cylinders and therewith fix the edge portions of the web so that the web can be dried without shrinking in its transverse direction, by applying external forces along the edge portions of the web to counteract shrinking tendencies. A certain amount of stretch may also be obtained in the transverse direction of the web, especially at low dry solids content. A common feature of these arrangements is the use of a so-called edge strip which is arranged to accompany the paper web 17 continuously through each drive group of drying cylinders. Pairs of edge strips, such as those references 19, 19a, may be fixed in their mutual positions beyond the drying cylinders, in various ways. The pair of edge strips 19, 19a for one edge portion 17a of the paper web 17 and the pair of edge strips 19', 19a' for the other edge portion 17b are spaced axially at a given distance apart, and each pair of strips is intended to exert a high frictional force on a respective edge portion of the web. In the Figure 8 embodiment, the edge-strip pairs 19, 19a and 19', 19a' are located on either side of the edge portions of the paperweb and are held against relative movement along the cylinder in grooves 21, and 21' formed at respective ends 18a and 18b of the cylinder 18. The effect can be further enhanced by providing a stiff or rigid drying felt 20 between the edge strips, this felt functioning as a "precision block" therebetween and preventing shrinkage of the web. In the Figure 9 embodiment the pairs of edge strips and the edge portions 17a and 17b of the paper web are held and guided by respective rings 23 and 23' located around the cylinder 18. This embodiment also employs a stiff or rigid drying felt 22, the defining edge surfaces of which are located adjacent the mutually facing surfaces of respective rings 23 and 23'. It will be understood that the edge strips and co-acting edge-strip pairs may differ in form, so as to provide sufficiently reliable co-action with the edge portions of the paper web to withstand outwardly acting forces due to shrinkage, and so as to be able to co-act with the end parts of the cylinder without being unduly displaced towards one another by said forces, but remain firm at a given set distance apart. The Figure 10 embodiment incorporates pairs of edge strips 40, 40a and 40', 40a' provided with longitudinally extending flanges 41,42,43 and 44, where the edge strips 40a and 40a' co-act with and are firmly held in a respective recess 45 and 46 formed in end-wall parts of the cylinder 47. The edge strips can be attached to and caused to co-act with the edge portions of the paper web 17 in various ways. Figure 11 illustrates an arrangement in which a first edge strip 28 is provided with a longitudinally extending groove 27, while a second strip is provided with a corresponding longitudinally extending elongated bead 26 arranged to engage the groove 27 and to hold the paper web 17a firmly therein. As will be understood, instead of continuous grooves and beads there may be arranged along the edge strip a plurality of mutually spaced studs adapted to engage respective recesses. The strips may also have the form of Velcro-strips or burr-type fasteners. In the case of all strips lying on the drying cylinder (i.e. not located in grooves), the edge of the edge strip will be chamfered or bevelled, so as to avoid interruptions in the paper web. The one strip 25 may advantageously have the form of a steel band provided with embossments (pins distributed along the band), while the other strip may be of a material which will gently receive the embossments, such that the edge portions of the paper web are held in punctiform manner. Finally, Figure 12 illustrates an arrangement which comprises a combination of an edge strip 31 placed on a paper web 29, and a blow-box 33. An upper blow-box 33 is here provided with an oblique surface 30 with outlets serving as air channels. The upper edge strip 31 is correspondingly provided with an oblique surface 32. This arrangement provides substantially greater frictional force. A lower blow-box 33' is provided with an oblique surface 30' with outlets serving as air channels. The lower edge strip 31' is correspondingly provided with an oblique surface 32'. Thus, the present invention, as illustrated above, relates to an arrangement for controlling or regulating transverse shrinkage and/or stretching of a paper web in the drying section of a paper machine, this section having the form of a cylinder dryer and/or a fan dryer. This is effected by providing means for applying an outwardly directed force to the edge portions of the web at a location in the drying process where the dry solids content of the web is at most 75%. In a majority of the illustrated embodiments these means are effective to clamp the paper web firmly at the edge portions thereof as the web passes a drying cylinder. When the edge portions of the web are clamped rigidly, the forces produced therewith will resist or counteract the shrinkage forces occurring, so as to prevent shrinkage of the web either completely or to a very substantial extent. The edge portions of the paper web may be clamped with varying degrees of firmness, so as to obtain greater or smaller frictional forces, so that the resultant outwardly directed forces permit shrinkage of the web to an extent determined by the magnitude of the frictional force created. It also lies within the scope of the invention to adapt the outwardly directed forces in a manner such as to stretch the paper web in its transverse direction. This is effected to particular advantage during that part of the drying interval when the dry solids content is low, for example between 30 and 50%. In this case blow-boxes or other means are suitably used in the free draw. Since the forces acting on the edge portions of the paper web to effect the same degree of stretch increase with an increasing dry solids content, it is suggested that these forces are increased along the drying interval, so that the whole of the drying sequence is effected with substantially identical inner stresses in the transverse direction of the paper web. The extent to which the paper web is stretched in its longitudinal direction can also be regulated in accordance with known methods, independently of the stretch significant to the invention. By way of example it can be mentioned that stretching of the paper web in its transverse direction by 1% at a dry solids content of 40% improves the tensile index of the paper by about 30%, its tensile rigidity index by 23% and its compression index by 34%. The following conclusions can be drawn from other experiments carried out. All strength properties of the paper in its transverse direction are greatly increased when shrinking is prevented or reduced. The strength properties are further improved when the paper web is wet stretched in its transverse direction, this stretching being preferably effected at the lowest possible dry solids content, preferably in the press section or immediately downstream thereof. When stretching is effected at low dry solids content, lower shrinkage forces shall be counteracted, meaning that the stretching devices need not be equally as robust as those used for stretching the web at higher dry solids contents. The strength properties are also greatly improved, when the paper web is allowed to dry for free shrinkage at dry solid contents in excess of 75%. Consequently, the drying interval or drying path shall be located within the region where the dry solids content of the paper web exceeds 30%, preferably between 40 and 75%. As will be understood, the edge portions of the paper web may also be pressed against the strip-like members with the aid of mechanical means other than the previously illustrated means, preferably rotating brushed or opposing strip-like members. When the strip-like members arranged on a respective side of the drying cylinder have the form of steel strips, it is proposed that embossments are formed in mutual spaced relationship therealong, these embossments advantageously having the form of impressions which perforate the strip. In contact with the embossed strips are strips having relatively soft surfaces, such as to enable the embossments to penetrate therein in a resilient fashion, therewith to clamp respective edge portions of the paper web between the mutually facing surfaces of a respective pair of strip-like members. In this, and also other embodiments, pairs of edge strips may be caused to diverge in the transport direction of the web on each side thereof, to provide conditions whereby the web can be stretched in its transverse direction. The strip-like members may extend along the whole of a given drying path or interval and may be divided into sections. The strip-like members are preferably at most 300 mm wide, preferably from 50 to 200 mm in width. When the pairs of strip-like members have more or less planar facing surfaces, for clamping one edge portion of the paper web, the clamping force produced can be regulated by stretching or slackening the edge strips, so as to increase or decrease the frictional forces acting on the paper web. The invention also relates to a method for regulating or controlling shrinkage and/or stretching of a paper web transversely of its transport direction in the drying section of a paper machine, this drying section having the form of a cylinder dryer and/or a fan dryer. When applying the method according to the invention the paper web is subjected to an outwardly directed force at that point of the drying process in which the paper web exhibits a dry solids content of at most 75%, therewith to obtain stretching of the fibre orientation transversely to the paper web. The outwardly directed forces are caused to act adjacent the edge portions of the paper web and are intended to be distributed across the whole width of the web said forces being directed away from one another. The magnitude of the forces is preferably selected so as to lie beneath the shrinkage forces occurring at that moment in time on the paper web at the dry solids content in question by at most 50%. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention the paper web is subjected to an increase in width during an initial part of the drying interval, preferably at low solids content, at which point it is possible to stretch the paper web in the transverse direction thereof to a width greaterthan the width of the web upon its entry into the drying section with the aid of minor forces. It also lies within the scope of the invention to permit the paper web to pass over a roll having a helical form from its centre part out towards the ends thereof, and to cause air jets or like means to press the whole of the paperweb into said groove, therewith to stretch the web transversely to its transport direction. This guarantees that active forces are distributed substantially uniformly across the whole width of the web. |