Emergency Replacement of a Yankee Dryer, 2000 Engineering Conference Proceedings

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Unplanned failure of a Yankee Dryer is a major loss to tissue making operations even if the failure is not catastrophic. When the failure is such that repair is not possible, prompt replacement of the dryer is critical to avoiding significant economic loss. A cracked dryer head on a 3658mm (12’) diameter, 4572mm (180”) wide, Yankee required that a replacement be found and put into service in the shortest time possible. Evaluation of possible replacements, the selection of the best replacement, logistics of transporting a 64-ton dryer cross country, and installation of the replacement, are challenges better handled using the experiences of others.

Predictive maintenance tests, performed on-the-run, determined that a Yankee dryer had developed a suspicious metal deformation. Subsequent non-destructive examination revealed a crack extending around 20% of the head-to-shell bolted connection. Repairs were not feasible and the search for a replacement began. Teams of the manufacturer’s and the owner’s engineers evaluated spare Yankees at other mills. Upon selecting the best replacement, a contractor was hired to load and ship the dryer, then install it upon arrival. Following upgrade of the dryer and acoustic emission testing, the dryer was accepted by code authorities and placed into service. The total down time was six weeks. The replacement has now operated well for two years.