Shoe Press Dewatering, Methods to Increase Efficiency and Water Removal in the Press Section, 2003 Spring Technical Conference Proceedings

Shoe press design and configuration has changed greatly in the past few years as have clothing requirements. There has been a rapid increase in the application of shoe pressing, the number of shoe presses in the paper industry grows by approximately eighteen percent every year. Growth is spread across all paper grades. Optimizing press performance with auxiliary equipment and press fabric/belt systems has become a key area, highlighting the need for complimentary designs. This paper discusses improved water removal and press efficiency. Case histories are presented covering belt and felt system concepts, press design features, press set up and equipment alteration to maximise production rates.

Belt and press fabric system design is now a crucial area. The basic considerations made previously in the design of press fabrics have been re-evaluated in recent years. The ability to maintain pressure uniformity, steady state pressing and improve sheet quality whilst maintaining an acceptable rate of de-watering is discussed. Belting structures that provide a more stable, constantly open path for dewatering are needed and the coordination of the design of both of these elements is shown to improve press efficiency. Definite water removal, quality and runnability benefits can be obtained by the correct application of a grooved belt mated with the correct design of press fabric in a shoe press system.

The range of modern press sections with different press configurations and their relative demands on clothing and belting products is discussed. There is now a wide range of dewatering requirement in different press sections and there is evidence that the addition of auxiliary equipment will improve performance of dewatering equipment and the press. The design needs of the various methods to enhance water removal in and around the press are discussed.

Pilot machine work and practical experience is used to demonstrate that simple changes in the type and combination of dewatering structure and equipment can lead to great enhancements in press performance over an extended time.