Headbox Radial Distributor for Basis Weight Uniformity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing papermaking systems face challenges in achieving uniform basis weight and fiber orientation across the width of the papermaking machine, leading to non-uniformities in the resulting paper web.
Innovation Solution
A headbox and stock delivery system incorporating a radial stock distributor, stock dilution assembly, stilling chamber, tube bank with turbulence control vanes, and adjustable slice system, along with edge flow controls, to ensure consistent basis weight and fiber orientation profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tapered manifold system is used to distribute stock flow, then flow distribution uniformity is improved, but flow distribution issues still occur and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into multiple independent flow paths with individually controllable flow distributors. Each flow distributor can be adjusted independently to compensate for variations in flow distribution, allowing precise control over basis weight uniformity across the width of the paper machine while maintaining overall flow distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable flow distributors that can be dynamically tuned to optimize flow distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain both flow distribution uniformity and basis weight precision under different production scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate hoses are used to supply flow to the headbox, then flow uniformity is achieved through symmetrical radial pattern, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate hose connections are merged into a single integrated manifold structure with built-in flow distributors. This consolidation maintains the flow uniformity benefits of symmetrical radial distribution while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate hoses and their connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes flow uniformly across all headbox slots, provides a structured support framework, and incorporates adjustable flow distributors for precise control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve each function individually.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure pulsation dampening devices are added to maintain uniformity, then basis weight uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure pulsation dampening functionality is integrated directly into the manifold structure through properly designed flow distributors and chamber configurations. This eliminates the need for separate dampening devices while maintaining basis weight uniformity, as the manifold's inherent design provides both flow distribution and pulsation dampening in a single component.
4Measurement precision
If dilution water addition is incorporated into feed hoses, then basis weight control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dilution water addition capability is integrated into the manifold structure at strategic locations where it can effectively control basis weight. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dilution systems in individual feed hoses while maintaining precise basis weight control through centralized water addition points within the manifold chambers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system delivers a uniform stock flow with improved basis weight and fiber orientation profiles, enhancing paper sheet formation and properties across the machine width.
Implementation Method 1
An air pressurized chamber is preferably in communication with the stock receiving tank, opposite the stock distributor block as a pressure fluctuation dampening device
Implementation Method 2
It includes a generally circular cross-sectional shape stock receiving tank. In the preferred embodiment, the stock feed tank further includes a conical diffuser located within the stock receiving tank through which fluid flow from the stock source is directed
Implementation Method 3
tube bank with turbulence control vanes
Data Source
AI summary
A headbox including a stock dilution profiling arrangement and associated stock delivery systems are provided, which together deliver to the forming section of a papermaking machine a uniform stock flow with more consistent basis weight and fiber orientation profiles than has previously been possible. These improvements in basis weight uniformity and fiber orientation profile provide benefits in paper sheet formation and related paper properties.