Pocket Space End Sealing for Fiber Web Runnability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber web production lines face challenges with runnability components in drying sections, which require frequent maintenance, increase manufacturing and operating costs, and consume significant energy due to their complex geometry and extensive use of vacuum components.
Innovation Solution
A pocket space end sealing system with independently adjustable end seals at each longitudinal end of the pocket space, eliminating the need for runnability or vacuum components within the space, and utilizing a compact geometry with perforated vacuum turning rolls to maintain underpressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If runnability components with seals are used in pocket spaces, then fiber web runnability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex runnability components and seals from the pocket space structure. Instead of placing runnability components within the pocket space, the invention uses the pocket space's inherent underpressure combined with end seals at the pocket space ends to achieve runnability, thereby eliminating the need for additional runnability components and their associated seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the runnability function with the pocket space structure itself. The pocket space's underpressure, originally designed for drying purposes, is combined with end seals to simultaneously provide both drying and runnability functions, eliminating the need for separate runnability components.
2Reliability
If runnability components are installed in pocket spaces, then fiber web runnability is enhanced, but manufacturing and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for expensive runnability components and their seals from the pocket space design, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining runnability through the simplified end seal system.
3Reliability
If seals are placed against drying cylinders and turning rolls, then vacuum effect is focused, but seal wear increases due to moving surfaces and thermal elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the seals from contact with moving surfaces (drying cylinders and turning rolls) and relocates them to the end seals at the pocket space ends. This eliminates the wear problem caused by thermal elongation and moving surfaces while maintaining the vacuum effect through the end seal configuration.
4Reliability
If multiple seals are attached to box structures, then pocket space sealing is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex box structures with multiple attached seals from the pocket space design. Instead, it uses a simplified configuration with end seals at the pocket space ends, eliminating the need for box structures and reducing sealing complexity.
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
This system enhances runnability, reduces investment and energy costs, decreases material consumption, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for runnability components, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a compact geometry with perforated vacuum turning rolls to maintain underpressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pocket space end sealing system, which is an independent end sealing system (20) arranged at each longitudinal end of a pocket space (T). The independent end sealing system (10) is located at the respective end area of the pocket space and the independent end sealing system comprises at least one end seal (21) substantially covering cross-sectional area of the pocket space (T). The at least one end seal (21) is movably supported on a support shaft (45) or an outlet pipe (42) or an inlet pipe (41) by a bracket support (50) and transversal location of the end seal (20) is independently adjustable.