Segmented Vacuum Removal Zone for Web Transfer Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing web transfer devices in paper machines face inefficiencies during web threading and spreading due to a mismatch between the material web width and the removal zone width, leading to unnecessary vacuum maintenance and increased energy costs.

Innovation Solution

The device divides the removal zone into multiple partial zones, allowing for adjustable vacuum application based on the web width, using flaps to control vacuum access and pressure adjustment in each sub-zone, ensuring optimal vacuum application only where needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the removal zone is subjected to vacuum over the entire length during threading or spreading, then the material web can be transferred, but unnecessary vacuum is applied to areas not covered by the web, increasing energy costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb transfer efficiencyVSAvoidenergy cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The removal zone is divided into multiple partial removal zones (3 to 8 or 4 to 6 zones) that can be independently vacuumed. This segmentation allows the vacuum to be applied only to the specific areas where the material web is present, rather than the entire removal zone, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption during threading and spreading operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum application is made dynamic by allowing selective activation of individual partial removal zones based on the position and width of the material web. During threading or spreading when the web width is less than the full removal zone width, only the necessary zones are vacuumed, adapting the vacuum application to the actual operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the removal zone is divided into multiple partial zones with separate vacuum control, then energy usage is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy costVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal zone is divided into multiple partial removal zones (3 to 8 or 4 to 6 zones) that can be independently vacuumed. This segmentation allows the vacuum to be applied only to the specific areas where the material web is present, rather than the entire removal zone, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption during threading and spreading operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple partial removal zones share a common vacuum source, allowing the system to maintain simplified vacuum generation while achieving selective vacuum application. The same vacuum source serves multiple zones, reducing the need for separate vacuum systems for each zone and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach optimizes energy usage by applying vacuum only where necessary, improving web transfer efficiency and reducing energy costs during web threading and spreading processes.

Implementation Method 1

The removal zone and the stabilization zone can each be subjected to negative pressure via their own vacuum source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The removal zone and the stabilization zone can each be subjected to negative pressure via their own vacuum source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2138632B1Device and method for transferring a material sheet
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 ANDRITZ AG
  • EP2138632B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2138632B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The subject of this invention is a device for transferring a web of material, in particular paper, cardboard, tissue, or another fibrous web. In the device, for transferring the web of material and preferably a support belt (2) from a first support surface (3) to a subsequent support surface (4), a take-off zone (6) for taking the web of material (1) from the first support surface (3) and a stabilization zone (8) for stabilizing the web of material (1) in front of the subsequent support surface (4) are arranged, wherein the take-off zone (6) and the stabilization zone (8) can each be pressurized with negative pressure via their own vacuum source (17, 17'). The take-off zone (6) is subdivided into at least two take-off sub-zones (11, 12, 13) transverse to the direction of travel of the web of material, wherein the negative pressure in at least one take-off sub-zone (12, 13) can be switched on separately.The subject matter of this invention also includes a method for transferring a web of material, which is carried out with the device according to the invention.