Thermal Spray Coated Roll Bands for Paper Machine Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire sections for producing and treating fibrous webs, such as paper or cardboard, face issues with wear and visibility of markings, particularly when producing graphic paper, and require frequent roll changes due to shrink fabric cover wear and limitations in cleaning agents.

Innovation Solution

Applying a thermal spray coating with a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm to the outermost radial area of the roll's support structure, which includes a honeycomb design, to reduce wear and prevent marking visibility, while allowing for higher machine speeds and reduced downtimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a honeycomb structure support structure is used on the roll, then noise reduction is achieved, but clear markings become visible in the fibrous web and wear increases on both the honeycomb structure and the wire

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmarking visibility in fibrous web
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a thermal spray coating specifically to the outermost radial area of the bands where they contact the wire. This creates a localized difference in surface properties - the coated area has different friction and wear characteristics compared to the uncoated areas, allowing the coated surface to prevent marking while maintaining the honeycomb structure's noise reduction benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If a shrink fabric cover is used on the roll, then water discharge equalization and avoidance of perforated shadow markings are achieved, but frequent roll changes are required due to wear and unplanned downtime occurs due to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking visibility in fibrous webVSAvoidroll service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite structure by applying a thermal spray coating (such as ceramic or metal-based materials) onto the band surface. This composite material system combines the structural integrity of the band with the wear-resistant and marking-preventive properties of the coating, significantly extending roll service life while maintaining water discharge equalization capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If a regular basic drilling pattern with sharp edges is used on the roll, then drainage openings are provided, but increased wear occurs on both the roll and the wire due to reduced bearing surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater dischargeVSAvoidwear on roll and wire
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention fundamentally changes the surface parameters of the bands by applying a thermal spray coating that modifies friction coefficients, wear resistance, and surface smoothness. This parameter change allows the bands to maintain effective contact with the wire while dramatically reducing wear on both components, even with the regular drilling pattern providing adequate drainage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 thermal spray coating significantly reduces wear on the roll and wire, enabling the production of a broader range of paper grades with improved runnability and reduced maintenance, including fewer roll changes and unplanned downtimes.

Implementation Method 1

the belts are provided with a thermal spray coating at least in their outermost radial area, in which they come into contact with the wire at least temporarily

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal spray coating: Plasma Spray

Data Source

PatentEP1860233B1Wire section of a machine for producing and/or treating a sheet of fibrous material
Publication Date: 2014.01.22 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP1860233B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1860233B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1860233B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In a sieve part for a fibrous sheet processing machine with roller(s) (2) and sieve(s) (4) guided over part of the roller periphery, the roller casing (3) having radial openings (5) and being enclosed in a supporting construction assembled from strips (7.2) on end in the casing radial direction, the strips (at least in the outermost, sieve-contacting radial region (10)) have a thermally sprayed coating (11) with sieve facing radius (R) at least 0.05 (especially at least 0.3) mm. An independent claim is included for the production of the roller (2) (specifically a forming or sieve suction roller) for use in the sieve part, by applying the thermally sprayed coating (11) as above.