Paper Machine

As paper stock leaves the stock preparation area, it passes through the headbox of the paper machine to assure uniform distribution of stock flow across the forming screen before the filtration process begins. Next, the paper stock passes through a series of foils, various types of rolls, suction boxes, and other parts in the forming section to filter excess water to form the sheet of fiber. The wet fiber web then passes through the press section to squeeze out as much water as possible before passing through the heated drying section. From the dryer, the paper sheet passes through the calender section for smoothing, then finally onto the reel where the paper is wound onto individual spools for further processing.

Effective and reliable operation of paper machines can be extremely difficult as there are many critical loops in each section of the process that require highly accurate and reliable continuous measurement and control. Variability in basis weight, moisture content, stock flow, headbox level, and vacuum and dryer temperature can all result in off-spec product, or a sheet break and lost production.