Dryer section and method for drying a web of fibrous material, and machine having such a dryer section

Abstract

A dryer section for drying a web of fibrous material is provided, which has at least one drying unit for reducing the moisture content of the web by means of convection drying. The drying unit has at least one nozzle for applying a drying fluid to the web, at least one discharge device for the moist air produced during convection drying, and transport means for moving the web relative to the drying unit. The drying unit has at least one ultrasonic generator, which is arranged, for excitating vibrations in the drying fluid, in the region of the nozzle in such a manner that the reduction of the moisture content by ultrasound can be supported over the entire width of the web.

Claims

1. A dryer section for drying a web of fibrous material, especially of paper, cardboard, tissue/sanitary paper comprising; at least one drying unit for reducing moisture content of a web by means of convection drying, wherein the at least one drying unit has at least one nozzle for applying a drying fluid to the web; at least one discharge device for moist air being produced during the convection drying; and transport means to move the web relative to the at least one drying unit; wherein the drying unit has at least one ultrasound generator, which is arranged, to excite vibrations of the drying fluid, in a region of the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured in such a way that vibration excited drying fluid is directed onto the web and that a drying output of the at least one drying unit is adapted in such a way that in such a way that reduction in the moisture content over an entire web thickness can be assisted by ultrasound.

2. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units and further drying units, with at least one drying cylinder with at least one device for infrared drying with at least one air hood, are combined.

3. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein exclusively ultrasound-assisted drying units are provided.

4. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein the transport means has guides for the web, with guide rollers, wherein one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged in an open draw between guides.

5. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein the transport means has a continuously movable carrier for the web, including a conveyor belt, a screen belt or a wire mesh, wherein one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged in a region of the continuously movable carrier.

6. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged in an open draw before or after further one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units, as a drying cylinder or a device for infrared drying or an air hood.

7. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged on one side or both sides in an opposing manner or alternating on both sides in relation to the web.

8. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein at least one roller or at least one cylinder, which each form a wrap region of the web, wherein one or more ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged along an entire wrap region or a part thereof.

9. The dryer section according to claim 8, wherein the at least one drying cylinder comprises a drying cylinder with an air hood, which at least partially, surrounds the wrap region of the at least one drying cylinder.

10. The dryer section according to claim 1, wherein a control, which is adjusted in such a way that a final moisture content of the web is a maximum of 15%.

11. A machine for producing a web of fibrous material comprising: a device for mechanically dewatering the web, with a press section; and a dryer section according to any one of the preceding claims, which is arranged downstream of the device for mechanically dewatering in a transport direction of the web.

12. The machine according to claim 11, wherein a size press or a coating unit or a smoothing unit or a device for rolling the web are arranged downstream of the dryer section.

13. A method for drying a web of fibrous material, especially of paper, cardboard, tissue/sanitary paper, comprising: moving the web through a dryer section; and drying the web convectively to reduce moisture content of the web, wherein a drying fluid directed from a nozzle onto the web and vibration excited by ultrasound waves is applied to the web during a drying process in such a way that reduction in moisture content over an entire web thickness is assisted by ultrasound.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fibrous material has a wet strengthening agent, with a melamine resin or a urea formaldehyde resin or an epichlorohydrin resin.

15. A dryer section for drying a web of fibrous material, especially of paper, cardboard, tissue/sanitary paper comprising: at least one drying unit for reducing the moisture content of the web by means of convection drying, wherein the at least one drying unit has at least one nozzle for applying a drying fluid to the web; at least one discharge device for moist air being produced during convection drying; and transport means to move the web relative to the drying unit; wherein the at least one drying unit has at least one ultrasound generator, which is formed by the at least one nozzle and a fan, which feeds the drying fluid to the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle and the fan cooperate to excite vibrations of the drying fluid in such a way that the drying fluid is excited to carry out vibrations in an ultrasound range when flowing through the at least one nozzle, and wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to direct vibration excited drying fluid onto the web.

16. A dryer section according to claim 15 or claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is directed onto the surface of the web during operation.

Description

(1) The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a side view of a dryer section according to an embodiment according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a side view of a drying cylinder, which is combined with ultrasound-assisted drying units;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a side view of a drying cylinder with an air hood, in which a plurality of ultrasound-assisted drying units is integrated;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a side view of a drying cylinder with an air hood, in which additional ultrasound-assisted drying units are arranged in the open draw in front of the air hood;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the drying cylinder according to FIG. 4, which is additionally equipped with devices for infrared drying, the devices for infrared drying being arranged on one side;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the drying cylinder according to FIG. 5, the devices for infrared drying as well as the ultrasound-assisted drying units being arranged on both sides, and

(8) FIG. 7 shows a simplified cross section through an ultrasound-assisted drying unit.

(9) FIG. 1 shows a dryer section 20 according to an example according to the invention, which is part of a paper machine. The dryer section 20 may also be part of a machine for producing tissue or sanitary paper or part of a machine for producing cardboard webs.

(10) The dryer section 20 is arranged between a press section and a rolling apparatus. The paper machine may be equipped with or without smoothing unit(s) and/or with/without a size or film press and/or an on-line coating unit. The aforementioned assemblies may be arranged downstream of the dryer section in the running direction of the web. The dryer section 20 is distinguished by ultrasound-assisted drying units 11, with the aid of which the moisture content of the web together with the further drying units of the dryer section is brought to the desired final moisture content.

(11) The object of the dryer section 20 is to bring the paper web taken over by the press section to the desired final moisture content. The final moisture content may be in a range from about 2 to 15%, especially in a range from about 2 to 10%, especially about 2 to 8%, especially about 2 to 6%, especially about 2 to 4%. In general, contact drying, convection drying and infrared drying are possible for drying, the convection drying being intensified in the dryer section 20 according to FIG. 1 by the excitation of the drying fluid at an ultrasound frequency. In other words, the drying fluid, for example hot air or hot steam, is sprayed at ultrasound frequency onto the wet paper web leaving the press section.

(12) An example of an ultrasound-assisted drying unit 11 used for this is shown schematically in FIG. 7. The drying unit 11 has a nozzle 12, which is directed onto the surface of the paper web 10, so the drying fluid flow leaving the nozzle 12 impinges on the web 10. The nozzle 12 extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web. The width of the nozzle 12 substantially corresponds to the width of the web to be dried so the desired final moisture content over the entire web width can be adjusted. The nozzle 12 can be configured as a slot nozzle, the slot extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web. The nozzle 12 may be configured as a perforated plate with one or more rows of holes, which extend transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web in each case. The nozzle 12 is connected to a fluid supply 21, by which the drying fluid can be fed to the nozzle 12. The fluid flow is designated by the arrows F in FIG. 7.

(13) The drying unit 11 has a discharge device 13, through which the moist air being produced during the drying is discharged. The air flow is designated by the arrows L. In the simplest case, the discharge device 13 is configured as a perforated plate or as a slotted plate, the openings of which in each case extend transverse to the longitudinal direction of the web. A separate arrangement of the discharge device separately from the drying unit 11 is possible.

(14) A particular feature of the drying unit 11 is the ultrasound generator 15, which is used to apply an ultrasound frequency to the drying fluid leaving the nozzle 12. In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the nozzle walls are configured for this purpose as an ultrasound generator 15. In other words, the ultrasound generator 15 is integrated into the nozzle 12 so the drying fluid flowing through the nozzle 12 passes the ultrasound generator 15 and is made to carry out ultrasound vibrations.

(15) The drying output of the drying unit 11 is adapted in such a way that a paper web with a conventional web thickness can be dehumidified over the entire web thickness, so the desired final moisture content can be adjusted. It is not only a question of drying the upper side of the web 10 facing the nozzle 12 in an ultrasound-assisted manner, but, rather, the drying unit 11 has the function of achieving the reduction in the moisture over the entire web thickness, so the advantage of reduced energy usage comes to the fore.

(16) It is assumed that an amplitude of the ultrasound waves on the surface of the web 10 is effective in the range from about 120 dB to about 190 dB, especially in the range from about 140 dB to about 190 dB, especially in the range from about 160 dB to about 190 dB, especially in the range from about 160 dB to about 185 dB. The spacing required for this between the outlet opening of the nozzle 12 and the surface of the web 10 is adjusted by the person skilled in the art. The spacing between the outlet opening 22 of the nozzle 12 and the nozzle-side web surface can also be determined with the aid of the wavelength, the spacing approximately corresponding to (λ) (n/4), wherein λ is the wavelength of the ultrasound vibration and n is ±0.5 of an uneven whole number.

(17) In this case, n in each case comprises a range, for example 0.5 to 1.5, 2.5 to 3.5, 4.5 to 5.5, etc. Preferably, n is an uneven whole number (1, 3, 5, 7 etc.). This means that the amplitude of the ultrasound vibration reaches its maximum approximately at the web surface in order to as effectively as possible disturb the buffer layer forming over the web.

(18) To adjust the spacing between the outlet opening 22 and the web surface, an adjusting face may be provided, which is arranged opposite the outlet opening 22. The adjusting face (not shown) guides the web to be dried at the desired spacing from the outlet opening 22. The adjusting face may, for example, be a flat plate, the web being guided over the face by means of a carrier belt. Alternatively, the adjusting face may be formed by one or more rollers, on which the web is directly guided, or by a carrier belt, which supports the web (without an adjusting plate). Other embodiments of the adjusting face are possible. To adjust the spacing between the outlet opening 22 and the web surface, other adjusting mechanisms may be provided, additionally or alternatively, for example a positioning means for changing the position of the outlet opening 22 relative to the web surface.

(19) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, various possibilities will be described below as to how the ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 can be positioned with reference to conventional drying units. In general, the ultrasound-assisted drying units can be used in combination with conventional drying units, which are based on the principle of contact drying and/or convection drying and/or infrared drying. The ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 can be arranged instead of, in front of, behind or between conventional or possible drying units in the dryer section. The aforementioned position details relate to the running direction of the web. The drying units, which are combined with ultrasound-assisted drying units 11, can be cylinders heated with different heat carriers (for example water, steam, heat transfer oil), infrared dryers of air hoods.

(20) As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasound-assisted drying units may be associated with the cylinder assembly of a double-row dryer section 20′. It is also possible, as shown in FIG. 1, to integrate the ultrasound-assisted drying units in an assembly of a single-row dryer section with vacuum rollers arranged at the top (see here reference numeral 20″) or vacuum rollers arranged at the bottom (see here reference numeral 20″). The drying units 11 may be associated with the vacuum rollers and/or the drying cylinders. By combining the ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 with the vacuum rollers 23, a particularly effective utilisation of the installation space of the dryer section is achieved.

(21) The following positions of the ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 in the dryer section 20 are possible, without the invention being limited thereto.

(22) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the drying units 11 may be arranged in the open draw between two web guide aids, such as, for example, paper guide rollers or, in general, in the open draw between guides 14a. The drying units 11 may be arranged on one side and/or both sides and/or alternate sides, as shown in FIG. 4, in each case in relation to the web 10. A further possibility for arranging the drying units consists in providing, as disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drying units 11 in the wrap region 19 of cylinders, such as, for example, drying cylinders 16, vacuum cylinders 23 or paper guide rollers. The drying unit may be arranged over the entire wrap region 19 or partially over the wrap region 19 (see here also FIGS. 4, 5). The drying units 11 may extend continuously along the periphery of the cylinder or be arranged distributed on the periphery of the cylinder.

(23) It is possible to guide a carrier web, such as a drying screen or a drying felt, between the drying units 11 and the web 10 without the mode of action of the ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 being significantly impaired here. The drying screen is designated by the reference numeral 14b in FIG. 1 (in general carrier). As shown in FIG. 3, the drying cylinder 16 can additionally be surrounded by a high-power hood or in general, an air hood 18 (see here also FIGS. 4, 5 and 6). The drying units 11 are integrated in the air hood. A further combination possibility is shown in FIGS. 5, 6. Accordingly, the drying units 11 may be combined with devices for infrared drying 17, the devices 17 being able to be arranged on one side (FIG. 5) or both sides (FIG. 17). Accordingly, the ultrasound-assisted drying units 11 may also be arranged on one side (FIG. 5) or both sides (FIG. 6). It is obvious that the drying units 11 may be arranged on the same side as the devices 17 (FIG. 5). In both examples according to FIGS. 5, 6, the drying units 11 are arranged in the open draw before and/after the devices for infrared drying 17.

(24) A further example of the arrangement of the drying units 11 is to assemble these in the region in which the web 10 is guided on a carrier 14a, 14b. The carrier may, for example, be a conveyor band, a conveyor belt, a screen belt, a wire mesh, paper guide rollers, vacuum rollers etc.

(25) In summary, at least one drying unit, in particular a plurality of drying units, may thus be combined with heated drying cylinders 16 and/or with infrared dryers 17 and/or with air hoods 18. It is also possible to exclusively provide ultrasound-assisted drying units 11, i.e. without additional conventional drying units.

(26) The absolute number of respectively required drying units 11 in the dryer section depends on the water quantity to be removed per time unit and is a function of the grammage, web speed, web width, web moisture on entering the dryer section and final moisture of the web. The person skilled in the art accordingly selects the respectively required number of drying units according to the respective circumstances.

(27) The arrangement possibilities of the drying units mentioned above according to FIGS. 1 to 6 may be combined with one another.

(28) The above-described features of the various embodiments of the dryer section are also disclosed in connection with the drying method that can be carried out using the respective embodiments. In the framework of the method, the ultrasound-assisted convection drying is carried out in such a way that a reduction in the moisture content over the entire web thickness takes place. In this case, the convection flow excited by ultrasound can be applied to the web 10 on one side and/or both sides and/or alternate sides. In cases where an over-drying of the web, in other words a reduction in the water content of the web to below the level of the finished paper web is required, the advantage of the energy saving particularly comes to the fore. The residual water at low moisture contents is removed here in the rear region of the dryer section. Over-drying is used, for example, for the purpose of condensation of a wet strengthening resin.

(29) The invention will be described below with reference to the independent claim 15. Accordingly, the dryer section with the features of the preamble of claim 15 is distinguished in that the drying unit has at least one ultrasound generator, which is formed by the nozzle and a fan that feeds the drying fluid to the nozzle. The nozzle and the fan cooperate to excite the vibrations of the drying fluid in such a way that the drying fluid is made to vibrate in the ultrasound range when flowing through the nozzle. The nozzle and the fan thus together form the ultrasound generator without further additional components that are required to excite the vibrations being necessary for this. The excitation of the vibrations takes place similarly to in a dog whistle known per se, which works in the ultrasound range. For this purpose, the flow parameters are adjusted in such a way that, for example, the fluid pressure and the shape of the nozzle are adapted in such a way that the drying fluid leaving the nozzle vibrates at a frequency in the ultrasound range.

(30) All the embodiments according to the sub-claims and the embodiments mentioned in the above description are disclosed and claimed in conjunction with the ultrasound generator consisting of the nozzle and the fan. In conjunction with the dryer section according to the independent claim 15 it is disclosed in general form that the ultrasound generator consists of the nozzle and the fan.

(31) The embodiment according to claim 17, according to which the nozzle is directed onto the surface of the web during operation, is also disclosed and claimed in conjunction with all the claims and in conjunction with all the embodiments of the description. The advantage of this embodiment is that the drying fluid is applied directly to the surface of the web.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(32) 10 web 11 drying unit 12 nozzle 13 discharge device 14a guides 14b carrier 15 ultrasound generator 16 drying cylinder 17 device for infrared drying 18 air hood 19 wrap region 20 dryer section 20′, 20″, 20′″ assemblies of the dryer section 21 fluid supply 22 outlet opening 23 vacuum rollers F fluid L air