Prem Engineering

Film Press

 

Film Press (Application Press) in Paper Machine

The film press, also known as the application press, is positioned directly after the pre-drying section in a paper machine. It functions as a two-roll press with an inclined axis, utilizing a lever mechanism with hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to control the load.

Design Features

Pressure Control:

  • Pressure is adjustable from 0 kN/m to a maximum load of 40 kN/m, controlled according to technological requirements.

Coating Medium:

  • Coating medium (e.g., a mixture of starch, sizing agent, AKD, pigment) is transported to a dosing chamber and then to the calibrating space.
  • The thickness of the applied media on the paper surface is calibrated using profiled bars.

Press Rolls:

  • Designed to handle maximum load and dynamically balanced for the required speed.
  • Covered with special coatings based on the type of paper produced.
  • Bearing structure is made of common or stainless steel, as per customer requirements.
  • Profiled bars, with diameters ranging from 10 to 38 mm, are made of stainless steel and chrome-plated.

Paper Surface Treatment

  1. Surface Sizing:

    • Improves paper quality and reduces sizing agent consumption due to better retention compared to sizing in substance.
  2. Surface Treatment with Special Agents:

    • Achieves hydrophobic and greaseproof properties.
  3. Surface Dyeing:

    • Saves costs compared to dyeing in substance, achieves special color effects, and reduces wastewater pollution.
  4. Application of Thin Special Coatings:

    • Thermoplastics, pigments, clays, etc.

Main Parts

  1. Bearing Structure (1):

    • Comprises stands fixed by bolts and locks.
  2. Stationary Press Roll (2):

    • Provides a stable press surface.
  3. Movable Press Roll (3):

    • Adjustable to control the pressure applied.
  4. Coating Head with Profiled Bar (4):

    • Distributes and calibrates the coating medium on the paper surface.
  5. Paper Guide Roll:

    • Guides the paper through the press.
  6. Sizing Agent Supply (5) and Outlet:

    • Manages the flow of the sizing agent to and from the press.
  7. Hydraulic and Pneumatic System (6):

    • Controls the loading and operation of the press.
  8. Safety Guards and Machine Foot Bridges (7):

    • Ensures operator safety and provides maintenance access.

Accessories

  • Press Rolls and Profiled Bars Drive:

    • Powers the movement and operation of the press rolls and bars.
  • Control System with Console:

    • Manages the operation and adjustments of the film press.
  • Paper Rope Threading:

    • Assists in threading the paper through the press.
  • Sizing Agent Preparation System:

    • Includes a working station and starch kitchen for preparing the sizing agent.
  • Cross Knife Before Film Press:

    • Cuts the paper web before it enters the film press.
  • Air Blowing (Air Turn) After Film Press:

    • Dries the paper after it exits the film press.
  • Infra-Drying:

    • Provides additional drying using infrared technology.
  • Retaining Tank Under Film Press:

    • Collects excess sizing agent.

Advantages

  1. Thicker Coated Layer:

    • Provides a thicker coating layer compared to standard size presses.
  2. Operating Cost Savings:

    • Reduces energy consumption in the after-drying section due to sizing at higher concentrations.
  3. High Operating Reliability:

    • Ensures consistent performance and minimal downtime.
  4. Optimal for High Speeds:

    • Replaces size press for speeds higher than 650 m/min.

The film press enhances paper quality through effective surface treatment, offering significant benefits in terms of coating thickness, operational efficiency, and cost savings. It is an essential component for high-speed paper machines aiming for superior product quality and performance.