GB232647A - Method of and apparatus for sealing the material inlet and outlet openings in vacuum drying chambers and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

232,647. Minton, O. Nov. 23, 1923. Drying. -The material inlet and outlet openings in a vacuum chamber for drying paper in web form are sealed by rotary contacting rollers and by sealing liquid. As shown, the inlet opening B of the chamber is sealed against the entrance of air by rotary rollers 15, 16, 19, the uppermost of which is formed with a resilient peripheral surface and is supported upon the lower rollers which contact with the liquid, such as water, in the seals 25, 50. The liquid film deposited on the rollers is removed by pneumatic wipers 43, 100, the liquid removed by the wipers draining into the chambers 40, 53 which are connected with suitable pumps. The wipers 100 consist of plugs 39, Fig. 5, of resilient material that are pressed against the rollers by pneumatic tubes 35, while the wipers 43 consist of members having a fabric coating and which are pressed against the rollers by pneumatic tubes 46. Laakage of air between the casing of the chamber and the ends of the rollers is prevented by providing the latter with metal rings 71, 76, Fig. 6, that are pressed resiliently against the inside surface of the casing. The lower rollers are supported in ball bearings which may be removed through covered openings in the casing. When the bearings are removed, the rollers are supported upon adjustable screws 87. The drying-chamber is provided with the usual steam-heated drying cylinders and felts, and the felts are dried by steam-heated radiators. Condensation on the roof of the chamber is avoided by admitting steam into chambers in the roof. Specifications 142,810; and 193,298, [Class 34 (i), Drying gases &c.], are referred to.