US2943677A - Paper making and the like machines - Google Patents

Description

July 5, 1960 F. w. J. LEEK 2,943,577 PAPER MAKING AND THE LIKE MACHINES Filed March 5, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 v 1960 F. w. J. LEEK 2,943,677

' PAPER MAKING AND THE LIKE MACHINES Filed March 5, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 supply to the interior of the cylinder.

United States Patent PAPER MAKING AND THE LIKE MACHINES Francis William Joseph Leek, 107 Wavendene Ave., Thorpe Lea, Egham, Surrey, England Filed Mar. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 718,808

Claims priority, application Great Britain Mar. 6, 1957 20 Claims. (Cl. 162-319) This invention relates to paper making and the like machines.

It is an object of the invention to provide a paper making machine of simpler construction to those presently in use, which provides a better degree of control of the paper making process, and which will produce paper or board at a faster rate.

In hitherto known machines of one kind, a rotatable 1 rotates and the fibre web or sheet is taken ed the cylinder The drainage water or white water is pumped by a couching roll and transferred to a blanket cloth or wire which runs over the couching roll. The blanket cloth then passes over one or moresuction boxes or rolls to a forming roll where the fibre sheet is manufactured to the desired thickness of board or paper required.

The present invention aims at avoiding the use of arotating drum and thereby the attendant heavy expenditure is simplified particularly. the connection of'the suction To this end, the present invention consists in a paper making machine, comprising a vat for containing stock, *means for feeding stock to said vat, means within said vat for guiding a continuous paper formingwire over an ex- If tended substantially tubular path through the stock within said vat, means for moving said paper-forming wire over .said path, and means for applying suction to at least a part of the interior of said extended path to remove liquid fromthe stock collecting on the wire.

7 Preferably, the means for guiding the paper forming wire over the extended path comprises a framework of substantially tubular shape horizontally arranged in said vat so as to be partly immersed in said vat, and constituted by a pair of spaced apart plates closing the ends of said ,,frarnework and a plurality of freely rotatable rollersex- "tending longitudinally between and spaced around said end plates to formthe periphery of said framework. The

paper forming wire comprises an endless band of wire mesh, of a width substantially equal to the spacing between the end plates, guided over the rollers around the extended path formed by the periphery of the framework. "Thus the side of the framework is substantially enclosed by the wire mesh which forms a perforate wall thereon.

* Means are provided for moving the endless band of wire umesharound the farme'work. 1 The end platesare held rigidly in the vat preferably by" means of two horizontally arranged tubes, one of which -',mayiconveniently serve for the supply of suction to that part of the interior of the framework lying above the leye1 of the stock in the vat, whilst the other pipe may be.

ice

extended inside the framework so as to reach below the level of the water percolating through the wire mesh and can be used for removing this drainage water or white water to recirculate it to the stock.

In order to seal the edges of the wireband as it passes over the rollers forming the periphery of the framework, the end plates are preferably provided with a flange or lip shaped to follow the path followed by the band as it passes over the rollers. This flange or lip is preferably provided with a suitably shaped facing of wood, synthetic plastic or other suitable material in order to minimise tearing of the edges of the band.

In the inside of the vat there is preferably provided a trough or vat circle of substantially semicircular cross section which approximately follows the contour of the periphery of the framework but spaced apart therefrom. The stock spills over the edges of the vat circle or trough from. the vat and fills the space between the vat vircle and the wire band forming the perforate wall of the framework. The end edges of the vat circle lie closely adjacent to the edges of the wire band where it runs over the flange or lip on the end plates of the framework. A liquid seal is advantageously provided between the edge of the vat, the end plate of the framework and the edge o f-the band to prevent any substantial leakage of stock, past the end plates. Any water escaping can be collected in a box or container attached to the outside of the framework end plates from whence it can be pumped back by suitable pipes to the stock reservoir. I

In order to assist drainage of water from the stock as it is picked up by the band during its passage through the vat circle, the periphery of the rollers forming the sides of the framework are preferably grooved. Conveniently, each roller is provided with a screw thread preferably a square or acme thread running from end to end of the roller. Alternatively, two threads of opposite hand may ,be provided each running from the centre of the roller to the respective ends. In order still further to assistdrainage and to prevent clogging of the wire mesh, a further thread or groove may be cut in the crest of the first-mentioned, square or acme thread to receive wire wound tightly along the thread groove in a spiral. The diameter of the wire and the depth of the second-mentioned thread or groove is preferably so selected that the wire spiral slightly projects above the surface of the roller. Instead of the wire spiral a cord of rubber or other resilient material may be used. Alternatively, the surface of the rollers may be clothed in wire mesh coverings.

The vat may be of any suitable construction and preferably contains one or more anti-surge bafiies between the vat walls and the vat circle in order to equalise the flow of the stock. Since it is normally possible only to move the band in one direction through the vat, means are preferably provided for supplying the stock at both ends of the vat in order to permit concurrent or countercurrent flow of the stock with respect to the movement of the. wire band.

In order that the invention maybe more readily understood, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate diagrammatically and by way of example,

several embodiments thereof, and in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a board making machine;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic side view thereof, partly. in section; a a

Fig. 3 is a detail view on an enlarged scale of a modified form of roller constituting the periphery of the paper- ,making drum; and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of a modified maf chine for the continuous production of board.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the intermittent board making machine comprises a vat 1 for containing the stock,

i above the level of the stock in the vat.

.3 a stationary framework or drum 2 located in the vat and adapted to guide an endless paper forming wire band 3 over an extended, substantially tubular path, a suction box 4, a paper making head 5, and a driving roller 6 driven by any suitable power means (not shown).

The vat 1 is provided with an inlet 7 for stock at one side and, if desired, with a second stockinlet 8 at the opposite side, if it is desired to introduce the stock in counter current to the direction of movement of the wire band 3 indicated by the arrows. Anti-surge baffles 9 are preferably provided in order to obtain a smooth flow of stock through the vat. Arranged within the vat is a vat circle or trough 10 of substantially semi-circular crosssection which approximately follows the contour of the drum 2 but is spaced apart therefrom. The stock spills over the upper edges ll of the vat circle and fills the space 12 between the vat circle and the periphery of the framework or drum 2.

' The tubular framework or drum 2 for the paper form- 'ing wire 3 is constituted by a pair of spaced apart plates 13 closing the ends of the tubular framework and a plurality of freely rotatably mounted rollers 14 extending longitudinally between and spaced around the end plates 13 to form the periphery of the framework. The rollers 14 are journalled in anti-friction bearing 15 mounted on bearing blocks 16 on the end plates 13. The endless wire 'band 3 is of wire mesh, of a width slightly greater than the spacing between the end plates 13, and is guided over the rollers 14 around the extended substantially tubular path formed by the periphery of the framework. Thus the side of the framework is substantially enclosed by the wire mesh which forms a perforate wall thereon. The wire band 3 further extends over the suction box 4 around the driving roller 6 and returns to the drum 2 via guide roller 65 and reversing roller 66, mounted in bearings 17 adjustable at 18 to adjust the tension in the band.

Secured in the end plates 13 and extending longitudinally of the drum 2 are two tubes or pipes 19 and 20.

I The tube 19 is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum (not shown) and is provided with a row of apertures 21 along its length within the drum arranged to lie The tube is likewise provided with apertures or outlets 22 along its length but arranged to extend beneath the level of liquid in the drum. The tube 20 is adapted for connection to a pump and serves for removing drainage or white water from the drum to recirculate -it to the stock supply (not shown). Any other suitable connection may be made to the end plates for drainage of the White water. It will be realised that since the end plates are stationary, the connection of vacuum and drainage pipes to the interior of the framework is greatly simplified compared with corresponding connections to a rotating wire-covered drum as in previous constructions.

The drum or framework 2 is supported at each end in the vat 1 by the tubes 19 and 20 by U-shaped straps 23 which are bolted at 24 to the upper edge 25 of an outer tank or compartment 26 provided at each end of the vat 1. The tanks 26 serve to collect any stock or liquid which may escape between the end plates 13 and the shaped end wall 27 of the vat as will later be more fully described. A drain outlet 48 is provided for removing liquid or stock from the tank 26 to recirculate it to the stock supply.

In order to minimise Wear of the edges of the band as it runs over the end plates 13 and also to seal the edges against leakage of liquid, an inwardly extending flange or lip 28 is provided having a facing 29 of wood or synthetic plastic the outer face of which is suitably curved to facilitate movement of the band and to protect and seal the edges. Furthermore, a liquid seal comprising a substantially U-shaped section channel or trough 30 extends around the gap between the edge of the lower half of the end plates 13 and the adjacent edge 27 of the vat. One

limb 31 of the U-shaped channel 30 is secured to the end plate 13 and the other limb 32 to the end wall 27. In

.4 use the channel fills with liquid up to the level of the stock in the vat and forms a seal. A drain hole (not shown) leading into the tank 26 is provided in the lowermost part of the channel 30.

The rollers 14 are each provided with a screw thread or helical groove along its length within the end plates 13 to assist drainage of water from the stock as it is picked up by the band 3 during its passage through the vat 1. Advantageously, the threaded portion comprises a right-hand and a left-hand thread 33a and 33b, respectively running from the centre of the roller towards the respective ends in order to draw the water away from the centre of the band towards the sides. To further assist in draining away the water and to prevent clogging of the wire mesh the modified roller 114 shown in Fig. 3 is used. Roller 114 is likewise provided with right-hand and left-hand threads 33a and 33b as in the previous embodiment of roller. A further helical groove or thread 3411 and 34d is respectively cut in the crest of the first mentioned threads 33a and 33b. A metal wire or a cord 35 of rubber or other resilient material is wound spirally in the groove 33a and 33b. The diameter of the Wire or cord 35 and the depth of the grooves 33a and 33b is so selected that the wire or cord spiral 35 projects slightly above the surface of the roller.

In view of the fact that in the machine of the invention, the tubular framework or drum 2 is stationary and only the paper-making wire 3 forming the periphery of the drum rotates, it is possible, in a very simple manner to apply suction to the under surface of the wire as it passes over the framework lying above the level of the liquid in the vat circle 10, because the pipes 19 and 20 for supplying the suction do not have to pass through rotating parts of the drum with the consequent necessity of providing expensive seals for such connections. In order to increase the suction applied to the stock forming on the band 3, the interior of the upper part of the framework is subdivided by a baffle 36 or the like into a suction zone or compartment 37.

If desired, a plurality of battles may be provided to subdivide the interior of the drum into a plurality of zones or compartments to which different degrees of suction may be applied. A strip 38 of felt, rubber or other resilient material is afiixed to the edges of the baffle 36 to seal against the moving band 3.

The suction box 4 comprises a shallow open container or box 39 mounted on girders 40 secured to the vat 1.

'The upper surface of the box is constituted by a plurality of capillary rollers 41 which form a support for the wire band 3 and assist drainage of liquid therefrom. A suction pipe 42 is arranged in the bottom of the box 39 and is adapted to be connected to a source of suction (not shown). The suction pipe is provided with a plurality of suction apertures 43 in its upper surface and throughout its length. Siphon tubes 44 are provided to take away liquid collecting in the box 39. The degree of suction applied to the pipe 42 is such that it will maintain only a depth of liquid in the box 39 which is less than the vertical distance between the base of the box 39 and the suction apertures 43.

The making head 5 is mounted in the suction box 39 and comprises a making roll 45, adjustably mounted in side members 46 secured to the box 39, and a couch roll 47 against which the roll 45 presses. The paper web is couched olf on to the making roll 45 and builds up until the desired thickness of board is obtained whereupon the formed board is cut from the making roll and further processed in the usual manner.

: For the production of a continuous web of paper or board, the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 is used. The

apparatus comprises a plurality of vat, drum and wire band assemblies arranged in series (only two being shown in the drawing marked A and B). The construction of the assemblies A and B is in all principal respects the same as Figs. lto 3 and accordingly no detailed descnption be given. Mounted over the series ofvat assemblies A, Bis an endless blanket cloth 50 which is moved by means not shown in the direction of the arrows. As the fibre web is formed on the wire band 3.

of vatassembly A it is couched off by roll 51 on to'the underside of the blanket cloth. Similarly, the web formed on the band 3 of vat assembly B is couched off by roll 52 on to the fibre web previously formed from vat. assembly A and adhering to blanket cloth 50, thereby increasing the thickness of the fibre web. The process is repeated for each vat assembly until the requisite thickness of web is built up. The web is then removed from the blanket cloth in known manner for drying and further processingin the usual way. I

(A modified form of suction box is provided in the arrangement of Fig. 4 and comprises three rolls 53 arranged in abutting relationship in such a way as to form a trough- :shaped space 54 between them. This space is closed by the. wire band 3 running over. the outer rollers and by end plates (notshown) enclosingthe ends of the rollers so that suction can be applied to the closed space so formed. Conveniently, the three rollers 53 are shown arranged in the shape of a V on the underside of the wire band, the band passing over the two outer rollers forming the arms of the V. Such a suction box formed by three rollers can advantageously be used on the underside of the wire band in conjunction with couch or press roll 51 or 52. on the outside of the band, the press roll running between the two outer rolls forming the V. In this way excess moisture can be removed from the fibre sheet by the pressure of the press roll without the sheet being picked up by the press roll since the fibre sheet is held against the wire band by the suction applied to the V-shaped space between the three rollers forming the suction box.

Means for cleaning the wire band, for example a water spraying device, may advantageously be provided on the return run of the band. Moreover, adjustable water jets may be fitted internally in the framework or drum and directed outwardly against the wire band in order that the fibre web may be split longitudinally into two or more widths as required.

The machine of the present invention can be used for the continuous or intermittent production of paper, board or tubes. The machine is also suitable for making asbestos cement board.

I claim:

1. A paper making machine comprising a vat for containing stock, means for feeding stock to said vat, a plurality of horizontal tubes extending longitudinally into said vat and secured to said vat, a substantially tubular horizontal framework arranged in said vat surrounding said tubes and extending into said stock, said framework including a pair of spaced end plates non rotatably supported by said tubes forming the ends of said framework and a plurality of parallel freely rotatable rollers supported at peripherally spaced locations on said end plates and extending longitudinally between said end plates, a continuous paper-forming wire band extending around said framework adapted to be guided through the stock in said vat, means adapted to move said band over said rollers, and means adapted to apply suction through at least one of said tubes to a part of the interior of said framework whereby liquid is removed from the stock collected on said band.

2. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said tubes includes a plurality of suction openings along its length above the level of said stock in said vat and another of said tubes includes a plurality of openings along its length beneath the level of stock in said vat.

3. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said framework includes sealing means at the periphery of said end plates adapted to protect the edges of said wire band.

4. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 3,

wherein said sealing means. includes a flange oii said end plates conforming to the path of said wire during passage around said framework. a

.5. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein said flange is provided with a wear reducing material.

6. In a paper making machine as in claim 1, wherein said vat includes a semi-circular trough conforming. to the contour of said framework and spaced therefrom and adapted .to contain a portion of said liquid in said stock and allow spilling of said stock into the remaining space in said vat.

7. A paper making machine as in claim- 6, wherein said vat includes anti-surge baflles adapted to provide'even flow of stock into said vat. I I

8. A paper making machine as in claim 1, wherein said rollers include grooves in the periphery of said rollers adapted to facilitate drainage of water from said 'wire band. 9. A paper making machine as in claim 8, wherein said rollers include a screw thread along the periphery of said roller.

10. A paper making machine as in claim 8, wherein said rollers include a pair of screw threads of opposite hand from the center of said roller to the respective ends of said roller.

11. A paper making machine as in claim 9, wherein said thread includes a recess in the crest of said thread adapted to receive an extended insert, extended resilient means wound around said tubes in said recess in spiral form, said resilient means adapted to extend beyond the surface of said roller.

12. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for feeding stock to said vat include inlet means spaced at opposite ends of said vat adapted to selectively permit concurrent or countercurrent flow of said stock with respect to the movement of said wire band.

13. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said framework includes a baflie mounted within said framework adapted to subdivide said framework to suction zones.

14. A paper making machine as in claim 1, further comprising a suction box adjacent said vat, said suction box adapted to conduct said wire band from said framework around said suction box, and a making head adjacent said wire adapted to remove paper from said wire band.

15. A paper making machine as in claim 14, wherein said suction box includes an open top container, a plurality of freely rotatable capillary rollers arranged across the top of said container transverse to said wire band and adapted to support said wire band, a suction pipe arranged in said container above the level of liquid collecting in said container, an outlet for liquid in said container, and a press roll in said box in feeding engagement with said making roll.

16. A paper making machine as in claim 1, wherein said vat includes an upstanding wall and a semi-circular depression in said wall adapted to receive said end plates, and wherein said framework includes a channel secured to the lower periphery of said end plates and to the outer surface of said depression in said wall whereby liquid is prevented from spilling out of said wall.

17. A paper making machine as set forth in claim 16, wherein said channel includes a pair of limbs, one of said limbs being secured to said wall and another of said limbs being secured to said end plate, whereby said channel, said wall and said vat collect and return liquid from said wire band.

18. A paper making machine as in claim 17, wherein said channel is further adapted to return said liquid from said channel to said vat.

19. A paper making machine comprising a plurality of vats adjacently disposed, means for feeding stock into said. vats, a stationary; frarrieworkof substantially tubular.

supported by said tubes, and means for applying suction 10 r to at least oneof said tubes, a plurality of paper-forming wire bands disposed partially about said tubular frame work and adapted for guidance through said stock by saidtframework, and endless blanket cloth inengagement with said paper-forming wire. bands, a couching roll 15 associated with each of saidwire bands whereby a fiber web forming-'on'said bands are successively superimposed upon said blanketVfortbuild-up to a desired thickness and process means for forming and removing paper from said blanket;

2.0. lnlapaper making machine as in claim 19 wherein.

said.proce'ssmean s comprise suction boxesrdisposed-beneathisaidcouching rolls includingv a plurality of rolls in abutting relationship to formta trough-shaped space 4 between said rolls,.said trough-rsh'apedspace adaptedlto be closed" by said'.wire.-band running over, said outerr rolls, stop plates connected to said rolls adapted to enclose the endsof said trough-shaped space and means, for applyingsuction to saidspace.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 ,660,538

Whitney Feb. 28, 1928 1,911,310 Ellis May 30; 1933 1-,917;098- Cofrin July 4, 1933 2,046,270 Lane et al. June 30; 1936 FOREIGN PATENTS 21',597i Sweden Mar. 24; 1905 131,706 Australia Mar. 10, 1942

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