Pulp Paper & Logistics
XERIUM EUROPE 21
for the complete installation. Compared to endless felts, this benefit is in itself sufficient to create high value. The continuous development focus on seam
felts at Xerium provides high-performance solutions for basically all applications. Improvements in raw materials and base fabric structures already provide felt designs that meet the demands of marking-sensitive shoe press applications for graphical paper grades. Additionally, research for improving seam flap anchorage has led to innovations like the patented Leno seam reinforcement technology – nowadays a proven benchmark in our industry for all paper grades.
Figure 5: Yarn pull-out forces of a standard seam felt compared to ProSeam SP (both under wet conditions)
The safety factor of the ProSeam SP felt is thus 70 per cent higher when compared to a standard seam felt. The special weave pattern in combination with highest material quality and proven manufacturing technology ensures the safe performance of the design ProSeam SP in single- or double-felted shoe presses. Proven on some of the most critical double-felted shoe presses in Europe, Xerium has collected a successful track record of experience within this application range.
Seam reinfrcement technology In addition to the strict requirements for yarn anchorage and seam stability for seam felts in shoe presses, the marking freeness of the seam is also critical. As previously mentioned, seam felts are no
longer limited to typical positions. Therefore it was pertinent to develop a durable and marking-free seam. The patented Leno weave (Dreher) reinforcement technology pictured in Figure 6 (H. Gstrein, US Patent No7135093) provides a high level of batt fiber anchorage directly behind the seam loops.
The batt fibers in the seam area are cut with a proprietary tool which provides the identical flap angle regardless of the ProSeam design. This precise cutting angle ensures uniform permeability over the seam and felt body.
Conclusions With the share of seam felts in Europe steadily growing, production managers will continue to increase use of seam felts to avoid safety risks during felt changes. In addition to the safety improvement, enhanced seam felt technology provides economic benefits also by reducing downtime due to faster installation. Even within unplanned machine downtimes,
felt changes are reduced to less than two hours of shut-down time requiring only two operators
Future outlook In the future, machine suppliers will develop and deliver more machines without cantilever configurations. Therefore seam felt designs for a varied range of applications are increasingly necessary. These types of paper machines will not only reduce initial capital investment for the manufacturer, but also promote better safety in paper mills. To support this trend, Xerium will continue to develop industry- leading seam felt technology for the most demanding applications. *Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Haiden is R&D Manager for
Press Felts, Xerium Europe and Ing. Christian Küberl is Director of Customer Service, Xerium Europe
Figure 6: Patented Leno seam reinforcement November 2013
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