STEAM SHOWER AND VACUUM APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME

摘要

2075993 9113205 PCTABS00007 Method and system for applying steam to a paper forming web for the purpose of heating the web to improve the quality of the paper, and withdrawing steam through the use of a vacuum (21) opposite the steam shower (10), by the simultaneously controlled removal of steam at equally spaced increments by the use of a computer based control system (40). The computer based control system (40) uses a selectively actuable stepper motor (110), to effectuate the simultaneous opening of both the steam valve and opposing withdrawal means valve. The system includes a coanda nozzle (18) to cause steam to travel between the sheet (28) and the adjacent surface of the apparatus in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the sheet (28). Therefore, the apparatus includes a means for creating, housing and providing a supply of steam and a supply of vacuum.