Steam-Foil® System

 

High performance improvements in lay flat, dimensional stability, moisture, and sheet finish with a typical payback of six months.

 

Features and Benefits

  • High thermal heat transfer for unparalleled profilable curl, moisture, and gloss control
  • "Instant-on" capability without spitting or dripping
  • Integral vacuum system removes excess non-condensed steam
  • Accurate, repeatable flow control through stepper motor-driven valves - no pneumatic interface required
  • High temperature, moisture-proof digital stepper motors with waterproof electrical connections (mil spec.)
  • Reduced steam consumption (50% more efficient than conventional steam showers)
  • Permanently resets the curl memory state so product lies flat through a wider range of environmental conditions
  • Produces highest gloss and smoothness values of any steam shower available today
  • Clean rust-free operation with rugged 304 or 316 stainless steel construction

 

Major Advance in Steam Shower Technology

The patented Steam-Foil system was developed from extensive research and development, combined with the experience gained in more than 700 steam shower installations on paper machines, coaters, and printing presses. The research focused on delivering high levels of curl and moisture control for a wide variety of applications from highly sensitive thermal grades to highly moisture-resistant release liners. The Steam-Foil system design combines the high efficiency of the Coanda nozzle with an integral vacuum chamber and preheated steam jacket. The result is unparalleled performance without the problems of dripping typically associated with conventional steam showers. The Steam-Foil system further provides superior energy transfer, precise and selective control of steam, and operating economies through a more efficient design.

 

Typical Applications

 

Coaters - The Steam-Foil system is typically used to control lay flat characteristics of the web while increasing dimensional stability from the factory to the end user.

 

Supercalenders & Soft Calenders - The Steam-Foil system is used to control smoothness and gloss by raising the web's temperature closer to the gloss transition temperature. This allows the calender to increase both smoothness and gloss more efficiently.

 

Sheeters and Slifters - On sheeters and slifters, the Steam-Foil system is used to control both cross-machine direction and roll-set curl by relieving the stresses in the web. The alleviation of stress allows the web to lay flat under a wide range of environmental conditions, from

manufacture to delivery to the customer.

 

Applications for coated/printed paper
Applications for paperboard
Applications for silicone and laminated products

 

Steam Foil Remote Manual Control System

The Steam-Foil remote manual control system is designed to act as a stand alone unit or function as an extension of a mill host computer system. The control system includes:

  • Updated electronics with an industrial computer embedded in the electronics panel.
  • Operator interface through a color HMI touch screen, with 12, 15, and 19 inch screen sizes available.
  • Low voltage DC components reduce power consumption and heat build up within the electronics enclosure.
  • Each system can be configured for up to four foils and a total of sixty four zones.
  • Capacities to store up to 48 profile/grade code selections.
  • OPC programming available for interfacing with mill host computer systems.
  • System communications are transferred via CAT5 Ethernet connections for fast, reliable response.
  • Current sensing loops detect and alarm operators of potential component failure in each control zone.
  • Works with existing trunk cables, stepper motors and valves.
  • Designed for new systems installation and as an upgrade to existing systems.

 

Features and Construction

The Steam-Foil system utilizes Coanda effect nozzle flow to provide significant production advantages. Heat transfer efficiency is greatly enhanced because steam flows counter to the sheet direction. Further, the Coanda effect counter flow eliminates entrained air and assures sheet stability on an unsupported web. The steam-heated chamber maintains an outer surface temperature above the saturation point, eliminating dripping during machine start-up and operation. This permits mounting of the Steam-Foil system in any orientation without restriction. It also enables the system to have "instant-on" capabilities, meaning start-up can occur after a sheet break without the associated problems of spitting and dripping. Precise cross-web control is possible because valves and nozzles can profile down to 3-inch sections.

 

General Specifications

  • Maximum steam pressure: 15 PSIG (I 05 KPa)
  • Infinite, accurate repeatable flow control
  • Profile vacuum control option
  • Digital valve control (non-pneumatic)
  • Profiling capability down to 3" centers
  • Quick disconnect components for easy user maintenance without machine downtime
  • Application-matched mounting retraction system (automatic or manual)
  • Communications capability with any process measurement system