Kadant Johnson Optimizes Steam-Jet Thermocompressor
Three Rivers, Mich., June 1, 2008 - Kadant Johnson Inc., a subsidiary of Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI), recently completed a multi-year optimization project to develop the next generation high-efficiency thermocompressor. The advances made to the geometry of the thermocompressor minimize the consumption of high-pressure motive steam while optimizing flow characteristics. The high-efficiency thermocompressor is used to recompress low-pressure steam and discharge steam at a higher pressure. Common applications are found in industries such as paper, petrochemical, food processing, and chemicals, among others.
According to Gerald Timm, vice president of R&D at Kadant Johnson, “The major breakthroughs we made with the new line of high-efficiency thermocompressors has allowed our customers to decrease motive steam consumption by up to 25% while increasing the recompression of low pressure steam. This can save thousands of pounds of motive steam for a quick payback and reduced energy consumption.”
Kadant customizes each thermocompressor to match the unique characteristics of the steam system. When applied to paper dryers, the syphons and thermocompressors are matched to ensure the most efficient operation. Kadant thermocompressors are available in sizes from 1.5” up to 24” and can be used in new installations as well as replacements for existing thermocompressors.
Kadant Johnson Inc., based in Three Rivers, Michigan, is a leading provider of rotary joints, precision unions, and fluid handling systems to process industries, where they optimize heat transfer in rotating cylinders and integrate fluid handling systems.
Kadant Inc. is a leading supplier to the global pulp and paper industry, with a range of products and services for improving efficiency and quality in pulp and paper production, including paper machine accessories and systems for stock preparation, fluid handling, and water management. Our fluid-handling products are also used to optimize production in the steel, rubber, plastics, food, and textile industries. In addition, we produce granules from papermaking byproducts for agricultural and lawn and garden applications. Kadant is based in Westford, Massachusetts, with revenues of $366 million in 2007 and 2,000 employees in 16 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.kadant.com.
The following constitutes a “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including forward-looking statements about our products and technologies. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such statements are set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Kadant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 29, 2008. These include risks and uncertainties relating to our dependence on the pulp and paper industry; significance of sales and operation of manufacturing facilities in China; international sales and operations; competition; our debt obligations; restrictions in our credit agreement; future warranty claims associated with the discontinued operation; our acquisition strategy; future restructurings; risks associated with our fiber-based products business; protection of patents and proprietary rights; fluctuations in quarterly operating results; and anti-takeover provisions. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.###