Drying of Uncoated Paper with Gas-Fired Infrared Emitters—Optimum Emitters’ Location Within a Paper Machine Drying Section

Abstract

This article theoretically investigates the drying of uncoated paper with gas-fired infrared (IR) emitters installed within the drying section of a given commercial paper machine. Specifically, it presents the ideal location of two opposing IR emitters within the drying section. The ideal location of the two opposing IR emitters corresponds to the highest machine speed with specified average moisture content of paper sheet at the end of the drying section. This article also presents the average evaporation rate, temperature, and moisture content of the paper sheet as it travels through the drying section with the two opposing IR emitters operating at the optimum location. In addition, the temperature and moisture profiles in the sheet thickness direction, before and after the IR emitters, are provided. This article is not concerned with the potential effects of drying with IR emitters on paper sheet properties and machine runnability issues.

Keywords:

• Drying of paper
• Heating of paper
• Infrared emitters
• Transport phenomena

Acknowledgments

The software package entitled, “Vision,” was used to perform the simulations. This software was developed by Drs. Seyed-Yagoobi, Noboa, and Asensio at the Texas A&M University Drying Research Center.