How dewatering elements influence machine performance

Efficient and well‑controlled dewatering is essential for maintaining performance, runnability, and sheet quality in modern high-speed paper and board machines. Dewatering elements play a central role in optimizing the forming and press sections by guiding water removal in a controlled, predictable, and energy‑efficient manner. The correct selection and design of these elements affect not only dryness levels, but also sheet quality, runnability, and overall energy efficiency.

Stable and controlled dewatering in the forming section

In the forming section, the objective is to achieve fast yet uniform dewatering without compromising formation or fiber distribution. Dewatering elements such as forming blades and foils are used to generate precise pressure pulses that support uniform water removal across the sheet.

By adjusting geometry, blade angles, and positioning, dewatering can be adapted to different raw materials and operating windows. This enables reliable operation at high machine speeds and with varying fiber compositions, while minimizing sheet breaks, formation disturbances, and fabric wear.

A well‑balanced forming section provides a strong foundation for consistent performance and sheet quality throughout the process.

Long lifetime and reliable performance

Dewatering elements are exposed to continuous mechanical and hydraulic loads, making material selection and surface design critical to both performance and lifetime. Wear‑resistant materials with controlled friction characteristics contribute to stable fabric run, reduced fabric and element wear, lower maintenance requirements, and predictable shutdown intervals.

Combining durability with precise dewatering functionality allows the elements to maintain their performance over time, improving machine uptime and operational efficiency.

Energy‑efficient dewatering in the press section

In the press section, dewatering continues under higher pressure levels, where press elements play a decisive role in how effectively water is removed from the sheet. Optimized press shoes, combined with advanced dewatering elements, deliver fast, efficient water removal while minimizing rewetting.

Efficient dewatering in the press section reduces the load on the drying section, lowering steam consumption and energy costs while enabling higher production rates and improved dryness after the press.

Optimized dewatering through a system-level approach

Every paper and board machine has its own specific operating conditions. Dewatering elements therefore need to be tailored to the machine concept, product mix, and production targets. A system‑level approach—where the forming section, press section, and fabrics are considered as an integrated whole—enables optimal dewatering performance across the process.

Even small adjustments to element design or positioning can improve sheet formation, reduce vacuum demand, enhance runnability, and lower overall energy consumption.

Reliable operation and future‑ready production

As production demands continue to increase, optimized dewatering becomes even more important for achieving higher machine efficiency, lower energy consumption, and consistent product quality. With the right dewatering elements and a system-level optimization approach, paper and board producers can improve operational reliability while supporting long-term sustainability and competitiveness.