Lazy Steam Injectors

The primary product of Wells Enterprises is the Lazy Steam Injector. They simply consist of a Schedule 10 insulated header distribution pipe with rows of drilled holes over which is packed stainless steel wool. The steel wool absorbs the velocity of the exiting steam, creating nonturbulent, transparent "lazy" steam.

The unit is designed such that it does not warp, drip, or spit in operation. Because Lazy Steam Injectors are simple in design, they are very affordable and versatile and can fit into small areas that other steam shower designs cannot. Being lightweight, they are easily mounted, typically with angle irons bolted to the machine frame. No retraction mechanism is necessary because the discharge face can be well away from the web, yet still perform.

While most mills use "lazy" steam to increase dryer-limited production, virtually all report improved sheet properties, machine runnability, and CD moisture profiles from the uniform CD steam application.

Many mills use Lazy Steam Injectors to condition and clean their press fabrics and many have reported reduced batch wash and chemical requirements.

Lazy Steam injectors have been extremely well proven in both the lab and production, with more than 300 supplied worldwide since 1949. The technical articles discuss in more detail these results.

Press Fabrics

Mill personnel using Lazy Steam Injectors to heat their fabrics have also reported the following:

• Enhanced felt life

• Heated sheets

• Improved runnability

• Reduced need to batch wash

• Reduced dryer steam usage

• Reduced rewet leaving the press nip

• Enhanced CD moisture profiles

• Removed paraffin from the system

• Dramatically reduced felt break in time

• Dried up the fabric, alleviating crushing in the nip

• Allowed reduced needle and flooding shower pressures