Technical Articles
Articles currently available for downloading as Adobe PDF documents.
New Moisture Profiling Steam Shower--Result of 15 Years R&D at Weyerhaeuser
Technical presentation to PIMA at Sun River, Oregon, May18, 1984. In this article Roger Wells, founder of Wells Enterprises, discusses the many applications and results of various steam devices during his time at Weyerhaeuser. 8 MB PDF file
Use of Steam Showers to Condition Press Fabrics
This 2003 paper discusses the effect that steam application has on fabric temperature, moisture, and porosity, as well as its effect on dryer steam reduction and increased machine speed. It also outlines which fabrics and paper grades benefit the most from steam application. Presented at the 2003 TAPPI Spring Technical Conference & Trade Fair. 1.7 MB PDF file
Energy Efficiency of Steam Showers
This 2006 paper discusses the most efficient locations to install a steam shower for various grades and machine configurations as well as recommended operating techniques. Also offered are suggestions for optimizing performance of a steam shower, evaluating its benefits, and justifying the costs of installing and operating one. 2.2 MB PDF file
The Monitoring and Control of Sheet Temperatures at the Wet End
This 1995 paper discusses the impact of sheet temperatures on water removal at the wet end of the paper machine, hence moisture at the reel, with emphasis on the use of steam showers to control both. The performance of non-profiling and profiling steam showers is documented with temperature data collected with thermocouples, infrared temperature guns and a strip chart recorder. The use of sheet temperatures as a tool to monitor and troubleshoot the performance of steam showers is also addressed. 1 MB PDF file
Extending the Machine Direction Length of Steam Showers with Shelves to Improve Performance
This 1993 paper discusses the development of non-turbulent steamers with shelves and their effect on sheet temperature, moisture at the reel, increased production, and reduced fog in the machine room. The potential for unique applications of shelves on Fourdriniers is also addressed. 1 MB PDF file
2013 Tappi Technical Paper Surveying, Evaluating and Optimizing Steam Showers
This paper spotlights the most common mistakes encountered with steam showers. Factors influencing steam shower performance are outlined and case studies are presented demonstrating how simple adjustments can lead to significant production and quality improvements. 2.1 MB PDF file