Steam shower

Abstract: A steam shower system having an improved manifold assembly for discharging dry steam uniformly through a plurality of spaced discharge orifices. The discharge orifices of the manifold extend over a substantial length, such as up to about twelve feet. The manifold is constructed so that it can be used for effecting even distribution of dry steam in order to maintain or provide proper moisture conditions in travelling sheets or webs of approximately the same width. The manifold assembly includes an elongated steam discharge conduit having said plurality of discharge nozzles spaced longitudinally along one side thereof. Portions of the nozzles extend into the interior of the discharge conduit for breaking up the free flow of steam through the conduit so as to result in substantially uniform flow or dispersion of steam through each nozzle orifice. In a modification of the invention the steam discharge manifold includes inner and outer concentric tubes respectively having discharge orifices angularly spaced approximately 180 degrees apart with the annular chamber between the tubes being divided by baffles into a plurality of axially spaced subchambers. The discharge orifices associated with the different subchambers are of different sizes so as to compensate for pressure differences within the different subchambers so as to provide for uniform dispersion of steam over the entire longitudinal length of the manifold assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam-shower apparatus and method including a supply of steam which is fed through a Coanda nozzle and along a path running parallel with one surface of the apparatus. The sheet to which the steam is to be applied runs parallel to this same surface of the machine, but in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of steam. The sheet travels along a path spaced slightly from the surface of the machine, and the flow of steam runs the entire length of this surface heating the sheet as it flows in the opposite direction. The apparatus may be divided into several sections so that the sheet may be profiled along certain regions which are defined by these sections. In addition, means are included for altering the volume of flow to any one of the particular sections.

Abstract: A steam shower to supply steam to a web passing beneath it. There is a main supply header and a preheat chamber enclosing the main supply header. The steam is proportioned between the preheat chamber and the main supply header. There are at least two chambers to receive steam in sequence from the main supply header. In a preferred embodiment the at least two chambers are divided into compartments along the length of the shower. Profiling valves control flow from the main supply header to the first chamber in this preferred embodiment. There are outlets in the last of the at least two chambers through which steam passes to the web.

Abstract: A steam shower for reducing paper web moisture content variability in the cross machine direction is described. The local dewatering effect of the shower on the moving supported web is controlled by varying its bottom steam discharge area incrementally across the width of the web. In one embodiment the hood is divided across the width of the machine into compartments, each having at least one cross machine direction wall whose bottom edge may be adjusted relative to the rear wall of the hood. A second embodiment has a pleated curtain whose bottom edge is controlled by lever arms with respect to the hood's rear wall. Local adjustments are made based on a comparison of moisture measurements at the finished product reel with the desired level.