Patent ID: 6056856
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B01D,D21F,Y10T

Abstract:
A paper-making machine having a wet end associated with a wet fiber web, said paper-making machine comprising:a headbox having an outlet gap;a forming fabric positioned adjacent to said outlet gap and moving in a direction of web travel;an air/water separator positioned in association with said forming fabric and downstream from said headbox relative to the direction of web travel said air/water separator configured for receiving liquid from the fiber web; anda blower fluidly connected with said air/water separator, said blower including a housing and an impeller, said impeller being rotatably carried by and within said housing and having a rotating hub with a periphery, said impeller further having a plurality of vanes attached to and extending from said hub and substantially equally spaced around said periphery, said vanes and said hub being monolithically and unitarily constructed of a non-metallic, composite material and having a coating of a layer bf hydrophobic material substantially covering said composite material.