Press apparatus

Abstract: A press apparatus (10) is disclosed for removing water from a formed web (W). The apparatus (10) includes a first press member (12) and a backing roll device (14) which cooperates with the first press member (12) for de­ fining therebetween a first press nip (N1). A second press member (16) is disposed downstream relative to the first press nip (N1) with the second press member (16) coopera­ ting with the backing roll device (14) for defining there­ between a second press nip (N2). A third press member (18) is disposed downstream relative to the seocnd press nip (N2), with the third press member (18) cooperating with the second press member (16) for defining therebetween a third press nip (N3) such that when the web (W) extends through the first, second and third press nips, a first, second and third portion of water is removed from the web. A wet end support (20) supports the first press member (12) and the backing roll device (14). A dry end frame (22) is dis­ posed downstream relative to the wet end support (20) for supporting the third press member (18). An intermediate anchoring arrangement (24) is disposed between the support (20) and the frame (22) for supporting the second press member (16). A plurality of pivoted links (26) removably extend between the wet end support (20), dry end frame (22) and intermediate anchoring arrangement (24) such that in an operative mode, the support, frame and anchoring arran­ gement are rigidly connected together for stabilizing the press apparatus (10) and when the press apparatus is in an in­ operative mode, the links (26) are released from and pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10) for facilitating the removal of the press members (12, 16, 18) and backing roll device (14) from the press apparatus (10), and for facili­ tating felting of the press.

Description: This invention relates to a press apparatus for removing water from a formed web, as defined in the preamble of claim 1. Numerous press section configurations have been proposed in an attempt to remove as much water as possible from the formed web prior to the web extending through a drying section of a papermaking machine. Among the more successful press configurations are the so-called "TRI-NIP" and "TriVent" press arrangements. TRI-NIP is a Registered Trademark of Beloit Corporation and TriVent is a common law trademark of Beloit Corporation. A press apparatus of the kind defined in the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in US-A-4 657 634. Such a press apparatus conforms to the afore-mentioned TRI-NIP arrangement. In the TRI-NIP arrangement, a first press member cooperates with a backing roll to define a first press nip. A second press roll which is a granite roll cooperates with the backing roll to define a downstream second press nip. A third press roll is disposed downstream relative to the backing roll and cooperates with the granite roll for defining a third press nip. In the construction of the aforementioned TRI-NIP press, the first press roll and backing roll are rotatably supported by a wet end support. The third press roll is rotatably supported by a dry end frame which is not directly connected to the wet end support. The granite roll is independently and rigidly supported for rotation by an intermediate anchoring arrangement such that, to a very limited degree, the rotatable granite roll floats between the wet end support and the dry end frame. Due to the ever increasing rotational speeds encountered in press sections of the aforementioned TRI-NIP arrangement, and because of the considerable mass of the rolls rotating within the press apparatus, there exists a strong tendency for vibration to be generated between the wet end support, the dry end frame and the intermediate anchoring means. In order to increase the natural frequency of vibration between the aforementioned supports and thereby stabilize the press apparatus, various ties between the support, frame and anchoring arrangement means have been proposed. However, in the TRI-NIP press arrangement, much time has been expended in disconnecting the aforementioned ties when roll removal, or felt changing, was required. Similarly, in the aforementioned TriVent press arrangement, the first backing roll is followed by a second downstream backing roll for defining a second press nip between the second backing roll and the granite roll. In both the TRI-NIP and the TriVent configurations, improved removal of the press rolls away from the press apparatus is desirable. When the aforementioned ties were used, the ties were unbolted at both ends and the ties were removed from the press apparatus in order to gain access to the press rolls for removal of the press rolls. The ties are relatively heavy and much time has been involved in removing several of the ties when replacing a press roll or replacing a press felt. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art proposals and to provide a press apparatus in which the press rolls are stabilised so that vibration is minimised and in which access to the press rolls for removal and replacement thereof is facilitated. The object is achieved by including the elements of the characterising portion of claim 1 into a press apparatus as defined in the preamble of claim 1. In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the first press member is a press roll rotatably supported by the wet end support means and the backing roll means is a first backing roll which is rotatably and adjustably supported by the wet end support means. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the backing roll means includes a first backing roll rotatably and adjustably supported relative to the wet end support means and a second backing roll disposed downstream relative to the first backing roll with the second backing roll being rotatably and adjustably supported relative to the wet end support means. In both embodiments of the present invention, the second press member is a second press roll rotatably supported by the intermediate anchoring means. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the second press member cooperates with the second backing roll for defining the second press nip therebetween. In both embodiments of the present invention, the third press member is a third press roll which is rotatably and adjustably supported relative to the dry end frame means. In both embodiments of the present invention, the link means includes a first linking means removably extending between the wet end support means and the dry end frame means such that in an inoperative mode, the first linking means pivots relative to the press apparatus. Also, a first link removably extends between the wet end support means and the intermediate anchoring means such that in the inoperative mode, the first link is pivoted relative to the press apparatus. A second link removably extends between the intermediate anchoring means and the dry end frame means such that in the inoperative mode, the second link is pivoted relative to the press apparatus. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the wet end support means includes a first section for rotatably supporting the first press member and the backing roll means and a second section connected to, and supported by, the first section. The first linking means includes a third link removably extending between the dry end frame means and the second section such that in the inoperative mode, the third link is pivoted relative to the press apparatus. A fourth link removably extends between the first section and the second section such that in the inoperative mode, the fourth link is pivoted relative to the press apparatus. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the third link is disposed on the opposite side of the press apparatus relative to the first, second and fourth links. In both embodiments of the present invention, the link means include a plurality of removable links extending between the support means, the frame means and the anchoring means. Each link of the plurality of links has a first and a second end. The first end includes a first portion, a first anchor plate pivotally connected to the first portion and fastening means for removably fastening the first anchor plate relative to the first portion such that when the fastening means is unfastened, the link is permitted to pivot relative to the first anchor plate. In both embodiments of the present invention, the fastening means include a first plurality of swing bolts pivotally anchored to the first anchor plate, the first plurality of swing bolts cooperating with corresponding anchoring slots defined by the first portion such that in the inoperative mode, the swing bolts are loosened such that the bolts pivot away from the anchoring slots thereby enabling the link to pivot away from the first anchor plate. In both embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the link includes a second portion and a second anchor plate. A second plurality of swing bolts are pivotally connected to the second anchor plate such that the second plurality of swing bolts cooperate with corresponding closed channels defined by the second portion such that in the operative mode, the second plurality of swing bolts are tightened for rigidly connecting together the second portion and the second anchor plate. When the press apparatus is in the inoperative mode, the second plurality of swing bolts are unfastened and pivoted away from the second portion such that the link is permitted to pivot relative to the press apparatus. In both embodiments of the present invention, the second portion moves away from the second anchor plate and outwardly away from the press apparatus in the inoperative mode. In a third embodiment of the present invention, which is applicable to both the first and second embodiments, the second portion moves away from the second anchor plate and inwardly relative to the press apparatus such that the link pivots into the press apparatus in the inoperative mode. A modification would be the provision of a fourth press nip and press arrangements which include one or more extended nip presses. Two embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which :- Figure 1 is a side-elevational view of a TRI-NIP press having horizontally extending links according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side-elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention and shows a TriVent press section having horizontally extending links; Figure 3 is an enlarged side-elevational view of one of the pivoted links according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is a top plan view of the link shown in figure 3. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a press apparatus 10 for removing water from a formed web W includes a first press member 12 and a backing roll means generally designated 14 which cooperates with the first press member 12 for defining therebetween, a first press nip N1 such that when the web W extends through the first press nip N1 a first portion of water is removed from the web W. A second press member 16 is disposed downstream relative to the first press nip N1 with the second press member 16 cooperating with the roll means 14 for defining therebetween a second press nip N2 such that when the web W extends through the second press nip N2 a second portion of water is removed from the web W. A third press member 18 is disposed downstream relative to the second press nip N2 with the third press member 18 cooperating with the second press member 16 for defining therebetween a third press nip N3 such that when the web W extends through the third press nip N3, a third portion of water is removed from the web W. A wet end support means generally designated 20 supports the first press member 12 and the backing roll means 14. A dry end frame means 22 is disposed downstream relative to the wet end support means 20 for supporting the third press member 18. An intermediate anchoring means 24 is disposed between the support means 20 and the frame means 22 for supporting the second press member 16. Pivoted link means generally designated 26 removably extend between the support means 20, the frame means 22 and the intermediate anchoring means 24 such that in an operative mode of the press apparatus 10, the support means 20, the frame means 22 and the anchoring means 24 are rigidly connected together for stabilizing the press apparatus 10 and so that in an inoperative mode of the press apparatus 10, the link means 26 are released from, and pivoted relative to, the press apparatus 10 for facilitating the removal of the press members 12,16 and 18 and backing roll means 14 from the press apparatus 10. As shown in figure 1, the link means 26 includes a linking means generally designated 32 and first link 34 extending between the wet end support means 20 and the intermediate anchoring means 24. The link means 26 also includes a second link 36 which extends between the frame means 22 and the anchoring means 24. Additionally, the linking means 32 includes a third link 42 which extends between the wet end support means 20 and the dry end frame means 22. As shown in figure 1, the first press member 12 is a press roll which is rotatably supported by the wet end support means 20. Further, the backing roll means 14 is a first backing roll 28 rotatably and adjustably supported by the wet end support means 20. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in which a press apparatus generally designated 10A is a TriVent press. The apparatus 10A includes a first backing roll means generally designated 14A which includes a first backing roll 28A rotatably and adjustably supported relative to the wet end support means generally designated 20A and a second backing roll 30 disposed downstream relative to the first backing roll 28A with the second backing roll 30 being rotatable and adjustably supported relative to the wet end support means 20A. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the second press member is a second press roll 16A which may be a granite roll rotatably supported by an intermediate anchoring means 24A. The second press member 16A cooperates with the second backing roll 30 as shown in figure 2 for defining the second press nip N2A therebetween. In the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 2, the third press member 18A is a third press roll rotatably and adjustably supported relative to the dry end frame means 22A. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the link means generally designated 26A includes a first linking means generally designated 32A removably extending between the wet end support means 20A and the dry end frame means 22A such that in the inoperative mode, the first linking means 32A pivots relative to the press apparatus 10A. As shown in figure 2, a first link 34A removably extends between the wet end support means 20A and the intermediate anchoring means 24A such that in the inoperative mode, the first link 34A pivots relative to the press apparatus 10A. A second link 36A removably extends between the intermediate anchoring means 24A and the dry end frame means 22A such that in the inoperative mode, the second link 36A is pivoted relative to the press apparatus 10A. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the wet end support means 20A includes a first section 38 for rotatably supporting the first press member 12A and the backing roll means 14A. A second section 40 is connected to, and supported by, the first section 38. The first linking means 32A, shown in figure 2, includes a third link 42A removably extending between the dry end frame means 22A and the second section 40 such that in the inoperative mode, the third link 42A is pivoted relative to the press apparatus 10A. Alternatively, the link 42A can be fixed and non-pivoting. The linking means 32A also includes a fourth link 44 removably extending between the first section 38 and the second section 40 such that in the inoperative mode, the fourth link 44 is pivoted relative to the press apparatus 10A. In the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 2, the third link 42A is disposed on the opposite side of the press apparatus 10A relative to the first, second and fourth links 34A,36A and 44 respectively. In both embodiments of the present invention as shown in figure 1 and 2, the link means 26 and 26A respectively, include a plurality of removable links extending between the support means, the frame means and the anchoring means. Each link of the plurality of links, 34,36,42, and 34A,36A,42A and 44, has a first and a second end. Figure 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the link 34 and is typical of the other links 36,42,34A,36A,42A, and 44. As shown in figure 3, the link 34 includes a first and a second end 46 and 48 respectively. The first end 46 and the link 34 includes a first portion 50 and a first anchor plate 52 pivotally connected to the first portion 50 by a pivot pin 54. Fastening means generally designated 56 removably fasten the first anchor plate 52 relative to the first portion 50 such that when the fastening means 56 is unfastened, the link 34 is permitted to pivot relative to the first anchor plate 52. Figure 4 is a top plan view of the link 34 and shows the fastening means generally designated 56. The fastening means 56 as shown in figures 3 and 4 includes a first plurality of swing bolts 57,58,59 and 60 pivotally anchored by a first rod 62 relative to the first anchor plate 52. The first plurality of swing bolts 57-60 cooperate with corresponding anchoring slots 64,65,66 and 67 defined by the first portion 50 such that in the inoperative mode, the swing bolts 57 to 60 are loosened such that the bolts 57 to 60 pivot away from the anchoring slots 64 to 67 thereby enabling the link 34 to pivot away from the first anchor plate 52. As shown in figures 3 and 4, the second end 48 of the link 34 includes a second portion 68 and a second anchor plate 70. A second plurality of swing bolts 72,73,74 and 75 are pivotally connected by a second rod 76 to the second anchor plate 70 as shown in figure 4, such that the second plurality of swing bolts 72 to 75 cooperate with corresponding closed channels 77,78,79 and 80 defined by the second portion 68. The arrangement is such that in the operative mode, the second plurality of swing bolts 72 to 75 are tightened for rigidly connecting together the second portion 68 and the second anchor plate 70. When the press apparatus 10 is in the inoperative mode, the second plurality of swing bolts 72 to 75 are unfastened and pivoted about rod 76 away from the second portion 68 such that the link 34 is permitted to pivot about pivot pin 54 relative to the press apparatus 10. As shown in figure 4, the second portion 68 moves away from the second anchor plate 70 and outwardly away from the press apparatus 10, and more particularly, the intermediate anchoring means 24, in the inoperative mode as indicated by the arrow 82. Alternately, the second portion 68 moves away from the second anchor plate 70 and inwardly relative to the press apparatus 10 such that the link 34 pivots into the press apparatus 10 in the inoperative mode. This particular embodiment has the advantage that when space is limited at the side of the press apparatus 10, the link 34 can be swung inwardly within the press apparatus 10 so that access may be gained to the press rolls 12,16 and 18 for their removal and replacement of press felts. In operation of the press apparatus according to the present invention, when the press apparatus is in an operative mode, the swing bolts 57 to 60 and 72 to 75 of the link 34 and all the other links are tightened so that the links rigidly connect the various framing components such as the wet end support, the dry end frame and the intermediate anchoring means together. The arrangement is such that the press apparatus is stabilized and strengthened and vibration of the various press rolls is minimized. In the inoperative mode, the swing bolts 57 to 60 are unbolted and then the swing bolts 72 to 75 are released and swung outwardly away from the slots 64-67 and closed channels 77 to 80 respectively. The link 34 is then pivoted either away from the press apparatus as shown in figures 1-4 or inwardly, within the press apparatus. In either case, the link 34 which is relatively massive is supported and pivots about pin 54 relative to the first anchor plate 52 and does not have to be removed or lowered to the floor. With the link 34 swung either outwardly through 90 degrees or 180 degrees from the operative disposition thereof, access to the various press rolls and backing rolls is facilitated. Additionally, when the various links are released and pivoted relative to the press apparatus, one or more of the press felts 84,84A can be removed laterally from the press apparatus. The present invention provides a simple means for rigidly connecting together various framing supports in a press apparatus so that the press rolls are stabilized and so that vibration is minimized. Additionally, the present invention avoids the need for a hoist or the like for lowering various ties from the press apparatus to the floor. Also, the present invention enables easy access to the various press rolls for removal and replacement thereof and facilitates changing of the press felts.

Claims: A press apparatus (10; 10A) for removing water from a formed web (W; WA), said apparatus (10; 10A) comprising: a first press member (12; 12A); backing roll means (14; 14A) cooperating with said first press member (12; 12A) for defining therebetween a first press nip (N1; N1A) such that when the web (W; WA) extends through said first press nip (N1; N1A), a first portion of water is removed from the web (W; WA); a second press member (16; 16A) disposed downstream relative to said first press nip (N1; N1A), said second press member (16; 16A) cooperating with said backing roll means (14; 14A) for defining therebetween a second press nip (N2; N2A) such that when the web (W; WA) extends through said second press nip (N2; N2A), a second portion of water is removed from the web (W; WA); a third press member (18; 18A) disposed downstream relative to said second press nip (N2; N2A), said third press member (18; 18A) cooperating with said second press member (16; 16A) for defining therebetween a third press nip (N3) such that when the web (W; WA) extends through said third press nip (N3), a third portion of water is removed from the web (W; WA); support means (20; 20A) for supporting said first press member (12; 12A) and said backing roll means (14; 14A); said support means (20; 20A) being disposed at a wet end of the apparatus (10; 10A); frame means (22; 22A) disposed downstream relative to said support means (20; 20A) for supporting said third press member (18; 18A); said frame means (22; 22A) being disposed at a dry end of the apparatus (10; 10A); intermediate anchoring means (24; 24A) disposed between said support means (20; 20A) and said frame means (22; 22A) for supporting said second press member (16; 16A); characterised by pivoted link means (26; 26A) removably extending between said support means (20; 20A), said frame means (22; 22A) and said intermediate anchoring means (24; 24A) such that in an operative mode of the press apparatus (10; 10A), said support means (20; 20A), frame means (22; 22A) and anchoring means (24; 24A) are rigidly connected together for stabilizing the press apparatus (10; 10A) and so that in an inoperative mode of the press apparatus (10; 10A), said link means (26; 26A) are released from and pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10; 10A) for facilitating the removal of said press members (12; 12A; 16; 16A; 18; 18A) and backing roll means (14; 14A) from the press apparatus (10; 10A). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said link means (26; 26A) includes: a first linking means (32; 32A) removably extending between said support means (20; 20A) and said frame means (22; 22A) such that in said inoperative mode, said first linking means (32; 32A) pivots relative to the press apparatus (10; 10A); a first link (34; 34A) removably extending between said support means (20; 20A) and said intermediate anchoring means (24; 24A) such that in said inoperative mode, said first link (34; 34A) is pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10; 10A); a second link (36; 36A) removably extending between said intermediate anchoring means (24; 24A) and said frame means (22; 22A) such that in said inoperative mode, said second link (36; 36A) is pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10; 10A). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said support means (20A) includes: a first section (38) for rotatably supporting said first press member (12A) and said backing roll means (14A); a second section (40) connected to, and supported by, said first section (38); said first linking means (32A) including: a third link (42A) removably extending between said frame means (22A) and said second section (40) such that in said inoperative mode, said third link (42A) is pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10A); a fourth link (44) removably extending between said first section (38) and said second section (40) such that in said inoperative mode, said fourth link (44) is pivoted relative to the press apparatus (10A). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said third link (42A) is disposed on the opposite side of the press apparatus (10A) relative to said first, second and fourth links (34A, 36A, 44). A press apparatus as set forth in any one of the preceding claims wherein said link means (26; 26A) includes: a plurality of removable links (34, 36, 42; 34A, 36A, 42A, 44) extending between said support means (20; 20A), said frame means (22; 22A) and said anchoring means (24; 24A), each link of said plurality of links (34, 36, 42; 34A, 36A, 42A, 44) having a first and a second end (46, 48); said first end (46) including: a first portion (50); a first anchor plate (52) pivotally connected to said first portion (50); fastening means (56) for removably fastening said first anchor plate (52) relative to said first portion (50) such that when said fastening means (56) is unfastened in said inoperative mode,, said link (34) is permitted to pivot relative to said first anchor plate (52). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said fastening means (56) includes a first plurality of swing bolts (57, 58, 59, 60) pivotally anchored relative to said first anchor plate (52), said first plurality of swing bolts (57-60) cooperating with corresponding anchoring slots (64, 65, 66, 67) defined by said first portion 50 such that in said inoperative mode, said swing bolts (57-60) are loosened such that said bolts (57-60) pivot away from said anchoring slots (64-67) thereby enabling said link (34) to pivot away from said first anchor plate (52). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 5 or 6 wherein said second end (48) of said link (34) includes: a second portion (68); a second anchor plate (70); a second plurality of swing bolts (72, 73, 74, 75) pivotally connected to said second anchor plate (70) such that said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) cooperate with corresponding closed channels (77, 78, 79, 80) defined by said second portion (68) such that in said operative mode, said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) are tightened for rigidly connecting together said second portion (68) and said second anchor plate (70) and when the press apparatus (10) is in said inoperative mode, said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) are unfastened and pivoted away from said second portion (68) such that said link (34) is permitted to pivot relative to said press apparatus (10). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said second portion (68) moves away from said second anchor plate (70) and outwardly away from said press apparatus (10) in said inoperative mode (82). A press apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said second portion (68) moves away from said second anchor plate (70) and inwardly relative to the press apparatus (10) such that the link (34) pivots into the press apparatus (10) in said inoperative mode. A press apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said pivoted link means (26; 26A) removably extend horizontally between said support means (20; 20A), said frame means (22; 22A) and said intermediate anchoring means (24; 24A) so that in said inoperative mode of the press apparatus (10; 10A), said link means (26; 26A) are released from, and pivoted horizontally relative to, the press apparatus (10; 10A); said pivoted link means (26; 26A) including: a plurality of removable links (34, 36, 42; 34A, 36A, 42A, 44) extending between said support means (20; 20A), said frame means (22; 22A) and said anchoring means (24; 24A), each link of said plurality of links (34, 36, 42; 34A; 36A, 42A, 44) having a first and a second end (46, 48); said first end (46) including: a first portion (50); a first anchor plate (52) pivotally connected to said first portion (50); a first plurality of swing bolts (57, 58, 59, 60) pivotally connected to said first anchor plate (52) such that when said first plurality of swing bolts (57-60) is unfastened, said link (34) is permitted to pivot relative to said first anchor plate (52); said second end (48) of said link (34) including: a second portion (68); a second anchor plate (70); a second plurality of swing bolts (72, 73, 74, 75) pivotally connected to said second anchor plate (70) such that said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) cooperate with corresponding closed channels (77, 78, 79, 80) defined by said second portion (68) such that in said operative mode, said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) are tightened for rigidly connecting together said second portion (68) and said second anchor plate (70) and when the press apparatus (10) is in said inoperative mode, said second plurality of swing bolts (72-75) are unfastened and pivoted away from said second portion (68) such that said link (34) is permitted to pivot away from said press apparatus (10) enabling the upward removal of said press members (12; 12A; 16; 16A; 18; 18A) and backing roll means (14; 14A) from the press apparatus (10) and for facilitating the changing of press felts (84, 84A).

Inventors: RIDDICK IAN WILLIAM, RIDDICK, IAN WILLIAM
Applicants: BELOIT CORP, BELOIT CORPORATION
Application year: 1989
Main classification: D21F3
IPC codes: D21F3