Abstract: A method and assembly is disclosed for manufacturing a sized web of paper or paperboard, the method comprising the steps of first forming the web at a headbox (1) from a stock comprising at least water and fiber, then pressing the web for water drainage, and finally drying the web by heating. Size furnish is added to the web so that at least a portion of the overall amount of size is added to the web prior to initiating the drying of the web by heating, and at least a portion of the overall amount of size is applied to the web after initiating the drying of the web.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for the treatment of cellulosic pulp rolls. Generally, the systems and processes apply a series of compositions, such as debonding compositions, binder compositions and lubricant compositions, to cellulosic fiber webs provided on pulp rolls. The systems and processes provide a cost effective means by which to form cellulosic fiber pellets which may then be incorporated into a variety of end uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for controlling the operation of the short circulation of a paper, paper board or the like production machine. The method and apparatus according to the invention are especially preferably suitable for use in the approach system, i.e. so-called short circulation, of said production machines for regulating the headbox feed pressure. A characteristic feature of the method and apparatus according to the invention is that at a suitable location in the approach system of said production machine there is arranged a controllable parallel flow, by means of which at least one flow in the approach system is regulated so that the pressure in the headbox remains essentially constant.

Abstract: A non-woven web of fibrous material is produced using a moving foraminous element in the practice of the foam process. A first foam slurry of air, water, fibers and a surfactant is generated and centrifugally pumped into contact with the moving foraminous element. Substantially fiber-free foam is withdrawn from the foraminous element while forming a non-woven web of fibrous material on the foraminous element, and at least a part of the substantially fiber-free foam is used in the generation of the first foam slurry. Recycling is also typically practiced using a centrifugal pump, and the centrifugal pumps are preferably degassing pumps which remove some of the gas from the foam. By practicing the invention it is possible to produce fibrous webs using the foam process that are more than two meters wide, and at a forming speed of more than about 100 m/min (e.g. about 200-500 m/min).

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for the manufacture of paper, in particular of coated fine paper, in which method paper stock is fed from a headbox (100) to a wire section (200) in which water is drained from a paper web (W), in which method the paper web (W) is passed from the wire section (200) to a press section (300) to press water out of the paper web (W), and in which method, after the press section (300), the paper web (W) is dried in a dryer section (400), precalendered and coated in a coating station (600), after which the paper web (W) is dried in a drying section (650) and calendered in a final calender (900), and reeled in a reel-up (1000). In the method the stock is fed into the headbox (100) using multilayering technology, the paper web (W) is precalendered in a one or more reinforced-nip calender (500), the paper web (W) is coated in a film coating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a vibrational force to the wire of a papermaking machine in order to re-align the fibers of the web forming on the wire or to clean press section felts. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a vibrational device including a vibrational device frame, at least one vibration-inducing mechanism coupled to the vibrational device frame, and a vibrational head coupled to the vibration-inducing mechanism for vibrating the wire.

Abstract: A surface-sized paper web is made by supplying pulp from a headbox (100) where additives and/or fillers and/or fines are admixed into the pulp, to the wire section (200), where water is removed. The web is guided from the wire section (200), to the press section (300), the front drying section (400), is surface-coated in the coating section (500) dried in the post-drying section (600), and reeled by a reeler (800). In the headbox (100) starch and optionally hydrofobic size are admixed or layered into the pulp, so that on at least one side of the web an essentially dense surface is formed, on which in surface-coating a coating paste is spread out, which has a high dry matter content, whereby a bond is achieved in direction z inside the web in between the base paper and the surface-coating layer spread out on the surface.

Abstract: In a paper/board or finishing/converting machine, a calender (1) comprises a number of rolls (2, 3) formed into a roll stack, and a number of lift-out rolls (4), which are arranged in such a way that the web (W) being treated travels from one calender (1) nip (N) to another via a lift-out roll (4). Between the calender (1) roll (2, 3) and the lift-out roll (4), the web (W) being treated is supported by means of at least one closing member (5, 5′, 6) not extending through the nip (N), which closing member is formed by a belt, wire or metal wire (7), which is arranged to travel via two or more guide rolls (4, 8).

Abstract: A system for making a paper web has at least one endless wire which is moved over load bearing and guide rolls. A pulp supply apparatus applies pulp to the wire. Suction devices and ceramic scrapers are arranged along the wire. There may also be present devices for the application, controlled by valves, of a coolant, in particular water, to the wire and the scrapers. At least some of the scrapers are constructed with at least one temperature sensor, whose output is connected to a display device or to a control unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for maximizing water removal from an absorbent web in a press nip. The present invention uses a pressing unit having a blanket with a void volume and with a pressure profile that maximizes water removal in the press section or on the Yankee dryer of a paper machine. The pressure profile of the pressing unit according to the present invention has a very steep pressure drop at and/or following the exit of a pressure distribution curve in order to maximize water removal by minimizing rewet of the web. The improved pressure profile according to the present invention results in increased water removal and/or improved line speed. The void volume further increases water removal and/or improves line speed.

Abstract: A non-woven web of fibrous material is produced using a moving foraminous element in the practice of the foam process. A first foam slurry of air, water, fibers and a surfactant is generated and centrifugally pumped into contact with the moving foraminous element. Substantially fiber-free foam is withdrawn from the foraminous element while forming a non-woven web of fibrous material on the foraminous element, and at least a part of the substantially fiber-free foam is used in the generation of the first foam slurry. Recycling is also typically practiced using a centrifugal pump, and the centrifugal pumps are preferably degassing pumps which remove some of the gas from the foam. By practicing the invention it is possible to produce fibrous webs using the foam process that are more than two meters wide, and at a forming speed of more than about 100 m/min (e.g. about 200-500 m/min).

Abstract: A paper web (w) is passed from the press section (10) to the drying section in a paper machine. The drying section has at least one transfer suction roll (16) for passing the web in a closed draw from the transport belt (12) of the press section to the drying wire (F) of the first cylinder drying group (14). The cylinder drying group has at least one vacuum box (30) stabilising the travel of the web. A high negative pressure is maintained in the transfer suction roll, this pressure being between −35 kPa and −80 kPa in order to attach the web to the drying wire.

Abstract: The invention concerns a guide (10) for the web, such as the wire or felt, in a paper machine/board machine. The guide is formed by a bearing housing (12) at one end of a guiding roller (11) in such a way that the bearing housing (12) includes a curved surface as the rolling surface (13). An actuator (14) is adapted to roll the bearing housing along a stop face (T1), whereby by using the actuator (14) an essentially linear transfer is given to a shaft stub (11a1) pivoted by a bearing (15a1) in the bearing housing (12).

Abstract: An industrial process fabric is embossed in a device, such as a continuously operating two-roll calender having a preselected embossing pattern. The roll(s) of the calender may alternatively themselves be engraved or etched to provide the embossing. Embossing takes place with controlled temperature, pressure, speed and gap (between the rolls) settings. The fabric may be a forming, press, dryer or TAD fabric used in paper and pulp production, pulp forming fabric or an engineered fabric used to produce nonwoven textile products by meltblowing, spunbonding, hydroentangling or air laid needle punching.

Abstract: The specification discloses embodiments of a process and related apparatus for conditioning a fibrous web in order to improve the efficiency of drying and calendering thereof. In the process, a moving fibrous web is conditioned after the drier unit of a papermaking machine by applying a flow of moistened gas through one or more arrays of radial jet reattachment nozzles placed in close proximity to the web surface prior to a calendering unit or prior to a steaming unit placed between the nozzles and the calender unit to cool the web and/or increase its moisture content. Webs treated according to the invention exhibit improved properties including less moisture streaking, enhanced smoothness and avoidance of optical property loss.

Abstract: A method for directly forming and finishing a web product is provided. The method includes forming a web on a forming apparatus, continuously transferring the formed web to a conveyor, performing a converting step on the web as the web is continuously supported and advanced on the conveyor, and finishing the web into a product substantially ready for packaging. A system for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of making paperboard and paperboard corrugation that negates the steps of winding rolls of containerboard on machine reels of separate paper machines, subsequent rewinding and slitting of paperboard and unwinding rolls of containerboard on separate corrugators.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in a first direction and the second group of strands extend in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a woven sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web having a tissue contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface of the woven sculpted fabric includes at least a first group of strands and a second group of strands wherein the first group of strands extend in the cross-machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric and the second group of strands extend in the machine direction of the woven sculpted fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a sculpted fabric for the manufacture of a tissue web, having a tissue machine contacting side and a tissue contacting side. The tissue contacting side includes an upper porous member comprising a base with nonwoven elevated regions thereon. The nonwoven elevated regions comprise a first group of nonwoven raised elements and a second group of nonwoven raised elements, both raised relative to the base. The first group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a first direction and the second group of nonwoven raised elements extends in at least a second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus (62) and method for supporting a web (22) of paper being transferred through a region (40) from the surface (26) of one moving component (24) of a papermachine (20) to the surface (30) of a subsequent moving component (28) of the papermachine utilizes an air-permeable sheet (70) and a blowbox (86) or Coanda air knives (38) supported adjacent the air-permeable sheet. The sheet is supportable in a stationary condition across so as to span at least a portion of the papermachine region through which the moving web of paper is transferred and adjacent one side (72) of the web, and the blowbox or Coanda air knives are used to move air away from the side (72) of the air-permeable sheet opposite the web so that as the web is moved through the papermachine region, the web is biased by atmospheric air pressure into contact with the air-permeable sheet and moves in sliding engagement therealong.

Abstract: An industrial process fabric is embossed in a device, such as a continuously operating two-roll calender having a preselected embossing pattern. The roll(s) of the calender may alternatively themselves be engraved or etched to provide the embossing. Embossing takes place with controlled temperature, pressure, speed and gap (between the rolls) settings. The fabric may be a forming, press, dryer or TAD fabric used in paper and pulp production, pulp forming fabric or an engineered fabric used to produce nonwoven textile products by meltblowing, spunbonding, hydroentangling or air laid needle punching.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing a liquid in manufacturing paper products, the apparatus comprising: a mixed fluid conduit carrying a mixed fluid to be directed to an application station, at least a portion of the mixed fluid being a starch material from a starch material source; a starch material source feeding starch within a starch material supply line to the mixed fluid conduit; a resin source feeding resin within a resin supply line to the mixed fluid conduit; and, a mixing section of the mixed fluid conduit dispersing the resin throughout the starch material. The apparatus may also include: a tank for receiving the mixed fluid; a supply conduit for delivering the mixed fluid to an application station; and, a return conduit for delivering the mixed fluid back to the tank from the application station.

Abstract: A paper or cardboard machine press section includes sequentially arranged first, second, and third presses each having opposed first and second press members forming a press nip therebetween. A press felt is arranged in a loop and passes through the press nip of the third press. An impermeable transfer belt is arranged in a loop to receive the web from the second press and transfer it to the press felt of the third press. A wet calender defining at least one roll nip is provided between the second and third presses, and the web and the transfer belt pass through the roll nip of the wet calender. In a preferred embodiment, the roll nip of the calender is formed by a smooth press roll of the second press arranged outside the loop of the transfer belt, and a guide roll that is arranged within the loop of the transfer belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying and guiding a lead-in strip in a paper machine, which device comprises a conveyor belt (20) which is permeable to air and in whose connection devices (15) are fitted by whose means a vacuum effect can be produced on the run (20A) of the conveyor belt (20) on which the lead-in strip is conveyed, by means of which vacuum effect the lead-in strip is made to adhere to and kept in contact with said run (20A) of the conveyor belt (20). On said conveying run (20A) of the conveyor belt (20), on the opposite side of the conveyor belt (20) in relation to the lead-in strip, a foil rib/ribs (15) is/are fitted, by whose means said vacuum effect is produced on the conveying run (20A) of the conveyor belt (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of making paperboard and paperboard corrugation that negates the steps of winding rolls of containerboard on machine reels of separate paper machines, subsequent rewinding and slitting of paperboard and unwinding rolls of containerboard on separate corrugators.

Abstract: An apparatus for calendering a sheet material web being carried on or between one or more carrier fabrics. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a calender section having first and second calender rolls forming a nip therebetween. At least one carrier fabric is disposed between the first and second calender rolls. The first and second calender rolls apply a load to the carrier fabric and sheet material web as they pass through the nip between the calender rolls so as to reduce the caliper, or thickness, of the sheet material web. A method for calendering the sheet material web includes carrying the sheet material web on one or more carrier fabrics through the calender nip formed by the first and second calender rolls and applying a load to the carrier fabric, and sheet material carried thereby, so as to reduce the thickness of the sheet material web.

Abstract: Machine for producing a fibrous material web and process for guiding the web through the machine. The machine includes a wire section, a drying section, arranged downstream of the wire section with regard to a web travel direction, having at least one free web draw, a first and second shoe press separated in the web travel direction, and an upper felt and a lower transfer belt arranged to guide the fibrous material web through the second shoe press. The lower transfer belt is structured and arranged to transfer the fibrous material web to the drying section, and the material web is guided in a closed draw from the wire section to a first free web draw, with regard to the web travel direction, in the drying section. At least one high-performance drying device is positioned before the first free web draw.

Abstract: Process for transferring at least a portion of a running web from a first section of a web making machine includes rotating an endless conveyor belt by driving at least one driven pulley, creating a negative pressure at an inner surface of endless conveyor belt as endless conveyor belt is guided over suction box, and guiding the at least a portion of running web onto endless conveyor belt. Process also includes transferring the at least a portion of the running web from endless conveyor to rope section located outside of a web width, pivoting endless conveyor belt around the pivot axis to move downstream end into an area of rope section one of at and before transferring, and pivoting endless conveyor belt around pivot axis to move downstream end into an area of the at least a portion of running web and inside web width.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for dewatering a fibrous material web. The process includes guiding the fibrous material web through a dewatering zone, and directing a plurality of gas pressure pulses of a pressurized displacement gas one after the other onto a surface of the fibrous material web within the dewatering zone. The apparatus includes a device for forming a plurality of gas pressure pulses which are arranged one after the other within the dewatering zone. The plurality of gas pressure pulses are directed onto a surface of the fibrous material web.

Abstract: A multi-reel apparatus for use in a drying section of a papermaking machine allows a web to be continuously wound without interruption. The apparatus includes a web support and a pair of vertically stacked reeling stations located along an inclined portion of the web support. Each reeling station has at least one reeling device operable to hold and rotatably drive a core onto which the web can wound to form a roll. Each reeling device is further operable to move the core into engagement with the web on the web support to initiate winding of the web onto the core, and to move the core away from the web support when the roll is fully wound. Winding is alternated between reeling devices, allowing the completed roll to be removed and a new core to be loaded at one reeling station while the other reeling station continues in full winding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus transfers a lead strip of a paper web, in particular the beginning of a still wet lead strip or tail, from a press roll of a paper-making machine to a following section of that machine. An air jet device peels off the beginning of the tail from the press roll and transfers it across a paper roll to an infeed area of a felt which guides the web into the following section. On an infeed area of the felt, an air cushion is created by an air table having a plurality of tiny holes delivering air from a low pressure plenum to the air cushion.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of fibrous material is made by the foam process using a manifold of a particular construction. The manifold has a casing with first and second opposite ends including an inlet for a foam-fiber-surfactant slurry at the first end, and optionally a valved outlet at the second end. A center section of the manifold casing has a (e.g. rectangular) cross-section that becomes smaller moving from an inlet toward the outlet. First and second substantially closed side walls, a porous front wall having an effective length, and a back wall opposite the front wall, are provided for the center section, the walls planar or curved. Any suitable structures are provided for introducing a second (e.g. substantially fiber-free, or a fiber-foam slurry) foam into the center section through the back wall.

Abstract: A tissue paper making machine, a tissue paper product, and a method for producing such a tissue paper product. According to the invention, a dewatering and sheet-forming wire (13;14) is deposited in the pulp flow area by a texturing wire (16;17) that is provided with a texture comprised of closed wire zones. This results in the production of a tissue paper product having improved optical and haptic properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns an integrated paper machine, which comprises, in the running direction of the web, a multi-layer headbox (100), a gap former (200), in which there is at least one pre-press (303, 304), a press section (300), in whcih there is at least one extended-nip press (308, 309), a pre-dryer section (400), in which the web (W) is dried by means of a high-capacity dryer unit, a dryer section (500), in which there is at least one dryer group (R1, R2, R3) which makes use of single-wire draw, as well as a surface treatment device (P) for the web. Further, the paper machine is provided with a closed web draw at least to the end of the dryer section (500).

Abstract: A process of transporting at least a portion of a web from a first structure to a second structure via an apparatus that includes at least two pulleys located at spaced locations from each other, an air-pervious endless belt positioned to run from the first structure to the second structure, an underpressure source arranged to produce an underpressure adjacent to the run of the endless belt, a nose shoe disposed beyond the second pulley and spaced from the second pulley, thereby defining an opening. The nose shoe has an inlet and air jet outlet positioned adjacent the second pulley. A guiding tray is arranged beyond the nose shoe having an upstream section positioned adjacent the nose shoe, and the upstream section includes an air slot, which extends cross-wise to a web travel direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making a high bulk, coated paper of a unique structure with the coating forming a lower portion of the total caliper and the paper base forming a higher portion of the total caliper than conventionally made coated paper of the same weight. The process includes the step of using furnish with a high percentage of mechanical pulp, applying that furnish to papermachine wires, preferably with a gap former, coating the paper with a coating containing a plastic pigment, preferably of 4 or more parts per 100 parts of coating pigment, and calendering the coated paper at a nip loading less than conventional supercalendering nip loading. Preferably, the finished coated paper will have a 75° TAPPI gloss of 40 or above. The method and apparatus can be used to make lightweight or other weights of coated paper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a guide (10) for the web, such as the wire or felt, in a paper machine/board machine. The guide is formed by a bearing housing (12) at one end of a guiding roller (11) in such a way that the bearing housing (12) includes a curved surface as the rolling surface (13). An actuator (14) is adapted to roll the bearing housing along a stop face (T1), whereby by using the actuator (14) an essentially linear transfer is given to a shaft stub (11a1) pivoted by a bearing (15al) in the bearing housing (12).

Abstract: A threading device and a method for threading a tail of a web, wherein, for guiding the path of a tail separated from a full-width web in a paper machine or a paper finishing device, the threading device comprises a suction channel, placed at least partly in a paper machine portion and provided with a reduced pressure for gripping the tail, and transfer means for transferring the suction channel in the portion of the paper machine and simultaneously for releasing the tail to the portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing foam formed fibrous web in which the furnish is made up by mixing a thin water slurry of fibers at a consistency in the range of from about 0.5 to about 7 weight percent fibers with sufficient aqueous foam containing a surfactant and having an air content in the range of from about 55 to about 80 percent by volume to form a foamed fiber furnish containing from about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent fibers which is supplied directly to the forming felt or wire of a twin wire papermaking machine, adding makeup surfactant and discarding excess aqueous foam from the process as required to maintain the desired volume of foamed liquid therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring at least a portion of a running web from a first section of a web making machine to a second section of the web making machine includes at least two pulleys, in which at least one is a driven pulley, a suction box coupled to a vacuum source, an air-pervious endless conveyor belt tensioned over the at least two pulleys to form a conveying run and a return run, and a device for creating a negative pressure at an inner surface of the conveying run. The at least one driven pulley is adapted to drive the endless conveyor belt over the at least two pulleys while the negative pressure propagates through the conveying run. The endless conveyor belt includes an upstream and a downstream end and the endless conveyor belt is pivotable around a pivot axis located in a region of the upstream end. The endless conveyor belt is pivotable to move the portion of the running web between the rope section and the portion is adapted to receive a full width of the running web.

Abstract: Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. According to one of the methods, an acidic aqueous alumina sol is introduced to a papermaking pulp to form a treated pulp having improved retention properties. The acidic aqueous alumina sol preferably has a pH of from about 3 to about 6. The sol preferably contains elongate secondary particles which are elongated from about 50 nm to about 300 nm in only one plane and formed by edge-to-edge coagulation of rectangular plate like primary particles having a length on one side of from about 10 nm to about 30 nm when observed through an electron microscope. The pulp may also be treated with at least one coagulant, at least one flocculent, at least one cationic starch, at least one cellulytic enzyme, at least one biocide, and/or other conventional papermaking pulp additives. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp and then drained to form a paper or paperboard.

Abstract: In manufacturing a moving web, such as a tissue sheet, the web is transported at very high speeds, often in an unsupported manner, which can result in unstable operations regarding handling and winding of the web. This is particularly true in the region between the creping blade and the reel for a lightweight, low modulus tissue sheet that is characteristic of a high-quality, soft tissue basesheet. To provide an improved means of controlling the tissue web during manufacture and to improve the manufacturing rate, an apparatus and method of stabilizing the moving web that incorporates a creping blade foil, one or more aerodynamic sheet stabilizing foils, and a roll foil in a specific relationship to each other is disclosed. This method has been shown to improve the stability of a moving tissue web, allow for a higher rate of operation, and enable the production of softer tissue basesheets.

Abstract: A vacuum belt conveyor is suitable for guiding a running paper web, in particular a threading tail, and includes an air-pervious endless conveyor belt traveling around a vacuum box which supports two belt pulleys. At least one vacuum blower creates a negative pressure within the loop of the belt. The vacuum blower is positioned within the vacuum box at a certain distance from the conveying run of the belt and is driven by an air turbine. One of the pulleys is driven by an electric motor (M′) positioned inside of that pulley.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a fast-running, ready-dried fibrous web from a first location to another with minimal undesirable motion is described. The apparatus includes an air foil defining a web support surface which extends substantially continuously from a first processing location to a second processing location, and includes at least two air supply channels extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of web travel across the air foil for providing flows of pressurized air between the foil and the web being, processed in the general direction of web travel. In this way, a layer of reduced static pressure is provided which stabilizes the web against undesirable motion, while the build up of dust is minimized.

Abstract: A device for conveying and guiding a lead-in strip in a paper machine which includes a conveyor formed of an air permeable material, the conveyor having a run with opposed faces on respective sides. The lead-in strip is conveyed on a first face on a first side of the run. The device also includes a foil rib located on a second side of the run of the conveyor. The foil rib includes a foil head for producing a vacuum effect on an outlet side of the foil head in the direction of movement of the run.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of recovering energy in a forming section of a papermaking or boardmaking machine, wherein stock from a headbox is fed into a forming zone of a forming section, said forming zone including at least one looped forming fabric curving along a convex surface of a support member, and water is drained from the stock through said at least one forming fabric in the forming zone to form a paper or board web, the water passing through said at least one fabric being thrown out from the forming zone and possessing kinetic energy, characterized by placing a movable component in the water thrown out from the forming zone, so as to cause the water to move the component, and thereby recovering part of the kinetic energy. The invention also relates to an arrangement in a papermaking or boardmaking machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for guiding a fibrous material web, apparatus includes an elastic transfer belt arranged to transfer fibrous material web between an acceptance region and a delivery region, and a delivery element arranged to deliver fibrous material web to elastic transfer belt. During acceptance of fibrous material web from delivery element, elastic transfer belt is arranged to travel at a same speed as or at only a slightly higher speed than delivery element. An accepting element is arranged to accept fibrous material web from elastic transfer belt. During delivery of fibrous material web to accepting element, transfer belt is arranged to travel with a same speed as or with only a slightly higher speed than accepting element. Transfer belt is driven or slowed to be stretched more during delivery of fibrous material web to accepting element belt than during acceptance of fibrous material web from delivery element.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting at least a portion of a web of flexible material between first and second structures spaced from each other. The apparatus includes at least two pulleys located at spaced locations from each other, and an air-pervious endless belt movably mounted on the first and second pulleys. The belt has a run traveling from the first pulley, adjacent the first structure, to the second pulley, adjacent the second structure, and the belt is adapted and arranged to receive the at least a portion of the web from the first structure. An underpressure source is arranged to produce an underpressure adjacent to the run of the endless belt. A nose shoe is disposed beyond the second pulley and spaced from the second pulley, so as to define an opening between the nose shoe and the second pulley at a second position where the at least a portion of the web leaves the endless belt.

Abstract: A machine for producing a tissue web is provided, including a former having a forming region which includes at least one circulating, continuous dewatering wire having zonally variable wire permeability. Furthermore, a process for producing the tissue web in a tissue machine is provided. The process includes forming the tissue web in a forming region of a former, wherein the forming region includes at least one circulating, continuous dewatering wire having zonally variable wire permeability.