Abstract: Apparatus and a method for enhancing the effectiveness of a water spray (30) to cool and/or remoisten a web (12) of material. The apparatus includes a web dryer, preferably a flotation dryer (100), an electrostatic charge generating device (31) or devices, a water spray (30), an integrated power supply (20) to supply high voltage power to the charge device, and a drainage system (35) for handling excess liquid generated during the cooling and/or remoistening of the web. The cooling apparatus is capable of a modular arrangement to optimize spacing and facilitate the addition of cooling capacity where needed, such as with faster web speeds or heavier web weights. One or more temperature sensors can be used to optimize the amount of and rate of fluid fed to the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles and charge bars can be retractable with respect to the web to facilitate web-up procedures.

Abstract: A method for conducting a proofing operation of a rotogravure printing cylinder includes preparation of a steel drum having in sequence from the outer steel surface a layer of plastic such as Mylar.RTM., a blanket consisting of a rubber composite material, a paper/foil layer with the foil side facing outwardly, and a proofing sheet consisting of normal printing paper. The rotogravure cylinder which is to be proofed is brought into contact with the thus-prepared drum, and a high voltage is applied to the foil via the proofing sheet. The rotogravure cylinder is inked and rotated through one printing revolution so that a complete impression is made on the proofing sheet. The high voltage assists in the transfer of ink from the cups of the rotogravure cylinder to the proofing sheet. The impression produced by the rotogravure cylinder can then be checked before the rotogravure cylinder is sent to a user.