Abstract: The invention is a fluid heated drum especially well adapted for use with a drum press in which high press roll nip loading and high heat flux to a pressed web are both encountered. A press of this type is disclosed in detail. However, the drum is more broadly useful in any application combining heavy mechanical drum loading and high heat flux through the drum surface. The drum is constructed with a thin outer shell spaced radially apart from an inner cylindrical body. Radial supports provide load bearing connections between the two. The annulus between the shell and inner body may be arranged in various patterns as a conduit for the flow of heating fluid. By using a thin outer shell which does not have to sustain high bending stresses a high rate of heat transfer is permitted. The outer shell may be made of copper or other high thermal flux but lower strength metal to obtain additional heat transfer advantages.

Abstract: A press belt arrangement in which none of the compressive forces on the central drum are transmitted to the supporting frame. It provides a method in which a greater compressive force in relationship to belt tension is applied to the drum. The invention makes it possible to construct the central drum so that large quantities of heat can be fluxed through it for purposes of achieving the fast drying rates long sought in the industry.