Abstract: The invention is a paper making machine and a method of making paper. The machine includes a section for forming a wet paper web having first and second sides and a dryer for drying the wet paper web. At least a first portion of the dryer is capable of preferentially drying the first side of the wet paper web to a dryness level of at least about 70% solids. In a variation of the paper making machine, the first portion of the dryer is capable of preferentially drying the first side of the wet paper web to a dryness level of at least about M, as represented by the formula:M=101-0.246 (WRV)in which WRV is the water retention value of the web. The method for drying a web of paper includes a forming step and a drying step. The forming step is carried out by forming a wet paper web having first and second sides.

Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed for drying a web of paper. The apparatus includes more than one top felted dryer group for drying the web. The web may be restrained against cross-machine and machine directional shrinkage during passage of the web through the plurality of dryer groups. A last dryer group is located downstream relative to the plurality of drying groups so that the web extends between the plurality of drying groups and the last dryer group. The last dryer group can be a double felted two tier dryer group. The web extends in an open draw between each dryer cylinder of the upper and lower tiers of the last dryer group, so any tendency of the web to curl is controlled during movement of the web through the last dryer group. Alternative arrangements are also described.

Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed for drying a web of paper. The apparatus includes a plurality of top felted drying sections for drying the web. Each of the drying sections is arranged in succession such that the web is restrained against cross-machine and machine directional shrinkage during passage of the web through the plurality of drying sections. A further single drying section only is disposed downstream relative to the plurality of drying sections such that the web extends between the plurality of drying sections and the further drying section. The further drying section includes an upper tier of dryers and an upper plurality of rolls which are disposed between adjacent dryers of the upper tier. An upper felt extends alternately around each dryer of the upper tier and each roll of the upper plurality of rolls. The further drying section also includes a lower tier of dryers and a lower plurality of rolls disposed between adjacent dryers of the lower tier.

Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed for drying a web of paper. The apparatus includes a plurality of top felted drying sections for drying the web. Each of the drying sections is arranged in succession such that the web is restrained against cross-machine and machine directional shrinkage during passage of the web through the plurality of drying sections. A further single drying section only is disposed downstream relative to the plurality of drying sections such that the web extends between the plurality of drying sections and the further drying section. The further drying section includes an upper tier of dryers and an upper plurality of rolls which are disposed between adjacent dryers of the upper tier. An upper felt extends alternately around each dryer of the upper tier and each roll of the upper plurality of rolls. The further drying section also includes a lower tier of dryers and a lower plurality of rolls disposed between adjacent dryers of the lower tier.