Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell catalyst, a fuel cell electrode including the same, and a membrane-electrode assembly including the same. In one embodiment, the fuel cell catalyst includes: a support including a titanium oxynitride represented by the following Formula 1: TiO1-yNy, wherein 0.05<y<0.9; and an active material supported on the support.

Abstract: An improved method for producing paper from pulp includes a plurality of subassemblies arranged in the forming or wet section of a Fourdrinier. The Fourdrinier includes a dewatering table having a plurality of blades that are static and on-the run adjustable in height and/or angle to control orientation of paper fibers in the stack to create a superior quality of paper and improved paper strength characteristics. Gravity and vacuum assisted drainage elements are equipped with on-the-run adjustable angle and height dewatering foil blades starting from a paper dryness of 0.1% and extending all the way to 5% dryness. The result of this process and machine is to improve the paper quality, save fibers and chemicals and fulfill the required paper properties.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a nonwoven fabric that can produce a nonwoven fabric having high strength, high bulk and softness. The method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises a step of supplying a water-containing paper-making material onto a support to form a paper layer 21 on the support, a step of injecting a high-pressure water jet stream onto the paper layer 21 from a high-pressure water jet stream nozzle 12 provided above the support, a step of injecting high-pressure steam onto the paper layer 21 on which the high-pressure water jet stream has been injected, from a steam nozzle 14 provided above the support, and a step of drying the paper layer on which the high-pressure steam has been injected.

Abstract: Processes for making fluff pulp sheets mechanically eliminate many unwanted fiber-to-fiber bonding (fiber bundles) in the sheet. Pulp slurry is deposited on a moving bottom forming wire to form a stock web. Pulp slurry is brought into contact with a moving top forming wire. The stock web is subjected to up and down dewatering creating separately formed layers to reduce fiber-to-fiber bonding. The stock web can be subjected to strong pulsating shear forces as it is being advanced along the bottom forming wire to break fiber bundles. The pulp slurry can be deposited on the bottom forming wire utilizing a headbox with dilution control to selectively adjust the concentration of the pulp slurry. Shoe presses can be used to dewater the web after it is subjected to the pulsating shear forces.

Abstract: A system and a method for dewatering an acoustical tile basemat comprising a continuously traveling wire, a device for depositing a dilute water slurry of solids including fiber and binder on the wire, a vacuum box below the wire for separating water from the solids deposited on the wire to form a basemat, a vacuum source, and a valve for cyclically connecting the vacuum source to the vacuum box at a cyclic rate that limits vacuum exposure to a length of the basemat newly arriving at the vacuum box to less than four inches per cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus used in the formation of paper. More specifically the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for lowering the consistency or degree of density of fiber suspension on the forming table, and improving the quality and physical properties of the paper formed thereon.

Abstract: According to the disclosure, a wet form cellulosic product forming process and a wet formed cellulosic product are disclosed. The process includes providing a slurry, forming the slurry into a cellulosic product, dewatering the cellulosic product, and drying the cellulosic product. Further dewatering of the cellulosic product occurs through a non-mechanical mechanism.

Abstract: An improved method for producing paper from pulp includes a plurality of subassemblies arranged in the forming or wet section of a Fourdrinier. The Fourdrinier includes a dewatering table having a plurality of blades that are static and on-the run adjustable in height and/or angle to control orientation of paper fibers in the stock to create a superior quality of paper and improved paper strength characteristics. Gravity and vacuum assisted drainage elements are equipped with on-the-run adjustable angle and height dewatering foil blades starting from a paper dryness of 0.1% and extending all the way to 5% dryness. The result of this process and machine is to improve the paper quality, save fibers and chemicals and fulfill the required paper properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus used in the formation of paper. More specifically the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for lowering the consistency or degree of density of fiber suspension on the forming table, and improving the quality and physical properties of the paper formed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus used in the formation of paper. More specifically the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for lowering the consistency or degree of density of fiber suspension on the forming table, and improving the quality and physical properties of the paper formed thereon.

Abstract: A process and a device for dewatering a fiber web 3, especially a paper web, using vacuum. The vacuum seen by a given unit are of the web is pulsed between a maximum value V and a minimum value. At least one suction box 7 is provided with perforations beneath the running web where the vacuum is applied with a pulsating effect on the web.

Abstract: The temperature of the ceramic elements of a supporting or wiping strip that is assigned to a wire or a felt in a paper production facility, is controlled by guiding a cooling carrier medium or a heating carrier medium through the supporting or wiping strip. For that purpose, the supporting or wiping strip is formed with at least one channel, through which the carrier medium for heat or for cold is pumped.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a cylinder machine having a shoe with a concavely-shaped pressure surface that forms a substantially mating relationship with a cylinder mould or sieve. The concavely-shaped pressure surface of the shoe increases the amount of wrap that a making fabric has on a cylinder mould or sieve thereby increasing the amount of friction generated between the making fabric and the cylinder mould or sieve. The increased friction results in an improved torque transfer between the making fabric and the cylinder mould or sieve.

Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. In particular, the process is directed to transferring a wet web from a transfer surface to a separate conveyor, such as a fabric. The process, in one embodiment, may include the steps of partially dewatering a tissue web, subjecting the web to at least one deflection against a fabric, such as a coarse fabric, and then creping the web. During the process, after being dewatered, the tissue web is transferred from a transfer surface to the fabric while subjecting the wet tissue web to temperatures and pressures sufficient to cause gases to evolve from liquids associated with the web. The gases form in between the tissue web and the transfer surface facilitating transfer of the web onto the fabric. In one particular embodiment, for example, gases are evolved by heating the wet web and then subjecting the web to a suction force.

Abstract: Methods for dewatering a fiber suspension in a twin-wire press, having a lower wire and an upper wire, and a first and a second dewatering table, which supports the wires such that a dewatering space is defined by the wires, are disclosed. The wires transport the fiber suspension under compression of the wires by the dewatering tables, such that the fiber suspension is dewatered and forms a fiber web between the wires. A separate pressing force is applied against one of the wires, such that this wire presses the formed fiber web via the second wire against one of the dewatering tables and further dewaters the fiber web. The separate pressing force is adjusted such that a desired dryness of the fiber web leaving the dewatering tables is achieved. A twin-wire press is also disclosed.

Abstract: Paper machine for manufacturing a fibre web of paper without through air drying (TAD) or pressing, comprising: a wet end, having a wire section with at least one forming wire, a clothing, being air and water permeable, and a dewatering unit for dewatering the fibre web; and a drying section, comprising a drying surface for the fibre web; and also a transfer roll for transferring the fibre web to the drying section, wherein the fibre web is supported by said clothing from the wire section all the way to and over the transfer roll. The clothing has a three dimensional structure for structuring the fibre web.

Abstract: The temperature of the ceramic elements of a supporting or wiping strip that is assigned to a wire or a felt in a paper production facility, is controlled by guiding a cooling carrier medium or a heating carrier medium through the supporting or wiping strip. For that purpose, the supporting or wiping strip is formed with at least one channel, through which the carrier medium for heat or for cold is pumped.

Abstract: A method of ensuring the flatness of a vane that is mounted in a headbox by means of a mounting arrangement including engagement dowels for cooperation with a downstream support wall of a transverse groove, said vane being affected during operation by shearing forces from the stock and by retaining forces from the mounting arrangement. In accordance with the invention outer engagement dowels are mounted at the side edges of the vane to cooperate during a specific period of time, as the only engagement dowels with the downstream support wall in order to take up said shearing forces, whereby tensile stresses will arise in the downstream end portion of the vane in the cross machine direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of draining a fiber pulp suspension, where the fiber pulp suspension is applied to a convergent dewatering space arranged between two wires travelling in the same direction. In the dewatering space, water and powdery substance are removed from the fiber pulp suspension through the wires. Pressure pulses are generated in the fiber pulp suspension along the length of the dewatering space with pressure pulse elements that are on opposite sides of the wires relative to the fiber pulp suspension and in contact with or at a distance from the wires. The invention also relates to an apparatus according to the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling the edge of pulp mass in a web former, the web former comprising a space formed by two wires or the like, into which space the pulp mass is fed. The wires or the like are supported on a chamber units, which each time include at least one chamber for receiving the water removed from the pulp mass. In conjunction with the side edge of the said web former are arranged pulp mass edge control means, which include an edge sealing part. The edge sealing part extends, in the lateral direction of the web former, by a distance between the chamber units in such a way that it will prevent the pulp mass edge from passing and/or spreading in the lateral direction of the web former into the area of the said edge of the web former. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the pulp mass edge in a web former.

Abstract: A variable frequency foil (VFF) box assembly and mechanisms for moving individual foils/foil beams and individual foil beam sets relative to each other to adjust the frequency of a paper making machine, and method of use are provided. The VFF box assembly allows for continuously and uniformly adjusting the pitch distances of individual foils within foil sets over a finite range, and also adjusting the distance between foil sets during the continuous operation of a paper making machine. Also provided is a variable frequency assembly comprising a combination of dewatering elements such as one or more foil elements and table rolls, a multi-surfaced foil element, and/or an adjustable angle foil element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mixing dilution liquid into a stock flow in a paper or board machine. Dilution is carried out in at least two stages using in the first dilution stage (I) valves (V1, V2, V3 . . . ) fitted with a larger mutual spacing at different points of width across a headbox and passing the dilution water through the valves to desired points of width of the headbox according to the requirement of control of the basis weight of paper or board. In the second dilution stage (II), dilution water is passed into connection with the stock flow coming from the first dilution stage (I), said dilution water being controlled by means of valves (V1′, V2′ . . . ), which valves (V1′, V2′ . . . ) have been fitted with a denser spacing than the valves (V1, V2, V3 . . . ) of the first dilution stage (I).

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of acoustical panels includes one or more fillers, one or more binders, water and zinc pyrithione. At least of the fillers and/or binders includes microbial nutrients in an amount of at least 1% based on the dry weight of the acoustical panel. In another embodiment of the invention, acoustical panels include a core having a plurality of opposing surfaces and being at least ⅛ inches thick. The core comprises the dried product of a slurry of fillers, binders and water. Zinc pyrithione is present in at least one of the core and a coating applied to at least one of the surfaces of the core.

Abstract: A variable frequency foil (VFF) box assembly and mechanisms for moving individual foils/foil beams and individual foil beam sets relative to each other to adjust the frequency of a paper making machine, and method of use are provided. The VFF box assembly allows for continuously and uniformly adjusting the pitch distances of individual foils within foil sets over a finite range, and also adjusting the distance between foil sets during the continuous operation of a paper making machine. Also provided is a variable frequency assembly comprising a combination of dewatering elements such as one or more foil elements and table rolls, a multi-surfaced foil element, and/or an adjustable angle foil element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving the properties of a fiber web. The properties that require a stronger fiber orientation transversely to the direction of wire travel are improved without essentially detrimentally affecting those properties that profit from a stronger relative motion between the fibrous suspension and the at least one wire of the sheet formation device. A fiber material web that is formed from the fibrous suspension is carried by at least one wire over a multitude of wire guiding and dewatering elements creating cross flows in the fiber suspension relative to the direction of wire travel, in order to achieve better web properties and higher transverse strength. These elements initiates hydrodynamic impulses in the fibrous suspension that are effective transversely to the direction of wire travel and that cause the aforementioned stronger fiber orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of draining a fibre pulp suspension, where the fibre pulp suspension is applied to a convergent dewatering space arranged between two wires travelling in the same direction. In the dewatering space, water and powdery substance are removed from the fibre pulp suspension through the wires. Pressure pulses are generated in the fibre pulp suspension along the length of the dewatering space with pressure pulse elements that are on opposite sides of the wires relative to the fibre pulp suspension and in contact with or at a distance from the wires. The invention also relates to an apparatus according to the method.

Abstract: Machine and process for producing a fibrous material web. The machine includes at least one shoe press having at least one drying cylinder and a shoe press unit which are arranged to form a pressing nip elongated in a web travel direction. At least one suctioned apparatus is arranged before the at least one shoe press relative to the web travel direction, and a water-permeable continuous carrying belt is arranged to guide the fibrous material web over the at least one suctioned apparatus and through the elongated pressing nip. A hood subjected to an overpressure is assigned to the suctioned apparatus and is arranged to support an underpressure effect of the at least one suctioned apparatus. The process includes guiding the fibrous material web and the carrying belt through the elongated pressing nip, and supporting an underpressure effect of the suctioned apparatus by creating an overpressure in the hood.

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 some embodiments, the apparatus is a vibrational device including at least one vibration-inducing mechanism, a vibrational head coupled to the vibration-inducing mechanism for vibrating the wire, and a dampening mechanism coupled between the vibrational head and the vibration-inducing mechanism.

Abstract: A forming board for a papermaking machine includes: a support; a transversely-extending lead blade attached to the support, the lead blade; a plurality of transversely-extending trailing blades; a mounting unit for each of the plurality of trailing blades, the mounting unit being attached to a respective trailing blade and to the support such that the upper surfaces of the lead blade and the trailing blades are substantially coplanar and such that gaps are defined between the trailing edges and leading edges of adjacent blades, the gaps being of substantially uniform width; and a drive unit attached to the mounting unit and to the support, the drive unit being configured to drive the trailing blades simultaneously to different longitudinal positions relative to the support, wherein the gap widths vary but remain substantially uniform.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for imparting a smooth surface to gypsum fiber panels. The method involves imparting energy to the surface of a slurry as the slurry is dewatered just prior to rehydration. The apparatus used to impart the energy is a water spray including a source of pressurized water such as a pump, a distribution manifold and a plurality of nozzles to direct the water spray at the surface of the slurry. In operation, the water spray is directed against the surface of the slurry. The flow disrupts the slurry to a fraction of its total depth, thus dispersing clumps or flocs of commingled crystals and fibers in the depth that would give the surface of the finished panel a rough surface if they were allowed to remain.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to a multi-ply paperboard having at least three inner plies and, in some aspects, a top liner and a back liner, wherein the multi-ply paperboard is derived from fiber sources comprising at least about 80% by weight recycled fiber. The multi-ply paperboard of the present invention exhibits strength characteristics comparable those of paperboard prepared from virgin board. In further aspects, the invention relates to methods of making the multi-ply paperboard of the present invention.

Abstract: An acoustical panel has a fiberboard which includes a fibrous filler and a base binder, and a nodulated overlay disposed on the fiberboard, wherein the overlay includes nodulated wool and an overlay binder and has a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous filler is mineral wool and the base binder is granular starch. In an another embodiment of the present invention, the nodulated wool is nodulated mineral wool and the overlay binder is cooked pearl cornstarch. A method of making the durable acoustical panel in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. Initially, an aqueous slurry comprising a fibrous filler, a base binder, and water is formed. The aqueous slurry is deposited onto a moving foraminous support wire to form an aqueous felt, thereby creating a continuous process. Thereafter, the aqueous felt is de-watered to form a wet felt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the drainage or dewatering of cellulosic pulp suspensions in a paper making machine, a drying machine or the like assembly. The invention also relates to a process for producing a dried cellulosic product from said pulp suspension. The drainage of said pulp suspension is improved by treating it with carbon dioxide just prior to its entering a dewatering device such as the wire section of a paper machine.

Abstract: Dispersed powders are disclosed that comprise fine nanoscale powders dispersed on coarser carrier powders. The composition of the dispersed fine powders may be oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, chalcogenides, metals, and alloys. Fine powders discussed are of sizes less than 100 microns, preferably less than 10 micron, more preferably less than 1 micron, and most preferably less than 100 nanometers. Methods for producing such powders in high volume, low-cost, and reproducible quality are also outlined. Such powders are useful in various applications such as catalysts, sensor, electronic, electrical, photonic, thermal, biomedical, piezo, magnetic, catalytic and electrochemical products.

Abstract: A process for increasing the tactile properties of a base web without adversely effecting the strength of the web is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing a base web between a first moving conveyor and a second moving conveyor. The conveyors are then wrapped around a shear-inducing roll which creates shear forces that act upon the base web. The shear forces disrupt the web, increasing the softness and decreasing the stiffness of the web. The shear-inducing roll typically has a relatively small diameter. In some applications, more than one shear-inducing roll may be incorporated into the system. Base webs made according to the present invention have been found to have improved void-volume and fuzz-on-edge properties.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process for dewatering a pulp web, particularly a chemical pulp web, where dewatering takes place between twin wire belts or felts in an initial dewatering zone with a set area pressure and then in a second dewatering zone. It is mainly characterized by the area pressure in the initial dewatering zone being pre-set, and in the second dewatering zone it is adjustable, with the web being dewatered in both directions (upwards and downwards). The invention also refers to a device for implementing the process.

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 variable frequency foil (VFF) box assembly and mechanisms for moving individual foils/foil beams and individual foil beam sets relative to each other to adjust the frequency of a paper making machine, and method of use are provided. The VFF box assembly allows for continuously and uniformly adjusting the pitch distances of individual foils within foil sets over a finite range, and also adjusting the distance between foil sets during the continuous operation of a paper making machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving forming of a web of paper or paper board employing prepressing during web forming. Forming wires are brought together over at least one roll or alternatively two rolls. The web then passes, sandwiched between two wires through one or more pressure nips which may be one or more roll nips or an extended nips. The pressure nip may be formed as the web travels between the two fabrics, one of them being a forming wire, along a straight path or alternatively as the web travels partially around a roll. The web is then sandwiched between a wire and a fabric, which may be a felt or a belt, and passed through another press nip which may be one or more roll nips or an extended nip.

Abstract: Device and process for applying a liquid or paste-like medium onto a traveling material web of paper or cardboard. In the application of the application medium, the material web is transferred from a first twin wire zone to a second twin wire zone. The second twin wire zone may be more finely meshed than the first twin wire zone to reduce marking and impressions in the web. The application medium may be applied and drained from one side or from both sides of the first twin wire zone or second twin wire zone. Application devices and draining (suction) devices for the application medium may oppose each other across a twin wire zone, or be arranged in alternating fashion along a twin wire zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling a breaking length ratio L/Q of a web. The process includes providing a fluid fiber layer using a headbox havng a headbox nozzle, producing a web from the fluid fiber layer, measuring a current breaking length ratio L/QCURR of the web, comparing the current breaking length ratio L/QCURR with a preset breaking length ratio L/QSET, determining a deviation between L/QCURR and L/QSET, and adjusting a microturbulence in a vicinity of said headbox nozzle to change the deviation. The apparatus includes a machine having a headbox, the headbox has at least one headbox nozzle, at least one mechanism is used for influencing a microturbulence of a stock suspension flowing out of the headbox nozzle, at least one measuring device is used for measuring a current breaking length ratio L/QCURR of the web, and a regulating device for changing the microturbulence, wherein the microturbulence is adjusted to change the L/QCURR.

Abstract: Process for setting a uniform characteristic cross-direction profile for a paper web with regard to at least formation, basis weight, and fiber orientation in a paper machine. The paper machine can include a headbox with an adjustable die exit opening and within which the consistency is sectionally adjustable. The process includes measuring and setting a desired basis weight cross-direction profile by adjusting the sectional consistency in the headbox, adjusting the formation cross-direction profile by adjusting a sectional, specific pulp slurry flow rate at the die exit opening, and one of enlarging the die exit opening at positions along a width of the paper machine in which a pulp slurry flow rate is higher than in other positions along the width of the paper machine and increasing the pulp slurry flow rate for positions along the width at which the die exit opening is larger than at other positions along the width. In this manner, a desired fiber orientation cross-direction profile is attained.

Abstract: A method and device for drainage of a fibrous suspension where a converging drainage gap is formed between a first area and a second area. At least one of the first area or the second area is water permeable. A curved drainage zone is connected to the converging drainage gap. The first area moves relative to the second area. A fibrous suspension is introduced into the converging drainage gap. The fibrous suspension is transported by one of the first area and the second area as a layer. The first area and the second area are compressed closer together thereby causing drainage from the fibrous suspension through one of the first area or the second area.

Abstract: A noncompressive dewatering device generates air streams that can be used to remove water from cellulosic webs in an energy efficient manner. Further, a wet-pressed machine can be modified to economically produce low-density tissue with an energy/capital efficiency greater than that of the throughdrying process. For instance, a cellulosic web can be non-compressively dewatered from a post forming consistency to a consistency from about 25 percent to the water retention consistency by passing air through the web with an Energy Efficiency at least 10 percent greater than that achievable using vacuum dewatering at the same speed.

Abstract: The invention concerns the wire section of a papermaking machine and a method of removing water from a fiber web in that section. A fiber suspension is discharged from a headbox on at least one and usually between two wires in the forming section. The fiber suspension is dewatered until it eventually reaches the point of immobility at which the fiber orientation is fixed. The rate of removal of water transverse to the direction of travel of the web is controlled at regions across the web. In particular, the rate of water removal is decreased at the edge regions of the wire and the web, as compared with the center region, to improve the transverse formation profile of the web.

Abstract: A composition suitable for making acoustical tiles in a water-felting process comprises expanded perlite, clay, a binder component selected from the group consisting of starch, latex, cellulosic fiber and mixtures thereof and optionally mineral wool. The use of an expanded perlite having a relatively high density, preferably between about 9 pounds per cubic foot to about 20 pounds per cubic foot, enables the formation of a suitable slurry with a relatively low amount of water and enables a more complete dewatering of the mat prior to drying.

Abstract: Provided are a both-sided recording paper for ink jet recording which has coated layers comprising a pigment and a water-base binder on both sides of a base paper made from pulp slurry comprising a filler and an internal sizing agent; with the coated layers having a per side coverage of from 0.5 to 4.0 g/m.sup.2, on a solids basis, and with the base paper having a basis weight of from 50 to 180 g/m.sup.2, a total filler content within the range of 3 to 20 weight %, and a difference in filler content between surface layers extending to 30 .mu.m below the front and rear surfaces of the base paper respectively within the range of 0 to 30% of the average value of filler contents in the surface layers: and a method of preparing the aforementioned both-sided recording paper.

Abstract: In a method for forming a sheet from a fiber-water suspension, the fiber-water suspension is supplied on a traveling bottom wire at a first zone thereof to dewater the fiber-water suspension. Subsequently, the suspension is introduced between the bottom wire at a second zone and a top wire, and dewatering is effected. The sheet is further caused to travel around a sheet-forming roll while keeping the sheet in contact therewith by the bottom wire at a third zone thereof, and reformation of the sheet is carried out. Finally, the sheet on the bottom wire is caused to travel up to a fourth zone thereof to effect a further dewatering with a fourth dewatering device disposed adjacent to the bottom wire at the fourth zone thereof, whereby a final stage of sheet formation is carried out. An apparatus for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Uncreped throughdried basesheets can be made with the caliper of the basesheet being independent of the basis weight of the basesheet. Multi-ply wipers and towels produced by plying together two or more of such basesheets having a relatively low basis weight can provide products with improved caliper and absorbency for a given strength level and the amount of fiber used.

Abstract: A novel composite board of mineral wool, perlite, and cellulosic newsprint fibers for use as an acoustical tile is disclosed. The board displays a high porosity, a fine pore structure, a low density gradient through its thickness and an acceptable strength. The board is manufactured by a process that includes a flotation step prior to the final formation step.