Abstract: A doctor blade for use in cleaning a roll in a paper machine comprises a thermosetting plastic polymer material selected from the group consisting of vinylesterurethanes and polyether amides.

Abstract: A method and arrangement in doctoring in a paper or board machine is disclosed in which the web travels through at least one press nip, in which the press nip is formed by at least a press roll and its backing roll and in which at least one roll is doctored using at least one doctor device. The press roll is doctored essentially over the width of the web.

Abstract: A blade holder for a doctor and method for using the doctor is disclosed, in which in the front part there is a throat or similar for the doctor blade of the doctor and which blade holder has loading members connected thereto to press the doctor blade against the surface to be doctored. The blade holder further includes a relatively stiff, slightly flexible frame plate, which incorporates the attachment flange. The blade holder also includes loading devices for directing the force of the loading members onto the frame plate at a distance from the attachment flange, to bend the frame plate and thus press the doctor blade against the surface to be doctored.

Abstract: A doctor for a suction roll in a paper machine is intended to remove water from a suction roll. The doctor includes a doctor slat fitted against the surface of suction roll extending essentially over the entire width of the suction roll, as well as the doctor slat holder and loading devices. In the direction of rotation of the suction roll, there is a doctor blade, with a blade holder fitted to the doctor after the doctor slat. The doctor blade is arranged to remove the water lifted off the suction roll by the doctor slat.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fibrous web that includes at least one supporting surface arranged to support a surface of the fibrous web, and at least one sealing device positionable adjacent a surface of the web opposite the surface of the web supported by the at least one supporting surface. The at least one sealing device includes a sealing element and a holder structured and arranged to hold and to enable lateral sliding movement of the at least one sealing device cross-wise to a web travel direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for profiling a fibre web (W) with a shoe roll (10). The shoe roll (10) has an opposite counter-roll (3), with a roll nip (4) between the shoe roll and the counter-roll. The shoe roll (10) has a static roll fram (5), a shoe element (2) located at the roll nip (4) and an endless belt (6) rotating about the shoe element (2) and the static roll frame (5). A lubricating cycle (71) is provided between the endless belt (6) and the shoe element (2) in the roll nip. As the fibre web (W) passes through the roll nip, its surface is profiled by loading the loading element (8). Before or after the shoe element (2), the shoe roll (10) has a profiling strip (1) extending substantially from one end to the other of the other of the shoe roll in the longitudinal axis direction of this. The profiling strip (1) can be pressurised so as to be able to perform thickness profiling of the surface of the fibre web (W).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing water from a movable roll jacket surface in a wet section of a paper-making machine, which roll jacket surface preferably belongs to a flexible roll jacket in a shoe press, said method comprising the following steps: arranging a spray device next to the roll jacket surface, making available a collecting device which is provided with an opening and collects liquid, moving said roll jacket surface past said spray device, applying a medium onto said roll jacket surface with the aid of said spray device, and collecting liquid in said liquid-collecting device. The invention is characterized in that said medium is sprayed with high kinetic energy onto said roll jacket surface to follow a fluid stream rebounding from the roll jacket surface, so that the liquid is conveyed to said liquid-collecting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for draining water from a cellulose web which is formed in a wedge-shaped space defined by two wires, the wires being supported on chamber assemblies including at one time at least one water receiving chamber, the water flowing therein through the wire as a result of a pressure difference. Each water receiving chamber has connected thereto at least one substantially vertical pipe having a vertical drop between its top and bottom end sufficient for developing a gravitational suction leg in the water flowing pipe, and the pipe terminating in a water receiver.

Abstract: The [invention relates to a method and equipment for cleaning rolls of a paper machine or board machine. In the method, the ]surface of a web is monitored by a fault detection system (20), a machine condition monitoring system, a quality measurement system, a web moisture measurement and/or a web temperature measurement and the soiled part of the surface of the roll is detected and localized by means of a soiling monitoring apparatus (31, 35; 60). [Information on the detection and location of soiling is delivered from the soiling monitoring apparatus (31, 35; 60) to a]A control system (41) [of the cleaning device, which ]controls [the]a cleaning device (40) to remove the detected soiling. [The equipment for cleaning rolls comprises of a soiling monitoring apparatus (31, 35; 60), a cleaning device (40) and a control system (41) for controlling the cleaning device (40).

Abstract: Application device for impinging on an element of a machine, including a plurality of nozzle units arranged at a respective distance from one another, the nozzle units being conveyed in a closed rotating path in a first direction extending generally transversely to a machine travel direction.

Abstract: A method for storing and handling a roll of a paper machine, board machine, or finishing machine includes using a special base arranged for the roll on which the roll is moveable from its operating location to a roll store and/or to a transport, or for storing the roll in the store. The base is made into a roll box inside of which suitable heat and humidity conditions are arranged for the roll. The conditions are maintained when using such a base or area as the roll store.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for conditioning of a roll, in particular of a roll (10) in a paper machine or in a paper finishing device. In the method the face/coating on the roll of the paper machine is cleaned and/or ground. In the method, the cleanliness and/or condition of the roll (10) is/are measured continuously during operation and, based on the measurement results, the roll face/coating is cleaned and/or ground so that the roll (10) remains constantly in good condition and the level of quality of the paper remains at the desired level. The invention also concerns a device for conditioning of a roll, in particular of a roll in a paper machine and/or in a paper finishing device, which device (20) comprises means for cleaning and/or grinding the roll. The device (20) consist of an assembly (20) of devices which comprises a cleaning/conditioning unit (24, 23, 29), a control unit (33), and measurement units (30, 31, 32), and the device operates continuously and can be operated during running.

Abstract: A web of tissue is formed in a twin wire former, followed by an air press for water removal in the pressing section, passing onto a Yankee dryer. A headbox injects stock between upper and lower dryer fabrics brought together on a breast roll. The fabrics move over vacuum boxes, and the web is heated with steam and passed between an upper pressure box and a lower vacuum box forming an air press which dewaters the web. A sheet transfer pickup vacuum box holds the sheet to the upper fabric as the lower fabric diverges from the upper fabric. A pressure roller transfers the web onto a Yankee dryer. The fabrics are cleaned on vertical runs before returning to the breast roll.

Abstract: A paper-making machine includes a traveling substrate and a roll carrying the substrate. The roll includes a carbon fiber shell, a ceramic layer over the shell, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer over the ceramic layer. The polytetrafluoroethylene layer defines an outer surface of the roll. The ceramic layer intermittently extends through the polytetrafluoroethylene layer to the outer surface of the roll.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture or treatment of a material web, in particular of a paper or a cardboard web, while using a respective machine, in particular a paper machine, including the step of measuring the hardness and/or the compactness of at least one clothing, in particular of at least one felt, fabric, belt and/or the like, of the machine.

Abstract: A method for treating a moving surface, such as a rotating roller (11) or a moving belt (42), according to which method surface treatment elements (12), such as metallic brushes (12), are pressed against the surface to clean and smooth it. The brushes are cleaned at the edge of the surface. The brushes are connected to an endless chain (16) on which the brushes are moved in a transverse direction by a moving means (17). The apparatus may be mounted in conjunction with a roller or belt or connected to it via a doctor frame (31) or some other supporting structure (47).

Abstract: A system for maintaining calender rolls of a paper machine clean when producing high-gloss paper or coated paper, such as LWC or MWC. To prevent a coating agent, such as coating dye, from adhering onto and soiling a smooth surface of a calender roll, with an overheating phenomenon, the system has a second measurement station (10) provided with measuring and indicator means for producing an output indicating soiledness of the web (W) or a humidity profile. When the output of the second measurement station (10) indicates excessive soiledness or an uneven humidity profile, the system performs at least one of: cleaning the surface of the smooth-surfaced calender roll; changing the nip load in the calender (5); making a correction adjustment of the CD-directional humidity profile of the web (W); cutting the web (W) and conducting it into the pulper; and/or changing the running speed of the web (W).

Abstract: A paper or board web is manufactured in an on-line manufacturing process, in which the web is passed from a paper or board machine (15) directly to a finishing device/finishing devices (60, 50, 10). The state of the finishing device/finishing devices (60, 50, 10) is monitored and, during a shutdown of a finishing device (60; 50; 10), said finishing device is bypassed, the web coming from the paper or board machine (15) is wound into machine reels and/or treated by means of some finishing device/finishing devices and wound into machine reels. A paper or board machine forms an on-line manufacturing process together with a finishing device/finishing devices.

Abstract: A shoe press head indexing system wherein axial tension is applied to a blanket in a shoe press of a papermaking machine by means of respective fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies which are mounted inside the blanket and apply axial pressure to the first and second heads between which the blanket is mounted. Neither head is fixed or limited in position at any time. The respective fluid assemblies include respective displacement sensors whereby the positions of the heads, and thereby of the blanket, relative to the press can be determined and monitored. Automatic adjustments can then be made to the pressure in the assemblies and hence to the positions of the heads to maintain the blanket in substantially central position on the press.

Abstract: A reversible foil blade for a papermaking machine providing for a plurality of activity zones wherein the drainage and sheet activity characteristics of the blade can be independently and separately predetermined, established, and controlled. The shape of the foil blade is designed to provide both leading and trailing edges that each form an angle less than 90° with the horizontal, the paper sheet and conveying forming fabric, thereby providing different drainage and sheet activity characteristics when the blade is reversed and installed in a reverse orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an extended nip between a heated mating roll and a shoe roll for treating a product web, especially a paper web, the shoe roll having a stationary support and a flexible belt which can rotate about the support and, in the area of the extended nip, is supported on a shoe which is guided on the support, forms a press section and has an effective shoe width, and the belt having end sections which are fixed to end walls that are rotatably mounted on the support, in each case at the ends and axially adjacent to but at a distance from a mating face located opposite the effective shoe width of the shoe, the mating roll having a radially protruding support ring, which forms an opposing bearing for the direct support of an outer belt section on the mating roll and consists of a thermally insulating material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing a moisture barrier separating a paper machine dryer drum from the dryer journal. Such processes of this type, generally, involve filling the cavity between the dryer drum steam intake pipe and the dryer journal with a flowable moisture barrier material. The flowable moisture barrier seals leaks in the dryer journal moisture barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the behavior of particulate matter such as mist and dust occurring in the manufacture of paper and board. A web (1) is passed to web treatment equipment (22, 23) wherein at least one treatment step is applied to the web (1) causing the emission of said particulate matter (24). In the vicinity of the emission point (21) of said particulate matter are placed at least two electrodes (25, 26) and at least one electrode, called a counter-electrode (26), is at a low potential. Further, at least one electrode (25) is at a potential higher than that of said counter-electrode (26), and the potential difference between said electrodes (25, 26) is made so high as to generate a corona discharge between said electrodes that causes an ion-blast wind toward the electrode (26) of the lower potential, said ion-blast wind being capable of transferring particular matter, which enters the gap between said electrodes, toward said electrode of lower potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a doctor apparatus (10) in connection with a roll (T) in a paper or board machine. The doctor apparatus (10) comprises a doctor beam (12) of lightweight construction and that the doctor beam (12) is arranged to pivot on bearing means (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) (pivot movement arrow L1). In connection with the doctor beam there are loading members (14a1, 14a2), a relative linear movement taking place between the loading members (14a1, 14a2) and backup surfaces (12′, 15a′) when the doctor beam (12) is being oscillated.

Abstract: An apparatus for doctoring a moving surface includes a blade holder component extending longitudinally across the moving surface and carrying a doctor blade. A support component is parallel to and supports the blade holder component. A first operating mechanism rotatably urges the doctor blade in a doctoring direction into contact with the moving surface, resulting in the doctor blade being acted upon by a reactionary thrust force in the plane of the doctor blade and a reactionary rotational force in a direction opposite to the doctoring direction. A pair of mutually opposed parallel guide rails are provided on one of the components, and rotatable rollers are spaced along the length of the other of the component.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for removing oil from a roll, in which, inside a rotatable shell, there is a fixed axle beam, which supports loading shoes directed against the inner surface of the shell. An oil guide attached to the loading shoes creates an inwardly-directed jet of oil, next to and at a short distance from which a collector trough is located. The oil guide and an auxiliary guide attached to the collector trough guide and cancel the oil jet against the collector trough. The oil is removed to an outlet pipe through a low gap in the bottom of the collector trough.

Abstract: An arrangement of high-pressure water devices in a paper machine including two or more consecutive sub-totalities for making paper is disclosed and includes pump devices for producing high-pressure water, high-pressure water operating devices located in a sub-totality, arranged in various consumption points, and connections to lead high-pressure water from the pump devices to the operating devices. The pump devices include at least one pump unit, from which connections are arranged to various consumption points, which belong to two or more consecutive sub-totalities. A method for arranging a high-pressure water device in a paper machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a semipermeable membrane, the semipermeable membrane being configured for carrying a fiber web, includes the steps of providing a cleaning fluid and applying the cleaning fluid on the semipermeable membrane. Further, an air press configured for carrying the semipermeable membrane therethrough is provided, and the air press has pressurized air therein. The semipermeable membrane is conveyed through the air press and is subjected to the pressurized air within the air press. The pressurized air thereby flushes the cleaning fluid through the semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A device for attaching a strip cover on a dewatering box in a paper machine; including at least one connecting element extending transverse to the machine direction, to attach the strip cover to the dewatering box across the entire machine width. Fasteners secure the connecting element on the dewatering box in such a manner that it is adjustable, generally transverse to the machine direction, between a clamping position in which it presses the strip cover tightly against the dewatering box, and a release position in which the strip cover is released. At least one adjusting element is utilized for the adjustment of the connecting element, which is accessible from the operator or drive side of the paper machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fibrous web that includes at least one supporting surface arranged to support a surface of the fibrous web, and at least one sealing device positionable adjacent a surface of the web opposite the surface of the web supported by the at least one supporting surface. The at least one sealing device includes a sealing element and a holder structured and arranged to hold and to enable lateral sliding movement of the at least one sealing device cross-wise to a web travel direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fibrous web that includes at least one supporting surface arranged to support a surface of the fibrous web, and at least one sealing device positionable adjacent a surface of the web opposite the surface of the web supported by the at least one supporting surface. The at least one sealing device includes a positionably adjustable sealing element. A distance between the positionably adjustable sealing element and the surface of the web opposite the surface supported by the at least one supporting surface is adjustable.

Abstract: A beam with a continuous body (11) of a composite material has end pieces (13) fitted at each end of the body (11) and axle journals (12) fitted on the end pieces (13). Each axle journal (12) is supported on the frame constructions of the machine by means of a support construction (15, 20, 21, 30, 31, 100), in which there are bearing members (21, 31) fitted at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the axle journal (12). The bearing members (21, 31) are fitted in bearing housings (20, 30), and a bending mechanism (40, 50, 60) is fitted in the support construction (15, 20, 30, 100), by which a torque is applied that bends the body (11) of the beam. The beam may support doctor blades, various measurement devices, induction devices, and coating devices.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the tack of a material, namely a polymer used as an adhesive, also known as stickies, or pitch. The present invention reduces the tack of the stickies and pitch by exposing the materials for a short duration to low-energy pulsed electrical discharges between a pair of electrodes that are submerged in a liquid medium, such as a fiber stream, water, a pulp slurry, or whitewater.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for changing the natural frequency of a nip roll construction in a paper or board machine so that the rigidity of one or several loading elements, for example loading cylinder or loading beam, in the nip roll construction is varied. The loading cylinder with adjustable rigidity in accordance with the invention comprises a cylinder (11), into which two pistons (12, 13) have been fitted. The pistons (12, 13) have been attached each of them to a piston rod (14, 15) of its own, which piston rods have been passed through the end walls (11a, 11b) of the cylinder (11). Thus, in the cylinder (11), between the pistons (12, 13), a work pressure space (16) is formed, and at the opposite sides of the pistons (12, 13) counter-pressure spaces (18, 20) are formed.

Abstract: Felt changing device and procedure for changing an endless felt, in which procedure an endless felt is placed around rollers. In the procedure, an elongated lifting beam (4) with the endless felt (5) placed around it is attached to the first end (3) of a first roller (1). The fixtures holding the first end of the first roller secured are released and the first end of the roller, supported by the lifting beam, is raised. The felt around the lifting beam is passed under the first roller and around the first roller and the other rollers (2) and the first roller is lowered and secured.

Abstract: Press section of a machine and process for producing webs. The press section includes a shoe press including a shoe press unit and a counter roll. The shoe press unit includes at least two press shoes and an elastic liquid-impermeable press belt guided over the at least two press shoes, and the at least two press shoes have different lengths measured in a web travel direction and each of the two press shoes is arranged for movement (i.e. alternatively positionable) between an idle position and a press position facing the counter roll.

Abstract: A method for controlling particulate matter occurring in the manufacture of paper and board. A web (1) is passed to web treatment equipment (22, 23) wherein at least one treatment step is applied to the web (1) causing the emission of particulate matter (24). In the vicinity of the emission point (21) of the particulate matter are placed at least two electrodes (25, 26) and at least one electrode, called a counter-electrode (26), is at a low potential. At least one electrode (25) is at a potential higher than that of the counter-electrode (26), and the potential difference between the electrodes (25, 26) is made to generate a corona discharge between the electrodes that causes an ion-blast wind toward the electrode (26) of the lower potential, the ion-blast wind transferring particulate matter, which enters the gap between the electrodes, toward the electrode of lower potential.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring the state of a felt serving for the dewatering of a fiber web, in particular of a paper web or of a cardboard web, the felt topography is measured and/or an image of the felt surface having definition in depth is produced by mean of an optical measuring device and the result of the measurement obtained is compared with previously stored error patterns by means of an evaluation and/or control unit. Corresponding felt conditioning measures are then initiated, preferably automatically, in dependence on the result of the comparison. A corresponding felt monitoring device is also described. In a further method of monitoring the state of a felt or screen serving the dewatering of a fiber web, in particular of a paper web or a cardboard web, specific felt and/or screen properties are determined permanently or cyclically at intervals and are filed under a pre-settable felt and/or screen name in a historical database.

Abstract: A washer for washing a fiber suspension includes a porous surface traveling in a running direction and having a width in a direction transverse to the running direction. The porous surface is configured for carrying the fiber suspension thereon. A shower includes a pipe extending parallel to the width of the porous surface. The pipe has a sidewall with a longitudinally extending slot therein. The shower further includes a pair of lips connected to the pipe. The lips are positioned immediately adjacent to and on opposite sides of the slot, thereby defining a slot nozzle with a discharge gap. The lips are movable toward and away from each other to adjust the size of the discharge gap.

Abstract: A method to remove scale build-up in a vessel having at least one screen is described and involves placing a cover inside the vessel such that it is located beneath at least one screen to separate the screen from the rest of the vessel. The cover in the vessel forms an upper portion and a lower portion in the vessel. Preferably, the cover is in close proximity to the screen which is located in the upper portion of the vessel. The method then further includes introducing a chemical formulation into the upper portion of the vessel in a sufficient amount to remove at least a portion of the scale build-up on the screen. A system to remove scale build-up is also described and includes a vessel having at least one screen. The system further includes a cover located inside the vessel and beneath at least one screen to separate the screen from the rest of the vessel and to form an upper portion and a lower portion in the vessel. Normally the cover is in close proximity to the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for loading a deflection compensated roll (1) or other elongated member in a paper/board or finishing machine and for providing an articulation bearing assembly, the roll or elongated member being provided with a stationary support shaft (3) extending axially of the roll or the elongated member or with stub shafts present at the ends thereof, the support shaft ends or the stub shafts protruding from the roll or the elongated member and being mounted on a bearing block (9). The arrangement of the invention comprises at least one hydrostatic main loading element (4), which is mounted on the bearing block (9) and works on the support shaft (3) or the stub shafts of the roll (1) or other elongated member and which constitutes a loading element and, at the same time, an articulation bearing assembly for the roll or other elongated member.

Abstract: A system and process for removing unwanted fibers from a forming fabric during a wet papermaking process is disclosed. The system includes a scarfing shower configured to emit a cleaning fluid that contacts the forming fabric. In particular, the cleaning fluid tangentially contacts the forming fabric while the forming fabric is being guided around a turning roll. Preferably, the cleaning fluid is emitted in a direction that is opposite to the direction at which the forming fabric is moving.

Abstract: In a paper machine which comprises process elements and a measuring beam, the measuring beam is arranged at least at one paper machine process element so that a measuring device for measuring quality properties of a paper web is arrangeable in the measuring beam. The paper machine process element is e.g. a blow box, which is arrangeable in a dryer unit of the paper machine between drying cylinders to blow air via at least one blow air channel provided in the blow box to guide the moving paper web and/or to assist drying.

Abstract: A device is provided for dewatering a fabric in which the fabric is used in a papermaking process that exposes it to water before it is directed to the fabric dewatering device. The fabric dewatering device includes leading and trailing guide rolls about which the fabric is partially wrapped to form a loop portion. The loop portion is suspended between the leading and trailing guide rolls and includes a trough portion with a relatively small diameter that is positioned below the axes of the guide rolls. Running the fabric through the trough portion at high speeds exposes the water trapped therein to high centrifugal forces. The centrifugal forces expel the water from the fabric. The geometry and positioning of the trough portion is maintained either through a difference in fabric speed maintained by the leading and trailing nips or by the use of a rider roll positioned within the loop.

Abstract: A device for heating a roll in a paper or paperboard machine or in a finishing machine for paper or paperboard the device including a profiling induction heater (5) which is arranged to heat the roll (3) with a power dependent on the location of the point to be heated in the axial direction of the roll, and a non-profiling induction heater (4) which, to provide basic heating, is arranged to heat the same roll (3) with a heating power which is substantially even over the width of the roll (3). The profiling induction heater (5) and the non-profiling induction heater (4) are placed in the same support structure (1) outside the roll (3). The roll (3) is a calender roll.

Abstract: A vibration-minimizing suspension mechanism for a press roll is provided. The press roll and an opposing roll each having a rotational axis and cooperate to form a press nip adapted to impart a linear load on a fiber web passing therethrough. The linear load is oriented through the rotational axes of the press roll and the opposing roll. As such, the suspension mechanism comprises a suspension arm having opposed ends and a medially-disposed pivot, wherein the press roll is rotatably engaged at the rotational axis thereof with one of the opposed ends of the suspension arm. The suspension arm is further pivotably and adjustably mounted at the pivot so as to allow the pivot to be adjusted in substantially parallel relation to the linear load.

Abstract: Seal strip for a hollow circular cylindrical screening device, which screening device is intended to be used in a paper or cardboard machine for the production of paper or cardboard, the seal strip having an indicator for indicating wear of the seal strip. The indicator is arranged to continuously give a measure of a remaining wear allowance and preferably also a wear rate, of the seal strip.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for handling a web including a pair of juxtaposed press rolls providing a nip therebetween, a coarse shredder trough disposed above the nip to receive the web from the nip, and a doctor arrangement for transferring the web from the outer surfaces of the press roll including a doctor support extending longitudinally of the pair of press rolls and a plurality of doctor blades attached to the doctor supports and extending in abutment with the outer surfaces of the press rolls, the doctor arrangement being supported by the coarse shredder trough whereby the doctor blades form a rigid structure for the plurality of doctor blades.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for drying a wet web of paper comprising a drying section for increasing the dry solids content of a wet web of paper, a cleaning section disposed at least not above the drying section, and a continuous drying fabric forming a loop at least about the drying section and the cleaning section. The fabric receives the web along an upper portion of the loop before the drying section, wherein the web is supported on an upper surface of the fabric. The fabric then transports the web through the drying section in a non-inverting web run to increase the dry solids content of the web before the web is separated from the fabric. Once web is separated from the fabric, the fabric travels through the cleaning section to be cleaned before returning to receive more of the wet paper web thereon.

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.