Paper Machine Thermocompressor Steam Systems

Paper and board machines use steam-heated dryer cylinders and multiple steam groups to dry the sheet to its final moisture target. In a thermocompressor steam system, each steam group has a thermocompressor that uses high pressure motive steam to pull flash and blow-through steam from the section condensate tank and boost it to a more useful pressure. This steam is supplied to the section steam header where makeup steam is added to control the steam pressure going to the cans. This module will cover the components and operation of a thermocompressor steam system.

•List the main objectives of a paper or board machine dryer section •Identify and describe the purpose of dryer cans, dryer felts, dryer hoods, drive sections, and steam groups in a dryer section •Explain how thermocompressor steam systems and cascade steam systems allow steam to be reused in dryer sections •Identify and describe the components of a thermocompressor •Identify and describe steam and condensate flows in a typical thermocompressor steam system •Identify and describe safety hazards and safety guidelines related to paper machine thermocompressor steam systems