Simulation of press dewatering

Dewatering of pulp in a paper machine is a well established process. Nevertheless, it is far from being fully understood. One of the major steps in this process is the mechanical dewatering within the press section. It is achieved by applying large mechanical loads on the wet paper web while at the same time providing an escape route for the excess water. The quality of this process is influenced by many parameters. Besides the press nip parameters like pressure, roll diameters and press type (roll or shoe press), also other factors contribute to the mechanical dewatering performance. Among these factors the press felts, that transport the paper web through the press nip, are a major influence. Besides dewatering pulp, press felts govern also the papers smoothness and printability.