Antti Komulainen

Title: Antti Komulainen: Innovating the Paper and Board Industry

Introduction:

Antti Komulainen, hailing from Keuruu, Finland, is an esteemed inventor and engineer with a remarkable portfolio of 20 patents. His contributions have significantly influenced the paper and board industry, particularly in the field of dryer sections in fiber-web machines. Komulainen's expertise and forward-thinking approach have brought about notable advancements in the efficiency and performance of paper and board manufacturing processes.

Latest Patents:

Among Antti Komulainen's recent patents, two stand out as groundbreaking solutions to improve the drying processes in paper or board machines.

1. Patent: "Paper or board machine employing a single-wire draw dryer section"

This patent introduces an innovative method in which a drying wire presses the web against heated cylinder surfaces in a drying group with single-wire draw. By enabling the web to remain on the side of the outside curve of reversing cylinders, the runnability of the web is enhanced. This is achieved through the application of a runnability component, which creates a negative pressure effect and is confined in a pocket space formed by adjacent drying cylinders and a reversing cylinder. This technique realizes a short transfer of the web of 80-400 mm, providing improved stability and efficiency throughout the drying process.

2. Patent: "Method and device in a dryer section of a fibre-web machine, such as a paper or board machine"

This patent presents a novel approach in controlling cross-direction shrinkage of the web in a fiber-web machine's dryer section. By using a single-wire draw drying group, the drying wire and the web are attached by a negative pressure component placed in a pocket space. This arrangement allows for better control over the shrinkage of the web, while maintaining appropriate wire tension. The pocket space is sealed, ensuring consistent negative pressure levels.

Career Highlights:

Antti Komulainen has garnered valuable experience and expertise through his tenure at prominent industry players. He has worked at Metso Paper Inc. and Valmet Corporation, which are renowned global leaders in manufacturing paper and board machinery. His contributions in the development of innovative technologies have helped these companies stay at the forefront of the industry.

Collaborations:

During his career, Antti Komulainen has had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals who share his passion for innovation. Notable colleagues include Kari Juppi and Matti Kurki, who have contributed to the advancement and implementation of groundbreaking solutions alongside Komulainen.

Conclusion:

Antti Komulainen's expertise in the field of paper and board machine technologies has led to significant innovations and patents in the drying processes of fiber-web machines. His contributions have enhanced runnability, improved efficiency, and offered better control over cross-direction shrinkage of the web. Komulainen's collaborations with industry leaders and colleagues like Kari Juppi and Matti Kurki have further amplified the impact of his inventive solutions. With a stellar track record, Antti Komulainen continues to shape the future of the paper and board industry with his remarkable contributions.