Method and apparatus for changing a pick-up fabric and/or press fabric

Abstract

A method is employed in a press section of a paper machine for changing a pick-up and/or press fabric, the substantial run of which when the fabric is in its normal operating position, passes above a group of nip defining press rollers. Insert members of the machine frame are removed to define gaps therewithin and the press nip or nips through which the fabric passes are open. In the method, upper guide rollers situated within and guiding the loop of the fabric are shifted from an upper operating position occupied thereby when the fabric is in its normal operating position to a lower position and the fabric to be changed is transported with the same being wound in double manner on a changing pole. The fabric is opened and spread out to define a loop which encircles all of the press and guide rollers which will be situated within the fabric loop when the fabric is in its normal operating position. The loop so formed and transported is passed into the machine frame through the gaps defined therein by the removal of the insert members therefrom and into the open press nips. The fabric situated within the machine frame is spread out from the changing pole while the upper guide rollers are shifted from the lower position back to their upper operating position, whereupon the insert members are replaced in the machine frame and the opened press nips are closed.