Method of forming a paper web

Abstract

A method is disclosed for forming a paper web having a low tensile ratio. The method includes the steps of ejecting stock substantially horizontally from a headbox, and receiving the rejected stock onto a substantially horizontally disposed looped first wire, moving at substantially the same speed and the same direction as the ejected stock. The arrangement is such that a first portion of water is removed from the ejected stock downwardly through the first wire during passage of the ejected stock through an initial dewatering zone. The partially dewatered stock is sandwiched between the first wire and a looped second wire, the wires defining therebetween a secondary dewatering zone for further dewatering the ejected stock. A second and third portion of water are removed downwardly and upwardly, respectively, through the first and second wires during movement of the ejected stock past a curved shoe. The curvature of the secondary dewatering zone is reversed such that the wires extend around a curved inverted box connected to a source of partial vacuum, so that a fourth portion of water is removed upwardly through the second wire into the curved box. The arrangement is such that a gradual dewatering of the ejected stock is accomplished during passage of the stock through the initial and secondary dewatering zones, thereby inhibiting removal of fines from the ejected stock and minimizing the tensile ratio of the resultant web.