Press apparatus

Abstract

A press apparatus is disclosed for removing water from a web that has been supported on an upstream forming wire. The press apparatus includes a first roll which cooperates with the forming wire for transferring the web from the forming wire to the first roll, the first roll being a suction roll. A second roll is disposed downstream relative to the first roll, the second roll cooperating with the first roll for defining therebetween a first nip for the removal of a first portion of the water from the web during passage of the web through the first nip. The second roll is a suction roll. A third roll is disposed downstream relative to the second roll, the third roll cooperating with the second roll for defining therebetween a second nip for the removal of a second portion of the water from the web during passage of the web through the second nip. The third roll is a plain roll. A looped first press felt extends around the first roll and through the first nip such that the first press felt supports the web from the forming wire to the first nip, the first press felt being disposed between the web and the first roll from the forming wire to the first nip. Also, a looped second press felt extends around the second roll and through the first nip such that the second press felt supports the web from the first nip to the second nip, the second press felt being disposed between the web and the second roll from the first nip to the second nip.