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Kadant delivers a superior level of control with curl and moisture control systems. These patented products include the Steam Foil® and NW Decurler System® and they deliver maximum benefits while directly impacting bottom line profitability.
Applications include:
- Coating
- Laminating
- Printing
- Sheeting
Moisture and Curl Control Solutions
The Profiling group within Kadant Web Systems, Inc. is entirely focused on steam application solutions. Remoisturization and curl control is their only business.
The feature that enables both the Steam-Foil® and the Narrow Web DeCurler® to provide moisture and curl control superior to any other device available today is its patented Coanda® nozzle. The Coanda nozzle, derived from our floatation dryer experience, has been utilized by the paper, converting, and printing industries for more than 25 years. It was the combination of this nozzle with our steam shower technology that provided these breakthrough products.
In both the Steam-Foil® and the Narrow Web DeCurler® the Coanda® nozzle is designed to release steam over a curved surface, which is parallel and counter to the web flow. The design provides a high relative velocity between the sheet and the steam over the entire length of the shower. The steam velocity and long dwell time result in the high heat transfer rates.
Through design innovation and the use of the Coanda effect, we have overcome the problems typically associated with steam showers. The primary problem is air in the condensing space between the shower and the web, which drastically reduces heat transfer and increases the probability of dripping. The faster the speed of the paper web, the more entrained air will follow the sheet. Hence, larger and faster machines would be expected to feel the effects of entrained air more than smaller machines. Our design eliminates these effects.
Counterflow steam application creates an incoming edge pressure wall that impedes entrained air. A profileable vacuum chamber is incorporated to remove any excess steam escaping from the leading edge. A preheated steam jacket insures that no dripping will occur-Guaranteed. Further, the heated surfaces provide an "instant-on" capability, which allows immediate usage on start-up and after web-breaks. Some of the applications where we currently provide our customers with solutions are:
- Silicone release liners
- Metallized paper
- Specialty coated sheets
- Beverage labels
- Pressure sensitive labels
Obviously, for a device to be as effective as the Steam-Foil®, there has to be a complete understanding of its impact on the process. With more than 300 installations, Kadant Web Systems' has the experience to insure a successful installation and start-up. References in virtually every application are available and our sales and project engineers have the knowledge to not only design a system, but also provide a solution.