Paper Machine Cascade Steam Systems
Paper and board machines use steam-heated dryer cylinders to dry the sheet to its final moisture target. In a cascade steam system, fresh steam is typically introduced to the main steam group and then it is cascaded upstream to the intermediate and wet end steam groups. This arrangement automatically stair steps steam pressures (and steam temperatures) upwards as the sheet travels through the dryer section and moisture becomes harder to remove. This module describes the steam and condensate flows and controls for cascade steam systems. It also discusses their advantages, limitations, and safety hazards and guidelines.





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Course Details
Learning Objectives
• List the main objectives of a paper or board machine dryer section • Identify and describe the purpose of dryer cans, dryer felts, dryer hoods, drive sections, and steam groups in a dryer section • Explain how thermocompressor systems and cascade steam systems allow steam to be reused in dryer sections • Describe the differential pressure controls that are used within and between steam groups in a cascade steam system • Identify and describe blow-through steam flows in a typical cascade steam system • Identify and describe safety hazards and safety guidelines related to paper machine cascade steam systems
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “cascade steam system”?
Is a cascade steam system the only system that re-uses the flash and blow-through steam from the steam groups?
Why do cascade steam systems sometimes use condensers and vacuum pumps?
How do cascade steam systems make control of the moisture at the reel more difficult?
How do cascade steam systems automatically account for the decrease in drying rate that occurs as the sheet dries on a paper or board machine?
Sample Video Transcript
In a cascade steam system, fresh high-pressure steam is the soul source to the steam header for the main steam group, often the biggest and last steam group. The flash and blow through steam from the main group’s condensate tank is directed to the steam header for the proceeding group, where some fresh make-up steam can be added to boost the steam header pressure. The flash and blow through steam from the intermediate group’s condensate tank is directed to the steam header for the proceeding group and so on. Fresh steam can be added to each upstream section steam header to boost its pressure.