Paper & Pulp

In the Paper & Pulp industry, brakes perform a delicate and demanding dual role: they are both high-precision process control instruments and rugged safety devices that must survive a uniquely harsh environment.

The two primary, and very different, applications are:

1. Web Tension Control: This is the most critical process-related function. On the unwind and rewind stands of paper machines and converting lines, brakes are used to apply a continuous, precisely controlled amount of drag. This creates the “web tension” necessary to keep the fast-moving sheet of paper perfectly taut.
   • Brake Type: The preferred solution here is the “Normally Open” (power-applied) pneumatic brake. By precisely modulating the air pressure supplied to the brake calipers, operators can achieve a proportional and highly responsive braking torque.
   • Why it’s Critical: If tension is too high, the paper web will snap, leading to costly downtime. If tension is too low, the web will wrinkle or drift, resulting in a low-quality, unusable roll. The brake, in this role, is not for stopping; it’s a dynamic tensioning tool that must provide flawlessly smooth and consistent torque for hours on end while dissipating significant heat.
2. General Machinery and Safety Holding: Like any heavy industrial facility, paper mills use countless conveyors, pumps, mixers, and overhead cranes. The brakes on this equipment must function reliably in a very difficult environment.
   • Environmental Challenges: The atmosphere is often laden with fine, abrasive paper dust and is frequently hot and humid. Furthermore, equipment is subjected to frequent high-pressure washdowns, often with caustic cleaning agents, to remove pulp and dust buildup.
   • Brake Type: For these applications, fail-safe, spring-applied brakes are mandatory. However, they must be specified with high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings (e.g., IP56 or IP66) and corrosion-resistant features. This involves robust sealing to prevent the ingress of dust and water, which would quickly contaminate the friction surfaces and cause the brake to fail.

In summary, the Paper & Pulp industry demands brakes that can deliver the finesse of a precision instrument for tension control, while also possessing the brute strength and environmental resilience of a heavy-duty industrial safety device.