A grooved press roll is a press roll with a cover surface machined with circumferential or specially designed grooves. These grooves are intended to collect and direct the water squeezed from the wet paper web during the nip process, helping to move water away from the contact zone more effectively.
Grooved press rolls are commonly used in the press section of paper machines, board machines, and specialty paper lines. They may operate in combination with plain rolls, suction rolls, blind-drilled rolls, or shoe press systems depending on the machine configuration and paper grade.
In the papermaking process, the press section is one of the most critical stages for removing water from the paper web before it enters the dryer section. The more efficiently water is removed in the press section, the less energy is required for drying, and the more stable the overall machine operation becomes. Among the roll types used to achieve this, the Grooved Press Roll is one of the most effective and widely used solutions.
A grooved press roll is designed with a surface pattern of precisely machined grooves that help evacuate water from the press nip during sheet pressing. By providing a controlled path for water flow, the roll reduces rewetting, improves sheet dryness, and supports better press section performance. For paper mills aiming to increase efficiency, lower energy consumption, and improve product quality, the grooved press roll remains a reliable and proven choice.
1. Efficient Water Evacuation
The main function of the grooved press roll is to create channels for water to escape from the nip during pressing. This improves dewatering performance and reduces the amount of water retained in the sheet.
2. Reducing Rewetting
Without proper water evacuation, some of the expressed water may flow back into the paper web. The groove pattern helps carry water away quickly, minimizing rewetting and improving outgoing dryness.
3. Improving Press Stability
A well-designed grooved roll helps maintain stable nip conditions and consistent water handling across the machine width. This contributes to more reliable press section performance and fewer sheet breaks.
4. Supporting Felt Conditioning
In some press configurations, the groove structure also helps improve water handling in the felt and supports more effective felt conditioning, contributing to better long-term press performance.
Diameter: 700–1500 mm
Face Length: 2000–10500 mm
Cover Material: rubber, polyurethane, engineered composite, or elastomer
Groove Type: circumferential, spiral, or customized pattern
Groove Width / Depth: designed according to water removal and sheet support requirements
Operating Speed: up to 2,000 m/min or higher
Dynamic Balance: ISO 21940 G2.5 or better
Runout Tolerance: typically ≤0.02 mm