A vacuum support roll is a specially designed rotating roll equipped with a perforated shell and internal vacuum chamber. During operation, air and water are drawn through the drilled holes on the roll surface into the internal vacuum system.
Among these technologies, the Vacuum Support Roll plays a significant role in supporting the paper web, improving transfer performance, and enhancing dewatering efficiency.
Installed in key sections of a paper machine, the vacuum support roll uses controlled vacuum pressure to maintain contact between the web, felt, or fabric and the roll surface. This controlled suction effect helps stabilize the sheet, remove excess water, and improve the reliability of the production process.
In modern paper manufacturing, maintaining stable web handling and efficient water removal is essential for improving production speed, reducing breaks, and achieving consistent paper quality. As paper machines continue to operate at higher speeds and wider widths, advanced roll technology has become increasingly important.
Vacuum support rolls are widely used in modern high-speed paper machines, especially where excellent sheet transfer, moisture control, and stable operation are required.
1. Improving Web Transfer Stability
One of the most important functions of a vacuum support roll is ensuring stable transfer of the paper web between different machine sections.
At high operating speeds, lightweight paper sheets can easily become unstable due to air movement, tension variation, or moisture differences. The vacuum system keeps the sheet attached to the roll surface, reducing flutter and improving transfer reliability.
2. Enhancing Dewatering Performance
The vacuum system helps remove water from the paper web or supporting felt. By improving drainage efficiency, the roll contributes to higher sheet dryness and better press section performance.
Higher dryness after pressing also reduces energy consumption in the dryer section.
3. Reducing Sheet Breaks
Unstable web movement is one of the major causes of production interruptions. A vacuum support roll improves sheet control, reduces web disturbance, and helps paper machines achieve longer continuous operation.
4. Improving Paper Quality
Stable web support contributes to better moisture uniformity, fewer wrinkles, and improved sheet formation. This results in better final paper quality and more consistent production performance.
Roll Diameter: 600–1,500 mm
Face Length: 2,000–10,500 mm
Operating Speed: Up to 2,000 m/min or higher
Shell Material: Stainless steel, carbon steel, or alloy steel
Vacuum Type: Internal chamber vacuum system
Hole Diameter: Customized according to application requirements
Open Area Ratio: Designed according to drainage and airflow requirements
Dynamic Balance: G2.5
Runout Tolerance: ≤0.02 mm