Advanced modelling for understanding and replicating edge-curl in paper machine clothing

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Albany International is the foremost global supplier of paper machine clothing (PMC). PMC fabrics and belts play a central role in the formation and transport of the paper sheet in papermaking, transforming water-based cellulose slurry into paper (Perth ON, 160 employees). PMC fabrics and belts are technologically sophisticated consumables made of polymer monofilaments woven into multilayer fabrics of varied constructions. PMC manufacturing is well-documented and controlled extensively. Belt performance upon papermaking is followed closely through regular field service visits. The practical issue targeted in this project is edge curl whereby the edges of the PMC belt curve, typically upwards, as a function of mechanical and thermal loading and time lapsed. Edge curl is a serious issue in papermaking. Albany's final goal is to remove edge curl by quantifying what controls it. The project aims at providing long-term value by replicating measured edge curl in numerical simulations and in so doing, quantifying the effect of material and process parameters and of the thermo-mechanical history of the PMC prior to papermaking. Albany has excellent production and experimental capabilities and aims at developing a predictive modelling activity for PMC in Canada; this proposal is a first step towards that aim.