Preserving Paper Perfection with Advanced Sealing Solutions

Sealing technology has evolved into a specialized field in the pulp and paper industry, with solutions tailored for various applications. These solutions are designed to minimize unscheduled downtime, ensure plant safety and lower operating costs. Gaskets, essential components of these solutions, are often replaced during routine maintenance shutdowns to maintain efficiency.

The pulp mill, a critical component of paper production, requires consistent operation to feed the paper mill effectively. Unexpected shutdowns can disrupt the entire paper production chain. Gaskets are vital in pulp mills, sealing pipes that transport water mixed with sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide, and high- and low-pressure feeders and batch digester lines. Gylon® and Gylon Epix® are preferred materials for these applications, offered by Motion and tailored to meet customer or industry standards.

Paper mills also engage in complex chemical recovery processes to mitigate environmental impacts. These processes, including evaporating, boiling and re-causticizing, recycle chemicals for reuse in papermaking and consolidate organic residuals for energy production. Gylon and Gylon Epix materials are effective in these settings. Additionally, Garlock Stress Saver® gaskets, suitable for flat and raised flanges, simplify inventory management by offering a versatile sealing solution.

The stock preparation phase, which involves transporting papermaking stock to the paper machine, underscores the importance of reliable seals to prevent stock contamination. Along with Gylon and Gylon Epix, Garlock Multi-Swell® gasket materials are employed for their ability to swell upon contact with oil or water, ensuring a tight seal even on irregular surfaces.

At the paper machine, both the wet and dry ends require effective sealing solutions. The wet end and headbox areas particularly benefit from Multi-Swell gaskets due to their exposure to water. Following the headbox, the paper passes through heated drums for drying. This process demands gaskets capable of withstanding steam heat, such as those made from IFG-5500 material.

Motion is ready to support the paper mill industry's diverse maintenance needs with a broad range of products. For more information, consult with one of our specialists.