What is Lazy Steam?
Lazy Steam is non-turbulent, noiseless, pure transparent steam delivered from the drilled holes of a header into stainless steel wool packed over the holes (see photo below). Lazy Steam is effective because non-condensable air is kept out.
Why Lazy Steam?
Heating the sheet lowers the viscosity of the water inside, making it easier to mechanically remove. It is much more economical to mechanically remove water early in the paper making process rather than evaporating it. Unlike other steam shower designs, Lazy Steam discharges from the nozzle with no turbulence and at a low velocity, so it will never disrupt the sheet surface no matter what operating pressure.
Where to use Lazy Steam?
Lazy Steam can be applied virtually anywhere on the paper machine that vacuum is used to pull cool air into the sheet. Lazy Steamers are compact so can be safely mounted in tight locations that other designs cannot. Please refer to the Technical Articles for specific information.
Best application locations are:
Over Fourdrinier suction boxes
Suction couch (with or without lumpbreaker)
Straight-through suction press nip
Center suction roll of Bi-Nip or Tri-Nip ("tunnel")
Ulhe Boxes for fabric cleaning and conditioning
Illustration of transparent, pure, "lazy steam" filling straight-through double-felted suction press nips on two Pulp machines.
Diagram and photo of Lazysteam injector in a suction couch.