Up to 20% energy savings
The evolution of the Shoe Press for tissue
t-FLOATING NIP is the evolution of the shoe press for tissue. Its patented fluid-loading technology replaces rigid mechanical components: the shoe adapts naturally to the Yankee dryer, ensuring uniform pressure across the whole web. The result: higher energy efficiency, preserved bulk and reduced maintenance.
Higher dryness after press
Patented floating design
Piston-less, low maintenance
Uniform CD profile
From rigid mechanics to fluid loading
Conventional shoe presses face high energy consumption, uneven pressure that compromises bulk, and wear on mechanical parts such as pistons and blanket. t-FLOATING NIP replaces rigid components with fluid-based loading. The shoe naturally adapts to the Yankee dryer’s shape, ensuring perfect pressure distribution across the entire web.
How it works
Fluid loading
A pressurized fluid applies force uniformly to the shoe, ensuring consistent contact against the Yankee dryer.
Special shoe
Designed and dimensioned to match the Yankee surface through controlled deformation.
Temperature control
The fluid in direct contact with the shoe keeps the temperature uniform, where conventional methods would fail due to the shoe’s limited thickness.
Loading system
The shoe is loaded by a pressurized fluid injected into a dedicated loading chamber, ensuring uniform force distribution. An offset system enables different loading curves, optimizing the balance between bulk and dryness. The entire assembly sits on a support structure for quick and easy replacement.
| Feature | Multipiston | Fluid loading ★ Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-machine loading | Non-uniform | Uniform across the full width |
| Temperature | Non-uniform | Uniform |
| Cost | High, due to multiple piston systems | Low |
| Maintenance | Piston maintenance required | Fast and cost-effective, thanks to the system design |
| Edge control | Required, depending on shoe thickness | Not required |
Pressure distribution and nip profile
Simulations replicated different Yankee crown configurations and loading pressures, with detailed cross-direction data including edge effects. The results show stable, parallel pressure profiles across the full machine width. The profile shape stays consistent while scaling proportionally across the whole load range, for predictable performance.
Choose your balance: bulk or dryness
An air-loaded pipe sets the required offset without affecting the CD profile.
Offset 0
Maximum bulk.
Offset 3
Balance between bulk and dryness.
Offset 6
Maximum dryness.
A shoe built to last
The steel shoe matches the Yankee surface through controlled deformation. It combines high flexibility with a much longer service life than synthetic alternatives, and it can be reground and reconditioned instead of replaced.
| Feature | Synthetic shoe | Steel shoe ★ Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Limited: wears in service and must be replaced | Much longer service life |
| Maintenance & repair | Not repairable: replaced once worn | Repairable: can be reground and reconditioned |
| Cost | High, due to special material requirements | Lower purchase cost and lower lifecycle cost |
| Uniformity | Ensured by flexibility and uniform pressing | Ensured by flexibility and uniform pressing, maintained over time |
| Flexibility | High flexibility | High flexibility with proper thickness |
Designed for easy maintenance
Spare loading system
Supplied as standard for fast, easy maintenance.
No pistons
The piston-free design removes piston maintenance entirely.
Planned checks
Wearing parts are checked during blanket changes.
Rebuilds and upgrades
At low pressure the shoe replicates the Yankee profile, so t-FLOATING NIP can also be installed on conventional, non-reinforced Yankee dryers. Existing components such as suction rolls can be modified and reused, and the new press ensures smooth, stable operation within a redesigned layout.
Technical details
Main components
Central shaft, shoe, shoe loading system, blanket, oil removal, supports with spherical joints.
Sleeve specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1,100 mm |
| Hardness, shoe side | 71 Shore C |
| Hardness, felt side | 74 Shore C |
| Groove width, top | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width, bottom | 0.85 mm |
| Land width | 1.88 mm |
| Groove depth | 1.50 mm |
| Open area | 40.9% |
| Void volume | 510 cm³/m² |
| Pitch | 7.99 grooves/inch |
| Caliper | 5.75 mm |
CD stretching is done by hydraulic cylinders. BS pistons are adjustable to periodically change the sleeve position, while FS pistons are floating and control CD tension. MD tension comes from air pressure inside the blanket.
Lubrication and oil system
An oil shower lubricates the inlet of the hydrodynamic shoe. The fresh oil also keeps the shoe temperature low.
Hydraulic unit
Dedicated unit with a secondary standby system. It provides oil cooling and conditioning, a large return tank for complete air release, a separate supply tank and pumps dedicated to specific tasks.