OptiFlo headbox for running at low speeds

Redesigned headbox turbulence generator provides top-notch quality for specialty grades

Every specialty paper and board grade has a niche market and its own needs for the production process. High quality of the end product is vital, and the quality targets must be met constantly without deviations. 

To better meet the needs of those specialty paper producers that run at lower speeds, Valmet has developed a new technology for OptiFlo Fourdrinier headboxes. It enables to expand the speed range of the headbox family even lower than before.

The new OptiFlo Fourdrinier headbox technology gives an opportunity to operate at lower machine speeds with hydraulic headboxes instead of using a rectifier headbox, while still providing the needed high quality for the end products. This gives a chance to run at lower headbox flows and lower speeds up to 120m/min.

The key element of the OptiFlo Fourdrinier headbox for low speeds is it's completely redesigned headbox turbulence generator, which will provide a high level of performance in the end products. The requirements for good formation and perfect visual appearance for the end product can be met, making this headbox an excellent alternative for rectifier roll headbox replacements.

The visual samples from pilot trials show even formation over a wide grammage range from 130 gsm (left) to 200 gsm and 220 gsm. The redesigned turbulence generator has been heavily tested in pilot runs at our Paper Technology Center's pilot paper machine.