Inflatable seals solve a number of unique problems in the pulp and paper industry. For one, paper-manufacturing equipment can be large. Trying to control tolerances between mating pieces of equipment or to account for the thermal expansion/contraction of metal can be nearly impossible when using traditional sealing technology. Use of an inflatable, paper processing seal in these instances would take up these variations. In addition, clamping large rolls of paper or pushing long doctor blades can be handled more easily with a product, which can account for tolerance variations more easily than traditional methods.
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Inflatable Clamp/Actuator for Doctor Blades
Inflatable bladders are used to clamp doctor blades of varying thicknesses in their holders and to apply uniform pressure along the blade length in inkers, coaters, and other critical doctor blade applications. These bladders are typically manufactured in long lengths up to 50 feet (15.24 meters) using molded, fabric reinforced profiles.
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Inflatable Brakes/Stops for Conveyor Applications
Inflatable clamps configured with two sealed ends can positioned along the sides of the conveyor belt or rolls and inflated against the product to temporarily interrupt the flow temporarily while the jam clears downstream. Alternately, the bladders can be located underneath the conveyor and activated to release the contact between belt and rollers. Pawling EP also offers a standardized bladder clamp called the Pneuma-Cel which works very well in these applications.
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Shaft Shutdown Inflatable Seal
Inflatable seals provide an excellent temporary shaft seal during shutdown and maintenance operations. It can be inflated against the stationery shaft while packings or mechanical seals are being changed thereby eliminating the necessity to drain mixers and agitators before the change out. After the new packings or mechanical seals are in place, the paper processing seal is deflated allowing the shaft to rotate freely. The same concept can be applied to the change out of marine propeller shaft seals.
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Single Inflatable Bladder Expandable Mandrel
Custom designed circular bladders designed for radial expansion outward actuate metal buttons, lugs, or rubber shoes to grip on the inside of the core for winding and unwinding paper rolls in slitters or other converting and production operations.
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Multi-Bladder Expanding Mandrel
Custom designed linear bladders, usually a Type 2 style, are designed to run the length of the shaft and actuate metal buttons, lugs, or rubber shoes to grip on the inside of the core for winding and unwinding paper rolls in slitters or other converting and production operations.