The tissue paper industry faces increasing pressure to balance quality production with environmental responsibility. As tissue machines operate at higher speeds and consume more resources such as gas, steam and water, manufacturers seek solutions that maintain product quality while reducing environmental impact. Kadant’s innovative M-clean™ system addresses these challenges by cleaning tissue machine forming fabrics while using significantly less freshwater, eliminating solvents and reducing wastewater.
Adapting proven technology with the M-clean PRO system
Building on their reputation for excellence in dryer fabric cleaning technology, Kadant has successfully adapted their M-clean PRO system for forming fabrics on both crescent former and twin wire forming sections. This adaptation required no major modifications to existing forming sections, making implementation straightforward for tissue manufacturers. The development process involved extensive testing on Kadant’s pilot machine, where engineers experimented with various cleaning head designs and nozzle configurations. Following these trials, the system was installed on a commercial machine in collaboration with a client partner who provided valuable feedback throughout the development process. This collaborative approach resulted in the current configuration that delivers exceptional benefits to tissue manufacturers worldwide.
A global leader in doctoring, cleaning & filtration
Technical excellence through precision engineering
The M-clean PRO system incorporates application specific water pressures, nozzle sizes and spray pattern configurations that ensure effective yet gentle fabric cleaning. This careful engineering protects the integrity of the forming fabric while maintaining its optimal performance characteristics. An integrated vacuum system works alongside the cleaning components to minimize debris accumulation in the water loop and capture spray mist from the cleaning nozzles. This comprehensive approach to contamination management represents a significant advancement over traditional cleaning methods.
Eliminating chemical dependencies and hazards
Prior to the development of the M-clean PRO system, tissue manufacturers relied on passivation and solvent chemicals to combat stickies and other contaminants on forming fabrics. The M-clean PRO system eliminates the need for these chemicals, providing multiple benefits:
- Reduced production costs.
- Eliminated fire hazards associated with solvents.
- Improved workplace safety by removing potentially hazardous fumes.
Complete contamination removal
What distinguishes the M-clean PRO from other forming fabric cleaning systems is its ability to completely remove contamination away from the machine. Debris is transported to an off-machine collection tank, preventing contaminants from re-entering the white water circuit and causing further contamination issues throughout the process.
Enhancing process efficiency, optimizing energy utilization and maximizing productivity
Proven success worldwide
With successful installations across North America, South America and Europe, the M-clean PRO system has demonstrated its effectiveness in diverse production environments. KADANT continues to refine this technology to provide the optimal solution for forming fabric cleaning challenges.
Key system features
- Durable stainless steel beam and traversing shower components.
- User-friendly PLC control system for simple operation.
- Continuous 24/7 operation.
- Active vacuum system for debris removal using the machine’s existing vacuum source.
- Ease of maintenance.
Measurable benefits for tissue manufacturers
Manufacturers implementing the M-clean PRO system report significant operational improvements:
- Reduced sheet defects and holes.
- Fewer sheet breaks.
- Elimination of cleaning chemicals and solvents.
- Water consumption reduction of up to 95%.
- Minimized wastewater discharge to sewers and effluent treatment plants.
- Decreased second-quality product due to hole reduction.
- Reduced pump energy for the high-pressure, full width shower.
- Increased utilization of internal broke and converting plant returned fiber.
- Return on investment typically achieved in less than one year.
