Voith’s new QualiFlex QView press sleeve reduces unplanned shutdowns and increases efficiency

Web breaks and paper jams are among the rare but real problems in paper production. With each such incident, invisible damage can arise inside the press sleeve. As the latest addition of the QualiFlex family, the QView press sleeve is designed to make inside damage visible and help papermakers take action before severe failures happen. The innovative press sleeve is the predictive maintenance solution for board and packaging paper machines and complements the proven and established portfolio of Voith QualiFlex press sleeves.

The advantages of QView are achieved by two unique and novel features. For the first time, dyed lubrication oil and a special-colored polyurethane are used for the press sleeve. Possible cracks in the press sleeve absorb the dyed oil and, when exposed to UV light, a strong contrast between the intact area with no oil and the damage becomes visible. Due to its special color, the innovative press sleeve allows the UV light to shine through and makes inspection as well as real predictive maintenance easier. Hence, QView functions as an early warning system and reduces unplanned paper machine shutdowns while increasing efficiency and saving costs.