How do press felts help carry paper through the press section?

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paper mill — papermaking Paper mill in British Columbia, Canada.

In the press section of a paper machine, felts function as conveyor belts that assist in carrying the wet paper sheet from the forming unit to the dryer section.1

Beyond their role in transport, these felts serve several critical purposes:
* Water Removal: They act as porous media, providing necessary space and channels to facilitate the removal of water from the sheet.1
* Sheet Protection: They serve as textured cushions or shock absorbers, allowing the moist sheet to be pressed without being crushed or significantly marked.1
* Power Transfer: They function as power transfer belts, helping to drive nondriven rolls or other machine components.1

By performing these roles, the felts ensure the paper is moved through the press section without disrupting or disturbing its structure.1