How do suction boxes and table rolls help remove water from paper stock?

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

In the papermaking process, both table rolls and suction boxes are essential components of the Fourdrinier table section used to remove water from the paper stock as it forms on the wire mesh.

Table rolls: These rolls support the wire and serve as active water-removal devices. As they rotate rapidly in contact with the underside of the wire, they create a suction or pumping action that pulls water through the wire mesh.
Suction boxes: These are stationary components located beneath the wire. They apply vacuum pressure to the underside of the wire, which draws additional water out of the fiber mat to further consolidate the sheet.

By utilizing these mechanical means to remove free water, the machine increases the solids content of the paper before it reaches the press and dryer sections, where further moisture is removed through mechanical pressing and evaporation.1