AIR-DRYING

299

is the first part to be dried, and supposing that the dryer is run one reel behind
the machine, some of the paper will be dried almost immediately, while some
of it will have been soaking for an hour or more. Surely this must result in
unequal sizing, if it is claimed that better sizing is obtained by allowing the
paper to soak in the size.

We are of the opinion that in actual practice the difference is negligible
between sizing results from soaking and drying straight away. In some mills
the making, sizing and drying are carried out in three separate operations, the
sizer and dryer being right away from the machine.

This method means that the paper has to be wound up three times and

FIG. 129.—TUB-SIZING AND Aia-DirciNG PLANT, SHOWING TUB AND SQUEEZE Rons, ALSO SPARRED DRUMS
OFDfiYER
unwound twice, and at each of these operations some paper is spoilt. It also
means more labour, as it is impossible to shut down a sizer or dryer to send
men to help wash up the machine, etc.
The only advantage which can be claimed for this method is that the speed
of each machine can be adjusted to the exact requirements of the paper, and if
trouble is being experienced at the size-tub, the machine need not be stopped.
The same applies to the dryer.
Another arrangement is to reel the paper at the end of the making machine
and then to size and dry it in one operation. This method is the best and
usually the most convenient, if it is impossible to arrange all three operations
simultaneously. The output of the machine cannot be affected in any way, and