METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING THE WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A PAPER MACHINE WITH THE HELP OF A VACUUM SYSTEM AND OPTIMIZATION OF SOLIDS CONTENT AS WELL AS USE OF THE SAME

A method for reducing the water and energy consumption of a paper machine with the help of a vacuum system and optimization of web solids content. On the paper machine wire section, water is removed with the help of a hybrid vacuum system serving first the vacuum locations needing a lower vacuum level and then those requiring a higher vacuum level in such fashion that the hybrid vacuum system removes water on different sections of the paper machine at the vacuum levels rendering the individually maximized energy efficiency. Additionally the solids content on the wire section is optimized with the help of an unfelted and smooth press roll adapted above the wire suction roll.