ZBK17 Roots Vacuum Pump for Paper Machine Dewatering

Paper production is a continuous process, and water removal is one of the steps that can directly affect production stability. In the forming and dewatering section, the paper sheet contains a large amount of water. A stable vacuum system helps remove this water through suction boxes and other dewatering equipment.
This is where a ZBK17 Roots vacuum pump can be useful. With a maximum flow capacity of 30 m³/min, the ZBK17 is designed for industrial vacuum applications that require a relatively large gas flow. But is this model suitable for your paper machine? Let’s look at the working conditions, specifications, and a real production-line application.

Why Is Vacuum Important for Paper Machine Dewatering?

After the paper web is formed, removing water quickly is important. If the vacuum is unstable, the dewatering effect may change as well. This can affect the moisture level of the paper web before it moves to the next section.

Continuous Suction for the Paper Web

A vacuum pump for paper machine dewatering needs to remove air, moisture, and water vapor continuously. In some operating conditions, the suction system may also carry a small amount of liquid.
A Roots vacuum pump can provide a large gas flow while maintaining a stable vacuum level. This makes it a practical choice for applications such as paper machine suction boxes and vacuum dewatering systems.
The goal is simple: remove more moisture, keep the vacuum stable, and help the paper machine run continuously.

ZBK17 Specifications for Paper Machine Applications

The ZBK17 is one of the larger models in the ZBK series. Its main specifications provide a useful reference when selecting a vacuum pump for a paper machine.

ZBK17 Technical Data

The ZBK17 has a maximum flow capacity of 30 m³/min and a working speed of 400 r/min. Its working vacuum is 53.3×10³ Pa, while the limit vacuum is 90.66×10³ Pa. The inlet and outlet diameter is 250 mm.
The standard motor is Y280S-6 with a rated power of 45 kW. The pump weighs about 2100 kg, with an overall size of approximately 1480×875×1300 mm.
Compared with the smaller ZBK13, ZBK15A, and ZBK16 models, the ZBK17 provides a much higher flow capacity. This makes it more suitable for larger vacuum systems where the gas load is high.

How Does ZBK17 Work in Paper Dewatering?

A ZBK Roots vacuum pump uses two non-contact rotors that rotate inside the pump chamber. The rotors move gas from the suction side toward the discharge side, creating a continuous gas flow.

Handling Moist Air and Water Vapor

Paper machine dewatering does not always produce completely dry air. Moist air and water vapor are common in this type of process.
This is one reason a ZBK vacuum pump can be considered for paper dewatering. Instead of focusing only on the deepest possible vacuum, the system needs enough flow capacity to continuously remove the air and moisture generated by the process.
For a paper machine suction box, this point is especially important. If the vacuum pump is too small, the system may struggle when the paper machine speed or dewatering load increases.

Real Application Reference: ZBK17 in a Paper Production Line

A useful public application reference is a NovaStar PM106 tissue production line. The published equipment list includes one ZBK17 vacuum pump with a 45 kW motor as part of the paper production line.
This is valuable because the ZBK17 is identified by a specific model and motor power rather than being mentioned only as a general vacuum pump.

What Does This Case Tell Us?

The application shows that a ZBK17 can be integrated into a complete paper production line rather than used as a standalone laboratory or small industrial pump.
However, the public project information does not provide detailed data on the customer’s vacuum pressure, operating hours, energy savings, or production increase. Therefore, these results should not be assumed.
Instead, the case provides a practical reference for engineers comparing vacuum pump models for paper machine applications.

Is ZBK17 the Right Model for Your Paper Machine?

Choosing a ZBK17 should not be based only on the 30 m³/min maximum flow capacity. The actual working vacuum, air leakage, paper machine speed, suction box design, moisture load, piping resistance, and operating conditions all need to be checked.
If the system requires a large air flow and continuous vacuum dewatering, the ZBK17 can be a strong candidate. If the gas load is much lower, a smaller model such as ZBK13, ZBK15A, or ZBK16 may be more suitable.

Check the Whole Vacuum System

The vacuum pump is only one part of the system. Suction boxes, separators, pipelines, valves, condensate drainage, and other components can all affect vacuum performance.
If the vacuum level suddenly becomes lower, do not immediately assume that the pump has failed. Check for air leakage, blocked pipelines, excessive moisture, separator problems, and changes in operating conditions first.
For large paper machines, stable dewatering depends on matching the pump capacity with the entire vacuum system.
The ZBK17 combines a 30 m³/min maximum flow capacity, 400 r/min operating speed, and 45 kW motor. Its large flow capacity makes it suitable for industrial vacuum applications such as paper machine dewatering and suction box systems. When the pump size, piping, separator, and operating conditions are properly matched, ZBK17 can provide a practical solution for continuous paper production.

ZBK roots vacuum pump product information

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