Paper 

machine vacuum selection factors 

 
TIS 0502-01 
OLD TIS NUMBER 014-9 
ISSUED – 1963 
REVISED – 1980 
REVISED – 1992 
© 1992 TAPPI 

The information and data contained in this document were prepared by a

technical committee of the association. The committee and the association
assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the use of such
information or data, including but not limited to any liability or responsibility
under patent, copy right or trade secret laws. The user is responsible for
determining that this document is the most recent edition published.

Paper Machine Vacuum Selection Factors

Scope 
This technical information sheet provides mill engineers with a reference basis for computing the
approximate cubic feet per minute (ft³/min) of air capacity required by paper machine vacuum systems.
With this information, mill engineers may readily compute the air capacity requirements of vacuum
systems for conventional fourdriniers, fourdrinies with top wire forming units (excluding vacuum –
assisted types), press section suction rolls and felt suction boxes.

Forming Section
The vacuum factor determination for any new forming geometry or application is developed
through the calculation that account for all of the key sizing parameters.
Standard factors can only be applied to standard geometries using typical operating practices.
Factors used to simplify the vacuum sizing process are not universal and must be properly applied.
The specific configuration of the forming section should receive particular attention. Higher desired
vacuums, more cover open area of the high – vacuum drainage elements, and thicker forming fabrics all
can easily suggest an increased air flow demand, especially on lightweight grades. A through analysis
also ensures that the effect of couch shell void volume and its expansion, for example, is addressed for
proper pipe and pump sizing.
The rate at which air is drawn through various grades of paper illustrates that sheet weight, furnish
type, freeness, and sheet moisture (or consistency) affect the results. The amount of air drawn through
a sheet is inversely related to its moisture content. No air is drawn through the sheet prior to the dry
line, while an increasing air flow occurs as the sheet is successively dried beyond that point. Therefore,
the air flow of the last suction box would be only slightly less than that of the couch’s low-vacuum box.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 present paper machine vacuum selection factors.
For a given paper grade and furnish, air flow rate is inversely related to sheet weight. This condition
is clearly seen on linerboard and bleached paperboard owing to, the board weight ranges, but is not so
readily evident on traditional lightweight grades.
Stock freeness variation is significant, as evidenced by the large variation between free-draining 42
lb linerboard and low-freeness 30 lb newsprint. A 4:1 weight ratio still requires a similar air flow due to
the offsetting freeness.

Page 1 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

The largest air flow requirements occur after the dry line on lightweight, free-draining paper grades.
The velocity of the air as it strips water from the capillaries of the sheet produces drainage. The actual
amount of water removed is very small. Thus, in a “dry” position, a narrower suction box cover using
fewer slots with reduced total air flow can achieve the same dewatering as wide cover.
This same drainage mechanism occurs at the couch, so two suction zones operating at successively
higher vacuums and air flow levels are used on light and medium weight applications.
Tables 1, 2, and 3 reflect present industrial averages for the respective applications. All references to
vacuum are in ft³/min at vacuum rather than std. Ft³/min. These represent the current norm for the
vacuum capability of modern paper machines in each paper grade category. Some existing machines
may be operating satisfactorily at lower levels. However, the indicated values should be considered if a
production upgrade is contemplated. In such instances, pay attention to pressure drop, the sizing of
vacuum piping and valves, seal legs, couch roll journal open area, etc. This attention will ensure that the
pressure drop between the vacuum source and the point of application does not exceed 1 in. Hg.

Table 1. Paper machine vacuum selection factors fourdrinier forming section, unit locations Nos. 1-3

Basic Weight Max Speed Low Vacuum ① Low Vacuum ② Low Vacuum ③
GRADES no cfm/in in no cfm/in in no cfm/in in
3000 ft² gsm fpm mpm
units unit H2O units unit H2O units unit H2O
Light Weight Special Ties
MG & MG Papers     2000 610       1-2 1.5 26      
Glassine Greaseproof     1500 457       2-3 1.5 26      
Carbonizing     2000 610       2-4 1.5 26      
Waxing Base     2000 610       1-2 1.5 26      
cigarette Condenser Tissue     750 229       2-4 1.5 26      
Napkin Toweling
Napkin 12-18 20-30 4000 1219       0-1 1.5 26 0-1 1.5 26
Towel Two Ply 14-20 23-33 4000 1219       0-1 1.5 26 0-1 1.5 26
Towel Single Ply 28-29 47-64 2500 762       1-2 1.5 26 0-1 1.5 26
Free Sheet
Printing & Writing 28-55 47-90 3000 914 3 1.5 26 2-3 1.5 26 1 3.5 38
Book Papers 30-73 49-119 3000 914 3 1.5 26 2-3 1.5 26 1 3.5 38
106-
Heavy Weights 65-104 1500 457 3 1.5 26 2-3 1.5 26 0-1 3.5 38
169
Ground Wood Painting
Directory Roto Catalog 18-45 30-73 3000 914       2 1.5 26 0-1 3.5 38
SC Magazine 35-45 57-73 3000 914       2 1.5 26 1 3.5 38
LWC Publication 22-45 36-73 3000 914       2 1.5 26 1 3.5 38
Newsprint 28-33 47-54 3000 914       2-3 1.5 26 1 3.5 38
GRADES Basic Weight Max Speed Low Vacuum ① Low Vacuum ② Low Vacuum ③

Page 2 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

no cfm/in in no cfm/in in no cfm/in in

3000 ft² gsm fpm mpm
units unit H2O units unit H2O units unit H2O
Unbleached Kraft
Bag 30-70 49-114 2500 762 2-3 1.5 26 2 1.5 38 0-1 3.5 54
106-
Saturating 65-150 1500 457 4-5 1.5 38 2-3 1.5 38 1 3.5 54
244
127-
Linerboard /26 to 42" 78-126 2500 762 3-4 1.5 38 2-3 1.5 38 1 3.5 54
205
126- 205-
Linerboard /42 to 90" 2000 610 4-5 1.5 38 2-3 1.5 38 1-2 3.5 54
270 440
108-
Corrugating Medium /26" 66-108 2500 762 3 1.5 26 3 1.5 38 0-1 3.5 54
176
Bleached Kraft
120- 196-
SBS Paperboard 1500 457 4-5 1.5 38 2-3 1.5 38 1 3.5 54
300 489
Packaging Special Ties 25-100 41-163 2000 610       1-2 1.5 25 0-1 3.5 38
Pulp     750 229 4-5 1.5 38 2-3 1.5 38      

These tables list two different factors for the high vacuum suction box capacity requirements:
(1) ft³/min/in. wire width basis, and (2) ft³/min/in² of open area basis. The first factor provides a quick
total capacity requirement based upon modern machine speeds and tonnage. The second reflects the
vacuum density needed to develop a desired vacuum level. The mill engineering implication is that
production changes demand evaluation of both the total ft³/min needs and the suction area through
which it will be applied. Drive loads and drive ability should be studied in detail when additional vacuum
capacity is considered.

Low vacuum requirements (forming section)

From the tables, air flow and differential pressure requirements for the units in locations No.1 and
No.2 are very low as no air is being drawn through the sheet. For the units in location No.3, higher
vacuum levels are generally applied as these units operate near the “dry” line and some air draw
through is occurring. Only slotted cover designs are used on these units. To determine the total air flow
requirements for the units in these locations:

Wire (fabric) width x vacuum factor (ft³/min/in.) x no. of units = total flow required per unit

Example
Calculate the requirements for a 240 in. SBS paperboard machine operating at a maximum speed of
1500 ft/min with four units in location No.1, two in location No.2, and one in location No.3.

(1) 240 in. x 1.5 ft³/min/in. x 4 = 1440 ft³/min at 38 in. H2O

(2) 240 in. x 1.5 ft³/min/in. x 2 = 720 ft³/min at 38 in. H2O
(3) 240 in. x 3.5 ft³/min/in. x 1 = 840 ft³/min at 54 in. H2O

Normally, one vacuum source would service all three locations. For this example, the required pump
or exhauster should be capable of providing approximately 3090 ft³/min at 54 in. of water at the point of
vacuum application.

High vacuum requirements (suction boxes)

Page 3 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Locations No.4 and No.5 from the tables make up the traditional “wet” and “dry” suction box or flat
box region and hence air flow demand is much greater. To determine the air flow requirements for
suction boxes with drilled covers:
Wire (fabric) width x overall cover width (MD) x % open area of cover’s drilled pattern x vacuum
factor (ft³/min/in.²) x no. of boxes = total flow required
To calculate vacuum requirements for slotted suction box covers:
Wire (fabric) width x no. of slots x slot width (MD) x vacuum factor (ft³/min/in.²) x no. of boxes =
total flow required

Table 2. Paper machine vacuum selection factors fourdrinier forming section, unit locations Nos. 5-7

Low Vacuum High

Basic Weight Max Speed High Vacuum "Wet" ④ High Vacuum "Dry" ⑤
⑥ Vacuum ⑦
GRADES cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in
3000 no no
gsm fpm mpm open fab. Hg open fab. Hg surface Hg surface Hg
ft² boxes boxes
area Width area Width area area
Light Weight Special Ties
MG & MG
    2000 610 1-2 0.2 1 6 2-4 0.3 3 6 3 10 3 15
Papers
Glassine
    1500 457 2-4 0.2 1 10 2-4 0.3 3 10 3 10 3 22
Greaseproof
Carbonizing     2000 610 2-4 0.2 2 6 2-4 0.3 3 6 3 10 4 20
Waxing Base     2000 610 1-2 0.3 2 6 2-4 0.5 3 6 3 10 6 15
cigarette
Condenser     750 229 1-2 0.2 1 6 2-4 0.3 3 6 3 10 3 15
Tissue
Napkin Toweling
Napkin 12-18 20-30 4000 1219         0-1 0.7 4 6 3 10 3 20
Towel Two Ply 14-20 23-33 4000 1219         0-1 0.7 4 6 3 10 3 20

Towel Single Ply 28-29 47-64 2500 762         1-2 0.6 12 6 3 10 6.5 20

Free Sheet
Printing &
28-55 47-90 3000 914 0-2 0.4 4 10 3-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Writing
49-
Book Papers 30-73 3000 914 0-2 0.4 4 10 3-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
119
65- 106-
Heavy Weights 1500 457 1-2 0.4 4 10 3-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 7 20
104 169
Ground Wood Painting
Directory Roto
18-45 30-73 3000 914 0-2 0.4 4 10 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Catalog
SC Magazine 35-45 57-73 3000 914 0-2 0.4 4 10 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20

LWC Publication 22-45 36-73 3000 914 0-2 0.4 4 10 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20

Newsprint 28-33 47-54 3000 914 0-2 0.6 6 10 2-4 1 14 10 3 10 8.5 20

GRADES Basic Weight Max Speed High Vacuum "Wet" ④ High Vacuum "Dry" ⑤ Low Vacuum High
⑥ Vacuum ⑦

Page 4 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in

3000 no no
gsm fpm mpm open fab. Hg open fab. Hg surface Hg surface Hg
ft² boxes boxes
area Width area Width area area
Unbleached Kraft
49-
Bag 30-70 2500 762 0-2 0.8 22 10 4-5 1.5 42 10 3 10 9 20
114
65- 106-
Saturating 1500 457 1-2 0.8 10 10 2-4 1.5 20 15     7 20
150 244
Linerboard /26 78- 127-
2500 762 1-3 0.8 22 10 4-5 1.5 42 15     7 20
to 42" 126 205
Linerboard /42 126- 205-
2000 610 2-4 0.6 30 10 5-6 1.2 50 15     7 20
to 90" 270 440
Corrugating 66- 108-
2500 762 2-4 1 16 10 3-4 1.5 24 10     7 20
Medium /26" 108 176
Bleached Kraft
120- 196-
SBS Paperboard 1500 457 2-4 0.6 16 10 4-5 1.2 32 15     7 20
300 489
Packaging 25- 41-
2000 610 0-2 1 10 10 4-5 1.2 20 10 3 10 7.5 20
Special Ties 100 163
Pulp     750 229 2-4 0.6 20 10 4-6 1.2 40 15     7 20

Examples
Using the SBS paperboard machine with three “wet” and four “dry” suction boxes, calculate the
vacuum requirements for locations No.4 and No.5.

(4) Slotted covers (eleven 0.75 in. width slots):

240 in. x 11 x 0.75 in. x 0.6 ft³/min/in.² x 3 = 3654 ft³/min at 10 in. Hg*
(5) Drilled covers (four 15 in. wide boxes with 42% open area):
240 in. x 15 in. x 0.42 x 1.2 ft³/min/in.² x 4 = 7258 ft³/min at 15 in. Hg

(*Note: for combined air flows, expand the 3564 ft³/min at 10 in. Hg to 15 in. Hg for proper sizing of the
vacuum source.)

Table 3. Paper machine vacuum selection factors fourdrinier forming section, unit locations Nos.1-2, 5-7

Page 5 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Basic Low Vacuum High Vacuum

Max Speed Low Vacuum ① Low Vacuum ② High Vacuum "Dry" ⑤
Weight ⑥ ⑦
GRADES cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in cfm/in
3000 no cfm/in in no cfm/in in no
gsm fpm mpm open fab. Hg Surface Hg Surface Hg
ft² units unit H2O units unit H2O boxes
area Width area area
Free Sheet
Printing & 28- 47-
3000 914 3 1.5 26 1 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Writing 55 90
Book 30- 49-
3000 914 3 1.5 26 1-2 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Papers 73 119
Heavy 65- 106-
1500 457 3 1.5 26 1 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 7 20
Weights 104 169
Ground Wood Painting
Directory
18- 30-
Roto 3000 914       1 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
45 73
Catalog
SC 35- 57-
3000 914       1 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Magazine 45 73
LWC 22- 36-
3000 914       1 1.5 26 2-4 0.7 11 10 3 10 8.5 20
Publication 45 73
28- 47-
Newsprint 3000 914       1 1.5 26 2-4 1 14 10 3 10 8.5 20
33 54
Unbleached Kraft
30- 49-
Bag 2500 762 2-3 1.5 26 1 1.5 38 4-5 1.5 42 10 3 10 9 20
70 114
65- 106-
Saturating 1500 457 4-5 1.5 38 1 1.5 38 2-4 1.5 20 15     7 20
150 244
Linerboard 78- 127-
2500 762 3-4 1.5 38 1 1.5 38 4-5 1.5 42 15     7 20
/26 to 42" 126 205
Linerboard 126- 205-
2000 610 4-5 1.5 38 1 1.5 38 5-6 1.2 50 15     7 20
/42 to 90" 270 440
Corrugating
66- 108-
Medium 2500 762 3 1.5 26 1 1.5 38 3-4 1.5 24 10     7 20
108 176
/26"
Bleached Kraft
SBS 120- 196-
1500 457 4-5 1.5 38 1 1.5 38 4-5 1.2 32 15     7 20
Paperboard 300 489

Packaging 25- 41-

2000 610       1 1.5 25 4-5 1.2 20 10 3 10 8.5 20
Special Ties 100 163

Present-day ft³/min/in. wire width requirements are given in the tables. These data are based upon
the weight and speed ranges listed. Vacuum capacity and the number of suction boxes both increase in
proportion to the designed production rate.

Page 6 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Based upon the ft³/min/in. guidelines, the comparative vacuum specifications for this example
would be:

Location No.4:
240 in. x 16 ft³/min/in. = 3840 ft³/min at 10 in. Hg
Location No.5:
240 in. x 32 ft³/min/in. = 7680 ft³/min at 15 in. Hg

Suction couch requirements

Actual couch box widths are determined in relation to the roll size and wrap angle for a particular
machine. The ft³/min/in.² values listed in locations No.6 and No.7 on the tables indicate present
industrial averages used on couch rolls. These values refer to the active surface area of the couch.
To calculate this area:
Width (MD length) of box x width of forming fabric = active surface area.
Continuing the SBS machine example, assume it has a 14-in.wide box operating at 20-in.Hg vacuum.
Required couch vacuum is then figured as follows: 240 in. x 14 in. x 7.0 ft³/min/in. = 23,520 ft³/min
at 20 in. Hg

Couch vacuum factor adjustments vs. speed

Machine speed is important influence when sizing the vacuum source for the couch. The low and
high vacuum factors (locations No.6 and No.7 on tables 1, 2, and 3) should be corrected whenever the
machine speed exceeds the maximum speed listed for that grade.

Table4. Couch vacuum factor adjustment factors

Adjustment Factor
Operating
ft³/min/in²/1000
Vacuum in. Hg
ft/min
10 0.25
First or "Low" Box
15 0.5
or Single Box Only
20 1
Second or "High" 20 0.5
Box

If the SBS machine is to be run at 2000 ft/min, then this speed would exceed the maximum speed
listed by 500 ft/min. Accordingly, the charted ft³/min/in.² vacuum factor would be increased by 0.50 to
the new factor of 7.5
Low speed applications (under 1000 ft/min) also require special attention. These often are narrow
machines having small diameter couches. More importantly, couch roll journal open areas often are
insufficient to operate at the given vacuum factors without exceeding the allowable air velocity limit.
Also, a greater percentage of water drained by the couch enters the shell as speeds fall below 1000
ft/min. this water must also exit through the couch journal, thereby further reducing the effective open
area for vacuum air passage and increasing the frictional loss effects.

Press section/suction rolls

Page 7 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Figures 1-10 reflect current industrial averages for press section vacuum factors. Typical suction rolls
and press configurations have been illustrated to show roll nip geometries and vacuum box locations.
The corresponding charts indicate box width, vacuum level, and air flow requirements.
As with couch roll vacuum capacities, all press section suction roll air volumes are based on a flow
rate density (vacuum factor) multiplied by the active suction area, that is:
Machine direction (MD) length of box x cross direction (CD) x width of felt x listed vacuum factor =
air flow (ft³/min) required at point of application.
The individual vacuum factors in figures 1-10 are specific to a particular press configuration. The
term “standard” under “comments” applies to all paper grades that would be produced on that
configuration, with the exception of special cases as indicated. These cannot be loosely applied to
alternate press configurations:
The changes in the key sizing parameters such as angle of wrap around the suction roll, weight of
felt, and weight of sheet must be carefully considered. For speeds above 3500 ft/min, consult machinery
builders and press felt suppliers for assistance in evaluating speed adjustments for vacuum factors.

Felt conditioning
Uniform removal of water and foreign contaminants from the felt is the primary performance
objective for felt flow and pressure drop to remove the water from the felt as it passes over a stationary
suction box. Once the air capacity has been chosen, a properly designed felt box will ensure a uniform
CD profile at a low moisture content.
Determine the minimum total slot width required per felt box by referring to the appropriate figure
and selecting the minimum slot width based on the machine design speed. Once the open area has been
established, calculate the square inched of open area in the suction box and multiply by the ft³/min/in.².
This is calculated as:

W x L x 15 = Q
Where W = machine width
L = total slot width
Q = total ft³/min required per box

Example
For a 240 in. wide machine operating at 2000 ft/min:
240 in. x 0.80 in. x 15 ft³/min/in.² = 2880 ft³/min at 15 in.Hg

Note:
Develop the indicated minimum total slot width by using either multiple or single slotted covers.
However, the minimum width for any individual slot is 0.5 in. to prevent fiber bridging. To prevent the
felt from being drawn into the slot, the maximum individual slot width should be less than 0.8 in.
multiple slot widths in a single box will be needed for design speeds above 2000 ft/min. for paper grade
applications requiring more intense cleaning. Add a second box of the same design.
After the total ft³/min has been calculated, pay particular attention to the air velocity within the
suction box and the piping to the vacuum source. The suction box is handling felt and press water (0.5
gal/min per linear inch of felt width) and air. Therefore, friction losses become quite important when
designing a system that will maintain a uniform pressure drop across the full width of the felt.
Maintaining an air velocity limit of 3500 ft/min in the felt suction box and all pipes will ensure this.
Suction boxes having herringbone covers have become less prevalent in the industry because they
do not provide a uniform dry line. This can result in an increase in moisture level on the exit side of the
box. A herringbone cover requires a vacuum factor of 12 ft³/min/in.² at 12 in.Hg.

Page 8 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Table 5. Felt conditioning vacuum selection factor1

Total Slow ft³/min/in² Opening
Felt Speed (ft/min)
Width/Box (in) Area
0-1000 0.5
1000-1500 0.6
1500-2000 0.8
2000-2500 1.0
2500-3000 1.2 15 @ 15 in Hg
3000-3500 1.4
3500-4000 1.6
4000-5000 2.0
5000-6000 2.4

1
Note:
Additional material on felt conditioning factors and felt cleaning shower position and factors can be
found in TIS 0404-27, users of TIS 0502-01 are urged to reference TIS 0404-27 as the latter contains a
greater variety of felt conditioning factors.
Due to the increasing use of heavier-weight felts (above 4.5 oz/ft³) on the new wide nip presses, the
mill engineer should review with the press supplier and the felt supplier the recommended slot width
and ft³/min/in.²of open area required for the wide nip. The industry capacities have ranged from 17-22
ft³/min/in.² of open area on wide nip presses with a resulting increase in the operating vacuum upwards
of 20 in. Hg. The installed motor hp should be reviewed because of the increase in operating vacuum.

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²

20 5.0 "Standard"
4-6
"A" 15 6.0 Napkin or Towel
8-12 20 5.0 Lighweight Special Ties
1.3 Bled Into Box "A"
"B" 5-10 10
0.7 Separate outlet

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
"A" 10-24 10 0.5-10 "Standard"

Page 9 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
5.0 "Standard"
"A" 4-6 20 6.5 Napkin or Towel
3.5 Lighweight Special Ties

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
"A" 4-6 20 4-5 "Standard"

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
1-2 Belt Into Box "C"
"B" 70-80 10
0.5-1.0 Separate Outlet
"C" 4-6 20 5-6 "Standard"

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
4-5 "Standard"
"A" 4-6 20
0.5 Belt Into Box "A"
"B" 70-80 10 0.3 Separate Outlet

Page 10 of 11
 Paper machine vacuum selection factors 

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
4-5 "Standard"
"A" 4-6 20
0.5-0.6 Belt Into Box "A"
"B" 70-80 10 0.3 Separate Outlet
"C" 4-6 20 5-6 "Standard"

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
"A" 3-10 10 3.0 "Standard"

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
"A" 4-6 15 5-6 "Standard"

Box Width Vacuum in Air Flow

Box Comments
in Hg cfm/in²
Vickery Conditioners     12 200 "Standard"

Page 11 of 11