Continuous papermaking machines and methods for continuous papermaking

A continuous papermaking machine, comprising:

• a headbox discharging a suspension of cellulose fibers in water;
• a forming wire moving in a process direction, the forming wire receiving the suspension from the headbox such that a web is formed on the forming wire;
• a dewatering device positioned below the forming wire;
• and
• an applicator positioned upstream from the dewatering device, the applicator discharging onto the web a mixture comprising microfibrillated cellulose and a carrier.

A method for continuous papermaking, comprising:

• discharging a suspension of cellulose fibers in water onto a moving forming wire to yield a web on the forming wire;
• draining water from the web through the forming wire;
• upwardly removing water from the web;
• applying a mixture comprising microfibrillated cellulose and a carrier on top of the web after the step of upwardly removing water from the web;
• and
• passing the web having the mixture thereon over one or more dewatering devices to downwardly remove water from the web.

A method for continuous papermaking, comprising:

• discharging a suspension of cellulose fibers in water onto a moving forming wire to yield a web on the forming wire;
• draining water from the web through the forming wire;
• passing the web over a dewatering device to downwardly remove water from the web;
• and
• prior to passing the web over the dewatering device. applying on top of the web a mixture comprising microfibrillated cellulose and a carrier.