Device for float-conveying of webs of material

A device for acting upon and float-conveying webs of material travelling in a web path using a fluid medium for drying the web, comprising:

• a plurality of spaced-apart ducts for conducing the fluid medium on at least one side of the path of the web and in the form of nozzle chambers, each chamber comprising a side thereon facing the web path, and at least one nozzle region extending over the width of the web path transverse to the direction of travel of the web for directing the fluid medium toward the web path;
• air outlets between said nozzle chambers;
• a guide element disposed between each adjacent pair of nozzle chambers and between an adjacent air outlet and the web path and extending in the direction transverse to the direction of travel of the web substantially the same length as said nozzle chambers;
• joint means between each guide element and the adjacent pair of nozzle chambers set back relative to said side of said nozzle chambers facing the web path;
• a closed central region on each guide element having a width extending in the direction of travel of the web;
• and
• outlet orifices at the ends of the width of said central region, said outlet orifices being spaced in the direction of travel of the web and opening into the adjacent air outlet.