Paper making machine with an integral suction chamber and air/water separator for a doctor element

A paper making machine having a wet end associated with a wet fiber web, said paper making machine comprising:

• a forming fabric having a plurality of voids therein for carrying liquid from the fiber web;
• a roll carrying said forming fabric and disposed at the wet end of the paper making machine, said roll and said forming fabric defining a diverging area therebetween which causes liquid in said forming fabric to exit said voids;
• a doctor back including a doctor element associated with said roll;
• a shower providing a liquid output which is directed relative to and configured to lubricate said doctor element;
• a suction chamber having an at least partially open top and an outlet, said open top positioned relative to each of said doctor blade and said diverging area to collect liquid from said shower and liquid exiting said voids in said forming fabric in said diverging area;
• an air/water separator connected to said suction chamber and receiving liquid from said suction chamber outlet;
• and
• a centrifugal blower mounted on said separator and generating a vacuum within said suction chamber to draw the liquid within said suction chamber into said separator.

A paper making machine having a wet end associated with a wet fiber web, said paper making machine comprising:

• a forming fabric having a plurality of voids therein for carrying liquid from the fiber web;
• a roll carrying said forming fabric and disposed at the wet end of the paper making machine, said roll and said forming fabric defining a diverging area therebetween which causes liquid in said forming fabric to exit said voids;
• a doctor element associated with said roll;
• a shower providing a liquid output which is directed relative to and configured to lubricate said doctor element;
• a suction chamber having an at least partially open top and an outlet, said open top positioned relative to each of said doctor blade and said diverging area to collect liquid from said shower and liquid exiting said voids in said forming fabric in said diverging area;
• an air/water separator connected to and in fluid communication with said suction chamber;
• and
• a vacuum generating device mounted on said separator and generating a vacuum within said suction chamber to effect a flow of the liquid within said suction chamber from said suction chamber outlet.