Method and apparatus to produce paper webs coated on both sides

An apparatus for selectively coating medium weight coated (MWC) paper webs and lightweight coated (LWC) paper webs with one of a contoured coating of pigmented coating color and a thin layer of sizing suspension, the paper webs each having a first side, a second side, and a direction of travel, said apparatus comprising:

• at least one applicator assembly including a nip configured to receive selectively both the MWC and LWC paper webs, said at least one applicator assembly being configured for selective indirect application of one of a contoured coating of pigmented coating color and a thin layer of sizing suspension onto the paper web in said nip, said applicator assembly being configured for applying said contoured coating in the production of said MWC paper and being configured for applying said thin layer of sizing suspension in the production of said LWC paper, each said nip being defined by an applicator roll and a counter element, and a coating applicator in fluid communication with said applicator roll;
• at least one first drying unit associated with and disposed after said at least one applicator assembly relative to the direction of travel of the paper web;
• a first coater configured for direct coating of the first side of the paper web, said first coater being disposed after said at least one first drying unit relative to the direction of travel of the paper web;
• a second drying unit associated with and disposed after said first coater relative to the direction of travel of the paper web;
• a second coater configured for direct coating of the second side of the paper web, said second coater being disposed after said second drying unit relative to the direction of travel of the paper web;
• and
• a third drying unit associated with and disposed after said second coater relative to the direction of travel of the paper web.