Following a career of 25 years designing and selling Nash vacuum systems for paper machines, the decision was made to move from sales and service and into process enhancement. Doug Sweet and Associates was formed in 2001 and during the past 10 years we have been involved with almost 200 system optimizations. Our goal has been to take the equipment and processes which the mill already has in place and propose modifications to improve the vacuum system performance, with minimal cost to the mill.

Doug Sweet and Associates provides audits and analysis of paper machine vacuum systems. Results of these studies lead to improved paper machine efficiency, higher production rates, and reduced energy and water consumption. Often, process upgrades can be paid for through energy reduction. Where projects have been identified to modify these systems, we can assist in the detailed process design including piping and controls. Also, mills benefit from our training sessions covering operating and troubleshooting vacuum systems.

Besides offering technical expertise, we have developed a line of vacuum and specialty pressure gauges which are a necessary component of vacuum systems. These gauges have unique and brightly colored dials to aid operators in accurately controlling various vacuum related processes. Lord Kelvin suggested over 120 years ago that if you cannot measure a process, it cannot be controlled. Our gauges will help to solve this problem. Also, process troubleshooting is faster when measurement of each variable is accurate.