In paper manufacturing processes, cellulose fibers are deposited as an aqueous slurry on a screen. The water is removed to form the paper. Frequently, a dewatering fabric is used in a second stage of water removal from the aqueous slurry.
Eschmann (U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,171) describes a papermaking fabric comprising a blocking layer.
Chuang et al (WO9616305) describes a capillary dewatering method and apparatus.
New fabrics for dewatering during the papermaking process are desired because improved efficiency in water removal can provide cost savings by reducing or eliminating the need for subsequent elevated temperature drying steps. The present invention is directed to these and other important ends.