PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL - Advanced TAD technology for premium tissue grades (ATAD) Softer on the environment, lighter on energy, and stronger in performance. Paul Richards, Senior Technology Manager, Tissue, and Grade Owner for TAD & Hybrid Technologies, ANDRITZ - Paper Technology International 2026 - Book - Page 123

PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL - Advanced TAD technology for premium tissue grades (ATAD) Softer on the environment, lighter on energy, and stronger in performance. Paul Richards, Senior Technology Manager, Tissue, and Grade Owner for TAD & Hybrid Technologies, ANDRITZ

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
“We validated ATAD through systematic trials at
our tissue pilot plant. We demonstrated that drying
energy savings of up to 20% can be achieved, with
indications that an even higher saving potential
may be possible in real operations.”
Image 4: Making the impossible possible: premium tissue
production with energy savings.
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION – SIMPLICITY IS KEY
“Our primary goal with ATAD has been universal
applicability,” says Richards. “While ideal for new ANDRITZ
PrimeLine TAD machines, ATAD technology is designed for retro昀椀t
on existing TAD lines – even those from other OEMs. We have kept
the whole concept extremely simple, using known components and
processes to minimize costs and complexity.”
For operators, ATAD is straightforward: initial setup
resembles any suction roll. It adds equipment, for example, an extra
fabric loop, but the energy savings more than justify the additions
to the process. The system reuses waste heat from the Yankee or
TAD exhaust, and the steam shower simply heats the fabric-sheetfelt sandwich quickly. Controls are basic – no complex pro昀椀ling is
needed initially, though adaptable if required.
Richards concludes, “TAD must become more affordable
and sustainable to expand beyond North America, where cheap
energy has masked inef昀椀ciencies. ATAD reduces the energy
load signi昀椀cantly, but it’s part of a bigger picture. Many existing
TAD machines – especially some operating without Yankee
hoods – rely heavily on TAD for the 昀椀nal drying stages, which is
inef昀椀cient. Combining ATAD’s
wet-end dryness gains with further
energy optimizations such as
impingement drying with Yankee
hoods can dramatically amplify
energy savings.”
Image 5: Boris Jancic, Head of Operation Tissue Pilot Plant
ANDRITZ.
Image 6: Advanced TAD originates from the ANDRITZ Tissue
Innovation and Application Center in Austria – the hub for next
generation tissue solutions.
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