The present study investigates two models-two limiting cases-for the internal heat and mass transfer in a multicylinder dryer: the first model assumes that complete redistribution of heat and moisture in the thickness direction occurs instantaneously. The second model assumes that moisture transfer occurs only by vapor diffusion and that heat transfer takes place by conduction and condensation. The two models are written in dimensionless form, and applied for the same set of standard paper machine data. For basis weights below approximately 0.05 kg d.s./m(2) the results are so close that the first, simple model is sufficient. A higher limiting basis weight-approximately 0.16 kg d.s./m(2) - was previously indicated by comparison of model predictions, assuming the simple model, to extensive sets of machine data from four different paper machines. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.