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Understanding extensibility of paper: Role of fiber elongation and fiber bonding, TAPPI Journal March 2020

ABSTRACT: The tensile tests of individual bleached softwood kraft pulp fibers and sheets, as well as the micro-mechanical simulation of the fiber network, suggest that only a part of the elongation potential of individual fibers is utilized in the elongation of the sheet. The stress-strain curves of two actual individual pulp fibers and one mimicked classic stress-strain behavior of fiber were applied to a micromechanical simulation of random fiber networks. Both the experimental results and the micromechanical simulations indicated that fiber bonding has an important role not only in determining the strength but also the elongation of fiber networks. Additionally, the results indicate that the shape of the stress-strain curve of individual pulp fibers may have a significant influence on the shape of the stress-strain curve of a paper sheet. A large increase in elongation and strength of paper can be reached only by strengthening fiber-fiber bonding, as demonstrated by the experimental handsheets containing starch and cellulose microfibrils and by the micromechanical simulations. The key conclusion related to this investigation was that simulated uniform inter-fiber bond strength does not influence the shape of the stress-strain curve of the fiber network until the bonds fail, whereas the number of bonds has an influence on the activation of the fiber network and on the shape of the whole stress-strain curve.

In-process detection of fiber cutting in low consistency ref

In-process detection of fiber cutting in low consistency refining based on measurement of forces on refiner bars, TAPPI JOURNAL April 2017

Commissioning Brownstock Washing Controls for an Evaporator Limited Mill

An automated shower water control system has been implemented to reduce the volume and vari-ability of weak black liquor being sent from the pulp mill to the evaporators. The washing controls attempt to bal-ance the need for consistent and low soda carryover to the bleach plant with consistently high weak black liquor solids being sent to the evaporators. The washer controls were implemented on two bleachable grade hardwood lines (one with oxygen delignification, one without oxygen delignification) and one pine line.  Implementation of the con-trol program resulted in an increase in black liquor solids of 0.6 percentage points for the hardwood lines. Significant foam reduction was realized on the pine line since the pine black liquor solids were able to be consistently maintained just below the soap separation point. Low black liquor solids excursions to the evaporators were eliminated. Bleach plant carryover was stabilized and no negative impact on chemical consumption was noticed when control-ling weak black liquor solids to recovery.

Use of enzymes for reduction in refining energy - laboratory

ABSTRACT: We performed laboratory and process-scale studies with mixtures of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes for reducing the refining/beating energy requirement of different types of pulp. Those included hardwood kraft pulp, long fiber fraction of bamboo pulp, old corrugated containers (OCC), and mixed pulp containing new double-lined kraft cuttings (NDLKC) and long fiber fraction of bamboo pulp. In the laboratory, the refining energies were reduced by 18%-45% for different pulps with these enzymes. The strength properties of pulps were not affected by enzyme treatment. In the process-scale trials, use of one of the enzyme products in the production of high strength extensible sack kraft paper (ESKP) reduced the required refining energy by 25 kWh/metric ton of pulp. It also yielded savIngs in steam consumption per ton of paper of about 20% from various sections of the machine operation. The mill was able to bypass one double disc refiner (DDR) when the furnish was changed to 60%unbleached bamboo kraft pulp (long fraction) and 40% NDLKC for producing normal ESKP. This reduced the energy requirement by about 54 kWh/metric ton of pulp, with an 8% savings in steam consumption per ton of paper. The mill was able to produce high strength paper having high porosity without sacrificing other strength properties. Trials with the same enzyme in a mill producing mainly coated white paper showed a reduction in refining energy of about 70 kWh/metric ton of softwood pulp and 30 kWh/metric ton of hardwood pulp. Steam consumption on the paper machine was reduced by approximately 0.5 ton steam/metric ton of paper. By using enzymes, the mill eliminated a refining bottleneck in its softwood line and increased production by 12%. The strength properties of the pulps were not affected. In a mill producing heavy base papers, enzyme use enabled the mill to bypass one 180 kW triple disc refiner (TDR). Pulp strength and other properties were within the specified limits and comparable to those of the control. All these mills have started using enzyme on regular basis.

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Superior Drying Efficiency in Steel Dryers Concept

This TAPPI webinar explores how carbon steel dryer cylinders deliver superior performance compared to cast iron alternatives in paper manufacturing. Simone Puccini from Tosco Tech demonstrates how steel's higher allowable stress enables thinner shell thickness, resulting in 15-20% improved heat transfer coefficients and production increases up to 25%. Mid-career professionals will discover practical benefits including reduced energy consumption, better cross-direction moisture profiles, shorter drying section requirements, and easier maintenance through welded construction versus bolted cast iron assemblies. Real case studies showcase measurable ROI improvements for corrugated and scoreboard production lines.

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