Fundamentals of Fourdrinier Formation

Best practices” in achieving formation improvements will be discussed. Included will be a working definition of formation, illustrations of formation, major drivers of formation, definition and quantification of turbulence,  lists and illustrations of turbulence generating devices. Emphasis will be on the use of stationary drainage hydrofoils with a brief introduction of hydrofoil technology. Major obstacles and some solutions to them will be presented. A separate 82 slide presentation of detailed foil technology and table design authored by John Eames will be sent to those who request it.

Learning Outcomes 

1. Understanding of major formation drivers  
2. Ingredients needed for a formation improvement program

Ben has a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. He completed advanced studies in Mechanical Engineering, Management, and Marketing. His major industrial accomplishments include the development of hydrofoils, Fab-Foil^R  System optimization, paper and pulp mill optimizations, conventional tissue machine optimizations and new machine installations, TAD tissue machine optimization and TAD machine installation. Ben is one of the originators of modern forest biorefinery concepts.

Honors awarded to Ben include being named a TAPPI Fellow in 1986, being awarded the TAPPI Paper & Board Division Leadership Award in 1994, receiving the PIMA Glen T. Renegar Award in 1999 and the 2002 PIMA-CPBIS Management Excellence award. He has published over two hundred articles and is a co-author of two books. Thorp is the holder or co holder of 10 U.S. Patents.