Simulation and optimization of the papermanking sheet forming process

摘要

Papermaking begins as a complex process in which a pulp slurry, entrapped between forming fabrics, is drained to form a wet, fibrous mat. This drainage process, referred to as forming, is caused by wrapping the forming fabrics with the entrapped slurry over rotatin or stationary forming surfaces. Historically and still toady, the only practical way to test forming designs is by costly pilot machine trials. The mathematical model described berein permits an analytical optimization of the forming length required to fully drain a slurry. This work advances the art of sheet forming simulation in that it provides a workable, macroscopoic view of the forming process for paper machines of arbitrary configuration.