Innovative Filling Design Driving Optimization of Dispersion Systems

摘要

As more recycled fiber is reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle of producing graphic paper, tissue and towel, and board & packaging, papermakers are challenged to get the sheet strength and desired optical properties to meet their requirements. In most cases, chemicals and wet end starch additives are required, further adding to product cost and shrinking profitability. Fortunately, there have been innovative advances in filling design and dispersion system design which help mitigate the growing challenges of making sellable paper grades using weaker and dirtier recycled fiber. Typical tasks of dispersion are dirt speck reduction and size reduction of stickies to increase paper machine runnability and optical appearance. In some OCC applications, measureable strength improvement can be achieved, thus lowering the applied energy in low consistency refining or even eliminating this step completely. The selection of proper filling type has a decisive influence on technological results. In 2014, a patented innovative release of dispersion filling technology became available and known as TheWall. Its unique design incorporates a continuous supporting structure joining the rows of numerous teeth. This feature enables the highest concentration of teeth to be exposed to the fibers and offers an operational plate gap of up to 8.5 mm while greatly reducing untreated fibers passing through. With this innovative design, up to 20% power reduction can be achieved while maintaining similar or better result. Others have realized up to 75% dirt speck and stickies reduction.