Energy is the most common parameter employed to characterize refining for chemical pulp enhancement and mechanical pulp production. The extent of refining is commonly quantified by specific energy while the severity of the process is quantified by an energy-based intensity. However, energy is not the agent of refining. Forces produce the refining result by imposing strains in fibrous material to break molecular bonds. Energy is a merely a consequence of how forces are applied. This paper discusses the nature of forces in refining, how they can be used to quantify refining action, and how they shed light on the theoretical energy required for the processes.
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