JP2022539664A - Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

A refining member including a refining body having a refining surface including first and second refiner bars separated by first and second refiner grooves. The first and second refiner bars extend from respective first and second radially inward positions to respective first and second radially outward positions. The first and second refiner bars have respective first and second heights extending upwardly from floors of respective adjacent first or second refiner channels. The second height is a minimum height of the second refiner bar and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position, the second height being at least greater than the first height. About 0.35 mm smaller. The first refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up fiber bundles. [Selection drawing] Fig. 19A

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application was filed on January 2, 2018 and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. This is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 15/860,055 (Attorney Docket No. TEC-119945-US). This application also claims dual priority to US patent application Ser. No. 15/860,006.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to processing wood fibers in a refiner, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for refining wood fibers and breaking down fiber bundles.

Disc-type refiners have traditionally been used to treat wood fibers in a step of the paper product making process. Such refiners include first and second refining members having a refining space therebetween. Each of the first and second refining members includes a plurality of refiner bars separated by refiner grooves, the refiner bars defining cutting surfaces for cutting wood fibers. During operation, at least one of the first and second refining members is rotated relative to the other such that rotation of the cutting surfaces of the refiner bar cuts wood fibers being processed in the refiner. do. Once the wood fibers are treated in the refiner, the treated wood fibers can be further treated in subsequent paper product making processes to produce paper products. In some cases, the wood fibers can undergo additional processing, such as in a separate tickler refiner or deflaker. As is known in the art, conical refiners operate similarly, except that the refining members are positioned on the conical surface rather than the disc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, a refining member for a pulp refiner is provided. The refining members are separated by first refiner grooves and extend from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the refining surface in a first refiner bar. and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove and extending from a second radially inward position to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. , a refining body including a refining surface, the second radially outward position being closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position. The first refiner bar has a first height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first refiner flute and the second refiner bar extends from the floor of the adjacent second refiner flute. It has a second height extending upwardly. The second height is the minimum height of the second refiner bar and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position, the second height being greater than the first height. At least about 0.35 mm smaller. The first refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up fiber bundles.

The minimum height of the second refiner bar can be adjacent the second radially outward position.
The first height can be substantially constant along the longitudinal length of the first refiner bar.

The first height can be between about 4.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. The second height can be about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm less than the first height, or about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm less than the first height.

The second refiner bar is integral with the first refiner bar such that the second refiner bar extends from the first radially outward position to the second radially outward position. It is possible. each of the second refiner bars along at least a portion of the respective second refiner bar extending between the first radially outward position and the second radially outward position; It can be substantially continuously sloping downwards.

At least a portion of the first refiner groove may be equipped with a dam.
The first height of the first refiner bar may include a first maximum height, and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner channel. and each radially outer portion of the first refiner bar may include a step down from the first maximum height to the second maximum height , the second maximum height can be at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height.

The refining member may further include a third refiner bar separated by a third refiner groove and a fourth refiner bar separated by a fourth refiner groove. Each of the third refiner bars may extend to a third radially outward position on the refining surface, and each of the fourth refiner bars may extend to a third radially outward position. It is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the orientation location and can extend to a fourth radially outward location on the refining surface. The third refiner bar can have a third height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent third refiner flute, and the fourth refiner bar extends from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner flute. It can have a fourth height extending upwardly from the floor. The fourth height can be the minimum height of the fourth refiner bar and can be adjacent to the fourth radially outward position. The fourth height can be at least about 0.35 mm less than the third height. A third refiner bar may be adapted to refine wood fibers and a fourth refiner bar may be adapted to break up fiber bundles.

The third refiner bar can be integral with the second refiner bar, the third refiner bar moving from the second radially outward position to the third radially outward position. adapted to extend, the fourth refiner bar may be integral with the third refiner bar, the fourth refiner bar extending from the third radially outward position to the third refiner bar; 4 radially outwardly directed positions.

The third height of the third refiner bar may include a third maximum height, and the fourth refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner channel. Four maximum heights can be included, and each radially outer portion of the third refiner bar can include a step down from the third maximum height to the fourth maximum height. Yes, and the fourth maximum height can be at least about 1.5 mm less than the third maximum height.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a pulp refiner is provided. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor. The refining members are associated with the frame and include a first refining member and a second refining member associated with the frame and include a second refining body. and a refining member. The first refining body includes a first refining surface, the first refining surface separated by a first refiner groove and extending from a first radially inward position on the refining surface. A first refiner bar extending to a first radially outward location on the refining surface and a second radially inwardly directed portion on the refining surface separated by a second refiner groove. a second refiner bar extending from a position to a second radially outward position on the refining surface, the second radially outward position being the first radially outward position; Closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the location. The first refiner bar has a first height extending upwardly from the adjacent first trench floor and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the adjacent second trench floor. It has a second height. The second height is the minimum height of the second refiner bar and is spaced from the second radially inward position. The second height is at least about 0.35 mm less than the first height. The second refining member includes a second refining surface including second member refiner bars separated by second member refiner grooves. The first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween, and at least a portion of the second member refiner bar extends from the second member. It is positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar to define a gap between that portion of the refiner bar and the second refiner bar. The rotor is coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member such that rotation of the rotor is relative to the other of the first refining member or the second refining member. It is designed to realize the movement of When a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space such that a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined. so that a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

The minimum height of the second refiner bar can be adjacent the second radially outward position.
The first height can be substantially constant along the longitudinal length of the first refiner bar.

The second height can be at least about 0.7 mm less than the first height.
The first height of the first refiner bar can include a first maximum height, and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner flute. It can include two maximum heights, and each radially outer portion of the first refiner bar can include a step down from the first maximum height to the second maximum height. Yes, and the second maximum height can be at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height.

The second member refiner bar includes a first refiner bar element extending from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface; closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the one radially outward position and extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface; and a second refiner bar element. The first refiner bar element can have a first bar height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor and the second refiner bar element can have a first bar height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor. It is possible to have a bar height of two. The second bar height can be the minimum height of the second refiner bar element and can be adjacent the second radially outward position. The second bar height can be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first bar height.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for treating wood fibers. The method includes providing a refiner including at least a first pair of refining members. The refining members include a first refining member including a first refining body portion and a second refining member including a second refining body portion. The first refining body includes first refining surfaces separated by first refiner grooves and extending upwardly from floors of adjacent first refiner grooves. a first refiner bar having a first height that is present and a second height separated by a second refiner flute and extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner flute; and a second refiner bar having a thickness. The second refining body includes a second refining surface, the second refining surface including second component refiner bars separated by second component refiner grooves. The first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween, and at least a portion of the second member refiner bar extends from the second member. It is positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar to define a gap between that portion of the refiner bar and the second refiner bar. The method includes rotating at least one of the first refining member or the second refining member such that the first and second refining members move relative to each other; and wood fibers. feeding a slurry of wood pulp to a refiner such that the slurry passes through the refining space; and at least one of the first refining member or the second refining member as the slurry is fed. and applying an axial pressure to the . A gap between a portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar extends along at least one section of the second refiner bar in a first radially inward direction on the first refining surface. from the position toward a first radially outward position. At least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated.

The second height can be the minimum height of the second refiner bar and can be adjacent the first radially outward position. The second height can be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first height.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, the invention will be better understood from the following description together with the accompanying drawings in which: Like reference numbers may identify like elements.

1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a disc refiner; FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first refining body; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second refining body; 3 is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the first refining body of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the first refining body of FIG. 2; FIG. 5A is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the second refining body of FIG. 3; FIG. 5B is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the second refining body of FIG. 3; FIG. Figure 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the refining body taken along line 6A-6A in Figures 4A and 5A. Figure 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the refining body taken along line 6B-6B in Figures 4B and 5B. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B; FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar on a first refining body portion positioned spaced apart above corresponding refiner bars on a second refining body portion; FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar on a first refining body portion positioned spaced apart above corresponding refiner bars on a second refining body portion; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a first refining body including a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments; FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a second refining body including a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments; 12A is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar from the pie-shaped segments of FIGS. 10 and 11 with one refining body portion positioned spaced above another refining body portion; FIG. is. FIG. 12B is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar from the pie-shaped segment of FIGS. 10 and 11 with one refining body portion positioned spaced above another refining body portion; is. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first refining body including teeth; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second refining body including teeth; 14 is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the first refining body of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a plan view of a section of the refining surface of the second refining body of FIG. 14; FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar and teeth on a first refining body portion positioned spaced above a second refining body portion including refiner bars and teeth; 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers; 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of a refining body similar to FIG. 6A; FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the refining body similar to FIG. 6B; FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary method for treating wood fibers;

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, in which, by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are shown. It is It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a disc refiner 10 according to the present disclosure. The disc refiner 10 includes a housing with a first housing section 12 and a second housing section 14, which may be bolted together or otherwise. can be fixedly attached together in a manner. Housing sections 12, 14 define inlet section 16, outlet section 18, and refiner inner cavity 64, which contains one or more pairs of refining members. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes two pairs of refining members, e.g., a first refining member 20 paired with a second refining member 30, and a fourth refining member 50. A double disc refiner 10 including a paired third refining member 40 . The first refining member 20 includes a first refining body portion 22 with a first refining surface 24 and the second refining member 30 includes a second refining body portion 22 with a second refining surface 34 . 2 refining body portions 32 . The third refining member 40 includes a third refining body portion 42 and a third refining surface 44 and the fourth refining member 50 includes a fourth refining body portion 52 and a fourth refining surface 44 . It includes an inning surface 54 . Each of the refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 is associated with a main support frame, which is fixed to the first housing section 12 as described herein. It includes a support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 .

The first, second, third, and fourth refining body portions 22, 32, 42, 52 can be generally disc-shaped with substantially identical outer diameters. (See Figures 2 and 3). The first and second refining members 20, 30 are positioned such that the first refining surface 24 faces the second refining surface 34, the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 is positioned so that the third refining surface 44 faces the fourth refining surface 54 . The first refining member 20 is spaced from the second refining member 30 to define a first refining space 60 between the respective refining surfaces 24,34. The third refining member 40 is spaced from the fourth refining member 50 to define a second refining space 62 between the respective refining surfaces 44,54. The disc refiner 10 can have a structure similar to that illustrated in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0037728A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and fourth refining members 20,50 are stationary and the second and third refining members 30,40 are stationary. It rotates relative to the refining members 20,50. First refining member 20 may be secured to support frame 66 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). The second and third refining members 30, 40 may be attached to a support 70 that is coupled to a rotatable shaft 72 and extends radially outward from the rotatable shaft 72. ing. Support 70 is coupled to shaft 72 for rotation therewith and is axially movable along shaft 72 . Shaft 72 is driven by a first motor 74 such that support 70 and second and third refining members 30 , 40 rotate with shaft 72 during operation of disc refiner 10 . The shaft 72 has a central axis 72A that is generally coaxial with the axes of rotation of the second and third refining members 30,40. Shaft 72 may be rotatably mounted to stationary support frame 66 such that first and second refining members 30, 40 are associated with the main support frame. Supports 70 are provided axially along shaft 72, for example substantially along central axis 72A, relative to first and fourth refining members 20, 50, as described herein. It may be movable in a direction. Fourth refining member 50 may be secured to movable support frame 68 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). Thus, the support 70 and shaft 72 can define a rotor associated with the main support frame, with the second and third refining members defining rotating rotor members. , so that the first and fourth refining members 20, 50 can define a non-rotating stator member. Rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second and third refining members 30,40 relative to the first and fourth refining members 20,50, respectively.

A moveable support frame 68 may be mounted within the second housing section 14 and coupled to a second motor 76, which may include a reversible electric motor, which may include a reversible electric motor. The motor is fixed in place. A second motor 76 moves the movable support frame 68 in a substantially horizontal (ie, axial) direction indicated by arrow A. The refiner 10 may, for example, include a second motor 76 and a jackscrew (not shown) coupled to the movable support frame 68, the second motor 76 rotating the jackscrew and Movable support frame 68 is movable and, for example, fourth refining member 50 is attached to movable support frame 68 . This movement affects the size of the gap, i.e. the first and second refining defined between the first and second refining members 20,30 and the third and fourth refining members 40,50. Adjust the size of the spaces 60, 62 (see also Figures 8 and 9). In other embodiments (not shown), control of the gap size can be achieved by one or more magnetic bearings. Magnetic bearings that control the axial position of shaft 72 may be used to control the position of a rotating rotor member fixed to shaft 72 . Magnetic bearings control the axial position of one or more additional movable sections of the main support frame (i.e., movable support frame 68) to which one or more of the non-rotating stator members are mounted. can be used for

As will be discussed further herein, a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers passes through refining spaces 60,62. The jackscrew causes movement of the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 inward toward the third refining member 40 when rotated in the first direction. The fourth refining member 50 then applies an axial force to the pulp slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, Cause the third refining member 40 , the support 70 , and the second refining member 30 to move inward toward the first refining member 20 . The jackscrews move the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 outwardly away from the third refining member 40 when rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. cause. This reduces the axial force applied by the fourth refining member 50 to the pulp slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which is applied by the pulp slurry to the third refining member 40. reduce the axial force on the The axial force applied by the pulp slurry passing through the first refining space 60 in turn causes the second refining member 30, the support 70, and the third refining member 40 to collide with the fourth refining member. enough to cause it to move towards 50. This occurs until the axial forces applied against the second and third refining members 30 and 40 by the wood slurry passing through the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 are approximately equal. .

In some embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner 10 can further include an additional motor and a second rotatable shaft to drive the first and/or fourth refining members 20,50. may be coupled to a second rotatable shaft such that the first and/or fourth refining members 20, 50 are counter-rotatable relative to the second and/or third refining members 30, 40, respectively. It has become possible. In other embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner 10 can include only one pair of refining members, one refining member being a non-rotating stator member and the other refining member is the rotating rotor member. In further embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner can include more than two pairs of refining members. In a still further embodiment (not shown), disc refiner 10 may comprise a conical refiner with one or more pairs of refining members.

2 and 3 illustrate the refining surfaces 24 of a first refining body portion 22 and a second refining body portion 32, respectively, for use in a pulp refiner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 34 is a plan view of FIG. Although not discussed in detail herein, the structure of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth refining body portions 42, 52, respectively (see FIG. 1) is similar to that of the first and second refining bodies, respectively. It can be substantially similar to the refining surfaces 24,34 of the refining bodies 22,32.

1 and 2, the first refining body 22 can include multiple sections, eg, sections 22A-22C, which are bolted or otherwise Attached together, they form a disc-shaped refining body 22 including a radially outer edge 27 . The refining surface 24 includes a plurality of elongated refiner bars 26 separated from each other by refiner grooves 28 . Although not shown in FIG. 2, it is understood that other sections (not labeled) of first refining body 22 will similarly include refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28 . be done. A refiner bar 26 extends radially outward from a radially inner location 23 to a radially outer edge 27 of the first refining body portion 22 . The refiner bars 26 can be skewed at various angles as shown in FIG. 2, with each section 22A-22C being one of the refiner bars 26 skewed in a different direction. It may contain one or more segments (not separately labeled). The refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28 in each section 22A-22C in FIG. 2 may otherwise be similar in construction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second refining body portion 32 may similarly include multiple sections, eg, sections 32A-32C, which may be bolted or They are otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body 32 including a radially outer edge 37 . The refining surface 34 includes a plurality of elongated refiner bars 36 separated from each other by refiner grooves 38 . Although not shown in FIG. 3, it is understood that other sections (not labeled) of second refining body 32 will similarly include refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38 . be done. A refiner bar 36 extends radially outward from a radially inner location 33 to a radially outer edge 37 of the second refining body portion 32 . The refiner bar 36 can be skewed at various angles as shown in FIG. 3, with each section 32A-32C having two portions of the refiner bar 36 skewed in different directions. It may contain more than one segment (not separately labeled). The refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38 in each section 32A-32C in FIG. 3 may otherwise be similar in construction.

The path of the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers through the refiner 10 is illustrated via arrow B in FIG. 1-3, pulp slurry enters disc refiner 10 through inlet 16 and into refiner inner cavity 64 through central aperture 21 in first refining member 20. pass. The refiner inner cavity 64 may be partially defined by a fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 . The refining surfaces 24, 34 are one or more additional surfaces of the refiner bar, such as those located near the center of the refining body 22, 32 (e.g., near the central aperture 21). Columns (not labeled) can be included. These additional refiner bars are wider than the other refiner bars 26 and are spaced further apart to break up large fiber bundles before they enter the refining space 60. It is possible. The wood fibers travel radially outward between the refining members 20,30,40,50. a first refining space 60 defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 and between the third refining member 40 and the fourth refining member 50; A second refining space 62 , defined at 2 , defines a separate path along which wood fibers can travel from the inlet section 16 to the outlet section 18 . It is contemplated that wood fibers pass through only one of the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 at a time. The refiner grooves 28 , 38 may be considered part of the refining space 60 defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 . It is believed that most of the wood fiber flow through the refining space 60 passes through the refiner channels 28,38. Similarly, the refiner grooves (not shown) of the third and fourth refining members 40 , 50 are the refining spaces defined between the third refining member 40 and the fourth refining member 50 . 62. It is believed that most of the wood fiber flow through the refining space 62 passes through the refiner grooves (not labeled) of the third and fourth refining members 40,50. After treatment, the wood fibers exit the refiner 10 via the outlet section 18 at least partially under the action of centrifugal force.

4A and 4B are detailed views of one portion of the refining surface 24 of the first refining body portion 22, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are detailed views of the refining surface 34 of the second refining body portion 32. is a detailed view of the corresponding part of the. 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of refining body portions 22, 32 taken along lines 6A-6A and 6B-6B, respectively, and shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B. As shown, two embodiments of refiner bars 26, 36 are illustrated. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.

4A, 5A, 6A, and 7, each refiner bar 26, 36 includes a first refiner bar 26A, 36A and a second refiner bar 26B, 36B. is possible. The first refiner bars 26A, 36A may be separated from each other by first refiner grooves 28A, 38A, and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may be separated from each other by second refiner grooves 28B, 38B. The first and second refiner grooves 28A, 38A, 28B, 38B can have a width W _G of between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. This range includes, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.0 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the first refiner bars 26A, 36A extend upwardly from the floor F1 of the adjacent _first refiner grooves 28A, 38A to a first maximum height H ₁ , the second refiner bars 26B, 36B include a _second maximum height H2 extending upwardly from the floor F2 of the adjacent _second refiner flute 28B, 38B, the second maximum height H2 The height H2 is less _than the _first maximum height H1. _The minimum height difference between H1 and _H2 is shown as D1 in _FIG . 6A. In some examples, the radially outer portion RO1 of the _first refiner bar 26A, 36A can include a step down from a _first maximum height H1 to a _second maximum height H2. be.

In some examples, the _second maximum height H2 can be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _first maximum height H1. In other examples, the _second maximum height H2 can be at least 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _first maximum height H1. In a further example, the _first maximum height H1 of the _first refiner bar 26A, 36A is between about 4.0 mm and about It can be 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). This range is for example 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 10.0 mm. In the particular example, the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B is the first maximum height H2 as measured from the _floor F2 of the adjacent _second refiner grooves 28B, 38B. The height H ₁ can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) less. This range is for example 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0 .9mm, 0.95mm, 1.0mm, 1.05mm, 1.1mm, 1.15mm, 1.2mm, 1.25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm, and 1.45mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 5 mm. In another particular example, the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bar 26B, 36B is the height of the _second maximum height H2 of the first refiner bar 26B, 36B when measured from the floor F2 of the adjacent _second refiner groove 28B, 38B. It can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) _less than the maximum height H1. This range is for example 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm and 1.5mm. In a still further example, the radially outer portion RO1 of the _first refiner bar 26A, 36A includes a step down from a _first maximum height H1 to a _second maximum height H2, the second maximum height H2 can be at least about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) less _than the _first maximum height H1. In some cases, the _second maximum height H2 can be at least about 2.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _first maximum height H1; The maximum height H2 of ₂ can be at least about 3.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _first maximum height H1.

Each of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A extends from a radially inward position P1 above the refining surfaces 24,34 to a _first radially outward position P2 above the refining surfaces _24,34 . extends to Each of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extends to a second radially outward position P3 above the refining surfaces _24,34 . The second radially outward position P3 is closer to the outermost part of the refining body portion _22,32 than the _first radially outward position P2 (e.g., the radially outer edges 27,37). It is possible to be near In some examples, the radially inward position P ₁ may include positions at or near the radially inward locations 23 , 33 . The second refiner bars 26B, 36B can include _a longitudinal length L1 of from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm. The first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extend from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm between side edges of the respective refiner bars 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B. can include a width W ₂₆ of . This range is for example 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 8.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B can be integral with the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, as shown in Figures 4A, 5A, and 6A. Possibly, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extend from a _first radially outward position P2 to a _second radially outward position P3. In certain embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B slope continuously downward from a _first radially outward position P2 to a _second radially outward position P3. is possible. As shown in FIG. 6A, the height of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extends substantially longitudinally from a _second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H2 _' . It can be continuously decreasing along the _entire L1. In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are positioned a _second radially outward from a first radially outward position P2, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6A. Extending substantially horizontally to an orientation position P3 _, the second refiner bar 26B, 36B extends substantially the longitudinal length of the second refiner bar 26B, 36B. A _second maximum height H2 is provided along the _entire length of L1. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refiner bars 26A, 36A may be radially separated from the second refiner bars 26B, 36B by a predetermined space.

4A, 5A, and 7, the refining surfaces 24, 34 can include dams 29, 39 provided within at least a portion of the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A. . The dams 29, 39 can include a height that is substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bars 26A, 36A. The dams 29,39 serve to divert wood fibers from the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A to be engaged by the first and second refiner bars 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B.

1, 4A, 5A, and 6A, when a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the frame 66 (e.g., inlet section 16) of the refiner 10, the first refiner bar 26A, 36A is adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are adapted to break up or separate the fiber bundles. Refining involves breaking up and reducing small clumps of fibers, inducing external or internal fibrillation to achieve fiber bonding, and/or reducing the length of long wood fibers such that the length of the wood fibers is reduced. It can be used to cut any number of long wood fibers in a pulp slurry. However, the refining process also causes some of the wood fibers to reform into small dense fiber bundles (“flakes”), especially during the refining of long fibers such as softwoods. . Fiber bundles can adversely affect the tensile strength, formation, etc. of the finished paper product, seed formation of the pulp chain that clogs downstream components, and/or fluids/fluids from the fibers during paper product production. There is a possibility of suppressing drain discharge of water. Therefore, the flakes should be split after refining in a process called deflaking. As used herein, the term "deflake" is used to describe the process of breaking up the fiber bundles formed during refining. When refining involves a conventional pulp refiner, deflaking typically occurs in one or more subsequent refiners, which often operate at lower powers and in "Tickler" refiners. Or called a deflaker. Using a separate refiner or deflaker increases the cost and complexity of the system. In addition, the Tickler refiner and associated lines and tanks and downstream machine chests are capable of accumulating residual amounts of fiber from previous runs, allowing continued formation of fiber bundles. The treatment in the tickler refiner can degrade fiber properties when dissimilar pulp slurries are refined together. Refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure incorporate refiner bars 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B of different heights so that refining and deflaking can be performed in a single refiner 10. By doing so, it is possible to solve these problems.

The first maximum height H1 of the _first refiner bars 26A, 36A, which is greater than the _second maximum height H2, allows the wood fibers to have a high strength as they pass through a portion of the refining space 60. A portion of this refining space 60, which is meant to be subjected to shear and compressive forces, is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A and the first and second opposing grooves 28A, 38A. Engaged by the cutting side edges 126A, 136A of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A above the refining surfaces 24, 34 (see also Figures 8 and 9). Thus, the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A defined at least in part by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A extend from a radially inward position P1 above the refining surfaces 24,34 to the _first grooves above the refining surfaces 24,34. A portion of refining space 60 that extends radially outward to position P2 may at _least partially define a refining zone. In some examples, the radially inner locations 23, 33 of the respective refining bodies 22, 32 can define the beginning of the refining zone. As the refined fibers pass into the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B (e.g., approximately the first radial direction in FIG. 6A from the outward position P2 to _{approximately} a _second radially outward position P3), the second refiner bars 26B, 36B include a _second maximum height H2 to reduce the force applied to the fibers. Intensity decreases in response to reduced height (see also Figures 8 and 9). Thus, the distance from a first radially outward position P2 to a _second radially outward position P3 on the refining surfaces 24,34 is at least partially defined by the _second refiner grooves 28B,38B. The portion of the refining space 60 that extends to can at least partially define a deflaking zone. Reducing the force applied to the fibers in the deflaking zone breaks up the fiber bundles formed during refining without further or minimally refining the fibers. It is thought that In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are located on radially outer portions (not separately labeled) of the first and second refining body portions 22, 32. It forms an annular ring around which it defines a deflaking zone. The second maximum height H2 of the _second refiner bars 26B, 36B is the first height of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A to stop refining of the fibers and to begin deflaking. It is envisioned that it should be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) _less than the maximum height H1. The refining zone can comprise 60% or more of the total area defined by both the refining zone and the deflaking zone on each refining surface 24,34.

4B, 5B, and 6B, each refiner bar 26', 36' includes a first refiner bar 26A', 36A' and a second refiner bar 26B', 36B'. , third refiner bars 26C, 36C, and fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D. The first refiner bars 26A', 36A' and the second refiner bars 26B', 36' are as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7 and described herein. The first and second refiner bars 26A', 36A' can be substantially similar to the first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B as shown. , 26B', 36B' may extend radially outward a shorter distance. The first refiner bars 26A', 36A' may be separated from each other by first refiner grooves 28A', 38A' and the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' may be separated from each other by the second refiner grooves 28B', 38B'. can be separated from each other by The first and second refiner grooves 28A', 38A', 28B', 38B' can have a width W _G of between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. This range includes, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.0 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. The third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be separated from each other by third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may be separated from each other by the fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. As shown in FIG. 6B, the third refiner bars 26C, 36C include a _third maximum height H3 that extends upwardly from the floor F3 of the adjacent _third refiner grooves 28C, 38C. , the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D include a _fourth maximum height H4 extending upwardly from the floor F4 of the adjacent _fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D, the _fourth maximum height H4 is lower than the _third maximum height H3. The _third maximum height H3 can be substantially equal to the first maximum height H1 _' and the _fourth maximum height H4 can be substantially equal to the _second maximum height H2. can be physically equal. The minimum height difference between _H3 and _H4 is shown as D2 in _FIG . 6B. In some examples, the radially outer portion RO2 of the _third refiner bars 26C, 36C can include a step down from a _third maximum height H3 to a _fourth maximum height H4. be. The third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 38C, 28D, 38D can have a width W _G of between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. This range includes, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.0 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges.

In some examples, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3. In other examples, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3. In a further example, the _third maximum height H3 of the _third refiner bars 26C, 36C is between about 4.0 mm and about It can be 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). This range is for example 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 10.0 mm. In the particular example, the fourth maximum height H4 of the _fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is the third maximum height H4 when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent _fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D. It can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm ₍ ±0.05 mm) less than height H3. This range is for example 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0 .9mm, 0.95mm, 1.0mm, 1.05mm, 1.1mm, 1.15mm, 1.2mm, 1.25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm, and 1.45mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 5 mm. In another particular example, the fourth maximum height H4 of the _fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is the height of the third maximum height H4 when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent _fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D. It can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm ₍ ±0.05 mm) less than the maximum height H3. This range is for example 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm and 1.5mm. In a still further example, the radially outer portion RO2 of the _third refiner bars 26C, 36C includes stepping down from a _third maximum height H3 to a _fourth maximum height H4, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3. In some cases, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least about 2.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3; The maximum height H4 of the _third can be at least about 3.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3.

Each of the first refiner bars 26A', 36A' extends from a radially inward position P1 _' on the refining surfaces 24,34 to a first radially outward position P on the refining surfaces 24,34. It extends to _2' . Each of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B _' extends to a second radially outward position P3' on the refining surfaces 24,34. Each of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extends to a third radially outward position P4 on the refining surfaces _24,34 . Each of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extends to a fourth radially outward position P5 on the refining surfaces _24,34 . The fourth radially outward position P ₅ is located on the refining body portion 22 , 32 more than the first, second, and third radially outward positions P _{2 ′} , P _{3 ′} , and P ₄ . It can be near the outermost parts, for example the radially outer edges 27,37. The fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can include a longitudinal length L2 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about ₂ cm to about 10 cm. The third refiner bars 26C, 36C and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D have a length between about 2.0 mm and about 8.0 mm extending between the side edges of the respective refiner bars 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D. A width of 0 mm (not separately labeled) can be included. This range is for example 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 8.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' are integral with the first refiner bars 26A', 36A' as shown in Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B. so that the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from a first radially outward position P2 _' to a second radially outward position P3 _' . It's becoming In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B, the third refiner bars 26C, 36C are integral with the second refiner bars 26B', 36B'. such that the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extend from a second radially outward position P3 _' to a third radially outward position P4 _' ; The fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D can be integral with the third refiner bar 26C, 36C such that the _fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is positioned at a third radially outward position P4. to a _fourth radially outward position P5. In certain embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' slope continuously downward from a first radially outward position P2 _' to a second radially outward position P3 _' . It is possible that As shown in FIG. 6B, the second refiner bar 26B'36B' can include _a longitudinal length L1 of from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm. It is possible. The height of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' is continuous along substantially the _entire longitudinal length L1 from a _second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H2 _' . can be reduced to In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from a first radially outward position P2 _{' to a second} radially outward position P2', as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6B. Extending substantially horizontally to a radially outward position P3 _' , the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from the second refiner bars 26B', 36B'. A _second maximum height H2 is provided along substantially the _entire longitudinal length L1. In certain embodiments, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D slope continuously downward from a _third radially outward position P4 to a _fourth radially outward position P5. is possible. As shown in FIG. 6B, the height of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extends substantially longitudinally from a _fourth maximum height H4 to a fourth minimum height H4 _' . It can be continuously decreasing along the entire _L2 . In another particular embodiment, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D are positioned a _fourth radially outward from a third radially outward position P4, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6B. Extending substantially horizontally to an orientation position P5, the _fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D extends substantially the longitudinal length of the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D. A _fourth maximum height _H4 is provided along the entire length of L2. In other embodiments (not shown), the third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be radially separated from the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D by a fixed space.

4B, 5B, and 7, refining surfaces 24, 34 are defined by first and/or third refiner grooves 28A', 38A', 28C, as described herein. , 38C may include dams 29, 39 provided within at least a portion of the dams.

4B, 5B, and 6B as described with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6A. The refiner bars 26A', 36A' are adapted to refine wood fibers, and the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' in Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B break down the fiber bundles. is adapted to The third refiner bars 26C, 36C are adapted (similar to the first refiner bars 26A', 36A') to refine wood fibers, while the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D are adapted to: It is adapted (similar to the second refiner bars 26B', 36B') to break up fiber bundles as described herein.

1, 4B, 5B, and 6B, the refining surface 24, defined at least in part by the first refiner grooves 28A', 38A' and the third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, from a radially inward position P1 _' to a first radially outward position P2' on 34 and from a _second radially outward position P3 _' to a third radially outward The portion of refining space 60 extending to position P4 of may at least partially define first and _second refining zones, respectively, as described herein. It is possible. A first radially outward position P2 _' on the refining surfaces 24, 34 defined at least in part by the second refiner grooves 28B', 38B' and the fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. to a second radially outward position P3 _' and from a _third radially outward position P4 to a _fourth radially outward position P5. Portions 60 can at least partially define first and second deflaking zones, respectively, as described herein. The second maximum height H2 of the _second refiner bars 26B', 36B' is the height above the first refiner bars 26A', 36A' to stop refining of fibers and to begin deflaking. should be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _first maximum height H1 of the . Similarly, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D is the height of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C to stop refining and to begin _deflaking of the fibers. It is envisioned that it should be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the _third maximum height H3. The first and second refining zones comprise at least 60% of the total area defined by both the first and second refining zones and the deflaking zones on the respective refining surfaces 24, 34 is possible.

8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views of first and second refining body portions 22, 32/132 of first and second refining members 20, 30/130 according to the present disclosure. The first refining member 20 is spaced from the second refining member 30 and positioned adjacent to and across from the second refining member 30 . (See Figure 1). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a refining body according to the present invention, eg, first refining body 22, is paired with a conventional refining body 132. In the embodiment shown in FIG. The first refining body 22 includes a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which are shown in FIGS. First and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B can be accommodated, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. is. 8 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B are as described herein (FIGS. 4B, 5B and 6B) apply equally to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and the third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively. Conventional refining body 132 includes conventional refiner bars 136 and refiner grooves 138 , wherein conventional refiner bars 136 are of uniform height along substantially the entire longitudinal length of refiner bar 136 . ing. In other embodiments (not shown), the non-rotating stator members, e.g., first refining member 20, can include conventional refiner bars, which are substantially the same as those of the conventional refiner bars. Of uniform height along its entire length, the rotating rotor member, e.g., the second refining member 30, includes refiner bars 26A, 26B and refiner grooves 28A, 28B according to the present disclosure (see FIG. 1). can contain

A _first gap G1 is defined between the outer surface _S26A of the first refiner bar _26A and the outer surface S136 of the conventional refiner bar 136 in FIG. In the example where the second refiner bars 26B slope continuously downward, a _second gap G2 is between the outer surface S26B of the second refiner bar _26B and the outer surface of the conventional refiner bar 136. and _G2 is greater _than G1. In the example where the second refiner bars 26B extend substantially horizontally (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 8), the _third gap G3 is the outer surface S of the second refiner bars 26B. _26B' and the outer surface S ₁₃₆ of the conventional refiner bar 136 _, G3 being greater _than G1. As shown in FIG. 8, in embodiments in which one of the second refiner bars (eg, second refiner bar 26B) is angled, the outer surface S _26B of second refiner bar 26B is and the outer surface S ₁₃₆ of the conventional refiner bar 136 increases from the minimum distance corresponding to the _third gap G3 to the maximum distance corresponding to the _second gap G2 of the second refiner bar 26B. It can increase continuously along at least a portion of the longitudinal length (not labeled; see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, one refining body according to the invention, eg the first refining body 22, is combined with another refining body according to the invention, eg the second refining body. It is paired with the body portion 32 . The first refining body 22 includes a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which are shown in FIGS. First and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B can be accommodated, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. is. The second refining body 32 includes a first refiner bar 36A, a first refiner groove 38A, a second refiner bar 36B, and a second refiner groove 38B, which are shown in FIGS. First and second refiner bars 36A, 36B and first and second refiner grooves 38A, 38B can be accommodated, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. is. 9 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, 38A, 38B are described herein. (see FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B) apply equally to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and the third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively. be done.

A _first gap G1 is defined between the outer surface S26A of the first refiner bars _26A of the first refining body section 22 and the outer surface S36A of the first refiner bars _36A of the second refining body section 32. is defined between In the example where the second refiner bars 26B of the first refining body section 22 and the second refiner bars 36B of the second refining body section 32 both slope continuously downward, the gap _G4 is , between the outer surface S _26B of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S _36B of the second refiner bar 36B of the _second refining body portion 32, wherein G4 is greater _than G1 . One of the second refiner bars (e.g., the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22) slopes continuously downward and the other of the second refiner bars (e.g., the , the second refiner bars 36B of the second refining body 32) extend substantially horizontally (indicated in FIG. 9 by dashed lines), the gap _G5 is: G5 may be defined between the outer surface _S26B of the second refiner bar _26B and the outer surface _S36B' of the _second refiner bar 36B, and G5 is greater than G1. The second refiner bars 26B of the first refining body portion 22 and the second refiner bars 36B of the second refining body portion 32 both extend substantially horizontally (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 9). ), a gap G6 may be defined between the outer surface _{S26B '} of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface _{S36B '} of the second refiner bar 36B, G6 being , G is greater than ₁ . _In some specific examples, _G4 is greater than _G5 , which is greater than _G6 .

As shown in FIG. 9, in embodiments in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are slanted, the outer surfaces S _26B , S _26B' of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are inclined. , S _36B , S _36B′ is the longitudinal length of one or both of the respective second refiner bars 26B, 36B (not labeled; see FIGS. 6A and 6B). ) can increase continuously along at least a portion of the . For example, when one refining body portion, e.g., the first refining body portion 22, includes inclined second refiner bars 26B, the outer surfaces S _26B , S _36B' of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B. The distance between them can increase from a minimum distance corresponding to gap _G6 to a maximum distance corresponding to a _third gap G5. When both refining body portions 22, 32 include inclined second refiner bars 26B, _36B , the distance between the outer surfaces S26B, S36B of the second refiner bars _26B , 36B is the gap G ₆ to a maximum distance corresponding to the _second gap G4.

In all of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a rotatable refining member (eg, first refining member 20; see FIG. 1) is connected to a stationary refining member (eg, As it rotates against the second refining member 30/130; see FIG. 1), the wood fiber containing pulp slurry is forced onto the frame 66 (e.g., inlet section 16) of the refiner 10 (see FIG. 1). and enters the refining space 60 defined between the first refining body portion 22 and the second refining body portion 32/132. 8, in the portion of the refining space 60 defined at least partially by the first refiner grooves 28A of the first refining body 22 and the refiner grooves 138 of the second refining body 132, As the wood fibers enter, the first and second refining body portions 22, 132 are separated from the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body portion 22 and the conventional refining bar 26A of the second refining body portion 132. The refiner bars 26A and 136 are spaced apart to define a _first gap G1 between the refiner bars 136 so that the refiner bars 26A and 136 interact with each other and the wood as described herein. It is adapted to refine the fibers. The _first gap G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm), preferably about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm (± 0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, and 0.9 mm. In some examples, the _first gap G1 can be about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the portion of the refining space 60 defined at least partially by the second refiner grooves 28B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner grooves 138 of the second refining body 132. As wood fibers pass into the refining is stopped and defraking begins. In embodiments where the second refiner bar 26B slopes continuously downward, the distance increases from the _first gap G1 to the _second gap G2. In embodiments in which the second refiner bar 26B extends substantially horizontally, the distance increases from the _first gap G1 to the _third gap G3. The distance between the _second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner bar 136 of the _second refining body 132, i. should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1 .45 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 1.5 mm.

Referring to FIG. 9, wood fibers enter portions of the refining space 60 that are at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A of the first and second refining body portions 22, 32, respectively. When the first and second refining body portions 22, 32 are spaced apart to define a _first gap G1 between the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, the refiner The bars 26A, 36A interact with each other to refine the wood fibers as described herein. As the wood fibers pass into the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B of the first and second refining body portions 22, 32, respectively, the first The distance between the second refiner bar 26B of the refining body section 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body section 32 is one of the gaps _G4 , _G5 , or _G6 . , so that refining stops and deflakes begin. The _first gap G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm), preferably about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm (± 0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, and 0.9 mm. In some examples, the _first gap G1 can be about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. It is also believed that the gaps G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) in order for defaking to occur. The range is, for example, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, for a range of about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.45 mm, and 1.5 mm.

₁ , 6A, 6B, ₈ , and ₉ , gaps G1 and G2, _G3 , G4, G4 defined between refining body portions 22, _32/132 . , G ₅ , G ₆ are coupled to the first or second refining members 20, 30 via, for example, a second motor 76 coupled to a movable support frame 68 via jackscrews (not shown). can be adjusted by applying axial pressure to at least one of the . For a single-disc refiner, the second refining member 30 may be directly connected to the movable support frame 68 and, as the movable support frame 68 is moved via the second motor 76 and jackscrew, the second refining member 30 Refining member 30 is adapted to move with movable support frame 68 . With respect to the double disc refiner 10, when the second refining member 30 is moved as described above, i.e., when the jackscrew rotates in the first direction, it moves into the third refining member 40. causing movement of the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 inward. The fourth refining member 50 then applies an axial force to the wood slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, Cause the third refining member 40 , the support 70 , and the second refining member 30 to move inward toward the first refining member 20 .

Gap G1 defined between refiner bars 26A, 36A, ₁₃₆ is controlled by second motor 76 (manually controlled or via a controller/processor coupled to second motor 76). A substantially constant gap value can be maintained by adjusting the positioning of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 via a jack screw and jackscrews, and the refining space 60 A first motor 74 (manually controlled or a controller coupled to the first motor 74) operates at a predetermined rotational speed to process a constant amount of pulp flowing through it. (controlled via a processor) is maintained at a predetermined input power level, which power level is determined by the operator or the first is monitored by the controller/processor that controls the motor 74 of the . For example, pulp is moving through the refining space 60 of a 50.8 cm (20 inch) diameter Andritz® Twinflo IIIB low consistency refiner at a flow rate of 0.572 m ³ (151 gallons) per minute, If the first motor 74 is running at a constant rotational speed of 800 RPM, the first refining member 20 is powered until the power input by the first motor 74 equals 114 kilowatts. A second motor 76 is controlled to move the two refining members 30 . that when the power input by the first motor 74 equals 114 kilowatts, the gap size between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 has a value of 0.57 mm; is estimated.

With continued reference to FIGS. ₁ , 6A, _6B , ₈ and ₉ , the gaps G2, G3, G4, G4, G5, G6 required to achieve _{deflaking are} , may vary depending on the load or flow rate (i.e., liters per minute of pulp slurry flowing through the refining space 60) to which the refining body 22, 32/132 is exposed. . For example, when the refining body 22, 32/132 is lightly loaded, the portion of the refining space 60 at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B', 38B/38B' Upon passage of the fiber into the first radially outward position P ₂ /P ₂ ′ and/or the third radially outward position P 2 /P 2 ′ and/or as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B Almost immediately upon movement of the wood fibers through position P4 of , refining of the wood fibers can stop and _deflake can begin. When the refining body 22, 32/132 is heavily loaded, some refining of the wood fibers is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B', 38B/38B'. It is possible to continue along at least a portion of the refining space 60 where it is located.

In situations where the refining bodies 22, 32/132 are heavily loaded, the second refiner bars 26B/26B' of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bars 26B/26B' of the second refining body 32 In embodiments in which one or both of the refiner bars 36B/36B' are continuously sloped downward, a sufficient distance between the refiner bars 26B/26B' and the refiner bars 136/36B/36B' is , along at least a portion of the refining space 60 at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B', 38B/38B. , allowing refining to stop and deflake to occur. Additionally, the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the refining bodies 22, 32 can wear and degrade over time. Specifically, the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A', 26C, 36A/36A', 36C, which perform the majority of the high intensity, high energy refining, are the second and fourth refiner bars which perform the deflaking. May wear faster than refiner bars 26B/26B', 26D, 36B/36B', 36D (deflake is generally lower intensity and lower energy than refining). The positions of the refining bodies 22, 32/132 are adjusted as described herein to be between the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A', 26C, 36A/36A', 36C. The _first gap G1 can be maintained at a substantially constant value as their outer surfaces _S26A , _S36A begin to wear. However, the gaps _{G2 , G3} , G4, G4, G5, G6 between the _second and _fourth refiner bars 26B/26B', _26D , 36B/36B', 36D may not be adjustable. have a nature. Accordingly, implementations in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B/26B', 36B/36B' and/or one or both of the fourth refiner bars 36B/36B', 36D are inclined The morphology is that the transition between the refining zone and the deflaking zone causes the second and fourth Ability to shift radially outward along the longitudinal length of refiner bars 26B/26B', 26D, 36B/36B', 36D (not labeled; see FIGS. 6A and 6B) It is considered to be

10 and 11 are plan views of a portion of the refining surface of first refining body portion 22' and second refining body portion 32, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 1, 10 and 11, first and second refining body portions 22', 32', respectively, are shown in FIG. 1 as described herein. It can be part of a refining member (eg, first and second refining members 20, 30) for use in a pulp refiner such as disc refiner 10. Each of the refining members 20, 30, including first and second refining body portions 22', 32', respectively, may be associated with a main support frame, which is secured to the first housing section 12. It includes a fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 . One refining member (eg, first refining member 20 including first refining body portion 22') can be secured to support frame 66 of refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. be. Another refining member (eg, second refining member 30 including second refining body portion 32') may be secured to support 70, which rotates with shaft 72 and attaches to the main support frame. An associated rotor is defined such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 . Third and fourth refining members (not shown) may also be provided having third and fourth refining body portions similar to the first and second refining body portions 22', 32'. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the first refining body portion 22' includes a plurality of sections 22A'-22C', which may be bolted or otherwise attached together. , forming a disk-shaped refining body 22 ′ including a radially outer edge 27 . Each section 22A'-22C' includes a plurality of elongated refiner bars 26' separated from each other by refiner grooves 28'. Although not shown in FIG. 10, other sections (not labeled) of the first refining body 22' will similarly include refiner bars 26' and refiner grooves 28'. It is understood. The refiner bar 26' extends radially outward from the radially inner location 23' to the radially outer edge 27' of the first refining body portion 22'. each section 22A'-22C' of the first refining body 22' includes at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2; It may include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second refining body portion 32' includes a corresponding plurality of sections 32A'-32C', the plurality of sections 32A'-32C' being bolted or They may be attached together in other ways to form a disc-shaped refining body 32' including a radially outer edge 37'. Each section 32A'-32C' includes a plurality of elongated refiner bars 36' separated from each other by refiner grooves 38'. Although not shown in FIG. 11, other sections (not labeled) of the second refining body 32' will similarly include refiner bars 36' and refiner grooves 38'. It is understood. The refiner bar 36' extends radially outward from a radially inner location 33' to a radially outer edge 37' of the second refining body portion 32'. each section 32A'-32C' of the second refining body 32' includes at least one first pie-shaped segment 32B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-2; It may include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments. Although not discussed in detail herein, the third and fourth refining body portions 42, 52 of FIG. 1 are the first and second refining bodies, respectively, as described herein. It is possible to include structures substantially similar to the inning body portions 22', 32'.

At least one of the first and second refining body portions 22', 32' of FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, includes adjacent radially extending pie-shaped segments (eg, 22B-2 and 22B-2). 32B-2) at least one radially extending pie-shaped segment of the refiner bars 26', 36' (eg, 22B-2) that includes one or more attributes different from the refiner bars 26', 36' in -1 and 32B-1). Figures 12A and 12B are partial cross-sectional views in which the first and second refining body portions 22', 32' of Figures 10 and 11 are spaced apart and adjacent to each other. are positioned directly opposite each other (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 12A, the first refiner bar 26-1 is the refining surface 24-1 (herein referred to as first pie-shaped segment 22B-1) of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22'. 1 refining surface), the first refiner bar 26-1 is spaced from the third refiner bar 36-1, and the third refiner bar 36- 1 and directly opposite the third refiner bar 36-1, the third refiner bar 36-1 forming at least one third pie-shaped portion of the second refining body portion 32'. segment 32B-1 of the refining surface 34-1 (also referred to herein as a third refining surface). In FIG. 12B, the second refiner bar 26-2 extends the refining surface 24-2 (referred to herein as the second pie-shaped segment 22B-2) of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22'. The second refiner bar 26-2 is spaced apart from the fourth refiner bar 36-2 and the fourth refiner bar 36-2 is positioned above the second refiner bar 36-2. 2 and directly across from a fourth refiner bar 36-2, the fourth refiner bar 36-2 forming at least one fourth pie shape of the second refining body portion 32'. segment 32B-2 of refining surface 34-2 (also referred to herein as a fourth refining surface).

10, 11, and 12A, first refiner bars 26-1 are separated from each other by first refiner grooves 28-1 and each adjacent first refiner groove 28-1 may include a first maximum height _H10 extending upwardly from the floor F1 _' of the . The third refiner bars 36-1 are separated from one another by third refiner grooves 38-1 and extend upwardly from floors F3 _' of respective adjacent third refiner grooves 38-1. can include a maximum height H ₃₀ of . As shown in FIG. 12A, the first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 can be substantially similar to each other and have first and third maximum heights H ₁₀ , H ₃₀ can be substantially equal.

10, 11, and 12B, the second refiner bars 26-2 are separated from one another by second refiner grooves 28-2 and the floors of adjacent second refiner grooves 28-2. A second maximum height H ₂₀ may be included extending upward from F _2' . The fourth refiner bars 36-2 are separated from each other by fourth refiner grooves 38-2 and have fourth maximum bars extending upward from floors F4 _' of adjacent fourth refiner grooves 38-2. A height H ₄₀ may be included. As shown in FIG. 12B, the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 can be substantially similar to each other and have second and fourth maximum heights. The heights H ₂₀ and H ₄₀ can be substantially equal. All of the refiner bars 26-1, 26-2, 36-1, 36-2 in each pie-shaped segment 22B-1, 22B-2, 32B-1, 32B-2 are at the same height relative to each other. It is possible to include

The second maximum height H ₂₀ of the second refiner bar 26-2 can be less than the first maximum height H ₁₀ of the first refiner bar 26-1. _In some examples, the second maximum height H20 is at least 0 greater than the first maximum height _H10 as measured from the floor F2 _' of the adjacent second refiner flute 28-2. It can be as small as 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm). In another example, the second maximum height H ₂₀ is at least 0.00% greater than the first maximum height H ₁₀ as measured from the floor F _2' of the adjacent second refiner flute 28-2. It can be as small as 7 mm (±0.05 mm). In a further example, the first maximum height H ₁₀ of the first refiner bar 26-1 is approximately 4.5 mm as measured from the floor F _{1 '} of each adjacent first refiner groove 28-1. It can be from 0 mm to about 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). This range is for example 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 10.0 mm. In the particular example, the second maximum height H 20 of the second refiner bar 26-2 is the height of the second maximum height H ₂₀ of the second refiner bar 26-2 when measured from the floor F _2' of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the maximum height H ₁₀ of the . This range is for example 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0 .9mm, 0.95mm, 1.0mm, 1.05mm, 1.1mm, 1.15mm, 1.2mm, 1.25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm, and 1.45mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 5 mm. In another particular example, the second maximum height H ₂₀ of the second refiner bar 26-2, as measured from the floor F _2' of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2, is: It can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height _H10 . This range is for example 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .25mm, 1.3mm, 1.35mm, 1.4mm, 1.45mm and 1.5mm. In a further example, the first refiner bar 26-1 and the second refiner bar 26-2 extend between the side edges of the respective refiner bars 26-1, 26-2 from about 2.0 mm to A width (not shown; see FIG. 7) of about 8.0 mm can be included. This range is, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 7.5 mm and 8.0 mm. The fourth maximum height H ₄₀ of the fourth refiner bar 36-2 (which can correspond to the second maximum height H ₂₀ ) is the third height of the third refiner bar 36-1. , which _{may correspond to the first maximum height H 10 .}

1, 10, 11, 12A, and 12B, as the second refining member 30 rotates relative to the first refining member 20, the second refining body portion 32 ' the refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the refining surface 34-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body portion 22'. Refining surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of second refining body portion 32' passes through surface 24-1, and refining surface 34-2 of first refining body portion 22'. will pass the refining surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the . A slurry of wood pulp is fed into a frame 66 (e.g., inlet section 16) of refiner 10, passes through refining space 60 and into at least one third pie-shaped segment of second refining body section 32'. When the refining surface 34-1 of 32B-1 passes over the refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', the third maximum A third refiner bar 36-1 having a height H ₃₀ would be positioned opposite the first refiner bar 26-1 having a first maximum height H ₁₀ so that the first and third Refiner bars 26-1 and 36-1 are adapted to refine a significant number of wood fibers. The refining surface 34-2 of the at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32' is aligned with the at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the first refining body 22'. A fourth refiner bar 36-2 having a fourth maximum height H ₄₀ passes a second refiner bar 36-2 having a second maximum height H ₂₀ as it passes the refining surface 24-2 of the segment 22B-2 of the second refiner bar 36-2. Positioned opposite from bar 26-2, second and fourth refiner bars 26-2 and 36-2, as described herein, provide a plurality of refiners in the wood pulp slurry. It is adapted to break up or separate the wood fiber bundles. The refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32' is aligned with the at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the first refining body 22'. and the refining surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32' Low intensity refining can occur when passing the refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22'.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one or more of sections 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' of respective refining body portions 22', 32' may include, in some examples, may include three radially extending pie-shaped segments 22B-1, 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-2, 32B-3, respectively. In some particular examples, two segments (eg, 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-3) have one of the first or second maximum heights H ₁₀ , H ₂₀ and one segment (eg, 22B-2 and 32B-2) has a refiner bar having the other of the first or second maximum heights H ₁₀ , H ₂₀ and the second maximum height _H20 is less than the first maximum height _H10 . For example, segments 22B-1, 22B-3 may include a first refiner bar 26-1 and segments 32B-1, 32B-3 may include a third refiner bar 36-1. Yes, segment 22B-2 can include a second refiner bar 26-2, and segment 32B-2 can include a fourth refiner bar 36-2. In other examples (not shown), one or more of sections 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C can each include only two segments of refiner bars, or can contain four or more segments of each. In a further example (not shown), one or more of sections 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' may not include separate segments, and the entire section may be a single height refiner. It is designed to include a bar. A refining body (e.g., one of refining body portions 22', 32') according to the present disclosure includes conventional refiner bars (e.g., all refiner bars of the same height). It is understood that it can be paired with a refining body.

In order for refining to occur, the gap between the opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm). , should preferably be between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm); It is believed that the gap between 36-2 should be about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm). Each of these ranges is, for example, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.45 mm, for a range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm. 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, and 0.9 mm, for ranges from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm is 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.45 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 1.5 mm. In some examples, the gap between the opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 can be about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). be. This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges.

19A and 19B illustrate first refining body portions 1022, 1022' with respective first refining surfaces 1024, 1024' and second refining body portions 1022, 1022' with respective second refining surfaces 1034, 1034'. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 6A and 6B of the refining body portion 1032, 1032' of FIG. As described in detail herein, the first and second refining body portions 1022/1022', 1032/1032' are used in a pulp refiner, such as the disc refiner 10 shown in FIG. For example, it can be part of refining members 20, 30, respectively, in FIG. Refining members 20, 30, including first and second refining body portions 1022/1022', 1032/1032', respectively, are fixed to the first housing section 12 in a stationary support frame 66 and a movable support frame. 68 can be associated with the main support frame. One refining member, for example the first refining member 20 including the first refining body portion 1022/1022A', can be secured to the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. be. A second refining member 30 including another refining member, for example a second refining body portion 1032/1032', can be secured to the support 70, which rotates with the shaft 72 and attaches to the main support frame. An associated rotor is defined such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 . Each of the first and second refining bodies 1022/1022', 1032/1032' includes a plurality of sections (not shown; see 22A-22C and 32A-32C in FIGS. 2 and 3); They may be bolted or otherwise attached together and have their respective radially inner edges 1023, 1023' and 1033, 1033' and radially outer edges 1027, 1027' and 1037, 1037' forming a disc-shaped refining body including;

19A, the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 each include a plurality of elongated refiner bars 1026, 1036, the plurality of elongated refiner bars 1026, 1036 comprising first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A and second refiner bars. 1026B, 1036B, wherein the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A and the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B can be separated from each other by respective first refiner grooves 1028A, 1038A and second refiner grooves 1028B, 1038B ( The first and second refiner bars 1026A/1036A and 1026B/1036B are also sometimes referred to herein as first and second refiner bar elements). In some examples, the first and second refiner grooves 1028A, 1028B and 1038A, _1038B are between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm wide (not shown; see WG in FIGS. 4A and 5A). and the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1026B and 1036A, _1036B can have a width (not shown; see W26 in FIG. 7) of about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. can. Each of these ranges is, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, for the range from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm; Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, and 8.0 mm. The refiner bars 1026, 1036 can be angled at various angles on their respective refining surfaces 1024, 1034, and each section of the refining bodies 1022, 1032 can be angled in different directions. (not shown; see FIGS. 2 and 3).

The first and second refiner bars 1026, 1036 are each directed radially inwardly, i.e., from the radially inner edge 1023, 1033 to the radially outer edge 1027, 1037 of the respective refining body portion 1022, 1032. extending radially outwardly. Specifically, each of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A extends from a first radially inward position P ₁₀₀₀ on the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 to a first radial direction on the refining surfaces 1024, 1034. It extends outward to position P ₂₀₀₀ . Each of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extends from a second radially inward position on the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 to a second refiner bar on the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 as described herein. extending to two radially outward positions P ₃₀₀₀ , the second radially outward position P ₃₀₀₀ being further along the general direction of travel of the wood fibers than the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ . It can be near the outermost parts of the refining body 1022,1032, eg, the radially outer edges 1027,1037. In some examples, the first radially inward position P ₁₀₀₀ may include positions at or near the radially inner edges 1023, 1033. In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B are such that the second radially inward position of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B is the first radius of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. substantially the same as the directional outward position P ₂₀₀₀ and the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extend from the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ to the second radially outward position P ₃₀₀₀ As such, it can be integral with the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A can be radially separated from the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B by a fixed space. The second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may include a longitudinal length L ₁₀₀₀ of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm. As explained above, the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 are dams (not shown; 29 in FIGS. 4A, 5A and 7) provided within at least a portion of the first refiner grooves 1028A, 1038A. and 39), and the dam may include a height substantially equal to or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A.

With continued reference to FIG. 19A, the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A include a first height H ₁₀₀₀ that extends upwardly from the floor F ₁₀₀₀ of the adjacent first refiner grooves 1028A, 1038A. In some examples, the first height H ₁₀₀₀ can be the maximum height of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. The first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A are located, for example, at a first radially inward position P ₁₀₀₀ and a first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ , for example, as shown in the example of FIG. 19A. between, so that the first height H ₁₀₀₀ can be substantially constant along the longitudinal length (not labeled) of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. can extend to In some examples, the first height H ₁₀₀₀ of the first refiner bar _1026A , 1036A is between about 4.0 mm and It can be about 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). This range is, for example, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 9.5 mm and 10.0 mm.

The second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B include a second height H ₂₀₀₀ extending upwardly from the floor F ₂₀₀₀ of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B, 1038B, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ extending from the second is the minimum height of the refiner bars 1026B, 1036B of the second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B and is spaced from a second radially inward position of the second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B, e.g., P ₂₀₀₀ (first and second heights H ₁₀₀₀ , H ₂₀₀₀ may also be referred to herein as first and second bar heights). In some embodiments, second heights H ₂₀₀₀ of second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extending upward from floors F ₂₀₀₀ of adjacent second refiner grooves 1028B, 1038B are shown in solid lines in FIG. 19A. It can be greater than zero as shown. For example, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ can be between about 2.0 mm and about 4.0 mm (±0.2 mm). This range is, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.8 mm, and 4.0 mm. inclusive, and all values and subranges therebetween. In other embodiments, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ is slightly greater than zero, eg, the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B at their minimum height are adjacent to each other, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 19A. may be slightly above or flush with the floor F ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner grooves _1028B , 1038B.

The second height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B can be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H ₁₀₀₀ of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. It is possible. In some examples, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ can be at least 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H ₁₀₀₀ . In some specific examples, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B is the height of the first height H 2000 when measured from the floor F ₂₀₀₀ of the adjacent second refiner grooves 1028B, 1038B. It can be about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the height _H1000 . This range is for example 0.35 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7.0 mm. In other particular examples, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ can be about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H ₁₀₀₀ . This range is for example 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .0 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7.0 mm. In a more particular example, the second height H ₂₀₀₀ is about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H ₁₀₀₀ or greater than the first height H ₁₀₀₀ . can be about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the Each of these ranges is, for example, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3 mm, for a range of about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm. .5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, and 4.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.0 mm, for ranges of about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, and 3.0 mm. In embodiments where the second height H ₂₀₀₀ is slightly greater than zero, the difference between the first height H ₁₀₀₀ and the second height H ₂₀₀₀ is substantially the height of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. It can be the entire height. For example, if the first height H ₁₀₀₀ of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A is approximately 10.0 mm, then the second height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B is the first height H It can be about 10.0 mm less than ₁₀₀₀ .

As shown in FIG. 19A, in some examples, the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extend from a first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ to a second radially outward position P ₃₀₀₀ . It can slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of each second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B extending therebetween. In some particular examples, the height of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B decreases continuously along substantially the entire longitudinal length L ₁₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B. It is possible to be For example, the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B are located adjacent to the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ and are substantially equal to the first height H ₁₀₀₀ of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. , where the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extend from the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀₀ to It slopes downward substantially continuously to a second radially outward position P ₃₀₀₀ . A second (minimum) height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B can reside adjacent to the second radially outward position P ₃₀₀₀ .

In some examples, first and second refining members 20 , 30 including first and second refining body portions 1022 , 1032 are configured such that first refining surface 1024 is second refining surface 1034 . (not shown; see, for example, FIGS. 1, 8 and 9), in which case each referrer as described in detail herein. A first refining member 20 is spaced from a second refining member 30 to define a refining space (see 60 in FIG. 1) between the inning surfaces 1024,1034. At least a portion of the refiner bars 1026 of the first refining body portion 1022 are refining the second refining body such that they define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between opposing portions of the refiner bars 1026, 1036. The section 1032 can be positioned across from or facing at least a portion of the refiner bars 1036 . Specifically, such that at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1026A of the first refining body portion 1022 is directly opposite at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1036A of the second refining body portion 1032; That is, it can be positioned to face it such that at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B of the first refining body portion 1022 is the second refiner bar 1036B of the second refining body portion 1032. It can be positioned directly opposite, ie facing, the at least one portion.

As shown in FIG. 1 and described above, when a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the frame 66 of the refiner 10, an axial force or pressure is exerted on the refining members 20,30. to adjust the size of the gap defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 . The first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A can be adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B can break up or separate the fiber bundles. can be adapted to Because the first height H ₁₀₀₀ of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A is greater than the second height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, the wood fibers are slid into the first refiner grooves 1028A. , 1038A are subjected to high intensities of shear and compression forces as they pass through a portion of the refining space (eg, the refining zone as described above). The first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A interact with each other or with conventional refiner bars to refine a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp. As the fibers pass through a portion of the refining space at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 1028B, 1038B (e.g., the deflaking zone as described above), they respond to the reduced height. This reduces the intensity of the force applied to the fibers by increasing the number of wood fiber bundles formed during refining without further or minimally refining the fibers. is considered to decompose or separate

In this example, the gap between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B can be between about 0.9 mm and about 20.0 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 .0mm, 6.5mm, 7.0mm, 7.5mm, 8.0mm, 8.5mm, 9.0mm, 9.5mm, 10.0mm, 10.5mm, 11.0mm, 11.5mm, 12.0mm , 12.5mm, 13.0mm, 13.5mm, 14.0mm, 14.5mm, 15.0mm, 15.5mm, 16.0mm, 16.5mm, 17.0mm, 17.5mm, 18.0mm, 18 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .5 mm, 19.0 mm, 19.5 mm, and 20.0 mm. In embodiments in which the second refiner bars 1026B and/or 1036B slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, the gap is between the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B. radially outward along at least one section, i.e., from a second radially inward position (e.g., P2000) of the second refiner bar 1026B, _1036B to a second radially outward position _P3000 . can be increased in a direction extending to In some examples, the gap can increase substantially along the entire longitudinal length L ₁₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B. In order to stop refining the fibers and start deflaking, the second (minimum) height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B must be equal to the first height H 2000 of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. It is contemplated that the height H ₁₀₀₀ should be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less.

In another example, one of the refining bodies 1022, 1032 shown in FIG. 19A includes a conventional refiner bar having a uniform height along substantially its entire longitudinal length. It can be mated with a conventional refining body (not shown; see 132 in FIG. 8). For example, the first refining member 20 may include a first refining body portion 1022 and the second refining member 30 may include a conventional refining body portion. Refining members 20, 30 are at least conventional refiner bars such that at least portions of first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1026B define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between opposing portions. They can be arranged to face each other with the parts positioned directly opposite, i.e. facing it. As described herein, a wood pulp slurry can be supplied and an axial force or pressure applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30 to adjust the size of the gap. can be applied, with a first refiner bar 1026A adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry and a second refiner bar 1026B adapted to break up or separate the fiber bundles. ing. In this example, the gap between the opposing portions of the second refiner bar 1026B and the conventional refiner bar can be about 0.9 mm to about 10.0 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.5 mm, and 10.0 mm, including all values and subranges therebetween. In embodiments where the second refiner bars 1026B are angled, the gap increases radially outward along at least one section of the second refiner bars 1026B, as described herein. and can increase along substantially the entire longitudinal length L ₁₀₀₀ of the second refiner bar 1026B. In this example, the second (minimum) height H ₂₀₀₀ of the second refiner bar 1026B is the first height of the first refiner bar 1026A/1036A in order to stop refining the fibers and begin defaking. It is believed that the height H ₁₀₀₀ should be at least about 0.7 mm less (±0.05 mm).

In both examples, for refining to occur, there must be a gap between opposing portions of the refiner bars (e.g., between opposing portions of first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, or between first refiner bars 1026A/1036A and conventional refiner bars 1026A/1036A). It is believed that the gap (between opposing portions of the refiner bar) should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm). In some cases, the gap in the refining zone can be less than about 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm). In some particular cases, the gap can be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. Also, for deflaking to occur, the gap (e.g., between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, or between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B/1036B and conventional refiner bars) must be should be between about 0.9 mm and about 2.0 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, and Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 2.0 mm. As explained above, the gap along at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B/1036B can be much greater than about 2.0 mm, for example up to about 2.0 mm in some cases. It can be 20.0 mm. This larger gap can be used to account for inevitable wear that will reduce the heights H ₁₀₀₀ , H ₂₀₀₀ of the refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, 1026B, 1036B. The position of the refining body can be adjusted as described herein to maintain the desired gap as the refining surface begins to wear. Specifically, embodiments in which the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of the respective second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B are suitable for deflaking. The transition between the refining and deflaking zones extends the longitudinal length of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B so that a gap of about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm can be maintained over the life of the refining member. It is believed to allow shifting radially outward along the length L ₁₀₀₀ .

Referring to FIG. 19B, refining bodies 1022', 1032' include respective refining surfaces 1024', 1034', which refining surfaces 1024', 1034' are first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A'. , second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B', third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, and fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D, respectively. be. The first and second refiner bars 1026A', 1036A', 1026B', 1036B' are similar to the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, 1026B, 1036B illustrated in Figure 19A and described herein. can be substantially similar to The first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A' can be separated from each other by first refiner grooves 1028A', 1038A' and the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' can be separated from each other by the second refiner grooves 1028B. ', 1038B'. The third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may be separated from each other by third refiner grooves 1028C, 1038C, and the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be separated from each other by fourth refiner grooves 1028D, 1038D. It is possible to

Each of the first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A' extends from a first radially inward position P _1000' to a first radially outward position P _2000' on the refining surfaces 1024', 1034'. It is possible that it is extended. Each of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' extends from a second radially inward position on the refining surface 1024', 1034' to the refining surface 1024' as described herein. , 1034' to a second radially outward position P _3000' . Each of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C extends from a third radially inward position on the refining surfaces 1024', 1034' to the refining surfaces 1024', 1034 as described herein. ' to a third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ above. Each of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D extends from a fourth radially inward position on the refining surfaces 1024', 1034' to the refining surfaces 1024', 1034 as described herein. ' to a fourth radially outward position P ₅₀₀₀ above. The fourth radially outward position P ₅₀₀₀ is located closer to the refining body portions 1022', 1032' than the first, second and third radially outward positions P _2000' , P _3000' and P ₄₀₀₀ . can be near the outermost parts of, eg, the radially outer edges 1027', 1037'. The second and fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B _' and _1026D /1036D include respective longitudinal lengths L1000', L2000 of from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm. It is possible. In some examples, the first and/or second refiner bars 1026A', 1036A', 1026B', 1036B' are more refined than the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, 1026B, 1036B. It may extend radially outward for a short distance. As explained above, the refining surfaces 1024', 1034' are dams (not shown) provided within at least a portion of the first and third refiner grooves 1028A'/1038A' and 1028C/1038C. 29 and 39 in FIGS. 4B and 5B), wherein the dam is substantially equal to the height of the adjacent first and/or third refiner bars 1026A′/1036A′ and 1026C/1036C. It is possible to include heights that are the same or smaller.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19B, the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' can be integral with the first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A'; The third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C can be integral with the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D can be integrated with the third refiner bar 1026C, It can be integrated with 1036C. For example, if the first and second refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026B'/1036B' are integral with each other, the second radially inward position of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' can be substantially the same as the first radially outward position P _2000' of the first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A', and the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' It may extend from one radially outward position P _2000' to a second radially outward position P _3000' . When the second and third refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026C/1036C are integral with each other, the third radially inward position of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C is the second refiner The second radially outward position P _3000′ of the bars 1026B′, 1036B′ can be substantially the same, and the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C are positioned at the second radially outward position P 3000′. It may extend from P _3000' to a third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ . When the third and fourth refiner bars 1026C/1036C and 1026D/1036D are integral with each other, the fourth radially inward position of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D is the same as the third refiner bar 1026C. , 1036C can be substantially the same as the third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ and the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D can be substantially the same as the third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ to the fourth radially outward position P 4000 . to a radially outward position P ₅₀₀₀ . In other embodiments (not shown), the first refiner bars 1026A', 1036A' can be radially separated from the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' by a fixed space. , the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' may be radially separated from the third refiner bar 1026C, 1036C by a fixed space, and/or the third refiner bar 1026C, 1036C may be radially separated from the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D by a fixed space.

With continued reference to FIG. 19B, the first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C are located on the floors F of the respective adjacent first and third refiner grooves 1028A'/1038A' and 1028C/1038C. _1000' , including respective first height H _1000' and third height H ₃₀₀₀ extending upwardly from F ₃₀₀₀ . The first and third heights H _1000′ , H ₃₀₀₀ can be the maximum heights of the first and third refiner bars 1026A′/1036A′ and 1026C/1036C, respectively. In some examples, the first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C have the first and third heights H _1000' , H ₃₀₀₀ are the heights of the first and third refiner bars 1026A'. /1036A' and 1026C/1036C along the longitudinal length (not labeled), e.g. Between an inward position P _{1000′ and} a first radially outward position P _2000′ , and a third radially inward position of the third refiner bar 1026C, 1036C, e.g. 3 radially outward positions P ₄₀₀₀ and extending substantially horizontally. In some examples, the first and third heights H _1000′ , H ₃₀₀₀ of the first and third refiner bars 1026A′/1036A′ are equal to the respective adjacent first and third refiner grooves 1028A′. /1038A' and 1028C/1038C floors F _1000' , F ₃₀₀₀ can be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). This range is for example 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 10.0 mm.

The second and fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D point upward from the floors F2000', F4000 of the respective adjacent second and fourth refiner grooves 1028B'/1038B _' and _1028D /1038D can include respective second heights H _2000′ and fourth heights H ₄₀₀₀ that extend to . A second height H _2000′ is the minimum height of the second refiner bars 1026B′, 1036B′ and is at a second radially inward position, eg, P ₂₀₀₀ , of the second refiner bars 1026B′, 1036B′. _' is spaced apart from A fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ is the minimum height of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D and is spaced from a fourth radially inward position, e.g., P ₄₀₀₀ , of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D. are placed. In some embodiments, a second height H _2000' of the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' extending upward from the floor F _2000' of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B', 1038B'; and/or the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ of the fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D extending upwardly from the floor F ₄₀₀₀ of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 1028D, 1038D is as shown in solid lines in FIG. 19B It can be greater than zero. For example, the second height H _2000′ and/or the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ can be between about 2.0 mm and about 4.0 mm (±0.2 mm). This range is, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.8 mm, and 4.0 mm. inclusive, and all values and subranges therebetween. In other embodiments, the second height H _2000' and/or the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ can be slightly greater than zero, e.g. 1026B', 1036B' and/or fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D are located in respective adjacent second or fourth refiner grooves 1028B'/1038B', 1028D/, as shown in dashed lines in Figure 19B. Floors F _2000′ of 1038D, which may be slightly above or flush with F ₄₀₀₀ .

The second height H _2000' of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and/or the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D are respectively It can be at least about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H _1000′ of 1036A′ and/or the third height H ₃₀₀₀ of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C. In some examples, the second height H _{2000′ and} the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ are at least _0.70 mm (± 0.05 mm). In some specific examples, the second height H _2000' of the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' is measured from the floor F _2000' of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B', 1038B'. Sometimes and/or the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ of the fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D is the height F ₄₀₀₀ of the respective first It can be about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the height H _1000′ and the third height H ₃₀₀₀ . This range is for example 0.35 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7.0 mm. In other particular examples, the second height H _2000' and the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ are about 0.7 mm to about 0.7 mm greater than the first height H _1000' and the third height H ₃₀₀₀ , respectively. It can be as small as 7.0 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .0 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7.0 mm. In a more specific example, the second height _2000' and the fourth height H ₄₀₀₀ are about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm greater than the first height H _1000' and the third height H ₃₀₀₀ , respectively. It can be 0 mm (±0.05 mm), or about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm (±0.05 mm) less than the first height H _1000′ and the third height H ₃₀₀₀ , respectively. Each of these ranges is, for example, 0.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3 mm, for a range of about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm. .5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, and 4.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.0 mm, for ranges of about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm. Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, and 3.0 mm. In embodiments where the second and/or fourth heights H _2000′ , H ₄₀₀₀ are slightly greater than zero, between the first and second heights H _1000′ , H _2000′ and/or the 3 and the fourth height H ₃₀₀₀ , H ₄₀₀₀ is substantially the entire height of the first and/or third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C. It is possible. For example, if the first and third heights H _1000′ , H ₃₀₀₀ are about 10.0 mm, then the second and fourth heights H _2000′ , H ₄₀₀₀ are equal to the first and third heights H ₁₀₀₀ . _' , which can be about 10.0 mm smaller than H ₃₀₀₀ .

As shown in FIG. 19B, in some examples, the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D each include refiner bars 1026B', 1036B', 1026D. , 1036D can be substantially continuously downwardly sloping along at least a portion thereof. For example, the second refiner bars 1026B', _1036B ' may be along at least a portion extending between a first radially outward position P2000' and a second radially outward position _P3000 . and/or the fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D slopes substantially continuously downward from the third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ to the fourth radially outward position P 4000. It can be substantially continuously downwardly sloping along at least a portion extending between the outwardly facing positions P ₅₀₀₀ . In some particular examples, the height of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D is substantially equal to their respective longitudinal lengths L1000 _' , L A continuous decrease along the entire ₂₀₀₀ is possible. For example, the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' is adjacent to the first radially outward position P _2000' and the first height H _1000' of the first refiner bar 1026A', 1036A'. The second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' can have a maximum height (not separately labeled) that lies at substantially the same position and the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' It slopes downward substantially continuously from a position P _2000' to a second radially outward position P _3000' . The fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D is similarly adjacent to the third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ and is substantially the same as the third height H ₃₀₀₀ of the third refiner bar 1026C, 1036C. The fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D can have a maximum height (not separately labeled) that exists at a position, and the fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D extends from a third radially outward position P ₄₀₀₀ to a fourth It slopes downward substantially continuously to a radially outward position P ₅₀₀₀ . A second (minimum) height H _2000' of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' can reside adjacent to the second radially outward position P _3000' , A fourth (minimum) height H ₄₀₀₀ of the four refiner bars 1026D, 1036D can reside adjacent to the fourth radially outward position P ₅₀₀₀ .

In some examples, the first and second refining members 20, 30 including the first and second refining body portions 1022', 1032' have first and second refining surfaces 1024', 1034'. ' face each other (not shown; see for example FIGS. 1, 8 and 9) and define a refining space (see 60 in FIG. 1) as described in detail herein. can be arranged as follows. At least a portion of the refiner bars 1026' of the first refining body portion 1022' are at least part of the second refining body portion 1026', 1036' to define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between opposing portions of the refiner bars 1026', 1036'. It is positioned directly opposite or facing at least a portion of the refiner bars 1036' of the refining body 1032'. Specifically, at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1026A' of the first refining body portion 1022' are directly across from at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1036A' of the second refining body portion 1032'. so that at least a portion of the second refiner bar 1026B' is directly across from, ie faces, the second refiner bar 1036B'. and at least a portion of the third refiner bar 1026C may be positioned directly opposite, i.e. facing, at least a portion of the third refiner bar 1036C. It is possible, and at least a portion of the fourth refiner bar 1026D can be positioned directly opposite or facing at least a portion of the fourth refiner bar 1036D.

As shown in FIG. 1 and described above, when a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the frame 66 of the refiner 10, an axial force or pressure is exerted on the refining members 20,30. to adjust the size of the gap defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 . The first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C can be adapted to refine wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D can be adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles. The first and third heights H _1000' and H ₃₀₀₀ of the first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C are the heights of the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D. is greater than the respective second and fourth heights H _2000′ and H ₄₀₀₀ of the wood fibers are at least partially High intensities of shear and compression forces are experienced as it passes through a portion of the defined refining space (eg, the first and second refining zones as described above). The first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C interact with each other to refine a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp. A refining space in which the fibers are at least partially defined by second and fourth refiner grooves 1028B'/1038B' and 1028D/1038D (e.g., first and second deflaking zones as described above) The strength of the force applied to the fiber decreases in response to the reduced height when passing through a portion of the fiber, but this may result in no further or minimal refining of the fiber. It is believed to break up or separate the multiple wood fiber bundles formed during refining without any effort.

In this example, the gap between the opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and between the opposing portions of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D is about 0.9 mm to about 20.0 mm (± 0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 .0mm, 6.5mm, 7.0mm, 7.5mm, 8.0mm, 8.5mm, 9.0mm, 9.5mm, 10.0mm, 10.5mm, 11.0mm, 11.5mm, 12.0mm , 12.5mm, 13.0mm, 13.5mm, 14.0mm, 14.5mm, 15.0mm, 15.5mm, 16.0mm, 16.5mm, 17.0mm, 17.5mm, 18.0mm, 18 Including all values and subranges therebetween, including .5 mm, 19.0 mm, 19.5 mm, and 20.0 mm. In examples in which one or more of the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion, the gap is the second radially outward along at least one section of the refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' of the second refiner bar 1026B', 1036B' at a second radially inward position (e.g., P _2000' ) to a second radially outward position P _3000′ and/or the gap may increase along at least one section of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D. increasing in a radially outward direction, i.e., in a direction extending from a fourth radially inward position (e.g., P4000) of the fourth refiner bar _1026D , 1036D to a fourth radially outward position _P5000 It is possible to In some examples, the gap is along substantially the entire longitudinal length L _1000′ and/or L ₂₀₀₀ of the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B′/1036B′ and 1026D/1036D, respectively. can be increased by To stop refining the fibers and start deflaking, the second (minimum) height H _2000' of the second refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and the fourth height of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D is at least greater than the first height H _1000′ of the first refiner bars 1026A′, 1036A′ and the third height H ₃₀₀₀ of the third refiner bars 1026C, _1036C , respectively. It is believed that it should be less than about 0.35 mm (±0.05 mm).

In another example, one of the refining bodies 1022′, 1032′ shown in FIG. 19B includes a conventional refiner bar having a uniform height along substantially its entire longitudinal length. It can be paired with a refining body (not shown; see 132 in FIG. 8). For example, the first refining member 20 may include a first refining body portion 1022' and the second refining member 30 may include a conventional refining body portion. The refining members 20, 30 are configured so that at least a portion of the first, second, third and fourth refiner bars 1026A', 1026B', 1026C, 1026D have gaps (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between opposing portions. ), positioned directly opposite, i.e. facing, at least a portion of a conventional refiner bar to define a . As described herein, a slurry of wood pulp may be supplied and axial force or pressure applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30 to adjust the size of the gap. possible, the first and third refiner bars 1026A', 1026C are adapted to refine wood fibers in the pulp slurry, and the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B', 1026D break up or adapted to separate. In this example, the gap between the facing portions of the conventional refiner bar and the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B', 1026D can be about 0.9 mm to about 10.0 mm (±0.05 mm). is. This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.5 mm, and 10.0 mm, including all values and subranges therebetween. In embodiments where the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B', 1026D are slanted, the gap is along at least one section of the refiner bars 1026B', 1026D, as described herein. increasing along substantially the entire longitudinal length L _1000′ , L ₂₀₀₀ of the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B′, 1026D. It is possible to In this example, to stop the refining of the fibers and start defaking, the second (minimum) height H _2000' of the second refiner bar 1026B'/1036B' and the fourth refiner bar 1026D/ The fourth (minimum) height H ₄₀₀₀ of 1036D is the first height H _1000′ of the first refiner bars 1026A′/1036A′ and the third height of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, respectively. It is believed that it should be at least about 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm) less than H ₃₀₀₀ .

In both examples, refining must occur between opposing portions of the refiner bars (e.g., between opposing portions of the first and third refiner bars 1026A', 1036A' and 1026C, 1036C, or conventional It is believed that the gap between the refiner bar and the opposing portions of the first and third refiner bars 1026A'/1036A' and 1026C/1036C) should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm). be done. In some cases, the gap in the refining zone can be less than about 0.7 mm (±0.05 mm). In some particular cases, the gap can be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. Also, for deflaking to occur (e.g., between opposing portions of the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B', 1036B' and 1026D, 1036D, or between a conventional refiner bar and the second and fourth refiner It is contemplated that the gap between opposing portions of bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D) should be about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm (±0.05 mm). This range is for example 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, and Including all values and subranges therebetween, inclusive of 2.0 mm. Heights H _1000′ , H _{2000′ , H 3000 , H 2000′} , H ₃₀₀₀ , It is possible to use a gap greater than about 2.0 mm to allow for wear reducing _H4000 . The position of the refining body can be adjusted as described herein to maintain the desired gap as the refining surface begins to wear. Specifically, the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D point substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of the refiner bars 1026B'/1036B' and 1026D/1036D , between the refining zone and the deflaking zone such that a gap of about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm for deflaking can be maintained over the life of the refining member. allows the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B'/1036B _' and _1026D /1036D to shift radially outward along longitudinal lengths L1000', L2000. Conceivable.

13 and 14 illustrate a first refining surface 224 of a first refining body portion 222 and a second refining surface of a second refining body portion 232, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 234 is a plan view of a portion of 234; FIG. 1, 13 and 14, the first and second refining body portions 222, 232, such as the disc refiner 10 shown in FIG. 1, as described herein. (eg, refining members 20, 30, respectively) for use in pulp refiners such as. Each of the refining members 20, 30, including first and second refining body portions 222, 232, respectively, may be associated with a main support frame, which is fixed to the first housing section 12. It includes a support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 . One refining member (eg, first refining member 20 including first refining body portion 222) can be secured to support frame 66 of refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. . Another refining member (eg, second refining member 30 including second refining body portion 232) may be secured to support 70, which rotates with shaft 72 and is associated with the main support frame. , such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 .

As shown in FIG. 13, the first refining body portion 222 includes a plurality of sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are bolted together. or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body portion 222 including a radially outer edge 227 . The first refining surface 224 includes a plurality of elongated first refiner bars 226 , the plurality of elongated first refiner bars 226 separated from each other by first refiner grooves 228 . A first refiner bar 226 extends radially outward from a radially inner location 223 to a radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222 . The first refiner bar 226 can be angled at various angles, as shown in FIG. 13, with each section of the refining body 222 angled in a different direction. It is possible to include one or more segments (not labeled) of the refiner bar 226 that are in place. First refining body portion 222 includes one or more annular rings of teeth 400 positioned between first refiner bar 226 and radially outer edge 227 of first refining body portion 222 . Further includes columns or rings. Although not shown in FIG. 13, other sections (not labeled) of the first refining body 222 will similarly include refiner bars 226, refiner grooves 228, and teeth 400. It is understood that

As shown in FIG. 14, the second refining body portion 232 includes a plurality of sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are bolted together. or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body portion 232 including a radially outer edge 237 . The second refining surface 234 includes a plurality of elongated second refiner bars 236 , the plurality of elongated second refiner bars 236 separated from each other by second refiner grooves 238 . A second refiner bar 236 extends radially outward from a radially inner location 233 to a radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body portion 232 . The second refiner bar 236 can be angled at various angles, as shown in FIG. 14, with each section of the refining body 232 angled in a different direction. It may include one or more segments (not labeled) of the refiner bar 236 that are aligned. Second refining body portion 232 includes one or more annular rings of teeth 400 positioned between second refiner bar 236 and radially outer edge 237 of second refining body portion 232 . Further includes columns or rings. Although not shown in FIG. 14, other sections (not labeled) of the second refining body 232 will similarly include refiner bars 236, refiner grooves 238, and teeth 400. It is understood that Additionally, although not discussed in detail herein, the structure of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of the respective third and fourth refining body portions 42, 52 of FIG. 1 are described herein. As such, the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the first and second refining body portions 222, 232, respectively, can include substantially similar structures.

Figures 15 and 16 are detailed views of one portion of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 of Figures 13 and 14, respectively. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of first refiner bar 226 and teeth 400B and second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C, wherein first refiner bar 226 and teeth 400B are shown in FIGS. and the second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C may be positioned over the second refining body portion 232 of FIGS. 14 and 16, The first refining body portion 222 is spaced from the second refining body portion 232 and is adjacent to and directly opposite the second refining body portion 232 . positioned to define a refining space 260 therebetween. 15-17, the first refining surface 224 includes first refiner bars 226 separated from each other by first refiner grooves 228 and second refiner bars 226 . The refining surface 234 of includes second refiner bars 236 separated from each other by second refiner grooves 238 . One or both of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 may include dams 229, 239, which, as described herein, may include a second refining surface. Located within at least a portion of the first and second refiner grooves 228,238. Each of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 extends from a radially inward position _P100 to a first radially outward position on the respective first and second refining surfaces 224, 234. _Extends to P200. In some examples, the radially inward position P ₁₀₀ may include positions at or near the respective radially inward locations 223, 233 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The first and second refiner bars 226, 236 each include a width W ₂₂₆ , W ₂₃₆ of about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm extending between side edges of the respective refiner bars 226, 236. It is possible. This range is for example 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 8.0 mm.

The first refining surface 224 includes a first tooth 400B that extends radially outward from the radially outer edge RO ₂₂₆ of the first refiner bar 226 and the first refining body 222 . It is positioned between the outer edge 227 . The first tooth 400B extends to a third radially outward position (eg, P ₄₀₀ ) on the first refining surface 224 and is located at the third radially outward position P ₄₀₀ . is closer to the outermost part (e.g., radially outer edge 227) of first refining body portion 222 than first radially outward position P ₂₀₀ of first refining bar 226 be. The second refining surface 234 includes second teeth 400A, 400C, which extend from the radially outer edge RO ₂₃₆ of the second refiner bar 236 and the second refining body portion. 232 and the radially outer edge 237 thereof. The second teeth 400A, 400C extend to a second or fourth radially outward position (eg, _P300 or _P500 ) on the second refining surface 234 and The fourth radially outward position P ₃₀₀ , P ₅₀₀ is the outermost position of the second refining body portion 232 than the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀ of the second refining bar 236 . closer than the part (eg, radially outer edge 237).

With continued reference to FIGS. 15-17, the teeth 400A-400C may be arranged in concentric rings and may project from their respective refining surfaces 224, 234 toward each other in a substantially vertical direction. . A ring including the first teeth 400B is spaced from the radially outer edge RO ₂₂₆ of the first refiner bar 226 by a first substantially planar area 282 and It is spaced from the radially outer edge 227 of the refining body 222 by two substantially planar areas 284 . A ring including the second teeth 400A is spaced from the radially outer edge RO ₂₃₆ of the second refiner bar 236 by a first substantially planar area 286 to provide a second tooth 400A. A substantially planar area 288 is spaced apart from the ring containing the second tooth 400C. 15-17, the first refining surface 224 of the first refining body portion 222 includes one concentric row/ring of first teeth 400B, the first The second refining surface 234 of the two refining body portions 232 includes two concentric rows/rings of second teeth 400A, 400C, the first and second teeth 400A-400C each Located on the refining surfaces 224, 234, the first teeth 400B mesh with the second teeth 400A, 400C. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refining surface 224 can include two or more concentric rings of teeth, and the second refining surface 234 can include one or more concentric rings of teeth. It is possible to include one concentric row or three or more concentric rings of teeth. In all embodiments, one of the refining body portions will include one less ring of teeth than the other refining body portion, with teeth disposed on each refining body portion. so that teeth from one refining body mesh with teeth on the other refining body as is known in the art.

It is understood that teeth 400A-400C can include any suitable shape and/or dimensions known in the art. As illustrated with respect to tooth 400A in FIG. 17, in some examples each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a substantially pyramidal or trapezoidal shape. , with bottom surface 402, radially inwardly facing surface 404, and radially outwardly facing surface 406 angled slightly inward toward the central axis (not labeled) of tooth 400A. lined sides (not separately labeled) and a generally planar outer surface 408 . The radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces 404 , 406 of each tooth 400A-400C can slope from the bottom surface 402 toward their respective outer surface 408 . The outer surface 408 of each tooth 400A-400C can be substantially parallel to the plane of each substantially planar area 282, 284, 288 opposite the tooth 400A-400C. be. In other examples (not shown), each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a shape, the shape being substantially triangular, rectangular, etc. , or any other suitable geometric shape. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the bottom surfaces 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include radial dimensions that are greater than their circumferential dimensions, although in other embodiments (see FIGS. not shown), the bottom surface 402 can include a radial dimension that is smaller than the circumferential dimension. In some cases, at least a portion of bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A-400C can include a longitudinal length (not labeled) (ie, radially) of at least 0.6 cm. , in some particular cases, can have a longitudinal length of 0.6 cm to about 2 cm. In other cases, at least a portion of the bottom surface 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can circumferentially include a width (not labeled), the width being (eg, one refiner bar 226, W ₂₂₆ , W ₂₃₆ of 236 and the width W _G of one adjacent groove 228, 238) is substantially equal to the combined width. Width W _G can be between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm. This range includes, for example, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6.0 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. For example, the bottom surfaces 402 of teeth 400A-400C can have a circumferential dimension of at least about 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm). In other cases, the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A-400C can have a circumferential dimension of about 10.0 mm to about 20.0 mm (±0.5 mm). In addition, one or more of the radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces 404, 406 or sides of one or more of the teeth 400A-400C may be one or more radially Extending projections can be included, and one or more of the radially extending projections can influence the interaction of the teeth 400A-400C with the wood fibers to separate the wood fiber bundles. It is possible. Teeth 400A-400C can have a structure similar to that illustrated in US Pat. No. 8,342,437B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first refiner bar 226 includes a first height H ₁₀₀ that extends upwardly from the floor F ₁₀₀ of the adjacent first refiner flute 228 and the second refiner bar. The bar 236 includes a second height H ₂₀₀ that extends upwardly from the floor F ₂₀₀ of the adjacent second refiner groove 238 . In some examples, the first and second heights H ₁₀₀ , H ₂₀₀ of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 can be substantially equal to each other and between about 4.0 mm and about 10.0 mm (±0.5 mm) can be included. This range is for example 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9 .5 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 10.0 mm. The first and second refining body portions 222 , 232 are spaced apart by a first gap G ₁₀₀ that _defines the outer surface S ₂₂₆ of the first refiner bar 226 . and the outer surface S ₂₃₆ of the second refiner bar 226 . A second gap G ₂₀₀ is defined between a generally planar outer surface 408 of teeth 400A-400C and a respective one of substantially planar areas 282, 284, 288 on opposite sides of teeth 400A-400C. and _G200 can be greater than _G100 . In some examples, the height (not labeled) of teeth 400A-400C extending upward from adjacent respective first or second refiner grooves 228, 238 is between about 8.0 mm and about It can be 10.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 8.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.5 mm, and 10.0 mm. As shown in FIG. 17, the teeth 400A-400C are meshed such that one or both of the radially inwardly or outwardly facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C A portion axially, e.g., in the direction of the arrows in FIG. there is The overlapping portions of the teeth 400A-400C may be spaced apart by a third gap G ₃₀₀ that _extends radially inwardly or outwardly of each of the teeth 400A-400C. is defined between surfaces 404, 406 facing the In some examples, G ₃₀₀ can be substantially equal to G ₂₀₀ . In other examples, G ₃₀₀ can be less than G ₂₀₀ or greater than G ₂₀₀ .

1 and 17, when a slurry of wood pulp is fed into the frame (e.g., inlet section 16) of refiner ₁₀ , the wood fibers are, for example, forced from approximately a first radially inward position P100. It passes into a portion of the refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by the first and second refiner grooves 228, 238 to about a first radially outward position _P200 . The first and second refiner bars 226, 226 interact with each other to refine a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp as described herein. The first gap G ₁₀₀ should be less than about 0.9 mm (±0.05 mm), preferably about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm (± 0.05 mm). This range is, for example, Including all values and subranges therebetween, including 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm and 0.9 mm. In some examples, the first gap G ₁₀₀ can be between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm (±0.05 mm). This range includes, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.5 mm and all values therebetween. Including subranges. Refined wood fibers are then, for example, oriented from approximately a first radially outward position P ₂₀₀ to approximately a fourth radially outward position P ₅₀₀ in respective first and second substantially planar planes. into portions of refining space 260 that are at least partially defined by specific areas 282 , 284 , 286 , 288 . It is believed that the second and third gaps G ₂₀₀ and G ₃₀₀ should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm (±0.05 mm) in order for deflaking to occur. This range is for example 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1 .45 mm, and all values and subranges therebetween, including 1.5 mm. Teeth 400A-400C are adapted to break up or separate a plurality of wood fiber bundles in wood pulp slurry as described herein. It is believed that G ₂₀₀ is greater than G ₁₀₀ such that refining stops and deflaking begins approximately at a first radially outwardly first position P ₂₀₀ .

1 and 15-17, the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the refining body portions 222, 232, particularly the outer surfaces S ₂₂₆ , S ₂₂₆ of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236, and , the outer surface 408 of the teeth 400A-400C can wear and degrade over time. To compensate for this wear, the spacing between the first and second refining members 20, 30, including the first and second refining body portions 222, 232, respectively, is described herein. so that the first gap G ₁₀₀ remains substantially constant. This adjustment of the first and second refining body portions 222, 232 is useful when the refiner bars 226, 236 perform a more aggressive refining function and typically wear faster than the teeth 400A-400C. can be caused to decrease the gap G ₂₀₀ of . This difference in wear can be factored into the selection of teeth 400A-400C (e.g., the type of metal used for teeth 400A-400C, the initial size of second gap G ₂₀₀ , the shape of teeth 400A-400C, etc. ), as the wood fibers enter the portion of the refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by the respective first and second substantially planar areas 282, 284, 286, 288, the refining Sufficient second gap G ₂₀₀ can be maintained to ensure that C stops and deflaking begins. When the refining bodies 222, 232 are new, the third gap _G300 can be substantially equal to or _greater than the second gap _G200 . As the refining surfaces 224, 234 wear and the refining members 20, 30 are moved closer together, the third gap G ₃₀₀ becomes smaller than the second gap G ₂₀₀ until the third gap G 300 becomes smaller than the second gap G 200 . ₃₀₀ can be decreased.

In all of the embodiments described herein, the refiner 10 of FIG. 1 may be coupled to a controller (not shown) that controls, for example, the number of fiber bundles, size, etc. (also known as "Wide Shives"). at one or more locations downstream of the refiner 10, such as fibrillation, Canadian standard freeness, fiber length, fiber width, kink, curl, roughness, number of fines, etc. Data is received from a fiber analyzer (eg, a Valmet® MAP pulp analyzer (Valmet Corp.)) regarding one or more fiber properties to be measured. Based on this data, the controller can control the operation of refiner 10 as part of a feedback loop. For example, the controller adjusts the spacing between one or more pairs of refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 to maintain one or more fiber properties within predetermined target ranges. is possible. In some examples, the controller also increases or increases the rotational speed of one or more rotating rotor members (e.g., second and third refining members 30, 40) of refiner 10 based on this data. It is conceivable that it can be reduced. _{In other examples , the controller may control the} , controls the operation of the refiner 10 and provides a predetermined number (eg, 1, 000 ppm) can be generated.

In other examples, the refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed in one or more of a plurality of refiners arranged in series, each refiner being as shown in FIG. can be substantially similar to the refiner 10 of . A controller may control operation of one or more of the plurality of refiners to maintain one or more fiber properties within predetermined target ranges. In some particular examples, refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed only in the last refiner of a series, while in other examples refining members 20, 30 according to the present disclosure , 40, 50 may be installed in two or more of the refiners.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers. Although reference is made to the components of refiner 10 in FIG. 1, it is understood that the method is not limited only to this structure. The method may begin at step 500 by providing a refiner 10 including at least a first pair of refining members 20 and 30 , 40 and 50 . At least one pair of refining members includes a first refining member 20 comprising a first refining body portion 22 comprising a first refining surface 24 and a second refining member comprising a second refining surface 34 . and a second refining member 30 including a refining body portion 32 . The first refining surface 24 may include a first refiner bar 26A separated by a first refiner groove 28A and a second refiner bar 26B separated by a second refiner groove 28B. Possibly, the first refiner bar 26A has a _first maximum height H1 extending upwardly from the floor F1 of the adjacent _first refiner flute 28A and the second refiner bar 26B. has a _second maximum height H2 extending upwardly from the floor F2 of the adjacent _second refiner channel 28B. Second component refining surface 34 may include second component refiner bars 36 separated by second component refiner grooves 38 . The first refining member 20 may be spaced from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space 60 therebetween. At least a portion of the second member refiner bar 36 may be positioned directly across from the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining member 20 such that a portion of the second member refiner bar 36 and the second refiner are aligned. Gaps G ₂ , G ₃ , G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ with bar 26B are defined.

At step 510, the method moves at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 such that the first and second refining members 20, 30 move relative to each other. It is possible to rotate and continue to feed the slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers to the refiner 10 as the slurry passes through the refining space 60 in step 520 . _At step 530, the gaps G2 _, G3, G4, G5, between a portion of the _second member refiner bar 36 and the second refiner bar 26B, as described in detail herein, are _removed . Axial pressure is supplied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 as the slurry is supplied such that _G6 is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm. wherein at least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gaps G2 _{, G3} , _G4 , _G5 , _G6 are separated before the method can be terminated. .

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary method for treating wood fibers. Although reference is made to the components of refiner 10 of FIG. 1, it should be understood that the method is not limited to this structure only. For example, the refiner may include a conical refiner. The method may begin at step 600 with providing a refiner 10 including at least a first pair of refining members 20 and 30 , 40 and 50 . At least one pair of refining members can include a first refining member 20 including a first refining body including a first refining surface. The first refining surface includes a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove, such as refiner bars 26A, 26A', 1026A, 1026A' of FIGS. A second refiner bar separated by two refiner grooves, such as refiner bars 26B, 26B', 1026B, 1026B' of FIGS. The bars have a first height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first refiner flute and the second refiner bar has a first height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner flute. It has a height of 2. The at least one pair of refining members can further include a second refining member 30 including a second refining body portion including a second refining surface. The second refining surface comprises second component refiner bars separated by second component refiner grooves, such as refiner bars 36, 36', 1036, 1036' of Figures 6A, 6B, 19A and 19B. can be included. The first refining member 20 may be spaced from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space 60 therebetween. at least a portion of the second member refiner bar directly across from the second refiner bar of the first refining member so as to define a gap between that portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar; can be positioned such that

At step 610, the method includes moving at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 such that the first and second refining members 20, 30 move relative to each other. can continue to rotate and at step 620 a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the refiner 10 such that the slurry passes through the refining space 60 . At step 630, axial pressure can be applied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 as the slurry is dispensed, wherein At least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated, after which the method can end. A gap defined between a portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar extends along at least one section of the second refiner bar in a first radial direction on the first refining surface. The increase is possible in a direction extending from the inward position to the first radially outward position.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended in the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications that fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims (21)

A refining member for a pulp refiner, said refining member comprising:
including a refining body including a refining surface;
The refining surface comprises:
a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove and extending from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the refining surface;
a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove and extending from a second radially inward position to a second radially outward position on the refining surface; the second radially outward position is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position;
said first refiner bar having a first height extending upwardly from the floor of an adjacent first refiner channel;
The second refiner bar has a second height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner channel, the second height being the minimum height of the second refiner bar. spaced apart from said second radially inward position, said second height being at least about 0.35 mm less than said first height;
A refining member, wherein the first refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up fiber bundles. 2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein said minimum height of said second refiner bar is adjacent said second radially outward position. 2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein the first height is substantially constant along the longitudinal length of the first refiner bar. The refining member of claim 1, wherein the first height is between about 4.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. 5. The refining member of claim 4, wherein said second height is about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm less than said first height. 5. The refining member of claim 4, wherein said second height is about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm less than said first height. The second refiner bar is integral with the first refiner bar such that the second refiner bar extends from the first radially outward position to the second radially outward position. 2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein: each of the second refiner bars along at least a portion of the respective second refiner bar extending between the first radially outward position and the second radially outward position; 8. The refining member of claim 7, wherein the refining member slopes substantially continuously downwardly at each point. 2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said first refiner groove is equipped with a dam. The first height of the first refiner bar includes a first maximum height, and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner channel. 2 maximum heights, wherein each radially outer portion of said first refiner bar comprises a step down from said first maximum height to said second maximum height; 2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein the height is at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height. third refiner bars separated by third refiner grooves, each extending to a third radially outward position on the refining surface;
fourth refiner bars separated by a fourth refiner groove, each closer to said outermost part of said refining body than said third radially outward position; a fourth refiner bar extending to a fourth radially outward position on the refining surface;
The third refiner bar has a third height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent third refiner flute and the fourth refiner bar extends upward from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner flute. a fourth height extending to, said fourth height being the minimum height of said fourth refiner bar, adjacent said fourth radially outward position, said the fourth height is at least about 0.35 mm less than the third height;
2. The refining member of claim 1, wherein said third refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and said fourth refiner bar is adapted to break up fiber bundles. The third refiner bar is integral with the second refiner bar such that the third refiner bar extends from the second radially outward position to the third radially outward position. and the fourth refiner bar extends from the third radially outward position such that the fourth refiner bar extends from the third radially outward position to the fourth radially outward position. 12. The refining member of claim 11 integral with the refiner bar. The third height of the third refiner bar includes a third maximum height, and the fourth refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner groove. and each radially outer portion of said third refiner bar comprises a step down from said third maximum height to said fourth maximum height, said fourth maximum height is at least about 1.5 mm less than the third maximum height. A pulp refiner, the pulp refiner comprising:
a frame;
and at least a first pair of refining members, the first pair of refining members comprising:
A first refining member associated with the frame and including a first refining body portion including a first refining surface, the first refining surface comprising:
A first, separated by a first refiner groove, extending from a first radially inward location on the refining surface to a first radially outward location on the refining surface. refiner bar and
a second refiner groove separated by a second refiner groove and extending from a second radially inward location on the refining surface to a second radially outward location on the refining surface; a refiner bar, wherein the second radially outward location is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward location;
The first refiner bar has a first height extending upwardly from the adjacent first trench floor and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the adjacent second trench floor. a second height at which the second refiner bar has a minimum height, said second height being the minimum height of said second refiner bar and spaced from said second radially inward position; said second height is at least about 0.35 mm less than said first height;
a first refining member;
a second refining member associated with the frame and including a second refining body including a second refining surface including second member refiner bars separated by second member refiner grooves; , the first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween, and at least a portion of the second member refiner bar comprises the positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar to define a gap between the portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar;
a second refining member;
The pulp refiner further comprises:
a first refining member associated with the frame, such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of one refining member relative to the other of the first or second refining members; a rotor coupled to said one refining member of said member or said second refining member;
When a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated. a pulp refiner, wherein said wood pulp slurry is passed through said refining space such that 15. The pulp refiner of claim 14, wherein said minimum height of said second refiner bar is adjacent said second radially outward position. 15. The pulp refiner of claim 14, wherein the first height is substantially constant along the longitudinal length of the first refiner bar. 15. The pulp refiner of claim 14, wherein said second height is at least about 0.7 mm less than said first height. The first height of the first refiner bar includes a first maximum height, and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner channel. and a radially outer portion of each of said first refiner bars comprises a step down from said first maximum height to said second maximum height, said second maximum height 15. The pulp refiner of claim 14, wherein the height is at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height. The second member refiner bar includes:
a first refiner bar element extending from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface;
closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward position to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface; a second refiner bar element extending;
The first refiner bar element has a first bar height extending upwardly from the adjacent trench floor and the second refiner bar element extends upwardly from the adjacent trench floor. a second bar height, said second bar height being the minimum height of said second refiner bar element, adjacent said second radially outward location; 15. The pulp refiner of claim 14, wherein two bar heights are at least about 0.35 mm less than the first bar height. A method for treating wood fibers, said method comprising:
providing a refiner including at least a first pair of refining members, comprising:
The first pair of refining members comprises:
A first refining member including a first refining body including a first refining surface, the first refining surface separated by first refiner grooves and adjacent first refining grooves. A first refiner bar having a first height extending upwardly from the floor of the refiner flute and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner flute and extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner flute. a first refining member comprising a second refiner bar having a height of
A second refining member including a second refining body including second refining surfaces, said second refining surfaces separated by second member refiner grooves. a refiner bar, wherein the first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween; at least one of the second member refiner bars; a portion positioned directly opposite said second refiner bar to define a gap between said portion of said second member refiner bar and said second refiner bar; a refining member;
providing a refiner;
rotating at least one refining member of the first refining member or the second refining member such that the first and second refining members move relative to each other;
supplying a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers to the refiner such that the slurry passes through the refining space;
applying axial pressure to at least one of the first refining member or the second refining member as the slurry is fed, the gap opening the second refiner an axial direction, increasing in a direction extending from a first radially inwardly facing position toward a first radially outwardly facing position on said first refining surface along at least one section of the bar; and applying a pressure of
A method, wherein at least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through said gap are separated. said second height being a minimum height of said second refiner bar and adjacent said first radially outward position, said second height being greater than said first height; 21. The method of claim 20, at least about 0.35 mm smaller.

Images