JP2023134619A - Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refining member and an apparatus for refining and decomposition of wood fibers.SOLUTION: A refining member for a pulp refiner comprises a refining body with a refining surface comprising refiner bars and teeth separated by refiner grooves. Each refiner bar extends from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface and the teeth extend to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second radially outward position is nearer to an outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position. The refiner bars are adapted to refine wood fibers and the teeth are adapted to break up fiber bundles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application relates to the following applications, which were filed concurrently with this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING WOOD FIBERS by Dwight Anderson. ” (Attorney Docket No. TEC-120257-US).

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to processing wood fibers in a refiner, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for refining wood fibers and for breaking up fiber bundles.

Disc-type refiners have traditionally been used to treat wood fibers in a step in the paper product making process. Such a refiner includes 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 a cutting surface for cutting wood fibers. During operation, at least one of the first and second refining members is rotated relative to the other, and the rotation of the cutting surface of the refiner bar cuts the wood fibers being processed within the refiner. do. Once the wood fibers are processed in the refiner, the processed wood fibers can be further processed in a subsequent paper product making process to produce a paper product. In some cases, the wood fibers can be subjected to additional processing, such as in a separate tickler refiner or deflaker.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a refining member for a pulp refiner is provided. The refining member includes a refining body that includes a refining surface, the refining surface comprising first refiner bars separated by a first refiner groove and second refiner bars separated by a second refiner groove. 2 refiner bars. Each of the first refiner bars extends from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface. Each of the second refiner bars extends to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second refiner bar has a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and the second radially outward position is more refined than the first radially outward position. Located near the outermost part of the inning body. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove, and the second refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. and a second maximum height extending upwardly from the second maximum height. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The first refiner bar is adapted to refine the wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up the fiber bundles.

The first maximum height of the first refiner bar can be from about 4 mm to about 10 mm as measured from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove. The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is. The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is.

The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
The second refiner bar can be integral with the first refiner bar, and the second refiner bar can move from the first radially outward position to the second radially outward position. It has become extended. Each of the second refiner bars may be continuously sloped downwardly from a first radially outward position to a second radially outward position.

The first and second refiner bars can have a width extending between side edges of about 2 mm to about 8 mm.
At least a portion of the first refiner groove may be provided with a dam.

The refining member can 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 can extend to a third radially outward position on the refining surface, and each of the fourth refiner bars can extend to a third radially outward position on the refining surface. It is possible to extend to a radially outward position. The fourth refiner bar can have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The fourth radially outward location is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the third radially outward location. The third refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent third refiner groove, and the fourth refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner groove. may have a fourth maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the vehicle. The fourth maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height. The third refiner bar may be adapted to refine the wood fibers and the fourth refiner bar may be adapted to break up the fiber bundles.

The third refiner bar can be integral with the second refiner bar, and the third refiner bar can move from the second radially outward position to the third radially outward position. extending, the fourth refiner bar can be integral with the third refiner bar, and the fourth refiner bar extends from the third radially outward position. 4 radially outwardly.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a pulp refiner is provided. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining members include a first refining member associated with the frame and including a first refining body, and a second refining member associated with the frame and including a second refining body. and a refining member. The first refining body includes a first refining surface, the first refining surface being a first refining bar separated by a first refining groove, each refining a first refiner bar extending from a radially inward location on the surface to a first radially outward location on the refining surface, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove. and second refiner bars, each extending to a second radially outward location on the refining surface. The second refiner bar can have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The second radially outward location can be closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward location. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first groove, and the second refiner bar extends upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second groove. It has a second maximum height that it extends. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The second refining member includes a second refining surface, and the second refining surface includes second member refiner bars separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member and defines a refining space therebetween. The rotor is coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member such that rotation of the rotor is coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member relative to the other of the first refining member or the second refining member. It is designed to realize the movement of When the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is fed to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through a refining space such that a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined. This allows multiple wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry to be separated.

The second maximum height can be at least 0.7 mm less than the first maximum height.
The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

The second member refiner bar extends from a radially inward position on the second refining surface to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface. , and a fourth refiner bar extending to a second radially outward location on the second refining surface. The second radially outward location may be closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward location. The third refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor, and the fourth refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor. It is possible to have a maximum height of 4. The fourth maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height.

The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for treating wood fibers is provided. The method includes providing a refiner that includes at least a first pair of refining members. The refining member includes a first refining member including a first refining body and a second refining member including a second refining body. The first refining body includes a first refining surface separated by a first refiner groove and extending upwardly from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove. a first refiner bar having a first maximum height that exists in the bar; and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove and extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. and a second refiner bar having a maximum height. The second refining body includes a second refining surface that includes second member refiner bars separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member and defines a refining space therebetween. At least a portion of the second member refiner bar is positioned directly across from the second refiner bar, defining a gap between the portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar. It looks like this. 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; feeding a slurry of wood pulp into a refiner such that the slurry passes through a refining space; and, when the slurry is fed, at least one of a first refining member or a second refining member. applying an axial pressure to the second member such that the gap between the portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm; and at least a portion of the wood fiber bundle passing through the gap is separated.

The second refiner bar can have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and the second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. It is possible. The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

The second member refiner bar can include a third refiner bar and a fourth refiner bar. The third refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor, and the fourth refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the adjacent groove floor. It is possible to have a maximum height of 4. The fourth maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a refining member for a pulp refiner is provided. The refining member includes a refining body including a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments including at least one first pie-shaped segment. and at least one second pie-shaped segment. At least one first pie-shaped segment includes a first refining surface including first refiner bars separated by first refiner grooves. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment includes a second refining surface including second refiner bars separated by a second refiner groove. The second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The first refiner bar is adapted to refine the wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up the fiber bundles.

The first maximum height of the first refiner bar can be from about 4 mm to about 10 mm as measured from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove.
The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is.

The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a pulp refiner is provided. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining member is associated with the frame and includes a first refining body, and a second refining body is associated with the frame and includes a second refining body. and a refining member. The first refining body includes a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments including at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one first pie-shaped segment. including one second pie-shaped segment. At least one first pie-shaped segment includes a first refining surface including first refiner bars separated by first refiner grooves. The first refiner bar can have a first maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment includes a second refining surface including second refiner bars separated by a second refiner groove. The second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The second refining body includes a second member refining surface including second member refiner bars separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member and defines a refining space therebetween. The rotor is coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the first and second refining members relative to each other. ing. When the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is fed to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through a refining space such that a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined. , a plurality of wood fiber bundles within the wood pulp slurry are separated.

The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is.

The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height, as measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. It is.

The second refining body can include a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, and the plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments can include at least one third pie-shaped segment. and at least one fourth pie-shaped segment. The at least one third pie-shaped segment can include a third refining surface including third refiner bars separated by a third refiner groove. The third refiner bar can have a third maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of an adjacent third refiner groove. The at least one fourth pie-shaped segment can include a fourth refining surface including fourth refiner bars separated by a fourth refiner groove. The fourth refiner bar can have a fourth maximum height extending upwardly from the floor of an adjacent fourth refiner groove. The fourth maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height. The third and fourth refiner bars can define a second member refiner bar and the third and fourth refiner grooves can define a second member refiner groove.

The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member.
According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a refining member for a pulp refiner is provided. The refining member includes a refining body including a refining surface, the refining surfaces being refiner bars separated by a refiner groove, each refining bar having a radially inward position on the refining surface. It includes a refiner bar extending to a first radially outward position on the refining surface and a tooth extending to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second radially outward location is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward location. The refiner bar is adapted to refine the wood fibers and the teeth are adapted to break up the fiber bundles.

The refiner bar can have a first maximum height of about 4 mm to about 10 mm as measured from the floor of an adjacent refiner groove.
The refiner bar can have a width extending between the side edges of about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

At least a portion of the refiner groove may be equipped with a dam.
According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a pulp refiner is provided. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining member is associated with the frame and includes a first refining body portion that includes a first refining surface; a second refining member including a second refining body portion including a surface. The first refining surface includes first refiner bars separated by a first refiner groove, each refining bar having a first refining surface extending from a radially inward position on the first refining surface. a first refiner bar extending to a first radially outward position on the surface; and a first refiner bar extending to a further radially outward position on the first refining surface. including teeth. The further radially outward location is closer to the outermost part of the first refining body than the first radially outward location. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member and defines a refining space therebetween. A rotor is associated with the frame and coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member, such that rotation of the rotor causes the rotation of the first and second refining members relative to each other. It is designed to enable movement. When the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is fed to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through a refining space such that a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined. , a plurality of wood fiber bundles within the wood pulp slurry are separated.

The second refining member can include a second refining body including a second refining surface, the second refining surface being separated by a second refining groove. two refiner bars, each extending from a radially inward position on the second refining surface to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface; including a second refiner bar and second teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface. The second radially outward location may be closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward location.

The second refining surface has a first row of second teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface and a fourth row of teeth on the second refining surface. and a second row of teeth extending to a radially outward position of the tooth. The first tooth meshes with the second tooth.

The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member.
The specification concludes with the claims which inter alia point out and distinctly claim the invention, which will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It is contemplated that like reference numbers identify similar components.

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

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, particular preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. has been done. It should 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. Disc refiner 10 includes a housing with a first housing section 12 and a second housing section 14, which may be bolted or otherwise connected. can be fixedly attached together in any manner. Housing sections 12, 14 define an inlet section 16, an outlet section 18, and an inner refiner cavity 64 containing one or more pairs of refining members. The embodiment shown in FIG. A double disc refiner 10 including a paired third refining member 40. The first refining member 20 includes a first refining body 22 with a first refining surface 24 and the second refining member 30 includes a first refining body 22 with a second refining surface 34. It includes two refining main body parts 32. The third refining member 40 includes a third refining body 42 and a third refining surface 44, and the fourth refining member 50 includes a fourth refining body 52 and a fourth refining surface 44. Inning surface 54 is included. Each of the refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 is associated with a main support frame, the main support frame being 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 may be generally disc-shaped with substantially the same outer diameter. (See Figures 2 and 3). The first and second refining members 20, 30 are arranged such that the first refining surface 24 faces the second refining surface 34, and the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 is arranged such that the third refining surface 44 faces the fourth refining surface 54. The first refining member 20 is spaced apart from the second refining member 30 and defines a first refining space 60 between the respective refining surfaces 24, 34. The third refining member 40 is spaced apart from the fourth refining member 50 and defines a second refining space 62 between the respective refining surfaces 44, 54. Disc refiner 10 may have a structure similar to that illustrated in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0037728 A1, 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 and extends radially outwardly 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 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 . Shaft 72 has a central axis 72A that is generally coaxial with the axis of rotation of second and third refining members 30,40. Shaft 72 may be rotatably mounted to fixed support frame 66 such that first and second refining members 30, 40 are associated with the main support frame. The support 70 is axially aligned along the shaft 72, e.g., substantially along the central axis 72A, relative to the first and fourth refining members 20, 50, as described herein. may be movable in the 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, and the second and third refining members can define a rotating rotor member. The first and fourth refining members 20, 50 may define non-rotating stator members. 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.

The movable 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, and may include a reversible electric motor. The motor is fixed in place. Second motor 76 moves movable support frame 68 in a substantially horizontal (i.e., axial) direction indicated by arrow A. The refiner 10 may include, for example, a jackscrew (not shown) coupled to a second motor 76 and a movable support frame 68, the second motor 76 rotating the jackscrew; The movable support frame 68 can be moved, for example, the fourth refining member 50 is attached to the movable support frame 68. This movement increases the size of the gap, i.e. the first and second refining members defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30 and the third and fourth refining members 40, 50. Adjust the size of spaces 60, 62 (see also Figures 8 and 9). In other embodiments (not shown), control of the size of the gap may be achieved by one or more magnetic bearings. A magnetic bearing that controls the axial position of shaft 72 may be used to control the position of a rotating rotor member that is fixed to shaft 72. The 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 attached. can be used for

As will be discussed further herein, a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers passes through the refining spaces 60, 62. When the jackscrew rotates in the first direction, it causes movement of the movable support frame 68 and fourth refining member 50 inwardly toward the third refining member 40 . 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; causing the third refining member 40, support 70, and second refining member 30 to move inwardly toward the first refining member 20. The jackscrew directs movement of the movable support frame 68 and 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 less than the axial force applied by the pulp slurry to the third refining member 40. Reduces the axial force caused by The axial force applied by the pulp slurry passing through the first refining space 60 is then transferred to the second refining member 30, the support 70, and the third refining member 40 to the fourth refining member. Enough to cause a 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 may further include an additional motor and a second rotatable shaft, and 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-rotating with respect to the second and/or third refining members 30, 40, respectively. It is now possible to do what is possible. In other embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner 10 may include only one pair of refining members, where one refining member is a non-rotating stator member and the other refining member is a non-rotating stator member. is a rotating rotor member. In further embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner can include three or more pairs of refining members. In an even further embodiment (not shown), disc refiner 10 may include a conically shaped refiner with one or more pairs of refining members.

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first refining body 22 may include multiple sections, such as sections 22A-22C, which may be bolted or otherwise They are attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body 22 including a radially outer edge 27 . 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 the first refining body 22 will similarly include refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28. be done. The refiner bars 26 extend radially outward from the radially inner location 23 toward the radially outer edge 27 of the first refining body 22 . The refiner bar 26 can be beveled at various angles as shown in FIG. It is possible to include 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 32 may similarly include multiple sections, such as 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 . 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 the second refining body 32 will similarly include refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38. be done. The refiner bars 36 extend radially outwardly from the radially inner location 33 toward the radially outer edge 37 of the second refining body 32 . The refiner bar 36 can be beveled at various angles as shown in FIG. It is possible to include 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 a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers through refiner 10 is illustrated via arrow B in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, pulp slurry enters the disc refiner 10 through the inlet section 16 and into the refiner inner cavity 64 through the central aperture 21 in the first refining member 20. Pass. Refiner inner cavity 64 may be defined in part by fixed support frame 66 and movable support frame 68. The refining surface 24, 34 may include one or more additional refiner bars, such as those located near the center of the refining body 22, 32 (e.g., near the central aperture 21). columns (unlabeled). These additional refiner bars are wider and spaced farther apart than the other refiner bars 26 to break up large fiber bundles before they enter the refining space 60. 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 in , defines a separate path along which the wood fibers can proceed from the inlet section 16 to the outlet section 18 . It is conceivable that the wood fibers pass through only one of the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 at a time. Refiner grooves 28 , 38 may be considered part of a refining space 60 defined between first refining member 20 and second refining member 30 . It is contemplated that a large portion of the flow of wood fibers through the refining space 60 will pass through the refiner channels 28,38. Similarly, the refiner grooves (not shown) of the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 define a refining space defined between the third refining member 40 and the fourth refining member 50. 62. It is contemplated that most of the flow of wood fibers 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 18, at least partially under the action of centrifugal force.

4A and 4B are detailed views of a portion of the refining surface 24 of the first refining body 22, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are detailed views of the refining surface 34 of the second refining body 32. FIG. 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of refining bodies 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.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 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 about 2 mm to about 6 mm. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the first refiner bars 26A, 36A have a first maximum height H extending upwardly from the floor _F1 of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A, 38A. ₁ , and the second refiner bar 26B, 36B includes a second maximum height _H2 extending upwardly from the floor _F2 of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B, The height _H2 is smaller than the first maximum height _H1 . The minimum height difference between H ₁ and H ₂ is shown as D ₁ in FIG. 6A. In some examples, the radially outer portion RO ₁ of the first refiner bar 26A, 36A may include a step down from a first maximum height H ₁ to a second maximum height H ₂ . be.

In some examples, the second maximum height _H2 can be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height _H1 . In other examples, the second maximum height _H2 can be at least 0.70 mm less than the first maximum height _H1 . In a further example, the first maximum height H ₁ of the first refiner bar 26A, 36A is between about 4 mm and about 10 mm when measured from the floor F ₁ of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A, 38A. It is possible that something is possible. In a particular example, the second maximum height H 2 of the second refiner bar 26B, 36B is greater than the first maximum height H ₂ as measured from the floor F ₂ of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B. The height H ₁ can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm smaller. In another particular example, the second maximum height H 2 of the second refiner bar 26B, 36B is greater than the first height H ₂ as measured from the floor F ₂ of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B. It can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the maximum height H ₁ . In a further example, the first refiner bar 26A, 36A and the second refiner bar 26B, 36B extend from about 2 mm to about 8 mm between the side edges of the respective refiner bar 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B. It is possible to include a width W ₂₆ of .

Each of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A moves from a radially inward position P ₁ above the refining surfaces 24, 34 to a first radially outward position P ₂ above the refining surfaces 24, 34. It 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 P ₃ is the outermost part of the refining body 22 , 32 (e.g., the radially outer edge 27 , 37 ) than the first radially outward position P ₂ . It is possible to be near. In some examples, radially inward location P ₁ may include a location at or near radially inward locations 23, 33. The second refiner bar 26B, 36B can include a longitudinal length L ₁ of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may be integral with the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6A. Possibly, the second refiner bar 26B, 36B extends 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 varies from a second maximum height _H2 to a second minimum height _H2' by a substantially longitudinal length. It is possible that there is a continuous decrease along _L1 . In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B move from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position _P2 , as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 6A. The second refiner bar 26B, 36B may extend substantially horizontally to the oriented position _P3 , and the second refiner bar 26B, 36B may extend substantially horizontally to the oriented position P3; The second maximum height H ₂ along the whole L ₁
It's supposed to be. 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 may include a height that is substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bar 26A, 36A. The dams 29, 39 serve to divert the 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. It can be used to cut a significant 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 refining of long fibers such as softwood. . Fiber bundles can adversely affect the tensile strength of the finished paper product, the formation of a series of pulp seeds that can clog downstream components, such as the formation, and/or fluid flow from the fibers during paper product production. There is a possibility of suppressing water drain discharge. Therefore, flakes should be broken up after refining in a process called deflaking. As used herein, the term "deflaking" 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 power, and in "tickler" refiners. Or called a deflaker. The use of 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 can accumulate residual amounts of fiber from previous runs, allowing continued formation of fiber bundles. Processing in a 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 deflakeing can be performed within a single refiner 10. It is possible that these problems can be solved by doing so.

The first maximum height H ₁ of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, which is greater than the second maximum height H ₂ , ensures that the wood fibers have a high strength when the fibers pass through a portion of the refining space 60. A portion of the refining space 60 is defined at least in part by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A and by the opposing first and second refiner grooves 28A, 38A. It is engaged by the cutting side edges 126A, 136A of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A above the refining surfaces 24, 34 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9). Accordingly, the first refiner groove 28A, 38A is defined at least in part by the first refiner groove 28A, 38A from a radially inward position P ₁ above the refining surface 24, 34 to a first refiner groove 28A, 38A. The portion of the refining space 60 that extends radially outward to the position _P2 may at least partially define a refining zone. In some examples, a radially inner location 23, 33 of each refining body 22, 32 may define the beginning of a 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 in the first radial direction in FIG. 6A) from an outwardly directed position _P2 to approximately a second radially outwardly directed position _P3 ), the second refiner bars 26B, 36B include a second maximum height _H2 , and the The intensity decreases in response to the reduced height (see also Figures 8 and 9). Accordingly, the first radially outward position _P2 to the second radially outward position _P3 is defined at least in part by the second refiner groove 28B, 38B and on the refining surface 24, 34. The portion of refining space 60 that extends into can at least partially define a deflaking zone. The reduction in force applied to the fibers in the deflaking zone breaks up the fiber bundles formed during refining without further refining the fibers or with minimal refining of the fibers. It is thought that then. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are located on the radially outer portions (not separately labeled) of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32. It forms an annular ring around which a deflaking zone is defined. The second maximum height _H2 of the second refiner bar 26B, 36B is the height H2 of the first refiner bar 26A, 36A in order to stop refining the fibers and to start deflake the fibers. It is contemplated that it should be at least about 0.35 mm smaller than the maximum height _H1 . The refining zone can include 60% or more of the total area defined by both the refining zone and the deflaking zone above the respective refining surfaces 24, 34.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B, each refiner bar 26', 36' includes a first refiner bar 26A', 36A', a second refiner bar 26B', 36B' , a third refiner bar 26C, 36C, and a fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D. The first refiner bar 26A', 36A' and the second refiner bar 26B', 36' are as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7 and as described herein. The first and second refiner bars 26A', 36A' can be substantially similar to the first refiner bar 26A, 36A and the second refiner bar 26B, 36B, as shown in FIG. , 26B', 36B' may extend radially outwardly 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 first 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 about 2 mm to about 6 mm. Third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be separated from each other by third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, and fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may be separated from each other from fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. As shown in FIG. 6B, the third refiner bar 26C, 36C includes a third maximum height _H3 extending upwardly from the floor _F3 of the adjacent third refiner groove 28C, 38C. , the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D includes a fourth maximum height H ₄ extending upwardly from the floor F ₄ of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 28D _, 38D; is lower than the third maximum height _H3 . The third maximum height H ₃ may be substantially equal to the first maximum height H _1′ , and the fourth maximum height H ₄ may be substantially equal to the second maximum height H ₂ It is possible to be exactly equal. The minimum height difference between _H3 and _H4 is shown as _D2 in Figure 6B. In some examples, the radially outer portion _RO2 of the third refiner bar 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 about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

In some examples, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height _H3 . In other examples, the fourth maximum height _H4 can be at least 0.70 mm less than the third maximum height _H3 . In a further example, the third maximum height H ₃ of the third refiner bar 26C, 36C is between about 4 mm and about 10 mm as measured from the floor F ₃ of the adjacent third refiner groove 28C, 38C. It is possible that something is possible. In a particular example, the fourth maximum height H 4 of the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is equal to the third maximum height H ₄ of the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D when measured from the floor F ₄ of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D. It can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm smaller than _H3 . In another particular example, the fourth maximum height H ₄ of the fourth refiner bar 26D, _36D is the same as that of the third It can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the maximum height _H3 . In a further example, the third refiner bar 26C, 36C and the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D extend between about 2 mm to about 8 mm between the side edges of the respective refiner bar 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D. (not separately labeled).

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 P1 _' above the refining surfaces 24, 34. It extends to position P2 _' . Each of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extends to a second radially outward position P3 _' above the refining surfaces 24, 34. Each of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extends to a third radially outward position _P4 above the refining surfaces 24, 34. Each of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extends to a fourth radially outward position _P5 above the refining surfaces 24, 34. The fourth radially outward position _P5 is greater than the first, second, and third radially outward positions P2 _' , P3 _' , and _P4 of the refining body 22, 32 (e.g., the radially outer edges 27, 37). The fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D may include a longitudinal length L ₂ of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' are integral with the first refiner bars 26A', 36A', as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B. such that the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from the first radially outward position P2 _' to the second radially outward position P3 _' . It has become. In some embodiments, the third refiner bar 26C, 36C is integral with the second refiner bar 26B', 36B', as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B. and the third refiner bar 26C, 36C extends from the second radially outward position P _3' to the third radially outward position P _4' ; The fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D may be integral with the third refiner bar 26C, 36C such that the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is in a third radially outward position _P4. extending from 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 to do so. As shown in FIG. 6B, the second refiner bar 26B'36B' can include a longitudinal length _L1 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm. It is possible. The height of the second refiner bar 26B', 36B' is continuous along substantially the entire longitudinal length _L1 from a second maximum height _H2 to a second minimum height H2 _'. It is possible that it has decreased to In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' move from the first radially outward position P2 _' to the second The second refiner bar 26B', 36B' may extend substantially horizontally to a radially outward position P3 _' , with the second refiner bar 26B', 36B' It is adapted to have a second maximum height H ₂ along substantially the entire longitudinal length L ₁ . In certain embodiments, the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D slopes 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 bar 26D, 36D varies from a fourth maximum height _H4 to a fourth minimum height _H4' by a substantially longitudinal length. It is possible that there is a continuous decrease along _L2 . In another particular embodiment, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D move from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position _P4 , as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 6B. The fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D may extend substantially horizontally to the oriented position _P5 , and the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D may extend substantially horizontally to the oriented position P5; Along the entire length L ₂ there is a fourth maximum height H ₄ . In other embodiments (not shown), the third refiner bar 26C, 36C may be radially separated from the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D by a space.

Referring to FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 7, the refining surfaces 24, 34 are connected to the first and/or third refiner grooves 28A', 38A', 28C, as described herein. , 38C.

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

1, 4B, 5B, and 6B, the refining surface 24 is at least partially defined by the first refiner groove 28A', 38A' and the third refiner groove 28C, 38C; 34 from a radially inward position P _1' to a first radially outward position P _2' and from a second radially outward position P _3' to a third radially outward position The portion of refining space 60 that extends to position P ₄ may at least partially define first and second refining zones, respectively, as described herein. It is possible. A first radially outward position P _2' on the refining surface 24, 34, at least partially defined by the second refiner groove 28B', 38B' and the fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D. a refining space extending from to a second radially outward position P _3' and from a third radially outward position P ₄ to a fourth radially outward position P ₅ . The portions of 60 are capable of at least partially defining first and second deflake zones, respectively, as described herein. The second maximum height _H2 of the second refiner bar 26B', 36B' is different from that of the first refiner bar 26A', 36A' in order to stop refining the fibers and to start deflaking the fibers. It is contemplated that the first maximum height H ₁ of should be at least about 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height H 1 of . Similarly, the fourth maximum height H ₄ of the fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D is the same as that of the third refiner bar 26C, 36C in order to stop refining the fibers and to begin deflaking the fibers. It is contemplated that it should be at least about 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height _H3 . The first and second refining zones include 60% or more of the total area defined by both the first and second refining zones and the deflaking zone above the respective refining surfaces 24, 34. is possible.

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

A first gap G ₁ is defined in FIG. 8 between the outer surface S _26A of the first refiner bar 26A and the outer surface S ₁₃₆ of the conventional refiner bar 136. In an example where the second refiner bar 26B slopes continuously downwardly, a second gap G ₂ exists between the outer surface S _26B of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface of the conventional refiner bar 136. , where G ₂ is greater than G ₁ . In an example where the second refiner bar 26B extends substantially horizontally (indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8), the third gap _G3 is the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B. _26B' and the outer surface S ₁₃₆ of the conventional refiner bar 136, where G ₃ is greater than G ₁ . As shown in FIG. 8, in embodiments where one of the second refiner bars (e.g., second refiner bar 26B) is sloped, the outer surface S _26B of second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S ₁₃₆ of the conventional refiner bar 136 from a minimum distance corresponding to the third gap G ₃ to a maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G ₂ of the second refiner bar 26B. It is possible to 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, e.g. first refining body 22, is connected to another refining body according to the invention, e.g. It is paired with the main body part 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. 4A, 4B, Can correspond to first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. It 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. 5A, 5B, Can correspond to first and second refiner bars 36A, 36B and first and second refiner grooves 38A, 38B as described herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. It is. The features described in FIG. 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 G ₁ is formed between an outer surface S 26A of the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body 22 and an outer surface S _36A of the first refiner bar 36A of the second refining body ₃₂ . is defined between. In an example where the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body section 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body section 32 are both continuously inclined downward, the gap _G4 is , may be defined between an outer surface S _{26B of the second refiner bar 26B} and an outer surface S _36B of the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body portion 32, where G ₄ is greater than G ₁ . One of the second refiner bars (e.g., second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22) is sloped continuously downward, and the other of the second refiner bars (e.g., , the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32) extends substantially horizontally (indicated in FIG. 9 by the dotted line), the gap G ₅ is G 5 may be defined between an outer surface S 26B of second refiner bar _26B and an outer surface S _36B' of second refiner bar 36B, where G ₅ is greater than G ₁ . The second refiner bars 26B of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bars 36B of the second refining body 32 both extend substantially horizontally (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. In the example shown in ), a gap G ₆ may be defined between the outer surface S _26B' of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S _36B' of the second refiner bar 36B, where G ₆ is , G is larger than ₁ . In some specific examples, G ₄ is greater than G ₅ and G ₅ is greater than G ₆ .

In embodiments where one or both of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are sloped, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer surfaces S _26B , S _26B' of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B , 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). ref.). For example, when one refining body, e.g., the first refining body 22, includes an angled second refiner bar 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 a gap G ₆ to a maximum distance corresponding to a third gap G ₅ . When both refining bodies 22, 32 include inclined second refiner bars 26B, 36B, the distance between the outer surfaces S _26B , S 36B of the second refiner bars 26B, _36B is equal to the gap G It is possible to increase from a minimum distance corresponding to ₆ to a maximum distance corresponding to a second gap G ₄ .

In all embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a rotatable refining member (e.g., first refining member 20; see FIG. 1) is replaced by a stationary refining member (e.g., As it rotates relative to the second refining member 30/130 (see FIG. 1), the pulp slurry containing wood fibers enters 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 22 and the second refining body 32/132. Referring to FIG. 8, in the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner groove 28A of the first refining body 22 and the refiner groove 138 of the second refining body 132. As the wood fibers enter, the first and second refining bodies 22, 132 are separated by the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body 22 and the conventional The refiner bars 136 are spaced apart to define a first gap G ₁ between the refiner bars 136 and allow the refiner bars 26A and 136 to interact with each other as described herein. Suitable for refining fibers. The first gap _G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, to allow refining to occur. It is possible that

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the portion of refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by second refiner groove 28B of first refining body 22 and refiner groove 138 of second refining body 132. As the wood fibers pass through, 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 is increased and the refining It is now conceivable that the deflaking will start when the deflaking stops. 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 where 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 section 22 and the refiner bar 136 of the second refining body section 132, i.e. G ₂ or G ₃ , allows deflaking to occur. It is conceivable that for this purpose it should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm.

Referring to FIG. 9, wood fibers enter a portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32, respectively. When the first and second refining bodies 22, 32 are spaced apart to define a first gap _G1 between the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, the refiner Bars 26A, 36A interact with each other to refine wood fibers as described herein. As the wood fibers pass into the portion of the refining space 60 defined at least in part by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32, respectively, the first The distance between the second refiner bar 26B of the refining body 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32 is one of the gaps G ₄ , G ₅ , or G ₆ . 2, refining stops and deflaking begins. The first gap _G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, to allow refining to occur; It is believed that the gaps G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm to allow deflake to occur.

1, 6A, 6B, 8, and 9, gaps _G1 and _G2 , _G3 , _G4 , _G4 defined between refining bodies 22, 32/132 _{. _} may be adjusted by applying axial pressure to at least one of them. For single-disc refiners, the second refining member 30 may be directly coupled to the movable support frame 68 such that when the movable support frame 68 is moved via the second motor 76 and jackscrew, the second refining member 30 The refining member 30 is adapted to move together with the movable support frame 68. With respect to the double disc refiner 10, when the second refining member 30 is moved as explained 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 inwardly. 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; This causes the third refining member 40, the support 70, and the second refining member 30 to move inwardly toward the first refining member 20.

The gap _G1 defined between the refiner bars 26A, 36A, 136 is controlled by the second motor 76 (either manually controlled or via a controller/processor coupled to the 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 the jackscrew and the refining space 60 a first motor 74 (manually controlled or a controller coupled to the first motor 74) operating at a predetermined rotational speed to process a fixed amount of pulp flowing through the the amount of power required to be input/generated by the operator/processor) is maintained at a predetermined input power level, which power level is controlled by the operator or the first is monitored by a controller/processor that controls the motor 74 of the motor. 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; When the first motor 74 is running at a constant rotational speed of 800 RPM, the first refining member 20 is The second motor 76 is controlled to move the second refining member 30 . When the power input by the first motor 74 is equal to 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.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1, 6A, 6B, 8, and 9, the gaps G ₂ , G ₃ , G ₄ , G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ required to achieve deflake are: It is contemplated that the refining body 22, 32/132 may vary depending on the load or flow rate to which it is exposed (i.e., the liters per minute of pulp slurry flowing through the refining space 60). . For example, when the refining body 22, 32/132 is lightly loaded, the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner groove 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, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, for example, Almost immediately upon movement of the wood fibers through position P ₄ , refining of the wood fibers can be stopped and deflaking 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 groove 28B/28B', 38B/38B'. It is possible to continue along at least a portion of the refining space 60 where the refining space 60 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 Embodiments in which one or both of the refiner bars 36B/36B' of the refiner bars 36B/36B' are sloped continuously downward may be such that the , along at least a portion of the refining space 60 defined at least in part 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 deteriorate over time. In particular, the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A', 26C, 36A/36A', 36C, which perform the majority of the high-intensity, high-energy refining, are joined to the second and fourth refiner bars, which perform the deflaking. May wear faster than refiner bars 26B/26B', 26D, 36B/36B', 36D (deflaking is generally lower intensity and lower energy than refining). The position of the refining body 22, 32/132 is adjusted as described herein and between the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A', 26C, 36A/36A', 36C. It is possible to maintain the first gap G ₁ at a substantially constant value as their outer surfaces S _26A , S _36A begin to wear away. 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. There is sex. Thus, 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 sloped. The configuration is such that the transition between the refining zone and the deflaking zone occurs when the second and fourth refiner bars 26A/26A', 26C, 36A/36A', 36C wear out. Allows for radial outward shifting along the longitudinal length of refiner bars 26B/26B', 26D, 36B/36B', 36D (not labeled; see Figures 6A and 6B) It is thought that

10 and 11 are plan views of a portion of a refining surface of a first refining body 22' and a second refining body 32, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 1, 10, and 11, the first and second refining bodies 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 bodies 22 ′, 32 ′, respectively, may be associated with a main support frame, the main support frame being secured to the first housing section 12 . A fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 are included. One refining member (e.g., first refining member 20 including first refining body portion 22') may be secured to support frame 66 of refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. be. Another refining member (e.g., 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 bodies similar to the first and second refining bodies 22', 32'. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the first refining body 22' includes a plurality of sections 22A'-22C' that may be bolted or otherwise attached together. , forming a disc-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 a refiner groove 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'. That is understood. The refiner bars 26' extend radially outward from the radially inner location 23' toward the radially outer edge 27' of the first refining body 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 32' includes a plurality of corresponding sections 32A'-32C', where the plurality of sections 32A'-32C' are bolted or They may be otherwise attached together 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 a refiner groove 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'. That is understood. The refiner bars 36' extend radially outward from the radially inner location 33' toward the radially outer edge 37' of the second refining body 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 bodies 42, 52 of FIG. It may include a structure substantially similar to the inning body portions 22', 32'.

At least one of the first and second refining bodies 22', 32' of FIGS. 10 and 11 includes adjacent radially extending pie-shaped segments (e.g., 22B-2 and 32', respectively). A radially extending pie-shaped segment of at least one of the refiner bars 26', 36' (e.g., -1 and 32B-1). 12A and 12B are partial cross-sectional views in which the first and second refining bodies 22', 32' of FIGS. 10 and 11 are spaced apart from each other and adjacent to each other. and are positioned directly opposite each other (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 12A, the first refiner bar 26-1 is connected to the refining surface 24-1 (herein referred to as the first refiner bar 26-1 is spaced apart from the third refiner bar 36-1; 1 and directly opposite the third refiner bar 36-1, the third refiner bar 36-1 is positioned adjacent to the at least one third pie-shaped portion of the second refining body 32'. may be positioned on refining surface 34-1 (also referred to herein as a third refining surface) of segment 32B-1 of. In FIG. 12B, the second refiner bar 26-2 is connected to the refining surface 24-2 (herein referred to as the second refiner bar 26-2 is spaced apart from the fourth refiner bar 36-2; 2 and directly opposite the fourth refiner bar 36-2, the fourth refiner bar 36-2 is positioned adjacent to the at least one fourth pie-shaped refining body 32' of the second refining body 32'. may be positioned on refining surface 34-2 (also referred to herein as a fourth refining surface) of segment 32B-2.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12A, the 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 H _1' extending upwardly from the floor F _1' of. The third refiner bars 36-1 are separated from each other by third refiner grooves 38-1, and the third refiner bars 36-1 extend upwardly from the floor F3 _' of each adjacent third refiner groove 38-1. can include a maximum height H _3' of . As shown in FIG. 12A, the first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 can be substantially similar to each other and the first and third maximum heights H _1' and H _3' can be substantially equal.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12B, the second refiner bars 26-2 are separated from each other by a second refiner groove 28-2, and the second refiner bars 26-2 are separated from each other by a second refiner groove 28-2. It may include a second maximum height H _2' extending upwardly from F _2' . The fourth refiner bars 36-2 are separated from each other by a fourth refiner groove 38-2, and the fourth refiner bar 36-2 has a fourth maximum extending upwardly from the floor F4 _' of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 38-2. It is possible to include a height H _4' . As shown in FIG. 12B, the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 can be substantially similar to each other, and the second and fourth maximum heights can be The dimensions H _2' and H _4' 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 with respect to each other. It is possible to include

The second maximum height H _2' of the second refiner bar 26-2 may be less than the first maximum height H _1' of the first refiner bar 26-1. In some examples, the second maximum height H _2' is less than the first maximum height H _1' as measured from the floor F _2' of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. It can be at least 0.35 mm smaller. In other examples, the second maximum height H _2' is at least less than the first maximum height H _1' as measured from the floor F 2 _' of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. It is possible to be 0.70 mm smaller. In a further example, the first maximum height H _1' of the first refiner bar 26-1 is about 4 mm when measured from the floor F _1' of each adjacent first refiner groove 28-1. In a particular example, the second maximum height H 2' of the second refiner bar 26-2 can be approximately 10 mm, the second maximum height H _2' of the second refiner bar 26-2 is greater than the floor F of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. _2' may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height H _1' . In another particular example, the second maximum height H 2 _' of the second refiner bar 26-2 is as measured from the floor F _2' of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. , about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height H _1' . In a further example, the first refiner bar 26-1 and the second refiner bar 26-2 have about 2 mm to about 8 mm extending between the side edges of the respective refiner bars 26-1, 26-2. (not shown; see FIG. 7). The fourth maximum height H _4' of the fourth refiner bar 36-2 (which may correspond to the second maximum height H _2' ) of the third refiner bar 36-1 is It may be smaller than the third maximum height H _3' (which may correspond to the first maximum height H _1' ).

1, 10, 11, 12A, and 12B, when the second refining member 30 rotates relative to the first refining member 20, the second refining body 32 The refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the first refining body 22' The refining surface 34-2 of the at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32' passes over the surface 24-1 of the first refining body 22'. of the refining surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2. A slurry of wood pulp is fed to the frame 66 (e.g., inlet section 16) of the refiner 10, passes through the refining space 60, and passes through the at least one third pie-shaped segment of the second refining body 32'. When the refining surface 34-1 of 32B-1 passes the refining surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', a third maximum A third refiner bar 36-1 having a height H _3' is positioned opposite the first refiner bar 26-1 having a first maximum height H _1' , and the first and The three 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' corresponds to the refining surface 34-2 of the at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the first refining body 22'. As it passes the refining surface 24-2 of the segment 22B-2, the fourth refiner bar 36-2, which has a fourth maximum height H _4' , passes the second refiner bar 36-2, which has a second maximum height H _2' . and the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2 and 36-2 are positioned opposite from the refiner bar 26-2 of the wood pulp slurry, as described herein. It is adapted to break down or separate multiple 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' corresponds to the refining surface 34-1 of 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'. When passing over the refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', low intensity refining may occur.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one or more of the sections 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' of each refining body 22', 32' may be 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 (e.g., 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-3) have a first or second maximum height H _1' , H _{2' .} and one segment (e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2) has a first or second maximum height H _1' , H _2' , the other of and the second maximum height H _2' is less than the first maximum height H _1' . 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. Possibly, segment 22B-2 may include a second refiner bar 26-2 and segment 32B-2 may 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 a refiner bar, or may each include four or more segments. 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. Includes a bar. A refining body (e.g., one of the refining bodies 22', 32') according to the present disclosure includes conventional refiner bars (e.g., refiner bars that are all of the same height). It is understood that it can be paired with a refining body.

The gap between the opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably about 0.9 mm, to allow refining to occur. The gap between the opposing second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 should be between about 2 mm and about 0.9 mm, and the gap between the opposing second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 should be about It is contemplated that it should be between 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm.

13 and 14 illustrate a first refining surface 224 of a first refining body 222 and a second refining surface of a second refining body 232, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 234 is a plan view of a portion of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, such as the disc refiner 10 shown in FIG. can be part of a refining member (eg, refining members 20, 30, respectively) for use in a pulp refiner such as a pulp refiner. 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, the main support frame being fixed to the first housing section 12 . It includes a support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68. One refining member (e.g., first refining member 20 including first refining body portion 222) may be secured to support frame 66 of refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. . Another refining member (e.g., 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. defining a rotor that is arranged 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 222 includes multiple sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are bolted together. may be attached or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body 222 including a radially outer edge 227 . First refining surface 224 includes a plurality of first elongate refiner bars 226 separated from each other by first refiner grooves 228 . The first refiner bar 226 extends radially outwardly from the radially inner location 223 toward the 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, and each section of the refining body 222 can be angled in a different direction. may include one or more segments (unlabeled) of the refiner bar 226 that are labeled. The first refining body 222 has one or more annular teeth 400 positioned between the first refiner bar 226 and the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222 . Further including rows 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 232 includes multiple sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are bolted together. may be attached or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped refining body 232 including a radially outer edge 237 . Second refining surface 234 includes a plurality of elongate second refiner bars 236 separated from each other by second refiner grooves 238 . Second refiner bars 236 extend radially outward from a radially inner location 233 toward a radially outer edge 237 of second refining body 232 . The second refiner bar 236 can be angled at various angles, as shown in FIG. 14, and each section of the refining body 232 can be angled in a different direction. The refiner bar 236 may include one or more segments (not labeled) of the refiner bar 236. The second refining body 232 has one or more annular teeth 400 positioned between the second refiner bar 236 and the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232 . Further including rows or rings. Although not shown in FIG. 14, other sections (not labeled) of 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 bodies 42, 52 of FIG. As shown, the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively, may include substantially similar structures.

15 and 16 are detailed views of a portion of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 of FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first refiner bar 226 and teeth 400B and the second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C; The second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C may be positioned on the second refining body 232 of FIGS. 14 and 16; The first refining body 222 is spaced apart from and adjacent to and directly across from the second refining body 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 a first refiner groove 228 and a second refiner bar 226. The refining surface 234 includes second refiner bars 236 that are separated from each other by second refiner grooves 238 . One or both of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 can include dams 229, 239, where the dams 229, 239 can be as described herein. It is provided within at least a portion of the first and second refiner grooves 228, 238. Each of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 moves from a radially inward position P ₁₀₀ to a first radially outward position on the respective first and second refining surfaces 224, 234. It extends to _P200 . In some examples, radially inward locations P ₁₀₀ may include locations at or near respective radially inward locations 223, 233 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The first and second refiner bars 226, 236 can each include a width W ₂₂₆ , W ₂₃₆ extending between the side edges of the respective refiner bars 226, 236 from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. It is.

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

With continued reference to FIGS. 15-17, teeth 400A-400C may be arranged in concentric rings and may protrude substantially vertically toward each other from respective refining surfaces 224, 234. . A ring including 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 also includes a first tooth 400B. Spaced apart from the radially outer edge 227 of the refining body 222 by two substantially planar areas 284 . A ring including 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 and a second substantially planar area 286. A substantially planar area 288 is spaced apart from the ring containing the second tooth 400C. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-17, the first refining surface 224 of the first refining body 222 includes one concentric row/ring of first teeth 400B, The second refining surface 234 of the second refining body 232 includes two concentric rows/rings of second teeth 400A, 400C, with the first and second teeth 400A-400C having respective Disposed over the refining surfaces 224, 234, the first tooth 400B meshes with the second tooth 400A, 400C. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refining surface 224 may include two or more concentric rings of teeth, and the second refining surface 234 may include one or more concentric rings of teeth. It is possible to include two concentric rows or three or more concentric rings of teeth. In all embodiments, one of the refining bodies will include one less ring of teeth than the other refining body, and the teeth are disposed on the respective refining body. The teeth from one refining body are adapted to mate with the teeth of the other refining body, as is known in the art.

It is understood that teeth 400A-400C can include any suitable shape and/or size known in the art. In some examples, each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a substantially pyramidal or trapezoidal shape, as illustrated with respect to tooth 400A in FIG. and has a bottom surface 402, a radially inwardly facing surface 404, a radially outwardly facing surface 406, and a slight inward angle toward the central axis (not labeled) of the tooth 400A. labeled 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 may be sloped from the bottom surface 402 toward its respective outer surface 408. The outer surface 408 of each tooth 400A-400C can be substantially parallel to the plane of the respective 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 surface 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include a radial dimension that is greater than the circumferential dimension, although in other embodiments ( (not shown), the bottom surface 402 can include a radial dimension that is smaller than a circumferential dimension. In some cases, at least a portion of the bottom surface 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include a longitudinal length (unlabeled) (i.e., radially) of at least 0.6 cm. , in some particular cases, the longitudinal length can have from 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 include a width (not labeled) circumferentially, the width (e.g., one refiner bar 226, W ₂₂₆ , W ₂₃₆ of 236 and the width W _G of one adjacent groove 228 , 238 ). The width W _G can be between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. For example, the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A-400C can have a circumferential dimension of at least about 10 mm. In other cases, the bottom surface 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can have between about 10 mm and 20 mm circumferentially. Additionally, 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 have one or more radially The one or more radially extending protrusions can include extending protrusions, the one or more radially extending protrusions affecting the interaction of the teeth 400A-400C with the wood fibers and separating 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 extending upwardly from the floor F ₁₀₀ of the adjacent first refiner groove 228 and Bar 236 includes a second height H ₂₀₀ that extends upwardly from the floor F ₂₀₀ of an 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, ranging from about 4 mm to about 10 mm. It is possible to have _The first and second refining bodies 222, 232 are spaced apart by a first gap G ₁₀₀ , which extends across the outer surface S ₂₂₆ of the first refiner bar 226. and an outer surface S ₂₃₆ of the second refiner bar 236 . A second gap G ₂₀₀ is defined between the generally planar outer surface 408 of the teeth 400A-400C and each one of the opposing substantially planar areas 282, 284, 288 of the teeth 400A-400C. and G ₂₀₀ can be greater than G ₁₀₀ . In some examples, the height (not labeled) of the teeth 400A-400C extending upwardly from each adjacent first or second refiner groove 228, 238 is about 8-10 mm. Is possible. As shown in FIG. 17, the teeth 400A-400C are intermeshed and one or both of the radially inwardly or outwardly facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C. A portion of the adjacent teeth 400A to 400A to 400A are arranged in the axial direction, for example in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
It is adapted to overlap a portion of the radially inwardly or outwardly facing surfaces 404, 406 of 0C. 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 to the frame (e.g., inlet section 16) of the refiner 10, the wood fibers are _e.g. Passing into a portion of refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by first and second refiner grooves 228, 238 to approximately a first radially outward position P ₂₀₀ . The first and second refiner bars 226, 236 interact with each other to refine a significant number of wood fibers within the wood pulp, as described herein. The first gap G ₁₀₀ should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, to allow refining to occur. It is possible that The refined wood fibers are then moved, for example, from approximately the first radially outward position P ₂₀₀ to approximately the fourth radially outward position P ₅₀₀ in the respective first and second substantially planar planes. into a portion of refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by areas 282 , 284 , 286 , 288 . It is contemplated that the second and third gaps G ₂₀₀ and G ₃₀₀ should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm to allow deflake to occur. Teeth 400A-400C are adapted to break up or separate a plurality of wood fiber bundles within a wood pulp slurry, as described herein. It is believed that G ₂₀₀ is greater than G ₁₀₀ such that refining stops and deflake begins approximately at a first radially outward first position P ₂₀₀ .

1 and 15-17, the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the refining bodies 222, 232, particularly the outer surfaces S ₂₂₆ , S 236 of the first and second refiner bars 226, ₂₃₆ , and , the outer surfaces 408 of teeth 400A-400C can wear and deteriorate over time. To compensate for this wear, the spacing between the first and second refining members 20, 30, including first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively, is described herein. can be readjusted such that the first gap G ₁₀₀ remains substantially constant. This adjustment of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232 is important when the refiner bars 226, 236 perform a more intense refining function and typically wear faster than the teeth 400A-400C. It is possible to cause the gap G ₂₀₀ to decrease. This difference in wear may be factored into the selection of the teeth 400A-400C (e.g., the type of metal used for the teeth 400A-400C, the initial size of the second gap G ₂₀₀ , the shape of the teeth 400A-400C, etc.) ), the refining occurs when the wood fibers enter a 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. Sufficient second gap G ₂₀₀ can be maintained to ensure that G 200 stops and deflaking begins. When _the refining body 222, 232 is new, the third gap G ₃₀₀ can be substantially equal to or larger than the second gap G ₂₀₀ . As the refining surfaces 224, 234 wear and the refining members 20, 30 are moved closer to each other, the third gap G ₃₀₀ becomes smaller than the second gap G ₂₀₀ . ₃₀₀ can be decreased.

In all embodiments described herein, the refiner 10 of FIG. 1 may be coupled to a controller (not shown) that determines, for example, the number of fiber bundles, size, etc. at one or more locations downstream of refiner 10, such as fibrillation, Canadian standard freeness, fiber length, fiber width, kinks, curl, roughness, number of fines, Data from a fiber analyzer (eg, a Valmet® MAP pulp analyzer (Valmet Corp.)) is received 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 may adjust the spacing between one or more pairs of refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 to maintain one or more fiber properties within a predetermined target range. 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 is possible to reduce the In other examples, the controller may, for example, by varying the size of the refining gaps G ₁ , G ₁₀₀ and the deflake gaps G ₂ , G ₃ , G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ , G ₂₀₀ , G ₃₀₀ . , controls the operation of the refiner 10 and provides a predetermined number (e.g., 1,000 ppm) of fiber bundles of a particular size (e.g., width of approximately 150 to 2,000 microns and length of 0.3 mm to 40 mm). It is possible to generate refined softwood pulp smaller than .

In other examples, 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 having a The refiner 10 of FIG. The controller is capable of controlling operation of one or more of the plurality of refiners to maintain one or more fiber properties within a predetermined target range. In some particular examples, refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed only in the last refiner in the series; 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 flowchart 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 to this structure only. The method may begin in 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 including a first refining body 22 including a first refining surface 24 and a second refining member including a second refining surface 34. A second refining member 30 including a refining body 32 can be included. 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 H ₁ extending upwardly from the floor F ₁ of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A, and the first refiner bar 26A has a first maximum height H 1 extending upwardly from the floor F 1 of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A; has a second maximum height H ₂ extending upwardly from the floor F ₂ of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B. Second refining surface 34 may include second member refiner bars 36 separated by second member refiner grooves 38 . The first refining member 20 may be spaced apart 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 opposite the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining member 20, and a portion of the second member refiner bar 36 and a second refiner bar 36 may be positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining member 20. Gaps G ₂ , G ₃ , G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ are defined between the bars 26B.

The method includes, in step 510, 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. The spinning may continue and, in step 520, the slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the refiner 10 such that the slurry passes through the refining space 60. In step 530, axial pressure may be applied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 when the slurry is provided, and the axial pressure may be applied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30, The gap G ₂ , G ₃ , G ₄ , G ₅ , G ₆ between the portion of 36 and the second refiner bar 26B is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm; At least a portion of the wood fiber bundle passing through the gaps G ₂ , G ₃ , G _{4 ,} G ₅ , G ₆ is separated, after which it is possible for the method to end.

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

Claims (9)

A refining member for a pulp refiner, the refining member comprising:
including a refining body including a refining surface;
The refining surface is
refiner bars separated by refiner grooves, each extending from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface; , a refiner bar,
teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the refining surface, the second radially outward position being more than the first radially outward position; , teeth proximate the outermost part of the refining body;
A refining member, wherein the refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and the teeth are adapted to break up fiber bundles. The refining member of claim 1, wherein the refiner bar has a first maximum height of about 4 mm to about 10 mm, as measured from the floor of an adjacent refiner groove. The refining member of claim 1, wherein the refiner bar has a width extending between side edges of about 2 mm to about 8 mm. The refining member of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first refiner groove is equipped with a dam. A pulp refiner, the pulp refiner comprising:
frame and
at least a first pair of refining members;
The at least first pair of refining members includes:
a first refining member associated with the frame and including a first refining body including a first refining surface, the first refining surface being in a first refining groove; first refiner bars separated by a radially inward position on said first refining surface to a first radially outward position on said first refining surface; a first refiner bar extending to a position and a first tooth extending to a further radially outward position on the first refining surface, the first tooth extending to a further radially outward position on the first refining surface; a first refining member comprising a first tooth, the outward position being closer to an outermost part of the first refining body than the first radially outward position; and,
a second refining member associated with the frame and including a second refining body including a second refining surface;
including;
the first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member and defines a refining space therebetween;
The pulp refiner further includes:
is associated with the frame and coupled to one of the first refining member or the second refining member, and rotation of the rotor is coupled to the first and second refining members relative to each other; including a rotor adapted to effect movement of the member;
When a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is fed to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space and a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined. A pulp refiner, wherein a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated. The second refining member includes a second refining body including a second refining surface, the second refining surface being separated by a second refining groove. a bar, each extending from a radially inward position on the second refining surface to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface; two refiner bars and second teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface, the second radially outward position being the second tooth extending from the second refining surface to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface; a second tooth closer to an outermost part of the second refining body than one radially outwardly directed position. the second refining surface has a first row of teeth extending to the second radially outward position on the second refining surface; and a second row of teeth extending to a fourth radially outward position on the surface. The pulp refiner according to claim 7, wherein the first tooth meshes with the second tooth. 6. The pulp refiner of claim 5, wherein the first refining member is a non-rotating stator member and the second refining member is a rotating rotor member.