WO2020263296A1 - Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020263296A1 WO2020263296A1 PCT/US2019/056504 US2019056504W WO2020263296A1 WO 2020263296 A1 WO2020263296 A1 WO 2020263296A1 US 2019056504 W US2019056504 W US 2019056504W WO 2020263296 A1 WO2020263296 A1 WO 2020263296A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- refiner
- refining
- height
- refiner bars
- bars
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002025 wood fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 84
- 229920002522 Wood fibre Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract description 83
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 27
- 238000007670 refining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 737
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 229920001131 Pulp (paper) Polymers 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000013055 pulp slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 102220471545 Single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminase_S26A_mutation Human genes 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 102220471474 Protein MON2 homolog_S36A_mutation Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 206010061592 cardiac fibrillation Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000002600 fibrillogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011122 softwood Substances 0.000 description 2
- YSGSDAIMSCVPHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N valyl-methionine Chemical compound CSCCC(C(O)=O)NC(=O)C(N)C(C)C YSGSDAIMSCVPHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21D—TREATMENT OF THE MATERIALS BEFORE PASSING TO THE PAPER-MAKING MACHINE
- D21D1/00—Methods of beating or refining; Beaters of the Hollander type
- D21D1/20—Methods of refining
- D21D1/30—Disc mills
- D21D1/303—Double disc mills
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21D—TREATMENT OF THE MATERIALS BEFORE PASSING TO THE PAPER-MAKING MACHINE
- D21D1/00—Methods of beating or refining; Beaters of the Hollander type
- D21D1/20—Methods of refining
- D21D1/30—Disc mills
- D21D1/306—Discs
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21D—TREATMENT OF THE MATERIALS BEFORE PASSING TO THE PAPER-MAKING MACHINE
- D21D1/00—Methods of beating or refining; Beaters of the Hollander type
- D21D1/004—Methods of beating or refining including disperging or deflaking
- D21D1/006—Disc mills
- D21D1/008—Discs
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21D—TREATMENT OF THE MATERIALS BEFORE PASSING TO THE PAPER-MAKING MACHINE
- D21D1/00—Methods of beating or refining; Beaters of the Hollander type
- D21D1/20—Methods of refining
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to processing wood fibers in a refiner and more particularly to an apparatus and method for refining wood fibers and breaking up fiber bundles.
- Disc-type refiners have traditionally been used to process wood fibers in a step of a paper product making process.
- Such refiners include first and second refining members having a refining space therebetween.
- Each of the first and second refining members include a plurality of refiner bars separated by refiner grooves, in which the refiner bars define cutting surfaces for cutting the wood fibers.
- at least one of the first and second refining members is rotated relative to the other, in which rotation of the cutting surfaces of the refiner bars cut wood fibers being processed in the refiner.
- the processed wood fibers may be further processed in subsequent paper product making processes to produce paper products.
- the wood fibers may undergo additional processing, such as in a separate tickler refiner or deflaker.
- a separate tickler refiner or deflaker As is known in the art, conical refiners operate in the same manner except that the refining members are positioned on a conical surface instead of a disc.
- a refining member for a pulp refiner comprises a refining body including a refining surface comprising first refiner bars separated by first refiner grooves and extending from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the refining surface and second refiner bars separated by second refiner grooves and extending from a second radially inward position to a second radially outward position on the refining surface, in which the second radially outward position is nearer to an outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position.
- the first refiner bars have a first height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent first refiner groove
- the second refiner bars have a second height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent second refiner groove.
- the second height is a minimum height of the second refiner bars and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position, with the second height being at least about 0.35 mm less than the first height.
- the first refiner bars are adapted to refine wood fibers
- the second refiner bars are adapted to break up fiber bundles.
- the minimum height of the second refiner bars may be adjacent to the second radially outward position.
- the first height may be substantially constant along a longitudinal length of the first refiner bars.
- the first height may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm.
- the second height may be from about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm less than the first height, or from about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm less than the first height.
- the second refiner bars may be integral with the first refiner bars such that the second refiner bars extend from the first radially outward position to the second radially outward position.
- Each of the second refiner bars may slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of each second refiner bar extending between the first radially outward position and the second radially outward position.
- At least a portion of the first refiner grooves may be provided with dams.
- the first height of the first refiner bars may comprise a first maximum height
- the second refiner bars may comprise a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove, in which a radially outer portion of each of the first refiner bars may comprise a step-down from the first maximum height to the second maximum height and in which the second maximum height may be at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height.
- the refining member may further comprise third refiner bars separated by third refiner grooves and fourth refiner bars separated by fourth refiner grooves.
- Each of the third refiner bars may extend to a third radially outward position on the refining surface
- each of the fourth refiner bars may extend to a fourth radially outward position on the refining surface that is nearer to the outermost part of the refining body than the third radially outward position.
- the third refiner bars may have a third height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent third refiner groove
- the fourth refiner bars may have a fourth height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent fourth refiner groove.
- the fourth height may be a minimum height of the fourth refiner bars and may be adjacent to the fourth radially outward position.
- the fourth height may be at least about 0.35 mm less than the third height.
- the third refiner bars may be adapted to refine wood fibers
- the fourth refiner bars may be adapted to break up fiber bundles.
- the third refiner bars may be integral with the second refiner bars such that the third refiner bars extend from the second radially outward position to the third radially outward position
- the fourth refiner bars may be integral with the third refiner bars such that the fourth refiner bars extend from the third radially outward position to the fourth radially outward position.
- the third height of the third refiner bars may comprise a third maximum height
- the fourth refiner bars may comprise a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent fourth refiner groove, in which a radially outer portion of each of the third refiner bars may comprise a step-down from the third maximum height to the fourth maximum height and in which the fourth maximum height may be at least about 1.5 mm less than the third maximum height.
- a pulp refiner comprises: a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor.
- the refining members comprise a first refining member associated with the frame and comprising a first refining body and a second refining member associated with the frame and comprising a second refining body.
- the first refining body includes a first refining surface comprising: first refiner bars separated by first refiner grooves and extending from a first radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface, and second refiner bars separated by second refiner grooves and extending from a second radially inward position on the refining surface to a second radially outward position on the refining surface, with the second radially outward position being nearer to an outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position.
- the first refiner bars have a first height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent first groove
- the second refiner bars have a second height extending upward from the adjacent second groove floor.
- the second height is a minimum height of the second refiner bars and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position.
- the second height is at least about 0.35 mm less than the first height.
- the second refining member includes a second refining surface comprising second member refiner bars separated by second member refiner grooves.
- the first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween, in which at least a portion of the second member refiner bars are positioned so as to be across from the second refiner bars to define a gap between the portion of the second member refiner bars and the second refiner bars.
- 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 one of the first or the second refining member relative to the other.
- a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space such that a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.
- the minimum height of the second refiner bars may be adjacent to the second radially outward position.
- the first height may be substantially constant along a longitudinal length of the first refiner bars.
- the second height may be at least about 0.7 mm less than the first height.
- the first height of the first refiner bars may comprise a first maximum height
- the second refiner bars may comprise a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove, in which a radially outer portion of each of the first refiner bars may comprise a step-down from the first maximum height to the second maximum height and in which the second maximum height may be at least about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height.
- the second member refiner bars may comprise: first refiner bar elements extending from a first radially inward position to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface, and second refiner bar elements extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface that is nearer to an outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward position.
- the first refiner bar elements may have a first bar height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent groove
- the second refiner bar elements may have a second bar height extending upward from the adjacent groove floor.
- the second bar height may be a minimum height of the second refiner bar elements and may be adjacent to the second radially outward position.
- the second bar height may be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first bar height.
- a method for processing wood fibers comprises providing a refiner comprising at least a first pair of refining members.
- the refining members comprise: a first refining member comprising a first refining body and a second refining member comprising a second refining body.
- the first refining body includes a first refining surface comprising: first refiner bars separated by first refiner grooves and having a first height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent first refiner groove, and second refiner bars separated by second refiner grooves and having a second height extending upward from a floor of an adjacent second refiner groove.
- the second refining body includes a second refining surface comprising second member refiner bars separated by second member refiner grooves.
- the first refining member is spaced from the second refining member to define a refining space therebetween and at least a portion of the second member refiner bars are positioned so as to be across from the second refiner bars to define a gap between the portion of the second member refiner bars and the second refiner bars.
- the method further comprises: 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 one another; supplying a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers to the refiner such that the slurry passes through the refining space; and applying axial pressure to at least one of the first refining member or the second refining member as the slurry is supplied.
- the gap between the portion of the second member refiner bars and the second refiner bars increases along at least a section of the second refiner bars in a direction extending from a first radially inward position toward a first radially outward position on the first refining surface. At least a portion of wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated.
- the second height may be a minimum height of the second refiner bars and may be adj acent to the first radially outward position.
- the second height may be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first height.
- FIG. l is a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of a disc refiner
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views of a first and a second refining body, respectively;
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of a section of a refining surface of the first refining body of FIG. 2;
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views of a section of a refining surface of the second refining body of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of a refining body taken along line 6A— 6A in FIGS. 4A and 5A;
- FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of a refining body taken along line 6B— 6B in FIGS. 4B and 5B;
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7— 7 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B;
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views of a refiner bar on a first refining body that is spaced apart and positioned above a corresponding refiner bar on a second refining body;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are plan views of portions of a first and a second refining body, respectively, comprising a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments;
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are partial cross-sectional views of refiner bars from the pie-shaped segments of FIGS. 10 and 11, in which one refining body is spaced apart and positioned above another refining body;
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views of a first and a second refining body, respectively, comprising teeth;
- FIG. 15 is a plan view of a section of a refining surface of the first refining body of FIG. 13;
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of a section of a refining surface of the second refining body of FIG. 14;
- FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar and tooth on a first refining body that is spaced apart and positioned above a second refining body comprising a refiner bar and teeth;
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers
- FIG. 19A a partial cross-sectional view of a refining body similar to FIG. 6 A;
- FIG. 19B is a partial cross-sectional view of a refining body similar to FIG. 6B.
- FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method for processing wood fibers.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic, partial cross-sectional view of a disc refiner 10 according to the present disclosure.
- the disc refiner 10 comprises a housing with a first housing section 12 and a second housing section 14 that may be bolted or otherwise attached fixedly together.
- the housing sections 12, 14 define an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a refiner inner cavity 64 that contains one or more pairs of refining members.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. l is a double-disc refiner 10 comprising two pairs of refining members, e.g., a first refining member 20 paired with a second refining member 30 and a third refining member 40 paired with a fourth refining member 50.
- the first refining member 20 comprises a first refining body 22 with a first refining surface 24, and the second refining member 30 comprises a second refining body 32 with a second refining surface 34.
- the third refining member 40 comprises a third refining body 42 and a third refining surface 44
- the fourth refining member 50 comprises a fourth refining body 52 and a fourth refining surface 54.
- Each of the refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 are associated with a main support frame comprising a fixed support frame 66 secured to the first housing section 12 and a movable support frame 68, as described herein.
- the first, second, third, and fourth refining bodies 22, 32, 42, 52 may be generally disc shaped with substantially identical outer diameters (see FIGS. 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
- the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 are 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 to define 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 to define a second refining space 62 between the respective refining surfaces 44, 54.
- the disc refiner 10 may have a structure similar to the one illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0037728 Al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the first and fourth refining members 20, 50 are stationary, and the second and third refining members 30, 40 rotate relative to the first and fourth refining members 20, 50.
- the first refining member 20 may be fixed to the 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 a rotatable shaft 72.
- the support 70 is coupled to the shaft 72 so as to rotate with the shaft 72 and is also axially movable along the shaft 72.
- the shaft 72 is driven by a first motor 74 such that the support 70 and the second and third refining members 30, 40 rotate with the shaft 72 during operation of the disc refiner 10.
- the shaft 72 has a central axis 72A that is generally coaxial with an axis of rotation of the second and third refining members 30, 40.
- the shaft 72 may be rotatably mounted to the fixed support frame 66 such that the first and second refining members 30, 40 are associated with the main support frame.
- the support 70 may be movable axially 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.
- the fourth refining member 50 may be fixed to the movable support frame 68 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown).
- the support 70 and the shaft 72 may define a rotor associated with the main support frame such that the second and third refining members may define rotating rotor members, and 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 in the second housing section 14 and is coupled to a second motor 76, which may comprise a reversible electric motor, which is fixed in position.
- the second motor 76 moves the movable support frame 68 in a substantially horizontal (i.e., axial) direction shown by arrow A.
- the refiner 10 may comprise, for example, a jack screw (not shown) coupled to the second motor 76 and the movable support frame 68, which second motor 76 may rotate the jack screw to move the movable support frame 68 to which is attached, for example, the fourth refining member 50.
- control of the size of the gaps may be achieved by one or more magnetic bearings.
- Magnetic bearings that control the axial position of the shaft 72 may be used to control the position of the rotating rotor members that are fixed to the shaft 72.
- Magnetic bearings may be used to control the axial position of one or more additional movable sections of the main support frame, i.e., the movable support frame 68, to which one or more of the non-rotating stator members are attached.
- a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers passes through the refining spaces 60, 62.
- the jack screw rotates in a first direction, it causes movement of the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 inwardly towards 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, in turn, applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, causing the third refining member 40, the support 70 and the second refining member 30 to move inwardly toward the first refining member 20.
- the jack screw rotates in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, it causes movement of the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 outwardly away from the third refining member 40.
- the axial force applied by the pulp slurry passing through the first refining space 60 is then sufficient to cause the second refining member 30, the support 70 and the third refining member 40 to move toward the fourth refining member 50. This occurs until the axial forces applied by the wood slurries passing through the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 against the second and third refining members 30 and 40 are approximately equal.
- the disc refiner 10 may further comprise a further motor and a second rotatable shaft, and the first and/or fourth refining members 20, 50 may be coupled to the second rotatable shaft such that the first and/or fourth refining members 20, 50 may be counter-rotatable relative to the second and/or third refining members 30, 40, respectively.
- the disc refiner 10 may comprise only one pair of refining members in which one refining member is a non-rotating stator member and the other refining member is a rotating rotor member.
- the disc refiner may comprise three or more pairs of refining members.
- the disc refiner 10 may comprise a conical refiner with one or more pairs of refining members.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views of the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the first refining body 22 and the second refining body 32, respectively, for use in a pulp refiner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the structure of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth refining bodies 42, 52, respectively, may be substantially similar to the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32, respectively.
- the first refining body 22 may comprise a plurality of sections, e.g. sections 22A-22C, that are bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc shaped refining body 22 comprising a radially outer edge 27.
- the refining surface 24 comprises a plurality of elongated refiner bars 26 separated from one another by refiner grooves 28.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the first refining body 22 would similarly comprise refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28.
- the refiner bars 26 extend radially outwardly from a radially inner location 23 toward the radially outer edge 27 of the first refining body 22.
- the refiner bars 26 may be slanted at various angles as shown in FIG. 2, and each section 22A-22C may comprise one or more segments (not separately labeled) of refiner bars 26 that are slanted in different directions.
- the refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28 within each section 22A-22C in FIG. 2 may otherwise be similar in structure.
- the second refining body 32 may similarly comprise a plurality of sections, e.g. sections 32A-32C, that are bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc shaped refining body 32 comprising a radially outer edge 37.
- the refining surface 34 comprises a plurality of elongated refiner bars 36 separated from one another by refiner grooves 38.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the second refining body 32 would similarly comprise refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38.
- the refiner bars 36 extend radially outwardly from a radially inner location 33 toward the radially outer edge 37 of the second refining body 32.
- the refiner bars 36 may be slanted at various angles as shown in FIG. 3, and each section 32A-32C may comprise two or more segments (not separately labeled) of refiner bars 36 that are slanted in different directions.
- the refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38 within each section 32A-32C in FIG. 3 may otherwise be similar in structure.
- Paths of a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers through the refiner 10 are illustrated via arrows B in FIG. 1.
- the pulp slurry enters the disc refiner 10 through an inlet 16 and passes into the refiner inner cavity 64 via a central aperture 21 in the first refining member 20.
- the refiner inner cavity 64 may be defined, in part, by the fixed support frame 66 and the movable support frame 68.
- the refining surfaces 24, 34 may comprise one or more additional rows of refiner bars (not labeled), such as those located near the center of the refining bodies 22, 32, e.g., near the central aperture 21.
- These additional refiner bars may be wider and spaced further apart than the other refiner bars 26 to break up large fiber bundles before they enter the refining space 60.
- the wood fibers travel radially outwardly between the refining members 20, 30, 40, 50.
- the first refining space 60 defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30 and the second refining space 62 defined between the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 define separate paths along which the wood fibers may travel from the inlet 16 to the outlet 18. It is believed that the wood fibers only pass through one of the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 at a time.
- the refiner grooves 28, 38 may be considered part of the refining space 60 defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30.
- the refiner grooves (not shown) of the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 may be considered part of the refining space 62 defined between the third and fourth refining members 40, 50. It is believed that a majority 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.
- the wood fibers exit the refiner 10 via the outlet 18, at least in part under the action of centrifugal force.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are detailed views of one portion of the refining surface 24 of the first refining body 22, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are detailed views of a corresponding portion of the refining surface 34 of the second refining body 32.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of the refining bodies 22, 32 taken along lines 6A— 6A and 6B— 6B, respectively, illustrating two embodiments of a refiner bar 26, 36, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7— 7 in FIGS. 4 A, 4B, 5 A, and 5B.
- each refiner bar 26, 36 may comprise a first refiner bar 26A, 36A and a second refiner bar 26B, 36B.
- the first refiner bars 26 A, 36A may be separated from one another by first refiner grooves 28 A, 38 A
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may be separated from one another by second refiner grooves 28B, 38B.
- the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 38A, 28B, 38B may have a width WG of from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.
- the first refiner bars 26A, 36A comprise a first maximum height Hi extending upward from a floor Fi of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A, 38A
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B comprise a second maximum height fh extending upward from a floor F2 of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B, in which the second maximum height H2 is less than the first maximum height Hi.
- the minimum height difference between Hi and H2 is depicted as Di in FIG. 6A.
- a radially outer portion ROi of the first refiner bar 26A, 36A may comprise a step-down from the first maximum height Hi to the second maximum height H2.
- the second maximum height H2 may be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi. In other examples, the second maximum height H2 may be at least 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi. In further examples, the first maximum height Hi of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, when measured from the floor Fi of the adjacent first refiner groove 28A, 38A, may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0 mm.
- the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B, when measured from the floor F2 of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B, may be from about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm.
- the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B, when measured from the floor F2 of the adjacent second refiner groove 28B, 38B, may be from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm.
- the second maximum height H2 may be at least about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi. In some instances, the second maximum height H2 may be at least about 2.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi, and in other instances, the second maximum height H2 may be at least about 3.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi.
- Each of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A extend from a radially inward position Pi on the refining surface 24, 34 to a first radially outward position P2 on the refining surface 24, 34.
- Each of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extend to a second radially outward position P3 on the refining surface 24, 34.
- the second radially outward position P3 may be nearer to an outermost part, e.g., the radially outer edge 27, 37, of the refining body 22, 32 than the first radially outward position P2.
- the radially inward position Pi may comprise a position at or near the radially inner location 23, 33.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may comprise a longitudinal length Li from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm and preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
- the first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may comprise a width W26 extending between sides edges of the respective refiner bars 26 A, 36 A, 26B, 36B of from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may be integral with the first refiner bars 26 A, 36 A, as shown in FIGS. 4 A, 5 A, and 6 A, such that the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extend from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position P3.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may slope continuously downward from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position P3.
- the height of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may decrease continuously along substantially the entire longitudinal length Li from the second maximum height Fh to a second minimum height Fh’.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may extend substantially horizontally from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position P3, as depicted by the dashed line in FIG. 6A, such that the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are at the second maximum height Fh along substantially the entire longitudinal length Li of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B.
- the first refiner bars 26A, 36A may be radially separated from the second refiner bars 26B, 36B by a space.
- the refining surfaces 24, 34 may comprise dams 29, 39 provided in at least a portion of the first refiner grooves 28 A, 38 A.
- the dams 29, 39 may comprise a height that is substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bars 26 A, 36 A.
- the dams 29, 39 serve to divert wood fibers from the first refiner grooves 28 A, 38A so as to be engaged by the first and second refiner bars 26 A, 36 A, 26B, 36B.
- the first refiner bars 26A, 36A are adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles. Refining may be used to break apart and reduce small floes of fibers, induce external or internal fibrillation to effect fiber bonding, and/or cut a significant number of long wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry such that the lengths of the long wood fibers are reduced.
- the refining process also causes some of the wood fibers to re-form into small, dense fiber bundles (“flakes”), particularly during refining of long fibers such as softwood.
- the fiber bundles may adversely affect tensile strength, formation, etc. of the finished paper product, seed formation of strings of pulp that clog downstream components, and/or inhibit the drainage of fluid/water from the fibers during paper product production.
- the flakes should be broken apart after refining in a process called deflating.
- deflating is used to refer to the process of breaking apart fiber bundles that have formed during refining.
- deflating typically takes place in one or more subsequent refiners, frequently operating at low power and referred to as a“tickler” refiner, or deflakers.
- a“tickler” refiner or deflakers.
- Use of separate refiner(s) or deflakers increases the cost and complexity of the system.
- the tickler refmer(s) and the associated lines and tank(s) and a downstream machine chest may accumulate residual amounts of fibers from previous runs and allow the continued formation of fiber bundles. Processing in the tickler refmer(s) may degrade the properties of the fibers when dissimilar pulp slurries are refined together. It is believed that refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure solve these problems by incorporating refiner bars 26 A, 26B, 36 A, 36B of differing heights such that refining and deflating may be performed within a single refiner 10.
- the first maximum height Hi of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A which is greater than the second maximum height H2, means that the wood fibers are subjected to high intensity shearing and compression forces as the fibers pass through the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28 A, 38A and engaged by cutting side edges 126 A, 136A of the first refiner bars 26 A, 36A on the opposing first and second refining surfaces 24, 34 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9).
- the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28 A, 38A and extends from the radially inward position Pi on the refining surface 24, 34 to the first radially outward position P2 on the refining surface 24, 34 may at least partially define a refining zone.
- the radially inner location 23, 33 of the respective refining body 22, 32 may define the start of the refining zone.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B comprise the second maximum height Fh, and the intensity of the force applied to the fibers decreases in response to the reduced height (see also FIGS. 8 and 9).
- the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B and extends from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position P3 on the refining surface 24, 34 may at least partially define a deflaking zone.
- the decreased force applied to the fibers in the deflaking zone is believed to break up the fiber bundles formed during refining without further refining or only minimally refining the fibers. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.
- the second refiner bars 26B, 36B form an annular ring defining the deflaking zone around a radially outer portion (not separately labeled) of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32. It is believed that the second maximum height Fh of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B should be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi of the first refiner bars 26 A, 36A in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflaking.
- the refining zone may comprise 60% or more of the total area defined by both the refining and deflaking zones on each refining surface 24, 34.
- each refiner bar 26’, 36’ may comprise 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 bars 26A’, 36A’ and the second refiner bars 26B’, 36’ may be substantially similar to the first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B as depicted in FIGS.
- first and second refiner bars 26A’, 36A’, 26B’, 36B’ may extend radially outwardly a shorter distance.
- the first refiner bars 26 A’, 36 A’ may be separated from one another by first refiner grooves 28 A’, 38A’
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may be separated from one another by second refiner grooves 28B’, 38B’.
- the first and second refiner grooves 28 A’, 38A’, 28B’, 38B’ may have a width WG of from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be separated from one another by third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may be separated from one another by fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. As shown in FIG.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C comprise a third maximum height H3 extending upward from a floor F3 of the adjacent third refiner groove 28C, 38C
- the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D comprise a fourth maximum height H4 extending upward from a floor F4 of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D, in which the fourth maximum height Hi is less than the third maximum height 3 ⁇ 4.
- the third maximum height Tb may substantially equal the first maximum height Hr and the fourth maximum height Hi may substantially equal the second maximum height H2.
- the minimum height difference between H3 and Hi is depicted as D2 in FIG. 6B.
- a radially outer portion RO2 of the third refiner bar 26C, 36C may comprise a step-down from the third maximum height H3 to the fourth maximum height Hi.
- the third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 38C, 28D, 38D may have a width WG of from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0,
- the fourth maximum height Hi may be at least 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3. In other examples, the fourth maximum height Hi may be at least 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3. In further examples, the third maximum height H3 of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C, when measured from the floor F3 of the adjacent third refiner groove 28C, 38C, may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0,
- the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D, when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D, may be from about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3.
- the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D, when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 28D, 38D, may be from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm.
- the fourth maximum height H4 may be at least about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3.
- the fourth maximum height H4 may be at least about 2.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3, and in other instances, the fourth maximum height FE may be at least about 3.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height FE.
- Each of the first refiner bars 26A’, 36A’ extends from a radially inward position Pr on the refining surface 24, 34 to a first radially outward position P2’ on the refining surface 24, 34.
- Each of the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ extends to a second radially outward position P3’ on the refining surface 24, 34.
- Each of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extend to a third radially outward position P4 on the refining surface 24, 34.
- Each of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extend to a fourth radially outward position P5 on the refining surface 24, 34.
- the fourth radially outward position P5 may be nearer to an outermost part, e.g., the radially outer edge 27, 37, of the refining body 22, 32 than the first, second, and third radially outward positions P2’, P3’ and P4.
- the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may comprise a longitudinal length L2 from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm and preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may comprise a width (not separately labeled) extending between sides edges of the respective refiner bars 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D of from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm.
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may be 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’. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be integral with the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ such that the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extend from the second radially outward position P3’ to the third radially outward position P4’ and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may be integral with the third refiner bars 26C, 36C such that the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extend from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5.
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may slope continuously downward from the first radially outward position P2’ to the second radially outward position P3’. As shown in FIG.
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may comprise a longitudinal length Li of from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm and preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
- the height of the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may decrease continuously along substantially the entire longitudinal length Li from the second maximum height Fh to a second minimum height Fh’.
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ may extend substantially horizontally from the first radially outward position P2’ to the second radially outward position P3’, as depicted by the dashed line in FIG.
- the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may slope continuously downward from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5. As shown in FIG. 6B, the height of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may decrease continuously along substantially the entire longitudinal length L2 from the fourth maximum height FB to a fourth minimum height FB ⁇ In another particular embodiment, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may extend substantially horizontally from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5, as depicted by the dashed line in FIG.
- the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D are at the fourth maximum height FB along substantially the entire longitudinal length L2 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be radially separated from the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D by a space.
- the refining surface 24, 34 may comprise dams 29, 39 provided in at least a portion of the first and/or third refiner grooves 28A’, 38A’, 28C, 38C, as described herein.
- the first refiner bars 26A’, 36A’ in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B are adapted to refine wood fibers
- the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B are adapted to break up fiber bundles, as described with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26 A, 36 A, 26B, 36B in FIGS. 4 A, 5 A, and 6 A.
- the third refiner bars 26C, 36C are adapted to refine wood fibers (similar to the first refiner bars 26A’, 36A’)
- the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D are adapted to break up fiber bundles (similar to the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’), as described herein.
- the portions of the refining space 60 that are at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28 A’, 38 A’ and the third refiner grooves 28C, 38C and extending from the radially inward position Pr to the first radially outward position P2’ and from the second radially outward position P3’ to the third radially outward position P4 on the refining surface 24, 34 may at least partially define first and second refining zones, respectively, as described herein.
- the portions of the refining space 60 that are at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B’, 38B’ and the fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D and extending from the first radially outward position P2’ to the second radially outward position P3’ and from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5 on the refining surface 24, 34 may at least partially define first and second deflaking zones, respectively, as described herein.
- the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B’, 36B’ should be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hi of the first refiner bars 26A’, 36A’ in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflaking.
- the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D should be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the third maximum height H3 of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflaking.
- the first and second refining zones may comprise 60% or more of the total area defined by both the first and second refining and deflaking zones on each refining surface 24, 34.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32/132 of the first and second refining members 20, 30/130 according to the present disclosure.
- the first refining member 20 is spaced apart and positioned adjacent to and across from the second refining member 30 (see FIG. 1).
- a refining body according to the present invention e.g., the first refining body 22, is paired with the conventional refining body 132.
- the first refining body 22 comprises a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28 A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which may correspond to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, and 7. It is understood that the features described in FIG. 8 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B apply equally to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively, as described herein (see FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B).
- the conventional refining body 132 comprises a conventional refiner bar 136, which is a uniform height along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the refiner bar 136, and a refiner groove 138.
- the non-rotating stator member e.g., the first refining member 20
- the rotating rotor member e.g., the second refining member 30
- refiner bars 26A, 26B and refiner grooves 28A, 28B according to the present disclosure (see FIG. 1) .
- a first gap Gi is defined in FIG. 8 between an outer surface S26A of the first refiner bar 26A and an outer surface S136 of the conventional refiner bar 136.
- a second gap G2 may be defined between an outer surface S26B of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface of the conventional refiner bar 136, in which G2 is greater than Gi.
- a third gap G3 may be defined between an outer surface S26B’ of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S 136 of the conventional refiner bar 136, in which G3 is greater than Gi. As shown in FIG. 8
- a distance between the outer surface S26B of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S 136 of the conventional refiner bar 136 may increase continuously along at least a portion of the longitudinal length (not labeled; see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the second refiner bar 26B from a minimum distance corresponding to the third gap G3 to a maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G2.
- one refining body according to the present invention e.g., the first refining body 22 is paired with another refining body according to the present invention, e.g., the second refining body 32.
- the first refining body 22 comprises a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which may correspond to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, and 7.
- the second refining body 32 comprises a first refiner bar 36A, a first refiner groove 38A, a second refiner bar 36B, and a second refiner groove 38B, which may correspond to the first and second refiner bars 36A, 36B and first and second refiner grooves 38A, 38B, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 5 A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7. It is understood that the features described in FIG. 9 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B and first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, 38 A, 38B apply equally to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively, as described herein (see FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B).
- a first gap Gi is defined between an outer surface S26A of the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body 22 and an outer surface S36A of the first refiner bar 36A of the second refining body 32.
- a gap G4 may be defined between an outer surface S26B of the second refiner bar 26B and an outer surface S36B of the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32, in which G4 is greater than Gi.
- a gap Gs may be defined between the outer surface S26B of the second refiner bar 26B and an outer surface S36B’ of the second refiner bar 36B, in which Gs is greater than Gi.
- the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32 both extend substantially horizontally (shown in FIG.
- a gap G6 may be defined between an outer surface S26B’ of the second refiner bar 26B and the outer surface S36B’ of the second refiner bar 36B, in which s is greater than Gi.
- G4 is greater than Gs
- Gs is greater than G6.
- a distance between the outer surfaces S26B, S26B’, S36B, S36B’ of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may increase continuously along at least a portion of the longitudinal length (not labeled; see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of one or both of the respective second refiner bars 26B, 36B.
- one refining body e.g., the first refining body 22
- the distance between the outer surfaces S26B, S36B’ of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may increase from a minimum distance corresponding to the gap G6 to a maximum distance corresponding to the third gap Gs.
- both refining bodies 22, 32 comprise sloped second refiner bars 26B, 36B
- the distance between the outer surfaces S26B, S36B of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may increase from a minimum distance corresponding to the gap G6 to a maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G4.
- the rotatable refining member e.g., the first refining member 20; see FIG. 1 rotates relative to the stationary refining member (e.g., the second refining member 30/130; see FIG. 1)
- the pulp slurry comprising wood fibers is supplied to the frame 66, e.g., the inlet 16, of the refiner 10 (see FIG. 1) and enters the refining space 60 defined between the first and second refining bodies 22, 32/132.
- the first and second refining bodies 22, 132 are spaced apart to define the first gap Gi between the first refiner bars 26A of the first refining body 22 and the conventional refiner bars 136 of the second refining body 132 such that the refiner bars 26A and 136 interact with one another to refine the wood fibers, as described herein.
- the first gap Gi should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) and preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, and 0.9 mm. In some examples, the first gap Gi may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm.
- a distance between the second refiner bars 26B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner bars 136 of the second refining body 132 is increased such that it is believed that refining stops and deflaking begins.
- the distance increases from the first gap Gi to the second gap G2.
- the second refiner bars 26B extend substantially horizontally, the distance increases from the first gap Gi to the third gap G3.
- the distance between the second refiner bars 26B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner bars 136 of the second refining body 132 should be from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflaking to occur.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm.
- the first and second refining bodies 22, 32 are spaced apart to define the first gap Gi between the first refiner bars 26 A, 36A such that the refiner bars 26 A, 36A interact with one another to refine the wood fibers, as described herein.
- the first gap Gi should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) and preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur.
- the first gap Gi may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm. It is also believed that the gaps G4, Gs, G6 should be from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflaking to occur.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm for the range of about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm.
- the gaps Gi and G2, G3, G4, G4, Gs, G6 defined between the refining bodies 22, 32/132 may be adjusted by applying axial pressure to at least one of the first or second refining members 20, 30, for example, via the second motor 76 that is coupled to the movable support frame 68 via the jack screw (not shown).
- the second refining member 30 may be coupled directly to the movable support frame 68 such that the second refining member 30 moves with the movable support frame 68 as the latter is moved via the second motor 76 and the jack screw.
- the second refining member 30 is moved as described above, i.e., as the jack screw rotates in a first direction, it causes movement of the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 inwardly towards the third refining member 40.
- the fourth refining member 50 then applies an axial force to the wood slurry passing through the second refining space 62 which, in turn, applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, causing 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 Gi defined between the refiner bars 26 A, 36 A, 136 may be maintained at a substantially constant gap value by adjusting the positioning of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 via the second motor 76 (controlled manually or via a controller/processor coupled to the second motor 76) and jack screw so that an amount of power required to be input/generated by the first motor 74 (controlled manually or via a controller/processor coupled to the first motor 74), running at a predetermined rotational velocity, to process a certain amount of pulp flowing through the refining space 60, is maintained at a predefined input power level, which power level is monitored by an operator or a controller/processor controlling the first motor 74.
- the second motor 76 is controlled so as to move the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 until the power input by the first motor 74 equals 114 kilowatts.
- the gap size between the first and second refining members 20, 30 is at a value of 0.57 mm.
- the gap G2, G3, G4, G4, G5, G6 required to achieve deflating may vary depending on the load or flow rate (i.e., the liters/minute of pulp slurry flowing through the refining space 60) to which the refining bodies 22, 32/132 are subjected.
- refining of the wood fibers may stop and deflating may begin almost immediately upon passage of the fibers into the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B’, 38B/38B’, e.g., upon movement of the wood fibers past the first radially outward position P2/ P2’ and/or the third radially outward position P4, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
- some refining of the wood fibers may continue along at least a portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B’, 38B/38B’.
- embodiments in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B/26B’ of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bars 36B/36B’ of the second refining body 32 slope continuously downward may be particularly advantageous to ensure that a sufficient distance between the refiner bars 26B/26B’ and 136/36B/36B’ is achieved along at least a portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B/28B’, 38B/38B’ to allow refining to cease and deflating to occur.
- the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the refining bodies 22, 32 may wear and degrade over time.
- first and third refiner bars 26A/26A’, 26C, 36A/36A’, 36C that perform the majority of the high intensity, high energy refining may wear faster than the second and fourth refiner bars 26B/26B’, 26D, 36B/36B’, 36D that perform deflating, which is generally lower intensity and lower energy than refining.
- the position of the refining bodies 22, 32/132 may be adjusted as described herein to maintain the first gap Gi between the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A’, 26C, 36A/36A’, 36C at a substantially constant value as their outer surfaces S26A, S36A begin to wear down.
- the gap G2, G3, G4, G4, Gs, G6 between the second and fourth refiner bars 26B/26B’, 26D, 36B/36B’, 36D may not be adjustable.
- embodiments in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B/26B’, 36B/36B’ and/or one or both of the four refiner bars 36B/36B’, 36D are sloped are believed to allow the transition between the refining and deflaking zones to shift radially outward along the longitudinal length (not labeled; see FIGS. 6 A and 6B) of the second and fourth refiner bars 26B/26B’, 26D, 36B/36B’, 36D as the first and third refiner bars 26A/26A’, 26C, 36A/36A’, 36C wear down.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are plan views of portions of refining surfaces of a first refining body 22’ and a second refining body 32’, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the first and second refining bodies 22’, 32’ may be part of refining members, e.g., first and second refining members 20, 30, respectively, as described herein, for use in a pulp refiner, such as the disc refiner 10 depicted in FIG. 1.
- Each of the refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 22’, 32’, respectively, may be associated with the main support frame comprising the fixed support frame 66 secured to the first housing section 12 and the movable support frame 68.
- One refining member e.g., the first refining member 20 comprising the first refining body 22’
- the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 may be fixed to define a non-rotating stator member.
- Another refining member e.g., a second refining member 30 comprising the second refining body 32’
- the support 70 which rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor that is associated with the main support frame, such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20.
- Third and fourth refining members (not shown), having third and fourth refining bodies similar to the first and second refining bodies 22’, 32’, may also be provided.
- the first refining body 22’ comprises a plurality of sections 22A’- 22C’ that may be bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc-shaped refining body 22’ comprising a radially outer edge 27’.
- Each section 22A’-22C’ comprises a plurality of elongated refiner bars 26’ separated from one another by refiner grooves 28’.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the first refining body 22’ would similarly comprise refiner bars 26’ and refiner grooves 28’.
- the refiner bars 26’ extend radially outwardly from a 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’ may comprise one or more or more radially extending pie-shaped segments comprising at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2.
- the second refining body 32’ comprises a corresponding plurality of sections 32A’-32C’ that may be bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc-shaped refining body 32’ comprising a radially outer edge 37’.
- Each section 32A’-32C’ comprises a plurality of elongated refiner bars 36’ separated from one another by refiner grooves 38’.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the second refining body 32’ would similarly comprise refiner bars 36’ and refiner grooves 38’.
- the refiner bars 36’ extend radially outwardly from a 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’ may comprise one or more or more radially extending pie-shaped segments comprising at least one first pie-shaped segment 32B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-2.
- the third and fourth refining bodies 42, 52 of FIG. 1 may comprise a structure that is substantially similar to the first and second refining bodies 22’, 32’, respectively, as described herein.
- At least one of the first and second refining bodies 22’, 32’ of FIGS. 10 and 11 comprises one or more sections 22A’-22C’, 32A’-32C’ with at least one radially extending pie-shaped segment, e.g., 22B-1 and 32B-1, of refiner bars 26’, 36’ that comprises one or more characteristics that are different from the refiner bars 26’, 36’ in an adjacent radially extending pie-shaped segment, e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2, respectively.
- FIGS. 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 and positioned adjacent to and across from each other (see FIG. 1).
- a refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22’ (also referred to herein as a first refining surface)
- a third refiner bar 36-1 which may be located on a refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32’ (also referred to herein as a third refining surface).
- a refining surface 24-2 of the at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22’ (also referred to herein as a second refining surface)
- a fourth refiner bar 36-2 which may be located on a refining surface 34-2 of the at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32’ (also referred to herein as a fourth refining surface).
- the first refiner bars 26-1 are separated from one another by first refiner grooves 28-1 and may comprise a first maximum height Hio extending upward from a floor Fr of a respective adjacent first refiner groove 28-1.
- the third refiner bars 36-1 are separated from one another by third refiner grooves 38-1 and may comprise a third maximum height H30 extending upward from a floor F3’ of a respective adjacent third refiner groove 38-1.
- the first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 may be substantially similar to one another, and the first and third maximum heights H10, Fbo may be substantially equal.
- the second refiner bars 26-2 are separated from one another by second refiner grooves 28-2 and may comprise a second maximum height H20 extending upward from a floor F2’ of an adjacent second refiner groove 28-2.
- the fourth refiner bars 36-2 are separated from one another by fourth refiner grooves 38-2 and may comprise a fourth maximum height Frio extending upward from a floor F4’ of an adjacent fourth refiner groove 38-2.
- the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 may be substantially similar to one another, and the second and fourth maximum heights H20, Frio may be substantially equal. All of the refiner bars 26-1, 26-2, 36-1, 36-2 within a respective pie-shaped segment 22B-1, 22B- 2, 32B-1, 32B-2 may comprise a same height with respect to each other.
- the second maximum height H20 of the second refiner bars 26-2 may be less than the first maximum height H10 of the first refiner bars 26-1.
- the second maximum height H20, when measured from the floor F2’ of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2, may be at least 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height H10.
- the second maximum height H20, when measured from the floor F2’ of the adjacent second refiner groove 28- 2 may be at least 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height H10.
- the first maximum height H10 of the first refiner bars 26-1 when measured from the floor Fr of the respective adjacent first refiner groove 28-1, may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0 mm.
- the second maximum height H20 of the second refiner bars 26-2 when measured from the floor F2’ of the respective adjacent second refiner groove 28-2, may be from about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height H10.
- the second maximum height H20 of the second refiner bars 26-2 when measured from the floor F2’ of the respective adjacent second refiner groove 28-2, may be from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first maximum height Hio.
- first refiner bars 26-1 and the second refiner bars 26-2 may comprise a width extending between sides edges of the respective refiner bars 26-1, 26-2 of from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm (not shown; see FIG. 7).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm.
- the fourth maximum height FFo of the fourth refiner bars 36-2 which may correspond to the second maximum height Fho, may be less than the third maximum height FFo of the third refiner bars 36-1, which may correspond to the first maximum height Hio.
- the refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32’ will pass the refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-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’ will pass the refining surface 24-2 of the at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22’.
- the third refiner bars 36- 1 comprising the third maximum height FFo will be positioned opposite the first refiner bars 26-1 comprising the first maximum height Hio such that the first and third refiner bars 26-1 and 36-1 refine a significant number of the wood fibers.
- the fourth refiner bars 36-2 comprising the fourth maximum height 3 ⁇ 4o will be positioned opposite from the second refiner bars 26-2 comprising the second maximum height H20 such that the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2 and 36-2 break up or separate a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry, as described herein.
- Low intensity refining may occur when the refining surface 34-1 of the at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32’ passes the refining surface 24-2 of the at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22’, and the refining surface 34-2 of the at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32’ passes the refining surface 24-1 of the at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B- 1 of the first refining body 22’.
- one or more of the sections 22A’-22C’, 32A’-32C’ of the respective refining bodies 22’, 32’ may, in some examples, each comprise three radially extending pie-shaped segments 22B-1, 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-l, 32B-2, 32B-3.
- two segments may comprise refiner bars with one of the first or second maximum height Hio, Fho
- one segment e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2
- the segments 22B- 1, 22B-3 may comprise the first refiner bars 26-1
- the segments 32B-1, 32B-3 may comprise third refiner bars 36-1
- the segment 22B-2 may comprise the second refiner bars 26-2
- the segment 32B-2 may comprise the fourth refiner bars 36-2.
- one or more of the sections 22A’-22C’, 32A’-32C’ may each comprise only two segments of refiner bars or may each comprise four or more segments of refiner bars. In further examples (not shown), one or more of the sections 22A’-22C’, 32A’-32C’ may not comprise separate segments, such that an entire section comprises refiner bars of one height. It is understood that a refining body according to the present disclosure, e.g., one of refining bodies 22’, 32’, may be paired with a refining body comprising conventional refiner bars, e.g., refiner bars that are all of the same height.
- a gap between opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) and preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur and that a gap between opposing second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 should be from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflating to occur.
- each of these ranges include all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, and 0.9 mm for the range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm, and 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm for the range of about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm.
- the gap between opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are partial cross-sectional views similar to FIGS. 6A and 6B of first refining bodies 1022, 1022’ with a respective first refining surface 1024, 1024’ and second refining bodies 1032, 1032’ with a respective second refining surface 1034, 1034’.
- first and second refining bodies 1022/1022’, 1032/1032’ may be part of refining members, e.g., refining members 20, 30, respectively, in FIG.
- each of the refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 1022/1022’, 1032/1032’ may be associated with the main support frame comprising the fixed support frame 66 secured to the first housing section 12 and the movable support frame 68.
- One refining member, e.g., the first refining member 20 comprising the first refining body 1022/1022 A’, may be fixed to the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member.
- Another refining member e.g., the second refining member 30 comprising the second refining body 1032/1032’
- the support 70 which rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor that is associated with the main support frame, such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20.
- the first and second refining bodies 1022/1022’, 1032/1032’ may each comprise a plurality of sections (not shown; see 22A-22C and 32A-32C in FIGS.
- a disc-shaped refining body comprising a respective radially inner edge 1023, 1023’ and 1033, 1033’ and radially outer edge 1027, 1027’ and 1037, 1037’.
- the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 may each comprise a plurality of elongated refiner bars 1026, 1036 comprising first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A and second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B separated from one another by respective first refiner grooves 1028A, 1038A and second refiner grooves 1028B, 1038B (the first and second refiner bars 1026A/1036A and 1026B/1036B may also be referred to herein as first and second refiner bar elements).
- the first and second refiner grooves 1028 A, 1028B and 1038 A, 1038B may have a width (not shown; see WG in FIGS.
- the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1026B and 1036A and 1036B may comprise a width (not shown; see W26 in FIG. 7) of from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.
- Each of these ranges include all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mm for the range of about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm, and 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm for the range of about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.
- the refiner bars 1026, 1036 may be slanted at various angles on the respective refining surfaces 1024, 1034, and each section of the refining body 1022, 1032 may comprise one or more segments (not labeled) of refiner bars 1026, 1036 that are slanted in different directions (not shown; see FIGS. 2 and 3).
- the first and second refiner bars 1026, 1036 each extend radially outwardly from a radially inner location, i.e., the radially inner edge 1023, 1033, toward the radially outer edge 1027, 1037 of the respective refining body 1022, 1032.
- each of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A extend from a first radially inward position Piooo on the refining surface 1024, 1034 to a first radially outward position P2000 on the refining surface 1024, 1034.
- Each of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extend from a second radially inward position on the refining surface 1024, 1034, as described herein, to a second radially outward position P3000 on the refining surface 1024, 1034, in which the second radially outward position P3000 may be nearer to an outermost part of the refining body 1022, 1032, e.g., the radially outer edge 1027, 1037, in a general direction of travel of the wood fibers, than the first radially outward position P2000.
- the first radially inward position Piooo may comprise a position at or near the radially inner edge 1023, 1033.
- the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may be integral with the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A, such that the second radially inward position of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B is substantially the same as the first radially outward position P2000 of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A and the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extend from the first radially outward position P2000 to the second radially outward position P3000.
- the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A may be radially separated from the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B by a space.
- the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may comprise a longitudinal length L1000 from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
- the refining surfaces 1024, 1034 may comprise dams (not shown; see 29 and 39 in FIGS. 4 A, 5 A, and 7) provided in at least a portion of the first refiner grooves 1028 A, 1038 A, in which the dams may comprise a height that is substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A.
- the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A comprise a first height H1000 extending upward from a floor F 1000 of the adjacent first refiner groove 1028 A, 1038 A.
- the first height H1000 may be a maximum height of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036A.
- the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A may extend substantially horizontally such that the first height H1000 may be substantially constant along a longitudinal length (not labeled) of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, e.g., between the first radially inward position Piooo and the first radially outward position P2000, as shown in the example in FIG. 19 A.
- the first height H1000 of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A when measured from the floor F1000 of the adjacent first refiner groove 1028A, 1038A, may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0 mm.
- the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B comprise a second height H2000 extending upward from a floor F2000 of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B, 1038B, in which the second height H2000 is a minimum height of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position, e.g., P2000, of the second refiner bars 1026B and 1036B (the first and second heights H1000, H2000 may also be referred to herein as the first and second bar heights).
- the second height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B extending upward from the floor F2000 of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B, 1038B may be greater than zero, as shown with a solid line in FIG. 19 A.
- the second height H2000 may be from about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.2 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, and 4.0 mm.
- the second height H2000 may be slightly greater than zero, e.g., the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B at their minimum height may be slightly above level or flush with the floor F2000 of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B, 1038B, as shown with a dashed line in FIG. 19 A.
- the second height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000 of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A. In some examples, the second height H2000 may be at least 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000. In some particular examples, the second height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, when measured from the floor F2000 of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B, 1038B, may be from about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.35, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 mm.
- the second height H2000 may be from about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 mm.
- the second height H2000 may be from about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000, or from about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000.
- Each of these ranges include all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5 mm for the range of about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm, and 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 mm for the range of about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.
- a difference between the first and second heights H1000, H2000 may be substantially an entirety of the height of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A.
- the second height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may be about 10.0 mm less than the first height H1000.
- the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of each second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B extending between the first radially outward position P2000 to the second radially outward position P3000.
- the height of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may decrease continuously along substantially an entire longitudinal length L1000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B.
- the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may have a maximum height (not separately labeled) that occurs at a position adjacent to the first radially outward position P2000 and that is substantially the same as the first height H1000 of the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, with the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B sloping substantially continuously downward from the first radially outward position P2000 to the second radially outward position P3000.
- the second (minimum) height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may occur at a position that is adjacent to the second radially outward position P3000.
- first and second refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 1022, 1032 may be arranged such that the first refining surface 1024 faces the second refining surface 1034 (not shown; see, for example, FIGS. 1, 8, and 9), in which the first refining member 20 is spaced apart from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space (see 60 in FIG. 1) between the respective refining surfaces 1024, 1034, as described herein in detail.
- At least a portion of the refiner bars 1026 of the first refining body 1022 may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the refiner bars 1036 of the second refining body 1032 to define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between the opposing portions of the refiner bars 1026, 1036.
- first refiner bars 1026A of the first refining body 1022 may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1036A of the second refining body 1032, and at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B of the first refining body 1022 may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1036B of the second refining body 1032.
- an axial force or pressure may be applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30, which adjusts the size of the gap defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30.
- the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A may be adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may be adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles.
- first height Hiooo of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036A is greater than the second height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, the wood fibers are subjected to high intensity shearing and compression forces as the fibers pass through the portion of the refining space that is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 1028 A, 1038A (e.g., a refining zone, as described above).
- the first refiner bars 1026A, 1036A interact with one another or with the conventional refiner bars to refine a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp.
- the intensity of the force applied to the fibers decreases in response to the reduced height, which is believed to break up or separate a plurality of the wood fiber bundles formed during refining without further refining or only minimally refining the fibers.
- the gap between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B may be from about 0.9 mm to about 20.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0, 19.5, and 20.0 mm.
- the gap may increase along at least a section of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B in a radially outward direction, i.e., in a direction extending from the second radially inward position (e.g., P2000) to the second radially outward position P3000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B.
- the gap may increase along substantially an entirety of the longitudinal length L1000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B.
- the second (minimum) height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B should be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000 of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflaking.
- one of the refining bodies 1022, 1032 shown in FIG. 19A may be paired with a conventional refining body (not shown; see 132 in FIG. 8) that comprises conventional refiner bars with a uniform height along substantially an entirety of their longitudinal length.
- the first refining member 20 may comprise the first refining body 1022
- the second refining member 30 may comprise the conventional refining body.
- the refining members 20, 30 may be arranged such that they face each other, with at least a portion of the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1026B being positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the conventional refiner bars to define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between the opposing portions.
- a slurry of wood pulp may be supplied, and an axial force or pressure may be applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30 to adjust the size of the gap, with the first refiner bars 1026 A being adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry and the second refiner bars 1026B being adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles.
- the gap between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B and the conventional refiner bars may be from about 0.9 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- the gap may increase along at least a section of the second refiner bars 1026B in a radially outward direction, as described herein, and may increase along substantially an entirety of the longitudinal length L1000 of the second refiner bars 1026B.
- the second (minimum) height H2000 of the second refiner bars 1026B should be at least about 0.7 mm less ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) than the first height H1000 of the first refiner bars 1026A/1036A in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflaking.
- the gap between opposing portions of the refiner bars should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur (e.g., between opposing portions of the first refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A or between opposing portions of the first refiner bars 1026A/1036A and the conventional refiner bars).
- the gap in the refining zone may be less than about 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- the gap may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm. It is also believed that the gap should be from about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflaking to occur (e.g., between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B or between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B/1036B and the conventional refiner bars). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 mm.
- the gap along at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B/1036B may be much larger than about 2.0 mm, e.g., up to about 20.0 mm in some instances. This larger gap may be used to account for inevitable wear that will reduce the heights Hiooo, H2000 of the refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A, 1026B, 1036B.
- the position of the refining bodies may be adjusted as described herein to maintain the gap at a desired value as the refining surfaces begin to wear down.
- each second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of each second refiner bar 1026B, 1036B are believed to allow the transition between the refining and deflaking zones to shift radially outward along the longitudinal length L1000 of the second refiner bars 1026B, 1036B, such that a gap of about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm for deflaking may be maintained throughout the life of the refining members.
- the refining bodies 1022’, 1032’ may comprise respective refining surfaces 1024’, 1034’ that each include a plurality of elongated refiner bars 1026’, 1036’ comprising first refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’, second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’, third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, and fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D.
- the first and second refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’, 1026B’, 1036B’ may be substantially similar to the first and second refiner bars 1026 A, 1036 A, 1026B, 1036B, as depicted in FIG. 19A and described herein.
- the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036 A’ may be separated from one another by first refiner grooves 1028 A’, 1038A’
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may be separated from one another by second refiner grooves 1028B’, 1038B’
- the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may be separated from one another by third refiner grooves 1028C, 1038C
- the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be separated from one another by fourth refiner grooves 1028D, 1038D.
- Each of the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036 A’ may extend from a first radially inward position P1000’ to a first radially outward position P2000’ on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’.
- Each of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may extend from a second radially inward position on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’, as described herein, to a second radially outward position P3000’ on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’.
- Each of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may extend from a third radially inward position on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’, as described herein, to a third radially outward position P4000 on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’.
- Each of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may extend from a fourth radially inward position on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’, as described herein, to a fourth radially outward position P5000 on the refining surface 1024’, 1034’.
- the fourth radially outward position P5000 may be nearer to an outermost part, e.g., the radially outer edge 1027’, 1037’, of the refining body 1022’, 1032’ than the first, second, and third radially outward positions P2000’, P3000’ and P4000.
- the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D may comprise a respective longitudinal length L1000’, L2000 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and preferably of about 2 cm to about 10 cm.
- first and/or second refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036A’, 1026B’, 1036B’ may extend radially outwardly a shorter distance, as compared to the first and second refiner bars 1026A, 1036A, 1026B, 1036B.
- the refining surfaces 1024’, 1034’ may comprise dams (not shown; see 29 and 39 in FIGS. 4B and 5B) provided in at least a portion of the first and third refiner grooves 1028A71038A’ and 1028C/1038C, in which the dams may comprise a height that is substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first and/or third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C.
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may be integral with the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036A’; the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may be integral with the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’; and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be integral with the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C.
- the second radially inward position of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may be substantially the same as the first radially outward position P2000’ of the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036A’, and the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may extend from the first radially outward position P2000’ to the second radially outward position P3000’.
- the third radially inward position of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may be substantially the same as the second radially outward position P3000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’, and the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may extend from the second radially outward position P3000’ to the third radially outward position P4000.
- the fourth radially inward position of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be substantially the same as the third radially outward position P4000 of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, and the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may extend from the third radially outward position P4000 to the fourth radially outward position P5000.
- the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036 A’ may be radially separated from the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ by a space
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may be radially separated from the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C by a space
- the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C may be radially separated from the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D by a space.
- the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C comprise a respective first height H1000’ and third height H3000 extending upward from a floor F1000’, F3000 of the respective adjacent first and third refiner grooves 1028A71038A’ and 1028C/1038C.
- the first and third heights H1000’, H3000 may be a maximum height of the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C, respectively.
- first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C may extend substantially horizontally such that the first and third heights H1000’, Fbooo may be substantially constant along a longitudinal length (not labeled) of the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C, e.g., between the first radially inward position P1000’ and the first radially outward position P2000’ for the first refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’ and between the third radially inward position, e.g., P3000’ and the third radially outward position P4000 for the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C.
- the first and third heights H1000’, Fbooo of the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C, when measured from the floor F 1000’, F3000 of the respective adjacent first and third refiner grooves 1028A71038A’ and 1028C/1038C may be from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0 mm.
- the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D may comprise a respective second height H2000’ and fourth height FFooo extending upward from a floor F2000’, F4000 of the respective adjacent second and fourth refiner grooves 1028B71038B’ and 1028D/1038D.
- the second height H2000’ is a minimum height of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and is spaced apart from the second radially inward position, e.g., P2000’, of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B7
- the fourth height H4000 is a minimum height of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D and is spaced apart from the fourth radially inward position, e.g., P4000, of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D.
- the second height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ extending upward from the floor F2000’ of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B’, 1038B’ and/or the fourth height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D extending upward from the floor F4000 of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 1028D, 1038D may be greater than zero, as shown with a solid line in FIG. 19B.
- the second height H2000’ and/or the fourth height FFooo may be from about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.2 mm).
- the second height H2000’ and/or the fourth height H4000 may be slightly greater than zero, e.g., the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D at their minimum height may be slightly above level or flush with the floor F2000’, F4000 of the respective adjacent second or fourth refiner grooves 1028B71038B’, 1028D/1038D, as shown with a dashed line in FIG. 19B.
- the second height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and/or the fourth height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ of the first refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’ and/or the third height Fbooo of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, respectively.
- the second height H2000’ and the fourth height FBooo may be at least 0.70 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ and the third height Fbooo, respectively.
- the second height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’, when measured from the floor F2000’ of the adjacent second refiner groove 1028B’, 1038B’, and/or the fourth height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D, when measured from the floor F4000 of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 1028D, 1038D may be from about 0.35 mm to about 7.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ and the third height Fbooo, respectively.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.35, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 mm.
- the second height H2000’ and the fourth height FFooo may be from about 0.7 mm to about 7.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ and the third height Fbooo, respectively.
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 mm.
- the second height H2000’ and the fourth height FFooo may be from about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ and the third height Fbooo, respectively, or from about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ and the third height H3000, respectively.
- Each of these ranges include all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5 mm for the range of about 0.7 mm to about 5.0 mm, and 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 mm for the range of about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.
- a difference between the first and second heights H1000’, H2000’ and/or between the third and fourth heights H3000, FEooo may be substantially an entirety of the height of the first and/or third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C.
- the second and fourth heights H2000’, H4000 may be about 10.0 mm less than the first and third heights H1000’, H3000.
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of each refiner bar 1026B’, 1036B’, 1026D, 1036D.
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion extending between the first radially outward position P2000’ to the second radially outward position P3000
- the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion extending between the third radially outward position P4000 to the fourth radially outward position P5000.
- the height of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and/or the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may decrease continuously along substantially their entire respective longitudinal length L1000’, L2000.
- the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may have a maximum height (not separately labeled) that occurs at a position that is adjacent to the first radially outward position P2000’ and that is substantially the same as the first height H1000’ of the first refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036A’, with the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ sloping substantially continuously downward from the first radially outward position P2000’ to the second radially outward position P3000’.
- the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may similarly have a maximum height (not separately labeled) that occurs at a position that is adjacent to the third radially outward position P4000 and that is substantially the same as the third height H3000 of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, with the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D sloping substantially continuously downward from the third radially outward position P4000 to the fourth radially outward position P5000.
- the second (minimum) height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ may occur at a position that is adjacent to the second radially outward position P3000’, and the fourth (minimum) height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may occur at a position that is adjacent to the fourth radially outward position P5000.
- first and second refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 1022’, 1032’ may be arranged such that the first and second refining surfaces 1024’, 1034’ face each other (not shown; see, for example, FIGS. 1, 8, and 9) and define a refining space (see 60 in FIG. 1), as described herein in detail.
- At least a portion of the refiner bars 1026’ of the first refining body 1022’ are positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the refiner bars 1036’ of the second refining body 1032’ to define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between the opposing portions of the refiner bars 1026’, 1036’.
- first refiner bars 1026A’ of the first refining body 1022’ may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the first refiner bars 1036 A’ of the second refining body 1032’; at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1026B’ may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the second refiner bars 1036B’; at least a portion of the third refiner bars 1026C may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the third refiner bars 1036C; and at least a portion of the fourth refiner bars 1026D may be positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the fourth refiner bars 1036D.
- an axial force or pressure may be applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30, which adjusts the size of the gap defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30.
- the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C may be adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D may be adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles.
- first and third heights H1000’ and Fbooo of the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C are greater than the respective second and fourth heights H2000’ and H4000 of the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D, the wood fibers are subjected to high intensity shearing and compression forces as the fibers pass through the portion of the refining space that is at least partially defined by the first and third refiner grooves 1028A71038A’ and 1028C/1038C (e.g., first and second refining zones, as described above).
- the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C interact with one another to refine a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp.
- the intensity of the force applied to the fibers decreases in response to the reduced height, which is believed to break up or separate a plurality of the wood fiber bundles formed during refining without further refining or only minimally refining the fibers.
- the gap between opposing portions of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and between opposing portions of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D may be from about 0.9 mm to about 20.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0, 19.5, and 20.0 mm.
- the gap may increase along at least a section of the second refiner bar 1026B’, 1036B’ in a radially outward direction, i.e., in a direction extending from the second radially inward position (e.g., P2000 ) to the second radially outward position P3000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’, and/or the gap may increase along at least a section of the fourth refiner bar 1026D, 1036D in a radially outward direction, i.e., in a direction extending from the fourth radially inward position (e.g., P4000) to the fourth radially outward position P5000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D.
- the gap may increase along substantially an entirety of the longitudinal length L1000’ and/or L2000 of the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D, respectively.
- the second (minimum) height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and the fourth (minimum) height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D, 1036D should be at least about 0.35 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ of the first refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’ and the third height H3000 of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, respectively.
- one of the refining bodies 1022’, 1032’ shown in FIG. 19B may be paired with a conventional refining body (not shown; see 132 in FIG. 8) that comprises refiner bars with a uniform height along substantially an entirety of their longitudinal length.
- the first refining member 20 may comprise the first refining body 1022’
- the second refining member 30 may comprise the conventional refining body.
- the refining members 20, 30 may be arranged such that they face each other, with at least a portion of the first, second, third, and fourth refiner bars 1026 A’, 1026B’, 1026C, 1026D being positioned so as to be across from, i.e., facing, at least a portion of the conventional refiner bars to define a gap (see FIGS. 8 and 9) between the opposing portions.
- a slurry of wood pulp is supplied, and an axial force or pressure may be applied to one or both of the refining members 20, 30 to adjust the size of the gap, with the first and third refiner bars 1026 A’, 1026C being adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry and the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B’, 1026D being adapted to break up or separate fiber bundles.
- the gap between opposing portions of the conventional refiner bars and the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B’, 1026D may be from about 0.9 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- the gap may increase along at least a section of the refiner bars 1026B’, 1026D in a radially outward direction, as described herein, and may increase along substantially an entirety of the longitudinal length Liooo’, L2000 of the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B’, 1026D.
- the second (minimum) height H2000’ of the second refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and the fourth (minimum) height H4000 of the fourth refiner bars 1026D/1036D should be at least about 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) less than the first height H1000’ of the first refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and the third height H3000 of the third refiner bars 1026C, 1036C, respectively, in order to cease refining of the fibers and begin deflating.
- the gap between opposing portions of the refiner bars should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur (e.g., between opposing portions of the first and third refiner bars 1026 A’, 1036 A’ and 1026C, 1036C or between opposing portions of the conventional refiner bars and the first and third refiner bars 1026A71036A’ and 1026C/1036C).
- the gap in the refining zone(s) may be less than about 0.7 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm). In some particular instances, the gap may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm. It is also believed that the gap should be from about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflating to occur (e.g., between opposing portions of the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B’, 1036B’ and 1026D, 1036D or between opposing portions of the conventional refiner bars and the second and fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D).
- This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 mm.
- a gap larger than about 2.0 mm may be used to account for wear that reduces the heights Hiooo’, H2000’, H3000, H4000 of the respective refiner bars 1026A’, 1036A’, 1026B’, 1036B’, 1026C, 1036C, 1026D, 1036D.
- the position of the refining bodies may be adjusted as described herein to maintain the gap at a desired value as the refining surfaces begin to wear down.
- embodiments in which the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D slope substantially continuously downward along at least a portion of the refiner bar 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D are believed to allow the transition between the refining and deflaking zones to shift radially outward along the longitudinal length L1000’, L2000 of the second and/or fourth refiner bars 1026B71036B’ and 1026D/1036D, such that a gap of about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm for deflaking may be maintained throughout the life of the refining members.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views of portions of a first refining surface 224 of a first refining body 222 and a second refining surface 234 of a second refining body 232, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the first and second refining bodies 222, 232 may be part of refining members, e.g., refining members 20, 30, respectively, as described herein, for use in a pulp refiner, such as the disc refiner 10 depicted in FIG. 1.
- Each of the refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively, may be associated with the main support frame comprising the fixed support frame 66 secured to the first housing section 12 and the movable support frame 68.
- One refining member, e.g., the first refining member 20 comprising the first refining body 222, may be fixed to the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 to define a non-rotating stator member.
- Another refining member e.g., the second refining member 30 comprising the second refining body 232, may be fixed to the support 70, which rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor that is associated with the main support frame, such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20.
- the first refining body 222 comprises a plurality of sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that may be bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc-shaped refining body 222 comprising a radially outer edge 227.
- the first refining surface 224 comprises a plurality of elongated first refiner bars 226 separated from one another by first refiner grooves 228.
- the first refiner bars 226 extend radially outwardly from a radially inner location 223 toward the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222.
- the first refiner bars 226 may be slanted at various angles as shown in FIG.
- each section of the refining body 222 may comprise one or more segments (not labeled) of refiner bars 226 that are slanted in different directions.
- the first refining body 222 further comprises one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 located between the first refiner bars 226 and the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the first refining body 222 would similarly comprise refiner bars 226, refiner grooves 228, and teeth 400.
- the second refining body 232 comprises a plurality of sections (not separately labeled; see FIGS. 2 and 3) that may be bolted or otherwise attached together to form the disc-shaped refining body 232 comprising a radially outer edge 237.
- the second refining surface 234 comprises a plurality of elongated second refiner bars 236 separated from one another by second refiner grooves 238.
- the second refiner bars 236 extend radially outwardly from a radially inner location 233 toward the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232.
- the second refiner bars 236 may be slanted at various angles as shown in FIG.
- each section of the refining body 232 may comprise one or more segments (not labeled) of refiner bars 236 that are slanted in different directions.
- the second refining body 232 further comprises one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 located between the second refiner bars 236 and the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232.
- the other sections (not labeled) of the second refining body 232 would similarly comprise refiner bars 236, refiner grooves 238, and teeth 400.
- the structure of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth refining bodies 42, 52, respectively, of FIG. 1 may comprise a structure that is substantially similar to the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively, as described herein.
- FIGS. 15 and 16 are detailed views of one 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 a first refiner bar 226 and tooth 400B, which may be located on the first refining body 222 of FIGS. 13 and 15, and a second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C, which may be located on the second refining body 232 of FIGS. 14 and 16, in which the first refining body 222 is spaced apart and positioned adjacent to and across from the second refining body 232 to define a refining space 260 therebetween.
- the first refining surface 224 comprises first refiner bars 226 that are separated from one another by first refiner grooves 228, and the second refining surface 234 comprises second refiner bars 236 that are separated from one another by second refiner grooves 238.
- One or both of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 may comprise dams 229, 239 provided in at least a portion of the first and second refiner grooves 228, 238, as described herein.
- Each of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 extends from a radially inward position Pioo to a first radially outward position P200 on the respective first and second refining surfaces 224, 234.
- the radially inward position Pioo may comprise a position at or near the respective radially inner location 223, 233 (see FIGS. 13 and 14).
- the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 may comprise a width W226, W236, respectively, extending between sides edges of the respective refiner bars 226, 236 of from about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 mm.
- the first refining surface 224 comprises first teeth 400B located between a radially outer edge RO226 of the first refiner bars 226 and the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222.
- the first teeth 400B extend to a third radially outward position, e.g., P400, on the first refining surface 224, in which the third radially outward position P400 is nearer to an outermost part, e.g., the radially outer edge 227, of the first refining body 222 than the first radially outward position P200 of the first refining bars 226.
- the second refining surface 234 comprises second teeth 400A, 400C that are located between a radially outer edge RO236 of the second refiner bars 236 and the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232.
- the second teeth 400A, 400C extend to a second or a fourth radially outward position, e.g., P300 or P500, on the second refining surface 234, in which the second and fourth radially outward positions P300, P500 are nearer to an outermost part, e.g., the radially outer edge 237, of the second refining body 232 than the first radially outward position P200 of the second refining bars 236.
- the teeth 400A-400C may be arranged in concentric rings and may protrude substantially perpendicularly toward one another from the respective refining surfaces 224, 234.
- the ring comprising first teeth 400B is spaced apart from the radially outer edge RO226 of the first refiner bars 226 by a first substantially planar area 282 and from the radially outer edge 227 of the refining body 222 by a second substantially planar area 284.
- the ring comprising second teeth 400A is spaced apart from the radially outer edge RO236 of the second refiner bars 236 by a first substantially planar area 286 and from the ring comprising second teeth 400C by a second substantially planar area 288.
- the first refining surface 224 of the first refining body 222 comprises one concentric row/ring of first teeth 400B
- the second refining surface 234 of the second refining body 232 comprises two concentric rows/rings of second teeth 400A, 400C, in which the first and second teeth 400A-400C are arranged on the respective refining surfaces 224, 234 such that the first teeth 400B intermesh with the second teeth 400A, 400C.
- the first refining surface 224 may comprise two or more concentric rings of teeth
- the second refining surface 234 may comprise one concentric row of teeth or three or more concentric rings of teeth.
- one of the refining bodies will comprise one fewer rings of teeth than the other refining body, and the teeth are arranged on each refining body such that the teeth from one refining body intermesh with the teeth of the other refining body, as is known in the art.
- each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C may comprise a substantially pyramidal or trapezoidal shape with a base 402, a radially inward facing surface 404, a radially outward facing surface 406, sides (not separately labeled) slightly angled inwardly toward a center axis (not labeled) of the tooth 400 A, and a generally planar outer surface 408.
- the radially inward and outward facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C may slope from the base 402 towards its respective outer surface 408.
- each tooth 400A-400C may be substantially parallel to a plane of the respective substantially planar area 282, 284, 288 that is opposite the tooth 400A-400C.
- each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C may comprise a shape that is substantially triangular, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape.
- the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C may comprise a radial dimension that is greater than a circumferential dimension, but in other embodiments (not shown), the base 402 may comprise a radial dimension that is less than a circumferential dimension.
- At least a portion of the base 402 of teeth 400A-400C may comprise a longitudinal length (not labeled), i.e., in a radial direction, of at least 0.6 cm, and in some particular instances, the longitudinal length may comprise between 0.6 cm to about 2 cm.
- at least a portion of the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C may comprise a width (not labeled), in a circumferential direction, that is substantially equal to the combined width, e.g., W226, W236, of one refiner bar 226, 236 and a width WG of one adjacent groove 228, 238.
- the width WG may be from about 2.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.
- the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C may comprise at least about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm) in the circumferential direction. In other instances, the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C may comprise from about 10.0 mm to about 20.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm) in the circumferential direction.
- one or more of the radially inward and outward facing surfaces 404, 406 or the sides of one or more of the teeth 400A-400C may comprise one or more radially-extending projections that may affect the interaction of the teeth 400A-400C with the wood fibers to separate wood fiber bundles.
- the teeth 400A-400C may have a structure similar to those illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 8,342,437 B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the first refiner bars 226 comprise a first height Hioo extending upward from a floor Fioo of an adjacent first refiner groove 228, and the second refiner bars 236 comprise a second height Fhoo extending upward from a floor F200 of an adjacent second refiner groove 238.
- the first and second heights Hioo, Fhoo of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 may be substantially equal to one another and may comprise from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 mm ( ⁇ 0.5 mm).
- the first and second refining bodies 222, 232 are spaced apart by a first gap G100 that is defined between an outer surface S226 of the first refiner bar 226 and an outer surface S236 of the second refiner bar 236.
- a second gap G200 is defined between the generally planar outer surfaces 408 of the teeth 400A-400C and a respective one of the substantially planar areas 282, 284, 288 that is opposite the tooth 400A-400C, in which G200 may be greater than G100.
- a height (not labeled) of the teeth 400A-400C extending upward from the adjacent, respective first or second refiner groove 228, 238 may be from about 8.0 mm to about 10.0 mm. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0 mm.
- the teeth 400A-400C are intermeshed such that a portion of one or both of the radially inward or outward facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C overlaps in an axial direction, e.g., in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
- G300 may be substantially equal to G200. In other examples, G300 may be less than or more than G200.
- the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 interact with one another to refine a significant number of the wood fibers in the wood pulp, as described herein. It is believed that the first gap G100 should be less than about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) and preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for refining to occur.
- the first gap G100 may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm). This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm.
- the refined wood fibers then pass into the portion of the refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by the respective first and second substantially planar areas 282, 284, 286, 288, e.g., from about the first radially outward position P200 to about the fourth radially outward position P500.
- the second and third gaps G200 and G300 should be from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm ( ⁇ 0.05 mm) in order for deflaking to occur. This range includes all values and subranges therebetween, including, for example, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, and 1.5 mm.
- the teeth 400A-400C are adapted to break up or separate a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry, as described herein.
- G200 is greater than G100 such that it is believed that refining stops and deflaking begins at about the first radially outward first position P200.
- the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the refining bodies 222, 232 may wear and degrade over time.
- the spacing between the first and second refining members 20, 30 comprising the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively may be readjusted as described herein such that the first gap G100 remains substantially constant.
- This adjustment of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232 may cause the second gap G200 to decrease, as the refiner bars 226, 236 perform the more intense function of refining and typically wear faster than the teeth 400A-400C.
- This difference in wear may be factored into the selection of the teeth 400A-400C (e.g., the type(s) of metal used for the teeth 400A-400C, the initial size of the second gap G200, the shape of the teeth 400A-400C, etc.) such that an adequate second gap G200 may be maintained to ensure that refining ceases and deflaking begins when the wood fibers enter the portion of the refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by the respective first and second substantially planar areas 282, 284, 286, 288.
- the third gap G300 may be substantially equal to or greater than the second gap G200. As the refining surfaces 224, 234 wear and the refining members 20, 30 are moved closer together, the third gap G300 may decrease until the third gap G300 is less than the second gap G200.
- the refiner 10 of FIG. 1 may be coupled to a controller (not shown) that receives data from a fiber analyzer (e.g., a Valmet ® MAP Pulp Analyzer (Valmet Corp.)) regarding one or more fiber properties measured at one or more locations downstream of the refiner 10, such as a number, size, etc. of fiber bundles (also referred to as“Wide Shives”), fibrillation, Canadian Standard Freeness, fiber length, fiber width, kink, curl, coarseness, number of fines, etc. Based on this data, the controller may control operation of the refiner 10 as part of a feedback loop.
- a fiber analyzer e.g., a Valmet ® MAP Pulp Analyzer (Valmet Corp.)
- the controller may control operation of the refiner 10 as part of a feedback loop.
- the controller may adjust the spacing between the one or more pairs of refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 in order to maintain the one or more fiber properties within a predetermined target range.
- the controller may also increase or decrease a rotational speed of the one or more rotating rotor members of the refiner 10 (e.g., the second and third refining members 30, 40) based on this data.
- the controller may control operation of the refiner 10, such as by varying the size of the refining gap Gi, G100, and the deflaking gap G2, G3, G4, Gs, G6, G200, G300, to generate a refined softwood pulp that has less than a predetermined number, e.g., 1,000 ppm, of fiber bundles of a particular size, e.g., about 150 - 2,000 microns wide and from 0.3 to 40.0 mm long.
- a predetermined number e.g., 1,000 ppm
- fiber bundles of a particular size e.g., about 150 - 2,000 microns wide and from 0.3 to 40.0 mm long.
- refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed in one or more of a plurality of refiners that are arranged in a series, in which each refiner may be substantially similar to the refiner 10 of FIG. 1.
- the controller may control operation of one or more of the plurality of refiners in order to maintain the one or more fiber properties within the predetermined target range.
- refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed only in the last refiner of the series, and in other examples, refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed in two or more of the refiners.
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers.
- the method may begin at Step 500 with providing a refiner 10 comprising at least a first pair of refining members 20 and 30, 40 and 50.
- the at least one pair of refining members may comprise a first refining member 20 comprising a first refining body 22 including a first refining surface 24 and a second refining member 30 comprising a second refining body 32 including a second refining surface 34.
- the first refining surface 24 may comprise first refiner bars 26A separated by first refiner grooves 28A and second refiner bars 26B separated by second refiner grooves 28B, in which the first refiner bars 26A have a first maximum height Hi extending upward from a floor Fi of an adjacent first refiner groove 28 A and the second refiner bars 26B having a second maximum height H2 extending upward from a floor F2 of an adjacent second refiner groove 28B.
- the second refining surface 34 may comprise second member refiner bars 36 separated by second member refiner grooves 38.
- the first refining member 20 may be spaced from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space 60 therebetween.
- At least a portion of the second member refiner bars 36 may be positioned so as to be across from the second refiner bars 26B of the first refining member 20 such that a gap G2, G3, G4, Gs, G6 between the portion of the second member refiner bars 36 and the second refiner bars 26B is defined.
- the method may continue with rotating 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 one another in Step 510, and supplying a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers to the refiner 10 such that the slurry passes through the refining space 60 in Step 520.
- axial pressure may be supplied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 as the slurry is supplied such that the gap G2, G3, G4, Gs, G6 between the portion of the second member refiner bars 36 and the second refiner bars 26B is from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm as described in detail herein, in which at least a portion of wood fiber bundles passing through the gap G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 are separated, after which the method may terminate.
- FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method for processing wood fibers.
- the refiner may comprise a conical refiner.
- the method may begin at Step 600 with providing a refiner 10 comprising at least a first pair of refining members 20 and 30, 40 and 50.
- the at least one pair of refining members may comprise a first refining member 20 comprising a first refining body including a first refining surface.
- the first refining surface may comprise first refiner bars, e.g., refiner bars 26A, 26A’, 1026 A, 1026 A’ in FIGS.
- the at least one pair of refining members may further comprise a second refining member 30 comprising a second refining body including a second refining surface.
- the second refining surface may comprise second member refiner bars, e.g., refiner bars 36, 36’, 1036, 1036’ in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 19A, and 19B, separated by second member refiner grooves.
- the first refining member 20 may be spaced from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space 60 therebetween.
- At least a portion of the second member refiner bars may be positioned so as to be across from the second refiner bars of the first refining member to define a gap between the portion of the second member refiner bars and the second refiner bars.
- the method may continue with rotating 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 one another in Step 610, and supplying a slurry of wood pulp comprising wood fibers to the refiner 10 such that the slurry passes through the refining space 60 in Step 620.
- axial pressure may be supplied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 as the slurry is supplied in which at least a portion of wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated, after which the method may terminate.
- the gap defined between the portion of the second member refiner bars and the second refiner bars may increase along at least a section of the second refiner bars in a direction extending from a first radially inward position toward a first radially outward position on the first refining surface.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2021571705A JP2022539664A (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
CN201980097921.5A CN114072554B (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Device and method for processing wood fibers |
CN202311331029.3A CN117488573A (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Device and method for processing wood fibers |
CA3139618A CA3139618A1 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
BR112021024710A BR112021024710A2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
EP19798782.9A EP3990694A1 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US16/456,154 | 2019-06-28 | ||
US16/456,154 US11421382B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2019-06-28 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
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WO2020263296A1 true WO2020263296A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
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PCT/US2019/056504 WO2020263296A1 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-16 | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
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EP (1) | EP3990694A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2022539664A (en) |
CN (2) | CN117488573A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112021024710A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3139618A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020263296A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11421382B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2022-08-23 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
US11905658B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2024-02-20 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
US11965290B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2024-04-23 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
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US20060037728A1 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2006-02-23 | Gl&V Management Hungary Kft. | Refining plate attached to a head in a pulp refiner |
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SE516619C2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2002-02-05 | Valmet Fibertech Ab | Grinding segments and grinding apparatus for refining lignocellulosic material comprising the grinding segment |
SE518463C2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2002-10-15 | Metso Paper Inc | A pair of opposing interacting grinding elements intended for a disc refiner for atomizing and refining lignocellulosic material |
WO2004067178A1 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2004-08-12 | Kee-Met, Ltd. | Method of manufacturing refiner elements--. |
FI125031B (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2015-04-30 | Valmet Technologies Inc | Grinder and blade element |
SE538142C2 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2016-03-15 | Valmet Oy | Refiner segments and refiner for smoothing fiber flow in a refiner |
CA2890381C (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2017-07-11 | Valmet Technologies, Inc. | Blade segment of disc refiner |
SE539716C2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2017-11-07 | Valmet Oy | Refiner plate segment with pre-dam |
RU2747477C1 (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2021-05-05 | Интернэшнл Пэйпа Кампани | Wood fiber processing method |
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2019
- 2019-10-16 WO PCT/US2019/056504 patent/WO2020263296A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-10-16 CA CA3139618A patent/CA3139618A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 CN CN202311331029.3A patent/CN117488573A/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 JP JP2021571705A patent/JP2022539664A/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 CN CN201980097921.5A patent/CN114072554B/en active Active
- 2019-10-16 EP EP19798782.9A patent/EP3990694A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 BR BR112021024710A patent/BR112021024710A2/en unknown
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US5695136A (en) * | 1994-06-29 | 1997-12-09 | Sunds Defibrator Industries Ab | Refining element |
WO1999054046A1 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 1999-10-28 | Metsä-Serla Oyj | Refiner disk segment |
US20070164143A1 (en) * | 2004-07-08 | 2007-07-19 | Sabourin Marc J | Disc refiner with increased gap between fiberizing and fibrillating bands |
US20060037728A1 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2006-02-23 | Gl&V Management Hungary Kft. | Refining plate attached to a head in a pulp refiner |
US8342437B2 (en) | 2009-04-23 | 2013-01-01 | Andritz Inc. | Deflaker plate and methods relating thereto |
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US11421382B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2022-08-23 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
US11905658B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2024-02-20 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
US11965290B2 (en) | 2018-01-02 | 2024-04-23 | International Paper Company | Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP2022539664A (en) | 2022-09-13 |
EP3990694A1 (en) | 2022-05-04 |
CN114072554B (en) | 2023-11-03 |
CN117488573A (en) | 2024-02-02 |
CN114072554A (en) | 2022-02-18 |
BR112021024710A2 (en) | 2022-02-08 |
CA3139618A1 (en) | 2020-12-30 |
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