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Article
Optimizing Refiner Operation with Statistical Modelling
Tappi Journal
  • Gordon Broderick, Nova Southeastern University
  • R. Lanouette
  • J.L. Valade
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1997
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

A series of pilot scale refining trials has been conducted to study the impact of refining conditions on the energy efficiency of the process and on the handsheet quality of a chemimechanical pulp. Black spruce (Picea mariana) chips, cooked to a yield of 90% and a sulphonate content of 1.4%, were refined in two atmospheric stages. Plate gap and consistency in each stage was controlled according to a central composite design. Statistical models of refiner performance were constructed from these experimental results and a non-linear optimization of process conditions was conducted. Optimization results were verified with plant trials which indicate that increasing the ratio of specific energy applied in the first stage leads to a reduction of approximately 15% in the total energy required. Inversely, this strategy can be used to obtain significant increases in pulp quality for a given energy input. The results also indicate that the largest proportion of energy must be applied to the fibres at high consistency.

DOI
10.1002/cjce.5450750114
Citation Information
Gordon Broderick, R. Lanouette and J.L. Valade. "Optimizing Refiner Operation with Statistical Modelling" Tappi Journal Vol. 75 Iss. 1 (1997) p. 79 - 87 ISSN: 0008-4034
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gordon-broderick/106/