Abstract
The focus of this study is the development of a methodology to mechanically separate or fractionate micro-fibrillated fibre suspensions (MFC) into different size classes. We extend the principle outlined by Madani et al. (2010) and create a continuous separation in an annular gap undergoing spiral Poiseuille flow (solid body rotation superimposed on pressure driven flow). Achieving hydrodynamic stability of this flow was the main scientific challenge for scale-up. This work is presented in two different studies. In the first study, we perform a series of batch-wise centrifugation tests to develop the criteria for motion of the individual classes of particles which compose a Eucalyptus MFC suspension. Here, we suspend the MFC in a weak gel and demonstrate a linear reduction in average particle size with increasing centrifugal force; motion is initiated in heavier particles before the lighter ones. In the second study, we use this batch-wise data to design a continuous prototype and we successfully demonstrate a continuous separation with performance similar to that achieved in the batch-wise tests.
Funding statement: We greatly appreciate the financial support of Eka Chemicals and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada 150695836.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Bleaching
- Unbleached and bleached handsheet characteristics of Subabul heartwood and sapwood
- Mechanical pulping
- Material characterisation for natural fibres: compressibility, permeability and friction
- Paper technology
- Affecting the bonding between PLA fibrils and kraft pulp for improving paper dry-strength
- High strength paper from high yield pulps by means of hot-pressing
- On the development of a continuous methodology to fractionate microfibriallated cellulose
- Non-wood fibers as raw material for pulp and paper industry
- Paper physics
- Modeling of tensile index using uncertain data sets
- The shear and compressive yield stress of fibrillated acacia pulp fiber suspensions
- Paper chemistry
- Composite filler by pre-flocculation of fiber fines and PCC and its effect on paper properties
- Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) residue analysis of foam-formed cellulose-based products
- Printing
- Determining the quality of paper substrates containing triticale pulp for printing industry
- Nanotechnology
- Preparation of CaCO3 nanoparticle/pulp fiber composites using ultrafine bubbles
- Miscellaneous
- Anatomical, morphological and chemical characteristics of kaun straw (Seetaria-ltalika)
- The influence of process parameters of screen-printed invasive plant paper electrodes on cyclic voltammetry
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Bleaching
- Unbleached and bleached handsheet characteristics of Subabul heartwood and sapwood
- Mechanical pulping
- Material characterisation for natural fibres: compressibility, permeability and friction
- Paper technology
- Affecting the bonding between PLA fibrils and kraft pulp for improving paper dry-strength
- High strength paper from high yield pulps by means of hot-pressing
- On the development of a continuous methodology to fractionate microfibriallated cellulose
- Non-wood fibers as raw material for pulp and paper industry
- Paper physics
- Modeling of tensile index using uncertain data sets
- The shear and compressive yield stress of fibrillated acacia pulp fiber suspensions
- Paper chemistry
- Composite filler by pre-flocculation of fiber fines and PCC and its effect on paper properties
- Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) residue analysis of foam-formed cellulose-based products
- Printing
- Determining the quality of paper substrates containing triticale pulp for printing industry
- Nanotechnology
- Preparation of CaCO3 nanoparticle/pulp fiber composites using ultrafine bubbles
- Miscellaneous
- Anatomical, morphological and chemical characteristics of kaun straw (Seetaria-ltalika)
- The influence of process parameters of screen-printed invasive plant paper electrodes on cyclic voltammetry