Characterization of the low consistency pulp refining conducted by the plates with different bar-groove width ratios
Abstract
Isometric straight bar refiner plates are extensively employed in low-consistency pulp refining, and a special type of these plates features different bar-groove width ratios (a/b) while maintaining a constant sum (a + b). Previous studies have demonstrated that the Specific Edge Load (SEL) fails to serve as a valid metric for comparing the refining intensities of pulp refining when such plates are utilized. This study systematically investigates the interrelationships among SEL, Specific Surface Load (SSL), Modified Edge Load (MEL), and related parameters, to identify refining intensities suitable for characterizing refining processes conducted by plates under constant (a + b) with variable (a/b),and proposing more robust metrics. Key findings reveal that neither SEL nor the net tangential force per bar crossing zone (f t net) effectively measures refining intensity in this configuration. Although MEL and SSL demonstrate empirical utility, their physical meaning remains limited. Instead, the net equivalent tangential or normal force per bar crossing zone, modified by the equivalent number of bar crossing zones (N’BC), emerges as a more robust metric. Futhermore, the net average shear stress (τ τ net), normal pressure (p n net), and net force per bar crossing length which are modifications of f t net or net normal force per bar crossing zone (f n net) in terms of bar crossing area and length, provide viable alternatives. Therefore, the net force per bar crossing zone exhibits significant potential as a universal intensity metric for characterizing a wider range of refining processes, as it can be modified based on bar crossing parameters.
Funding source: Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
Award Identifier / Grant number: 2023JBGS-07
Funding source: Scientific Research Program funded by Education Department of Shaanxi Provincial Government
Award Identifier / Grant number: No.24JP031
Funding source: Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province
Award Identifier / Grant number: 2025GH-YBXM-006
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: Support of the Scientific Research Program funded by Education Department of Shaanxi Provincial Government (No. 24JP031) and the Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province (No. 2025GH-YBXM-006 and 2023JBGS-07).
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Data availability: The raw data can be obtained on request from the corresponding author.
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© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Artikel in diesem Heft
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Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Bleaching
- A new strategy for biological enzyme bleaching: combined effects of laccase, xylanase, and mannanase in the bleaching of softwood kraft pulp – a synergistic effect of enzymes
- Mechanical Pulping
- Characterization of the low consistency pulp refining conducted by the plates with different bar-groove width ratios
- Paper Technology
- On the influence of macro-scale stress variations on the dynamic dewatering of water-saturated polymer fibre networks
- Effects of dispersion hydrophobized MgO nanoparticles in low polarity solvent on aged paper
- Preparation and properties of effective low-cost composite filler for bible paper
- Paper Physics
- Normal and shear delamination of paperboards
- Micro-CT analysis of creased and folded multilayer cardboard
- Paper Chemistry
- Preparation of MgO/CaCO3 nanocomposites and their deacidification properties for paper documents
- Effects of sequential plasma modification and alkali treatment applied to cellulose fibers on the properties of the paper
- Coating
- Production of nano silver and nano silica coated paper to be used in active packaging
- Insights into bibliometric review for natural coatings for paper-based food packaging: trends, perspectives, and future directions
- RSM optimization of spray-coating parameters to enhance paper strength using cellulose nanocrystals extracted from young coconut husks
- Chemical Technology/Modifications
- NSSC pulp treatment with the Fenton reaction: fiber modification for reduced energy consumption in papermaking
- Other
- Fenton degradation of biologically pre-treated pulp and paper effluent using zero-valent iron from commercial steel wool
- Corrigendum
- Corrigendum to: Preparation and synthesis of water-soluble chitosan derivative incorporated in ultrasonic-assistant wheat straw paper for antibacterial food-packaging