NEW ANGLE ON REFINER PLATE DESIGN.

For a paper mill, energy savings may be possible in pulp refining before the headbox, one of the biggest users of energy in the paper mill. Recent research into the geometry of refiner plates, employing an entirely mathematical approach, resulted in equations which link the geometry of the plate to the specific energy of the refining process. In turn, these parameters are linked to the flow properties required by the papermaker. The method, called Bijective Diagrams, was developed by Acieries de Bonpertius, Grenoble, France. In fact, cost reductions of 5-15% have been claimed for refiner installations at three mills in France purely as a result of a new geometric approach to refiner plate design, and a better choice of steels in making the plates. Generally, the geometric patterns employed vary markedly from those currently available commercially.