Abstract: A refining system and process using a specially designed stator refiner plate that includes a major refining surface having a series of bars and grooves, the bars include a leading surface having an irregular surface hosting a series of protrusions extending along the bar, and a trailing surface that is relatively smooth compared to the leading surface that lacks an irregular surface.

Abstract: A method of mechanically refining lignocellulosic material in a refiner having opposing refiner plates including: introducing the material to an inlet in one of the opposing refiner plates; rotating at least one of the plates with respect to the other plate, wherein the material moves radially outward through a gap between the plates due to centrifugal forces created by the rotation; as the material moves through the gap, passing the material over bars in a refiner zone of a first one the plates, each bar in the refiner zone having a leading face and an upper ridge, wherein the leading face includes a sidewall of the bar facing a direction of rotation of the opposing plate and the leading edge has an interior angle of between 150 degrees to 175 degrees, and discharging the material from the gap at a periphery of the refiner plates.