Abstract: A disc filter for dewatering cellulose fiber suspensions comprising disc-shaped filter elements (11) carried by a rotor shaft (7) in order to rotate inside a vessel (2) while being partly immersed in a suspension received in the vessel. Each filter element comprises several filter sectors (12) distributed about the rotor shaft. Loosening members (25) are provided for loosening fiber material that has been filtered out of the suspension and deposited on a filtering lining (13) of the respective filter element. Receiver chutes (30) are located in the part of the vessel where the filter sectors (12) are rotated down into the suspension from a position above the suspension. The receiver chutes receive loosened fiber material together with flushing liquid from cleaning members (26) located above the receiver chutes to thereby allow the fiber material to be diluted in the receiver chutes to a desired dry content by means of this flushing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extraction bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 for use in apparatus 5 for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a such a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 extending at acute angles with respect to an axis 20 of the bedplate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: An improvement to a mechanical refining system relates to an apparatus including three or more actuators (100) coupled to a stator (42) of the refining system, and a controller for independently operating the actuators. An improved method of refining permits adjustment of the overall width of a refining gap between refining elements mounted by the stator and a rotor as well as the trim of the refining elements relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extraction bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 for use in apparatus 5 for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a such a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 extending at acute angles with respect to an axis 20 of the bedplate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extraction bedplates (10), (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (610) for use in apparatus (5) for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates (10), (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (610) include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) extending at acute angles with respect to an axis (20) of the bedplate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pneumatically drying thickened lime mud and feeding the dried thickened lime mud to a lime reburning kiln. The thickened mud is pneumatically dried via the action of flue gas emanating from the lime reburning kiln. The dried, thickened lime is separated from the flue gas in a cyclone separator. A process loop controller determines the temperature of the separated lime and, in response, controls the feed rate of lime fed to the pneumatic dryer to ensure that the dryer possesses the requisite latent heat needed to dry thickened lime therein. In one embodiment, the feed rate of lime fed to the thickener is adjustably controlled which, in turn, adjustably varies the flow rate of the thickened mud to the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extraction bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 for use in apparatus 5 for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 extending at acute angles with respect to an axis 20 of the bedplate.

Abstract: A wireless dual zone pulp washer with rotating concentric filters for creating centrifugal force against feedstock in order to expel liquid contained in the feedstock before further processing of the stock. A secondary filter surrounds the primary filter to capture viable pulp fibers expelled from the feedstock by the dewatering process.

Abstract: An improvement to a mechanical refining system relates to an apparatus including three or more actuators (100) coupled to a stator (42) of the refining system, and a controller for independently operating the actuators.

Abstract: A paper pulp refiner with control system employs active hydrostatic bearings for supporting the refiner rotor, at least in part, the hydrostatic bearings are defined between the refiner rotor plates (25, 55) and stator plates (22, 60) through openings (40, 62, 85) formed in the stator plates for the admission of active hydrostatic fluid. The control fluid flows into the refiner gap under controlled volume and pressure, employing the refining plates as active hydrostatic bearings and flows into the process fluid. Hydrostatic control fluid is used, which is non-contaminated to the process fluid. The rotors of the paper pulp refiners may also be controlled by hydrostatic bearing surfaces formed between relative rotating and non-rotating components, such surfaces having passageways also opening into the process fluid. In the event of loss of control or function, the refiner may continue to operate on the hydrostatic bearings until the control function can be restored.

Abstract: Improved mist eliminator (50) for use in pulp washers, deinking cells and the like, and methods of use are disclosed. A cyclonic gas/liquid separator (50) is provided that includes an elongated housing (100) with a cyclonic flow inducing vane assembly (108) disposed at a medial location along the length of the housing (100) to divide the separator (50) into two tandem cyclonic action zones (150, 152) of approximate equal volume within the housing (100). An initial separation is effected in the first cyclonic action zone (150) followed by final separation in the downstream or second cyclonic action zone (152).

Abstract: The invention pertains to equipment and methods in which the rotatable drive member of a variable speed motor, such as a switched reluctance motor, carries a rotatable pulp processing element (10). Magnetic bearings (22, 24) levitatingly support both the rotatable drive member (15) and associated rotatable pulp processing element (41) and control axial and radial positionning thereof relative to the axis of rotation of the drive member.

Abstract: A wedge wire for use in a wire type screen for screening papermaker's stock is formed with an elongated body (12) having an enlarged head (20) at the inlet surface of the screen. The head (20) is formed with tapered walls (30, 33) that cooperate to define grooves (28) at the inlet surface between adjacent elements including an upstream wall (30) and a downstream wall (33). A radiused protuberance or projection (37) defines one wall of a screening slot (15), with a wall surface (22) of an adjacent wedge wire element. The slot wall formed by the projection (37) is free of sharp edges and is limited in length, in the direction of flow through the slot (15), not substantially exceeding the gap width of the slot. The upstream wall (30) defining the groove (28) provides protection for the slot (15) against impact and damage by contaminants that may be contained in the papermaker's stock. The slot (15) is free of sharp corners so as not to impede flow through the slot.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for extracting sugar rich liquor from sugar cane. The sugar cane is first treated by pulping it in two tub type pulpers having a rotating impeller. The contents of the first pulper are extracted through the bedplate of the extractor and are forwarded onto the second pulper. The contents of the second pulper are extracted through the bedplate of the extractor and are forwarded to form a mat on a moving belt countercurrent extractor of the type having a foraminous belt. Negative pressure is applied below the belt to assist the extraction of a sugar rich liquid component through the belt. The material passes through several separation zones as it travels on the belt with liquid applied to the mat from a region above the belt. The extracted liquid component is collected for further processing.