Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fiber orientation anisotropy in a web of fibrous material includes a microwave generator, a waveguide through which a microwave signal is propagated axially and in which an electric field is established in one direction perpendicular to the waveguide axis, the waveguide having a gripping means which provides a gripping means for specimen insertion, a detector for measuring intensity of the microwave signal propagated through the waveguide and a metering means for numerically evaluating the intensity of the propagated signal. The intensity of the propagated signal is measured (1) with the waveguide empty, (2) with the specimen inserted in the waveguide in a plane normal to the axis and with its machine direction aligned with the electric field and (3) with the specimen inserted in the waveguide in the normal plane and with its cross direction aligned with the direction of the electric field.

Abstract: Pulping liquor, which has been pre-concentrated to at least 50 weight percent solids, is dried in a fluidized bed dryer to produce a solid in particulate form. In the fluidized bed dryer, pre-formed particulates are fluidized by a gaseous medium substantially of superheated, unsaturated steam, and additional heat is supplied to the fluidized bed by higher pressure saturated steam passing through heat-exchange tubing within the fluidized bed region. Pulping liquor is introduced into the fluidized bed where the superheated steam vaporizes a substantial portion of its water content. The fluidizing steam becomes substantially saturated during its passage through the region of the fluidized bed, and a substantial portion of this substantially saturated steam is used upstream to pre-concentrate the pulping liquor.

Abstract: A device which measures the velocity of ultrasonic waves in a moving web is provided. A pair of wheels is mounted for continuous surface contact with the paper and a transducer, which contacts the web on each revolution, is located in each wheel for relating electrical and mechanical signals. Timing means measures the time it takes a mechanical signal generated at the first wheel to reach the second wheel. Noise reducing and amplifying means are provided for effective operation.

Abstract: Natural or modified polysaccharides are dissolved in a solvent system comprising dimethyl sulfoxide and formaldehyde. The solvent system is particularly suitable for dissolving cellulose due to the fact that cellulose is rapidly dissolved under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure. The dissolved polysaccharides are readily recovered from the solvent system by diluting the solvent system with water or a short chain alcohol.