Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing data obtained during manufacture of a web of paper or paperboard on a machine. The system comprises a computer including a database module, a statistical analysis module, and a processor for executing the modules. The database module contains measurements of quality parameters obtained from the web during manufacture. The statistical analysis module is executed by the processor to analyze the measurement data and estimate a target shift in at least one quality parameter that could be made if the controllable variations were removed. The target shift can be transformed into an economic amount (i.e., dollar value) by the statistical analysis module to assist the mill operator with making well informed, economic based decisions. The system further includes a diagnostic module capable of automatically identifying machine parameters that correlate to quality parameters that caused the web to fall outside the desired quality specifications.

Abstract: A control system for measuring a gap in an apparatus for pressing a traveling paper web as the paper web travels through the gap accompanied by at least one belt or felt, the apparatus including a press apparatus and a support surface defining a gap therebetween. A frame is provided for moveably supporting the press apparatus. An actuator is operatively disposed between the frame and press apparatus for selectively moving the press apparatus toward and away from the support to control the gap size. A transducer is mounted in either the press apparatus or support for producing a signal indicative of the pressure on the paper web as the paper web, belt and felt pass through the gap beneath the transducer. A controller is operatively linked with the transducer for receiving the signal, determining the measure of the gap as a function of the pressure, and causing the actuator to selectively move the press apparatus to control the gap size.

Abstract: A test method for analyzing an OCC fiber pulp, to quantify the content therein of contaminants creating bleed-throughs in a paper product formed from the pulp. A sample of the pulp is formed into a sheet, and bleed-throughs are created from the contaminants therein by hot-pressing the sheet. A dye is applied to the sheet, to enhance contrast between areas of the sheet having bleed-throughs and areas of the sheet not having bleed-throughs. The contrasted sheet is analyzed to determine the quantity of contaminants that create bleed-throughs.

Abstract: A screw press inlet section comprises a housing defining a radial inlet opening leading to an axially extending chamber through which a screw is rotatably mounted for conveying and dewatering a solid-liquid mixture fed into the chamber through the inlet opening. The housing has an end wall extending in a plane normal to the screw and to which a perforated plate is integrated to provide the additional surface available for drainage at the inlet section. A pulsator is provided within the housing to generate hydraulic pulses against the perforated plate so as to prevent plugging thereof.

Abstract: A pulper in a stock preparation system includes a housing with a fiber inlet, at least one water inlet, at least one outlet and an inner chamber. A plurality of rotatable augers extend into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A pulper in a stock preparation system includes a housing with a fiber inlet, at least one water inlet, at least one outlet and an inner chamber. A plurality of rotatable augers extend into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A pulper for pulping a fiber source includes a tank and a rotor. The tank has a plurality of annular-shaped inner walls defining a chamber. The plurality of walls include a first wall, second wall, third wall and forth wall which are sequentially vertically adjoining relative to each other. Each of the walls are disposed at an angle relative to a vertical reference. The first wall is disposed at an angle of between 45 and 70° relative to the vertical reference. The second wall is disposed at an angle of between 20 and 45° relative to the vertical reference. The third wall is disposed generally parallel to the vertical reference. The forth wall is disposed at an angle of between 10 and 30° relative to the vertical reference. The tank further includes two baffles within the chamber which inhibit rotational movement of the fiber source within the chamber.

Abstract: A press assembly for use in a paper-making machine includes a roll, a first air press backing assembly and a second air press backing assembly. The first air press backing assembly and the second air press backing assembly each include an inner wall, an outer support structure and a plurality of inflatable hoses interposed between the inner wall and the outer support structure. The inner wall is positioned adjacent to and defines an air chamber with the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate includes a housing with a fiber source inlet, and inlet chamber and an accept outlet. A stator is carried by the housing. A rotor is positioned in opposing relation with the stator. Each of the rotor and the stator are positioned downstream from the inlet chamber. A reactant gas supply is positioned in fluid communication with the inlet chamber.

Abstract: A pulper in a stock preparation system includes a housing with a fiber inlet, at least one water inlet, at least one outlet and an inner chamber. A plurality of rotatable augers extend into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A system for removing bleed-through contaminants from OCC fiber pulp includes a plurality of primary flotation cells, with each primary flotation cell having an inlet, an accept outlet and a reject outlet. The inlet and the accept outlets of the plurality of primary flotation cells are coupled together in a series configuration. The reject outlets are coupled together in parallel. A secondary flotation cell has an inlet, at least one accept outlet and a reject outlet. The secondary flotation cell inlet is fluidly coupled with the reject outlet of the primary flotation cells. A water clarifier has an inlet, a clarified water outlet and a sludge outlet. The inlet is connected with the reject outlet of the secondary flotation cell.

Abstract: A seal used in an air press for dewatering a traveling paper web in a paper-making machine includes a support roll having a cylindrical surface, a belt and felt for supporting the paper web on either side thereof, an arm for mounting the seal, a seal body having a curved outer surface contour for substantially conforming to the curve of the cylindrical surface of the support roll, and an inner surface adjacent to the arm. A leading edge surface intersects with the curved outer surface, the leading edge surface defines the initial engagement with the traveling belt when in an operating position. A trailing edge surface intersects with the curved outer surface. The trailing edge surface defines, with the leading edge surface, the upstream and downstream bounds of the extended nip of the curved outer surface contour of the seal body over the support.