Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, that adjust a high-pressure feeder of a feed system used in pulp production based on the fluid leakage through a low-pressure outlet of a high-pressure feeder. Methods can include obtaining multiple flow values, including (1) a make-up liquor flow value, (2) a black liquor flow value, (3) a white liquor flow value, (4) a chip chute circulation flow value, and (5) a high pressure feeder purge flow value. Methods can include determining a chip flow value specifying a flow of chips provided to the high-pressure feeder. Based on the flow values, methods can determine a fluid leakage value specifying an amount of fluid leakage through a gap between a pocket rotor and the housing of the high pressure feeder. Methods can adjust an annular gap based on the fluid leakage value satisfies a threshold leakage value.

Abstract: In an otherwise conventional star feeder, equipment longevity is greatly enhanced by providing a readily replaceable shear edge at the downstreammost (in the direction of rotor rotation) portion of the feeder housing inlet, adjacent the clearance between the rotating pocketed rotor and the housing. Preferably one or more plates defining the shear edge are mounted by fasteners, such as screw threaded fasteners, to the housing. Where the feeder is retrofit, with the replaceable shear edge, a recess may be formed in the housing to accept and position the one or more shear plates. A shear plate may have a number of openings elongated in a dimension intersecting the clearance adjacent the inlet, and by loosening or tightening fasteners the position of the plate shear edge may be adjusted with respect to the clearance to provide an effectively new shear edge when it becomes worn. At least the shear edge portion of the shear plate may be of a hard wear resistant material, e.g.