Abstract: Apparatus for selectively sorting pulp wood chips in accordance with a predetermined maximum thickness includes a plurality of disk members disposed in a plurality of separately rotatable rows, with each row having a plurality of the members disposed in spaced parallel vertical planes, and with members in adjacent rows intermeshing with equal spaces therebetween. Each disk member has a radially contoured outer periphery with the depth of the contour being sufficiently shallow to prevent chips of thickness greater than the predetermined maximum from passing between its outer peripheral edge and an opposing spacer mounted between disk members on an adjacent row. All the rows of disk members are driven in the same direction, but adjacent disks are preferably driven at different peripheral speeds.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing fibers by forming a mixture of a solvent, a polymer and water and flashing the mixture through a nozzle. Water is present as a discontinuous phase in the mixture. The polymer may be any polymer capable of forming fiber, preferably a crystalline or a partially crystalline polymer. The preferred polymers are crystalline or partially crystalline polyolefins, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The discrete fibers thus formed can be easily refined and used for making paper webs.

Abstract: A wood chip stream capable of being selectively delaminated is produced by separating a mill-wood chip stream into respective first and second fractions on the basis of wood chip thickness. The first fraction consisting of wood chips having a predetermined thickness, is then pulped by conventional techniques. The wood chips in the second fraction are reduced to said predetermined thickness and are then selectively delaminated by compression means. After being subjected to selective delamination, the delaminated chips are pulped by conventional techniques. Accordingly, a high yield, uniform wood pulp having reduced pulp screen rejects is produced.