Abstract: Pulp production techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, pulpstone segments are provided, that include proppant grits in the place of some or all of the conventional abrasive typically used in pulpstone applications. The proppant or proppant-abrasive mixture can be combined into a three-dimensional matrix supported by a vitrified bond. Alternative embodiments use proppant grits in an organic bond or a metal bond or a cement bond (each of which may also include abrasive grits in addition to proppant grits). The proportion of proppant grits to abrasive grits can be varied to produce pulp of varying fiber length distribution as required by the end-user (e.g., paper mill). The greater the proppant concentration, the less cutting of the fibers by the conventional abrasive will occur, producing a greater percentage content of longer fibers. Such pulp produces higher quality paper.

Abstract: Pulp production techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, pulpstone segments are provided, that include proppant grits in the place of some or all of the conventional abrasive typically used in pulpstone applications. The proppant or proppant-abrasive mixture can be combined into a three-dimensional matrix supported by a vitrified bond. Alternative embodiments use proppant grits in an organic bond or a metal bond or a cement bond (each of which may also include abrasive grits in addition to proppant grits). The proportion of proppant grits to abrasive grits can be varied to produce pulp of varying fiber length distribution as required by the end-user (e.g., paper mill). The greater the proppant concentration, the less cutting of the fibers by the conventional abrasive will occur, producing a greater percentage content of longer fibers. Such pulp produces higher quality paper.