Abstract: A cleaner system for removing solid debris and contaminants from a feed slurry includes a cleaner operable to separate a feed slurry into an accepted slurry and a reject slurry, the reject slurry including the solid debris and contaminants. The cleaner system further includes a dilution device fluidly coupled to a reject outlet of the cleaner. The dilution device includes a dilution water hydrocyclone having a dilution water inlet, a cyclonic flow section, an underflow outlet at a downstream end of the cyclonic flow section, and a reject slurry inlet in a top of the dilution water hydrocyclone. The dilution water hydrocyclone further includes a flow director disposed between the dilution water inlet and the reject slurry inlet and operable to direct the flow of dilution water from the dilution water inlet in at least an axial direction towards the cyclonic flow section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: An improvement to a mechanical refining system relates to an apparatus including three or more actuators (100) coupled to a stator (42) of the refining system, and a controller for independently operating the actuators. An improved method of refining permits adjustment of the overall width of a refining gap between refining elements mounted by the stator and a rotor as well as the trim of the refining elements relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling influent feed to produce a substantially uniform flow to a clarifier tank (2) to thereby enhance the settling efficiency within the clarifier. The apparatus comprises a feedwell (24) having a roof (26) and continuous sidewall (28) that together define a feedwell main body enclosure. Influent is fed via a relatively inboard tangential feed mechanism (108) to the inside of the roof (26) from an entry point proximate the center of the roof (150). Influent energy is properly distributed via the action of centrifugal force to generate a uniform axial flow within the feedwell main body which, in turn, is fed into the clarifier tank. Optional baffle members (152, 158) may be provided in the housing to slow angular momentum of the influent which, due to its original feed location, would necessarily be at a relatively low level.

Abstract: A paper pulp refiner with control system employs active hydrostatic bearings for supporting the refiner rotor, at least in part, the hydrostatic bearings are defined between the refiner rotor plates (25, 55) and stator plates (22, 60) through openings (40, 62, 85) formed in the stator plates for the admission of active hydrostatic fluid. The control fluid flows into the refiner gap under controlled volume and pressure, employing the refining plates as active hydrostatic bearings and flows into the process fluid. Hydrostatic control fluid is used, which is non-contaminated to the process fluid. The rotors of the paper pulp refiners may also be controlled by hydrostatic bearing surfaces formed between relative rotating and non-rotating components, such surfaces having passageways also opening into the process fluid. In the event of loss of control or function, the refiner may continue to operate on the hydrostatic bearings until the control function can be restored.

Abstract: The invention pertains to equipment and methods in which the rotatable drive member of a variable speed motor, such as a switched reluctance motor, carries a rotatable pulp processing element (10). Magnetic bearings (22, 24) levitatingly support both the rotatable drive member (15) and associated rotatable pulp processing element (41) and control axial and radial positionning thereof relative to the axis of rotation of the drive member.

Abstract: Pressure type screening apparatus for screening papermakers' stock and method of use is disclosed. Screen (20) has an inlet screening surface (23) and an outlet surface (unlabled). Pressure transducers (not shown) vary the fluid pressure on the inlet surface of the screen (23) from a maximum to a minimum, and also vary the fluid pressure on the outlet surface of the screen (20) from a minimum to a maximum at a repetitive cyclic rate. The amplitude of such pressures is such that flow reversal occurs through the screen (20) and any fiber mat that tends to form on the inlet surface (23) is disrupted or fluidized.

Abstract: A papermakers' screen basket for pressure screening of papermaking stock or for pressure filtering is formed with a support core formed with honeycomb like cells that extend radially in the direction of flow through the screen basket, and a thin covering having screening openings therethrough is supported on the inlet surface of the honeycomb cell core. The core is formed by rolling a flat section of core into the shape of a cylinder and welding the abutting ends to form a complete cylinder and then attaching a perforated or a mesh sheet-like metal covering against the core inlet surface, in which the thin sheet metal covering defines small openings, such as slots or apertures, leading into the honeycomb core, and is welded in place.

Abstract: A rotary paper pulp refiner system and method includes a rotor having one or more refining elements mounted on a rotating shaft and complimentary non-rotating or stator elements defining with the rotating element a refining gap or gaps through which the paper stock material passes, and which the rotor is mounted for rotation on magnetic bearings that support the rotor shaft for rotation and define the axial and radial running position thereof. Optionally, a movable stator housing wall may also be controlled by a magnetic bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus for screening a papermaking pulp or stock suspension through a stationary cylindrical screen includes a rotating hydrofoil member which has a curved outer or camber surface portion mounted for rotation with the camber surface in a close but spaced proximity to the inside surface of the screen, in which a discrete part or segment of the body of the member is movable with respect to the body and defines a portion of the curved camber surface, so that the effective spacing between the curved surface and the adjacent inside surface of the screen may be adjusted. The hydrofoil is fabricated from sheet metal and forms an outwardly opening spanwise slot, and a sheet metal fabricated segment is received within the slot and forms a substantial continuation of the outer surface, and is adjustable by a threaded fastener which is accessible through a slot formed in the face surface of the hydrofoil.