Method and device for loading fibers in a fiber stock suspension with a filler

Abstract

A method and a device for loading of fibers that are contained in a fibrous suspension, with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction. A fibrous suspension is supplied to a pump disperger where it is treated by shear forces in order to break down larger fiber agglomerates into smaller ones, and/or into individual fibers. At the same time the pump disperger serves as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method as well as to a device for loading of fibers that are contained in a fibrous suspension, with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The careful handling of raw material resources that is required, particularly in consideration of economic and ecological reasons, expresses itself in paper manufacturing in increasingly lower basis weights of the web, as well as in partial replacement of the fibrous material with fillers. In order to achieve the most effective bonding possible of the fillers with the fiber surface the most recently applied appropriate treatment occurs through a so-called “Fiber Loading™” process, as described in addition to other publications, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,090. In this type of “Fiber Loading™” process an additive, especially a filler is deposited onto the moistened fiber surfaces of the fibrous material. The fibers can for example be loaded with calcium carbonate. Moreover, calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide are added to the moist, disintegrated fibrous material so that at least a part of this associates itself with the water that is contained in the fibrous material. The so treated fibrous material is subsequently treated with carbon dioxide.

[0005] When adding the medium containing the calcium oxide and/or the calcium hydroxide to the fiber stock suspension, a chemical reaction with exothermal characteristics occurs. The calcium hydroxide should preferably be added in liquid form (milk of lime). The water that is possibly embedded in or added to the fibrous materials of the fiber stock suspension is not absolutely necessary for the start and development of the chemical reaction.

[0006] In the previous German patent application 100 33 979 a device including a rotor with a pipe screw, as well as several additional Fluffers or Pump Dispergers is proposed. The dwell time in this type of pipe screw is however very long, so that the reactor does not operate at the desired efficiency level. In order to conduct the process under pressure, a valve must be provided at the end of the reactor. Such a valve is, however, very problematic, since the pressurized carbon dioxide gas can leak through and can therefore escape unchecked. Therefore, only a quasi-continuous mode of operation is possible, that is, a type of batch operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention discloses an improved method that, on the one hand ensures a complete and speedy chemical reaction and, on the other hand ensures an efficient loading of the fibrous material surfaces (inside and outside). In addition such an improved device is created that enables the appropriate chemical reaction to be carried out continuously, efficiently and economically.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for loading the fibers that are contained in a fiber stock suspension with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction, whereby the fiber stock suspension is fed into a pump disperger where it is treated by shear forces in order to break down larger fiber agglomerates into smaller ones, or even into individual fibers and whereby the pump disperger serves at the same time as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction. Based on this configuration a complete, as well as a speedy chemical reaction is ensured. In addition, an efficient loading of the fibrous material surfaces, inside and outside, is also ensured.

[0009] The flow speed of the fiber stock suspension is preferably reduced in the reaction channel of the pump disperger. The process can accordingly also be carried out under pressure, without a valve at the end of the reactor. The risk of a leakage of the respective process gas is removed.

[0010] In the pump disperger the fiber stock suspension is generally transported in radial direction toward the outside, originating from a central, radial inner area. Originating from this central, radial inner area in the pump disperger, a concentration gradient in the fiber stock suspension of approximately 50% to approximately 0.1%, advantageously of approximately 35% to approximately 2%, and preferably of approximately 35% to approximately 4% can be produced, radial toward the outside.

[0011] The fiber stock suspension can be diluted in a radial outer area of the pump disperger, for example with water, in order to return the stock to slush. Preferably a pump disperger is utilized whose reaction channel is defined at least partially by structured surfaces. The structured surfaces may be in the embodiment of respective toothed or knife fillings.

[0012] In accordance with a preferred practical embodiment of the method of the present invention a pump disperger is utilized, whose reaction channel is formed between two plates or similar devices that have structured surfaces and are positioned opposite each other and rotate relative to each other. The fibrous suspension in this reaction channel is transported generally in a radial direction toward the outside.

[0013] The throughput times for the fibrous suspension flowing through the pump disperger and correspondingly the reaction time is selected advantageously in a range of approximately 0.01 min. to approximately 1 min., and preferably in a range of approximately 0.1 sec. to approximately 10 sec. In particular, a pump disperger can be utilized whose plates have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.5 m to approximately 2 m.

[0014] According to a functional practical embodiment, a pump disperger is utilized that is equipped with plates that are positioned opposite each other and that rotate relative to each other and that have a radial outer relative speed in the range of approximately 20 to approximately 100 m/sec., and preferably in the range of approximately 40 to approximately 60 m/sec. It is also advantageous if the disperger plates that are positioned opposite each other and that rotate relative to each other are located at a distance from each other in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 100 mm, and preferably approximately 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0015] In accordance with a preferred design of the method of the present invention the fiber stock suspension is compressed by forming a plug, and the fiber stock suspension in the form of the plug is fed to the pump disperger that dissolves the plug again. Calcium carbonate can especially be used as a filler. In this instance a preferred practical embodiment of the method according to the present invention provides that calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide is added to the fiber stock suspension; that the thereby treated fiber stock suspension is compressed by formation of a plug; that the thereby compressed fiber stock suspension in the form of a plug is fed to the pump disperger and dissolved in said pump disperger; that carbon dioxide is added in the disperger side end area of the plug and/or in the infeed side of the pump disperger and/or in a central, radial inner area of the pump disperger. It further provides that the pump disperger is utilized at the same time as a reactor to transform the aforementioned starting substances calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, and carbon dioxide into the reaction products calcium carbonate and water and in whose reaction channel the flow speed of the fiber stock suspension is preferably reduced.

[0016] When loading the fibers, calcium carbonate is deposited on the moistened fiber surfaces by adding calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide to the moist fiber material, whereby at least a part of which can associate itself with the water of the fibrous material volume. The thereby treated fiber material is then treated with carbon dioxide. In addition, the created CaCO3 can form a suspension around and between the fibers. The term “moistened fiber surfaces” can encompass all moistened surfaces of the individual fibers. This specifically also includes the scenario where the fibers are loaded with calcium carbonate on their outside surfaces as well as on their inside (Lumen).

[0017] According to this the fibers are loaded with the filler calcium carbonate, whereby the loading onto the moistened fiber surfaces occurs through a so-called “Fiber Loading™” process, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,090. In this “Fiber Loading™” process the carbon dioxide with the calcium hydroxide reacts to water and calcium carbonate.

[0018] The plug is preferably dissolved by a rotating swirl cross that is assigned to the pump disperger. The flow speed of the fiber stock suspension in the reaction channel is preferably reduced to the extent that, due to an appropriately long flow time the reaction at the end of the flow of the fiber stock suspension through the reaction channel is at least essentially completed.

[0019] The fiber stock suspension to which calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide has been added, can be blended thoroughly in a mixing vessel prior to feeding it to the pump disperger or prior to compressing it into a plug. Preferably, the fiber stock suspension and the calcium oxide, or the calcium hydroxide is fed into the mixing vessel. The dwell time in the mixing vessel can for example be selected so that it is in a range of approximately 0.5 min. to approximately 4 hr and preferably in a range of approximately 3 min. to 1 hr.

[0020] The fiber stock suspension can for example be produced by dissolving of pulp or waste paper with additives in a pulper, or can be supplied to the loading process as non-dried fiber material that is also referred to as “never dried pulp”, for example from an additional pulp plant. The fiber stock suspension can, for example be thickened to within a range of consistency of 50% (i.e. −55 g/l) by way of dewatering before it is supplied to the pump disperger or is compressed to a plug.

[0021] The pH value of the fiber stock suspension can be adjusted through an appropriate addition of carbon dioxide, preferably in the discharge area of the pump disperger. According to a functional practical embodiment of the present invention method an at least essentially complete transformation of the aforementioned starting substances calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide respectively and carbon dioxide into the reaction products calcium carbonate and water is provided during the chemical precipitation reaction, whereby the pH value of the fiber stock suspension is appropriately adjusted or controlled.

[0022] The pH actual value that is measured at the end of the reaction can be compared with a desired value, and the deviation can be reduced or eliminated through at least one of the following process manipulated variables:

[0023] Addition of calcium hydroxide

[0024] Addition of carbon dioxide

[0025] Stock throughput

[0026] and/or similar factors

[0027] whereby the reaction is considered started, especially at a pH-value of approximately 10 to approximately 13 and the reaction is considered complete, especially when the pH reaches approximately 7.5.

[0028] For the remainder, the loading of the fibers with calcium carbonate can proceed specifically as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,090. The content of this document is hereby included in the present application for reference purposes.

[0029] The present invention also includes a device for loading of fibers that are contained in a fibrous suspension with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction. The fibrous suspension is supplied to a pump disperger where it is treated by shear forces in order to break down larger fiber agglomerates into smaller ones, or even into individual fibers, whereby the pump disperger is utilized at the same time as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for loading of fibers contained in a fiber stock suspension with a filler by way of a chemical precipitation reaction according to the present invention; and

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the pump disperger, viewed in direction of arrows A-A in FIG. 1.

[0033] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a schematic layout of device 10, for loading of fibers that are contained in a fiber stock suspension with a filler, by way of a chemical precipitation reaction. The fiber stock suspension is supplied to a pump disperger, that is a Pump Fluffer 12, and is treated in this device by shear forces in order to break down the fiber material into individual fibers, exposing the fiber surfaces and to increase the contact surfaces accordingly. Pump disperger 12 is simultaneously utilized as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction. Pump disperger 12 can specifically be designed so that a reduction of the fiber suspension's flow speed occurs in reduction channel 14.

[0035] Pump disperger 12 is designed so that the fiber stock suspension is generally transported in radial direction toward the outside, originating from a central, radial inner area. Originating from this central, radial inner area a concentration gradient of the fiber stock suspension of approximately 50% to approximately 0.1%, and preferably of approximately 35% to approximately 5% can occur radial toward the outside. In addition, elements can be provided to dilute the fibrous suspension with i.e. water in a radial outer area of pump disperger 12.

[0036] Reaction channel 14 of pump disperger 12 is defined by structured surfaces that can for example be formed by respective toothed or knife fillings. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, reaction channel 14 of pump disperger 12 in the existing example is formed between two plates 16 or similar devices that have structured surfaces and are positioned opposite each other and rotate relative to each other. The fibrous suspension is transported generally in radial direction toward the outside between plates 16 or structured surfaces.

[0037] The throughput times for the fibrous suspension flowing through pump disperger 12 and correspondingly the reaction time can for example be in a range of approximately 0.01 min. to approximately 1 min., and preferably in a range of approximately 0.1 sec. to approximately 10 sec. Plates 16 of pump disperger 12 can, for example, have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.5 m to approximately 2 m. The two plates 16 of pump disperger 12 that rotate relative to each other have a radial outer relative speed in the range of approximately 20 to approximately 100 m/sec., and preferably in the range of approximately 40 to approximately 60 m/sec. The distance between the two plates 16 that rotate relative to each other can, for example, be in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 10 mm, and would preferably be approximately 5 mm.

[0038] As can be seen in FIG. 1, plug screw 18 precedes pump disperger 12, in order to compress the fibrous suspension by forming a plug. Plug screw 18 can be preceded by infeed screw 20 that is located in an at least essentially cylindrical channel or housing 22. Cylindrical channel 22 can be equipped with connection 24 for admitting a mixture that includes at least the fibrous suspension, water and calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide.

[0039] Plug screw 18 is located rotating in cone-shaped channel 26 whose cross section tapers in the direction of material flow S, in order to compress the fibrous suspension by way of forming a plug in channel 28 that links up with plug screw 18, immediately prior to pump disperger 12. Channel 28 that is located immediately prior to pump disperger 12 can be equipped with feed 30 screw.

[0040] Channel 28 located immediately prior to pump disperger 12 can be equipped with connection 32 to permit addition of carbon dioxide. Generally, carbon dioxide is added in the disperger side end area of the plug and/or in the infeed side of the pump disperger 12 and/or in a central, radial inner area of pump disperger 12. The plug seals pump disperger 12 against feed screw 20.

[0041] Channel 22 of feed screw 20 that is located prior to plug screw 18, channel 26 of plug screw 18 and/or channel 28 that is located immediately prior to the pump disperger 12 can be slightly pressurized. The screws 18, 20, 30 can be mounted on a common drive shaft 34, or can be driven separately, at least partially.

[0042] Pump disperger 12 can essentially form a reactor for the transformation of the starting substances calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide into the reaction products calcium carbonate and water. In reaction channel 14 that is formed between two plates 16 having a structured surface, the fibrous suspension is transported in radial direction toward the outside and is loaded with calcium carbonate. The relative speed of the two plates or structured surfaces 16 that are located opposite each other, is preferably adjustable, whereby at least one plate rotates. Alternatively, or in addition the absolute number or revolutions can also be adjustable. This allows especially the output speed to be influenced.

[0043] Swirl cross 36 is provided in the center of structured surface 16 of pump disperger 12 that is facing plug screw 18. This serves to loosen the plug and accordingly enlarge the surfaces of the fiber material. The carbon dioxide connection 32 is advantageously located so that the carbon dioxide can be added in the area where the plug is loosened.

[0044] The structured surfaces 16 that are located opposite each other produce shear forces in the fiber stock, causing enlargement of the contact surfaces of the reactants and thereby ensuring a speedy and efficient reaction.

[0045] Pump disperger 12 can be equipped with outlet 38 for the loaded fibrous suspension that is located at least essentially tangential to the plates or structured surfaces 16. No regulating or shut-off device needs to be provided following outlet 38, since this function is assumed by the flow resistances of reaction channel 14 between the structured surfaces 16. The line can be connected directly with the following process step. A carbon dioxide supply line can be provided as an option in the area of outlet 38, in order to be able to adjust the pH value as necessary for the subsequent process step.

[0046] In addition, pump disperger 12 can be equipped with inlet 40 that is located at least essentially tangential to the plates or structured surfaces 16 for the purpose of diluting the loaded stock with water and/or calcium hydroxide, especially from an upstream stock thickening unit 46, to less than 6%, preferably 3% to 6%. Appropriate thinning will render the stock again pumpable. In addition, pump disperger 12 can be equipped with a heating device 48 through which the reaction temperature can be influenced.

[0047] The fibrous suspension is produced, for example, by dissolving pulp or waste paper with additives in pulper 42, or is supplied to the loading process as non-dried fiber stock that is also referred to as “never dried pulp”, for example from another pulp plant. In area 46 the fibrous suspension can for example be thickened to a consistency of 50% (i.e. =500 g/l). This step is only required if the stock is dissolved in the so-called low-consistency process.

[0048] Calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide are added to the fibrous suspension in a mixing vessel 44, where said mixture is then thoroughly blended. The dwell time can for example be 0.5 min. to approximately 4 hr. and preferably approximately 3 min. to approximately 1 hr. The fibrous suspension is then compressed by forming a plug in the area of screws 20, 18, 28. The carbon dioxide is added especially in the end area of the compression and/or at the inlet area of pump disperger 12 that is serving as a reactor, and/or in a central area of pump disperger 12.

[0049] Swirl cross 36 refines the stock for the purpose of loosening the plug, resulting in the contact surface being enlarged accordingly. Shear forces are created in reaction channel 14. In this reaction channel 14 the fibrous suspension is transported radial to the outside, whereby the flow speed is reduced in pump disperger 12 serving as a reactor or a radial diffuser, in order to ensure a completion of the reaction at the end of reactor 12 through an appropriate increase of the contact time. The pH value can be adjusted by adding carbon dioxide in the area of outlet 38.

[0050] Calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is added to the fiber material in such a way that at least a portion of this can associate itself with the water that is contained in the fiber material, i.e. between the fibers, in the hollow fibers and in their walls, thus creating the following chemical reaction: 1

[0051] The fiber material is then treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) in pump disperger 12 that is serving as a reactor, so that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is extensively deposited on the moistened fiber surfaces. This results in the following chemical reaction: 2

[0052] During the course of the chemical reaction in pump disperger 12 an at least essentially complete transformation of the substances referred to at the beginning, calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide, into the reaction products calcium carbonate and water can be provided by adjusting and/or controlling the pH value of the fibrous suspension accordingly. The respective pH value can be measured at the end of the reaction and compared with a predetermined desired value. Deviations are subsequently reduced or eliminated by, for example, at least one of the following manipulated process variables: addition of calcium hydroxide, addition of carbon dioxide, stock throughput and/or similar variables. The reaction can be started especially at a pH value of approximately 10 to approximately 13 and the reaction be considered complete, especially at a pH value of approximately 7.5.

[0053] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for loading a plurality of fibers contained in a fiber stock suspension with a filler by a chemical precipitation reaction, comprising the steps of:

feeding the fiber stock suspension into a pump disperger;

treating the fiber stock suspension in said pump disperger by shear forces to break down at least one larger fiber agglomerate in the fiber stock suspension into at least one of a plurality of smaller fiber agglomerates and a plurality of individual fibers; and

reacting the fiber stock suspension in said pump disperger during the chemical precipitation reaction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, and a flow speed of the fiber stock suspension is reduced in said reaction channel.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the fiber stock suspension has a radial direction in said pump disperger, said pump disperger includes both a central radial inner area and an outside, said radial direction originates from said central radial inner area to said outside.

4. The method of claim 3, further including a concentration gradient in the fiber stock suspension, said concentration gradient originating from said central radial inner area, said concentration gradient being between approximately 50% and 0.1%.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said concentration gradient is between approximately 35% and 2%.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said concentration gradient is between approximately 35% and 4%.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a radial outer area, the fiber stock suspension is diluted with water in said radial outer area.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, said reaction channel is at least partially defined by a plurality of structured surfaces.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said plurality of structured surfaces are formed by at least one of a plurality of toothed fillings and a plurality of knife fillings.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes both a reaction channel, an outside and at least one of a first plate, a second plate, a first structured surface and a second structured surface, said reaction channel is formed at one of between a first plate and a second plate and between a first structured surface and a second structured surface, said first plate is positioned opposite said second plate, said first plate rotates relative said second plate, said first structured surface is positioned opposite said second structured surface, said first structured surface rotates relative said second structured surface, the fibrous suspension in said reaction channel is transported essentially in a radial direction toward said outside of said pump disperger.

11. The method of claim 1, further including both a throughput time for the fibrous suspension flowing through said pump disperger and a corresponding reaction time, both said throughput time and said reaction time are between approximately 0.01 min. and 1 min.

12. The method of claim 1, further including both a throughput time for the fibrous suspension flowing through said pump disperger and a corresponding reaction time, both said throughput time and said reaction time are between approximately 0.1 sec. and 10 sec.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, at least one said plate has a diameter of between approximately 0.5 m and 2 m.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, each said plate is positioned opposite another said plate, each said plate rotates relative another said plate, at least one said plate has a radial outer relative speed of between approximately 20 m/sec. and 100 m/sec.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said radial outer relative speed is between approximately 40 m/sec and 60 m/sec.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, each said plate is positioned opposite another said plate, each said plate rotates relative another said plate, at least one said plate has a distance from another said plate of between approximately 0.5 mm and 100 mm.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said distance is between approximately 25 mm and 50 mm.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the fiber stock suspension is compressed by a formation of a plug of the fiber stock suspension, said plug of the fiber stock suspension is fed to said pump disperger, said pump disperger dissolves said plug.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the filler is a precipitated calcium carbonate.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of a calcium oxide and a calcium hydroxide is added to the fiber stock suspension, the fiber stock suspension is compressed by a formation of a plug of the fiber stock suspension, said plug of the fiber stock suspension is fed to said pump disperger, said pump disperger dissolves said plug, said plug has a disperger side end area, said pump disperger has both an infeed side and a central radial inner area, a carbon dioxide is added in at least one of said disperger side end area, said infeed side and said central radial inner area, said pump disperger is utilized as said reactor to transform at least one of said calcium oxide, said calcium hydroxide, and said carbon dioxide into a plurality of reaction products, said plurality of reaction products include a calcium carbonate and water, said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, the fiber stock suspension in said reaction channel includes a reduced flow speed.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said reacting step occurs at a consistency of between approximately 25% and 35%.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein said reacting step occurs at a consistency of between approximately 30% and 35%.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the fiber stock suspension is compressed by a formation of a plug of the fiber stock suspension, said plug of the fiber stock suspension is fed to said pump disperger, said pump disperger includes a rotating swirl cross, said rotating swirl cross dissolves said plug.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, the fiber stock suspension in said reaction channel includes both a flow speed and a through-flow time, both a reduction of said flow speed and a selection of said through-flow time occur to provide an at least essentially completed said chemical precipitation reaction at an end of a flow of the fiber stock suspension through said reaction channel.

25. The method of claim 1, further including the step of mixing at least one of a calcium oxide and a calcium hydroxide to the fiber stock suspension in a mixing vessel prior to one of said feeding step and a compressing the fiber stock suspension into a plug.

26. The method of claim 25, further including the step of supplying the fiber stock suspension and at least one of said calcium oxide and said calcium hydroxide to said mixing vessel.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein said mixing step includes a dwell time in said mixing vessel, said dwell time is between approximately 0.5 minutes and 4 hours.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein said mixing step includes a dwell time in said mixing vessel, said dwell time is between approximately 3 minutes and 1 hour.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the fiber stock suspension is produced by dissolving at least one of a pulp and waste paper with additives in a pulper, and the fiber stock suspension is supplied to a loading process as a non-dried fiber material.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein in said non-dried fiber material is from an additional pulp plant.

31. The method of claim 1, further including the step of thickening the fiber stock suspension to within a range of consistency of approximately 50% by dewatering the fiber stock suspension before one of said feeding step and a compressing of the fiber stock suspension into a plug.

32. The method of claim 1, further including the step of adjusting a pH value of the fiber stock suspension through an addition of a carbon dioxide.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said pump disperger includes a discharge area, said carbon dioxide is added in said discharge area.

34. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of a calcium oxide and a calcium hydroxide is added to the fiber stock suspension and combined with a carbon dioxide to produce a plurality of reaction products during the chemical precipitation reaction, said plurality of reaction products include calcium carbonate and water, the fiber stock suspension includes a pH value, said pH value is at least one of adjusted and controlled.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said pH value is both measured at an end of the chemical precipitation reaction and compared with a desired value, a deviation between said pH value and said desired value is one of reduced and eliminated through at least one of manipulating an addition of said calcium hydroxide, manipulating an addition of said carbon dioxide and manipulating a stock throughput, said chemical precipitation reaction is considered started at a pH-value of between approximately 10 and 13, said chemical precipitation reaction is considered complete when said pH-value reaches approximately 7.5.

36. A device for loading a plurality of fibers contained in a fiber stock suspension with a filler by a chemical precipitation reaction, comprising:

a pump disperger, the fiber stock suspension being supplied to said pump disperger, the fiber stock suspension being treated in said pump disperger by shear forces to break down at least one larger fiber agglomerate in the fiber stock suspension into at least one of a plurality of smaller fiber agglomerates and a plurality of individual fibers, said pump disperger serving as a reactor for the chemical precipitation reaction.

37. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, and a flow speed of the fiber stock suspension is reduced in said reaction channel.

38. The device of claim 36, wherein the fiber stock suspension has a radial direction in said pump disperger, said pump disperger includes both a central radial inner area and an outside, said radial direction originates from said central radial inner area to said outside.

39. The device of claim 38, further including a concentration gradient in the fiber stock suspension, said concentration gradient originating from said central radial inner area, said concentration gradient being between approximately 50% and 0.1%.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein said concentration gradient is between approximately 35% and 2%.

41. The device of claim 39, wherein said concentration gradient is between approximately 35% and 4%.

42. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a radial outer area, the fiber stock suspension is diluted with water in said radial outer area.

43. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a reaction channel, said reaction channel is at least partially defined by a plurality of structured surfaces.

44. The device of claim 43, wherein said plurality of structured surfaces are formed by at least one of a plurality of toothed fillings and a plurality of knife fillings.

45. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes both a reaction channel, an outside and at least one of a first plate, a second plate, a first structured surface and a second structured surface, said reaction channel is formed at one of between a first plate and a second plate and between a first structured surface and a second structured surface, said first plate is positioned opposite said second plate, said first plate rotates relative said second plate, said first structured surface is positioned opposite said second structured surface, said first structured surface rotates relative said second structured surface, the fibrous suspension in said reaction channel is transported in an essentially radial direction toward said outside of said pump disperger.

46. The device of claim 36, further including both a throughput time for the fibrous suspension flowing through said pump disperger and a corresponding reaction time, both said throughput time and said reaction time are between approximately 0.01 min. and 1 min.

47. The device of claim 36, further including both a throughput time for the fibrous suspension flowing through said pump disperger and a corresponding reaction time, both said throughput time and said reaction time are between approximately 0.1 sec. and 10 sec.

48. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, at least one said plate has a diameter of between approximately 0.5 m and 2 m.

49. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, each said plate is positioned opposite another said plate, each said plate rotates relative another said plate, each said plate has a radial outer relative speed of between approximately 20 m/sec. and 100 m/sec.

50. The device of claim 49, wherein said radial outer relative speed is between approximately 40 m/sec and 60 m/sec.

51. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, each said plate is positioned opposite another said plate, each said plate rotates relative another said plate, each said plate has a distance from another said plate of between approximately 0.5 mm and 100 mm.

52. The device of claim 51, wherein said distance is between approximately 25 mm and 50 mm.

53. The device of claim 36, further including a plug screw being installed prior to said pump disperger, said plug screw both compressing the fibrous suspension and forming a plug of the fibrous suspension.

54. The device of claim 53, further including both an infeed screw and an essentially cylindrical channel, said infeed screw being located in cylindrical channel, said infeed screw preceding said plug screw.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein said cylindrical channel includes a connection for admitting a mixture that includes at least one of the fibrous suspension, water, a calcium oxide and a calcium hydroxide.

56. The device of claim 53, further including both a cone-shaped channel having a cross-section which tapers in a direction of material flow and a third channel connected to said cone-shaped channel, said third channel connected to said pump disperger, said plug screw rotating in said cone-shaped channel, said plug being formed in said third channel.

57. The device of claim 56, wherein said third channel includes a feed screw.

58. The device of claim 57, further including both an infeed screw and an essentially cylindrical channel, said infeed screw being located in cylindrical channel, said infeed screw preceding said plug screw, at least one of said cylindrical channel, said cone-shaped channel and said third channel being pressurized.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein one of a) said infeed screw, said plug screw and said feed screw are mounted on a common drive shaft and b) each of said infeed screw, said plug screw and said feed screw can be at least partially driven separately.

60. The device of claim 58, wherein said pump disperger is utilized as said reactor to transform at least one of said calcium oxide, said calcium hydroxide, and said carbon dioxide into a plurality of reaction products, said plurality of reaction products include a calcium carbonate and water.

61. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, each said plate is positioned opposite another said plate, each said plate rotates relative another said plate, at least one said plate has a radial outer relative speed which is adjustable.

62. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of plates, at least one said plate has an absolute speed which is adjustable.

63. The device of claim 36, further including both a swirl cross and a plug screw, said pump disperger includes at least one of a plate facing said plug screw and a structured surface facing said plug screw, said swirl cross being provided in a center of at least one of said plate and said structured surface, the fiber stock suspension including a plug, said swirl cross serves to loosen said plug and accordingly enlarge a plurality of surfaces of the fiber stock.

64. The device of claim 36, further including a carbon dioxide connection, the fiber stock suspension including a plug, said carbon dioxide connection being positioned in an area where said plug is loosened so that carbon dioxide can be added in said area.

65. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes a plurality of structured surfaces, said plurality of structured surfaces creates a plurality of shear forces, at least one said shear force opposite another said shear force.

66. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes both an outlet and at least one of a plurality of plates and a plurality of structured surfaces, said outlet located essentially tangential to one of at least one said plate and at least one said structured surface, said outlet for a loaded fibrous suspension.

67. The device of claim 36, further including a carbon dioxide supply line, said pump disperger having an outlet, said carbon dioxide supply line being connected in an area of said outlet.

68. The device of claim 36, wherein said pump disperger includes both an inlet and at least one of a plurality of plates and a plurality of structured surfaces, said inlet located essentially tangential to one of at least one said plate and at least one said structured surface, said inlet for diluting a loaded stock with at least one of water and a calcium hydroxide to a ratio less than 6%.

69. The device of claim 68, further including an upstream stock thickening unit providing said at least one of water and a calcium hydroxide.

70. The device of claim 68, wherein said ratio is between approximately 4% and 6%.

71. The device of claim 68, wherein said pump disperger includes a heating device influencing a reaction temperature.