Low Consistency Refiners-A Comparison of Different Configurations, 2007 TAPPI Papermakers and PIMA International Leadership Conference

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There are primarily three configurations of low consistency refiners in popular use for developing papermaking fibers: disk, conical and cylindrical. In an effort to more completely understand the differences and similarities of refiner configurations, work was undertaken to investigate, using direct comparison trials under laboratory conditions, the refining effects with each type of refiner on bleached hardwood and bleached softwood. Comparisons were made at equal intensities and applied specific power in an attempt to eliminate obvious variables that are known to affect the outcome.

Preliminary conclusions are that cylindrical and conical refiners are able to develop equal strength at higher freeness, with lower debris generation (e.g., unwanted fines) as compared to disk refiners. Disk refiners generally develop higher maximum strength at very low freeness (highest power input), although fines generation is typically higher as well (causing the lower freenesses). Phrased another way, cylindrical and conical refiners are able to develop strength at lower gross energy requirements, often at higher specific capacities.