Operational Optimization of Flow Management in Papermaking, 2012 PaperCon Conference

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This paper examines operational optimization of a paper manufacturing process including fiber fractionation. In a fractionation-based manufacturing line, some of the material flows are separated into branches of different compositions. The branches are then processed and later on combined together either as flows or web layers. We have examined the separation of thermomechanical fibers into two fractions, one used for the base paper and the other for the paper surface. In this paper, we shall discuss the advantages and challenges of the fractionated process. Furthermore, we shall study the optimal operation of such a paper manufacturing process. The target of the operation is to provide minimal quality variations of the end product while keeping the amount of material in the storage towers on an appropriate level. The method is demonstrated with a simulated example.