Removal of Hot-Melt Adhesives with Through-Flow Cleaners, 1995 Hot Melt Symposium Proceedings

David W. Bormett

Patricia K. Lebow

Nancy J. Ross

John H. Klungness

USDA Forest Service

Forest Products Laboratory

This study is a follow-up to a series of experiments involving the effect of hot-melt adhesive (HMA) density on through-flow cleaner HMA removal efficiency. The trials reported in this study evaluated the effects of HMA particle size and pulp slurry temperature as well as HMA density. Pilot-scale preparation and separation sequences were established to assess the HMA particle removal efficiencies. Results show that HMA particle density, pulp slurry temperature, and HMA particle size affect the removal efficiency of HMA particles. Data are presented showing the effect that each of these variables has on removal efficiencies. In the range investigated, particle size did not have a large effect on removal efficiency. A mathematical relationship was developed with the correlation of determination of 0.832. Future studies should include the effect of HMA particle shape on removal efficiency.