Experience Confirms the Validity of Compact Papermaking Systems, 2001 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

Paul Olof Meinander, John Cutts, Marika Kontkanen, Risto Nykänen--The principles of the compact systems, comprising stock mixing and closed hydraulic circulation systems based on centrifugal deaeration are described. Flexible cascade coupling of the cleaners and compact suction sealing solutions contribute to compactness.

The experience from four installations operating prove that compact systems provide a number of advantages over conventional solutions. Up to 85 % reductions in grade change times are reported. The systems have proven to be cleaner and easier to operate than larger ones.

Centrifugal degassing has proven to be efficient and drainage improvements up to 20 % reached due to reduced gas content. No disturbing pulsations have been seen and also md basisweight profiles are as good or better than before. In one case wet end breaks were reduced by 80 %.

The wet end process energy consumption was reduced 25 % due to elimination of pumps and tanks when eliminating vacuum deaeration. Additives consumption, specially slimicides has been reduced.

The authors believe that compactness offers significant advantages over large volume systems.