Focused Beam Reflectant Measurement as a Tool to Measure Flocculation, 2001 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

Several uses of the Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) as tool to measure flocculation are presented in this paper. Information has been obtained on the interaction of wet-end aids with the different pulp fractions. This information includes optimal polymer dosage and the resulting floc properties such as floc size and strength, etc. Furthermore, the study of the floc evolution over time under different conditions allows us to identify flocculation mechanisms. The FBRM methodology provided a real-time in process monitor to establish the evolution of the resulting flocculation state as well as polymer efficiency under the influence of shear forces. The evaluation included a study of de-flocculation and re-flocculation processes occurring in the sample. Finally, the papermaking trends of increasing the use of recovered paper as raw material and the closure of water systems present the problem of contaminants accumulation. FBRM has been also applied to identify dissolved and colloidal material agglomeration and to study its influence on polymer demand for a given furnish.