Recycled Fiber Use vs. Paper Machine Runnability... You Can Win!, 1997 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

Papermakers have all heard (or been through) war stories of the introduction of recycled fiber to paper machines. In many cases the proper preparation for the use of recycled fiber may have helped avoid disastrous results. The premise is that it is not the recycled fiber which is inherently bad, only the contaminants the furnish contains. Looking at the various categories of contaminants, the author steps through the systems of the paper machine where these materials cause problems. The focus is on operating and equipment solutions which have been proven in his paper mill operations and engineering experience with recycled fiber. The grade range for application of these solutions spans from tissue to paperboard. There are many cause-effect relationships developed which may give a new perspective into troubleshooting operating problems for any mill using recycled fiber. The conclusion is that with the proper consideration of the recycled fiber quality and the paper machine capabilities the transition to recycled fiber can be a smooth one, with little negative impact on paper machine runnability.