The Future of Refining
– Automation for Final Product Quality

Author: Pat Dixon, VP of Automation, Pulmac Systems

Event: TAPPICON 2022

This presentation will show current technology that can be applied in new ways to improve product quality on a paper machine.

Practical limitations and challenges will be addressed to ensure realistic expectations.

The Fundamentals of Refining

• Used on virgin fiber to enhance bonding
• Used on recycled fiber in a more limited capacity
• Used in TMP to defiber chips
• Controlled specific energy targets to account for consistency and production rate changes
• Higher specific energy generally yields lower freeness
• Not to be used like a fast-acting actuator (valve)
• It can be used to help meet the strength targets of the final product