Optimization of Mechanical Pulp Quality in Multi-Stage Refining Systems

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The objective of this proposal is to develop the tools, methods and understanding necessary to better utilize the complex natural fibre base in British Columbia; a fibre base that contains a wide variety of species that are challenging to use in high value paper grades.  Although our forest, with its extremely diverse species mix, presents significant difficulties for the paper maker, it may be possible, though advanced fibre processing, to discover an inherent advantage in our forest.  This proposal specifically examines the application of advanced fibre fractionation and multi-stage refining to produce high value mechanical printing papers that can compete in markets traditionally dominated by coated and free sheet papers.   The research can be broken into three distinct areas where the first two focus on tool development and process knowledge required to complete the third, core project.    1. Development of a new and novel method of measuring fibre surface area and fibre network compliance through a pulp sedimentation test.   2. Application of the sedimentation test to understand how fibre fractionation using pressure screens changes the quality of the fibres being sent to the multi-stage reject refining process. 3. Application of the new measurement to understand how species, fibre fractionation and multi-stage refining will affect fibre surface area and fibre network compliance. The proposed research will be conducted in close collaboration with Norske-Canada Crofton mill with the experimental refining and fractionation trials being conducted at the mill and at UBC.