Virgin and Recycled Fiber Ratio Auditing in Packaging Board Production
Paperboard fiber ratio auditing requires pairing ISO 9184 Graff C microscopic stain counts with EN 16995 chemical marker testing and mass-balance credit ledgers
Fiber Quality Analyzer
Morphology Measurement
Optical flow cells in papermaking laboratories measure the physical dimensions and structural characteristics of wood pulp fibers. A fiber quality analyzer automates the detection of fiber length, width, curl, and kink by passing a highly diluted pulp suspension through a narrow channel. This analysis provides the mill with real-time data on the refining process, helping operators adjust the mechanical action to achieve the desired sheet strength.
The instrument’s accuracy degrades when analyzing heavily recycled fibers that contain high levels of mineral fillers or micro-stickies.
Refining Control
Mechanical refining of pulp alters the fiber structure, increasing the bonding surface area but also risking fiber shortening. Operators use the fiber quality analyzer to monitor the development of fiber curl and the generation of fines during this mechanical process. This measurement helps balance the sheet’s tensile strength against its tear resistance, optimizing the runnability of the paperboard on high-speed corrugators.
Consistent fiber morphology reduces the variance in board stiffness and printability.
Production Impact
The data gathered by the analyzer guide the selection of pulp blends for different paperboard grades. Accurate length distribution curves prevent the mill from using expensive virgin softwood pulp when cheaper hardwood pulp would suffice. This control improves both the cost efficiency and the physical performance of the finished paper.