Definitional Machine
Industrial machines provide the initial stage of the recycling process by breaking down bales of paper or pulp into a liquid slurry. The hydrapulper uses a combination of mechanical shear and hydraulic turbulence to separate the individual fibres from each other and from any contaminants. It consists of a large tank equipped with a high speed rotor at the bottom.
Mechanical Action
The rotating blades create a powerful vortex that pulls the material down and forces it against the stationary bedplate. In the hydrapulper, the friction between the moving fibres assists in the defibering process without damaging the fibre length.
Separation Capability
Heavy contaminants like stones or large metal pieces are collected in a junk trap, while lighter plastics and ropes are removed by a ragger. The hydrapulper can operate in batch or continuous mode depending on the requirements of the mill and the quality of the raw material. Operating at higher temperatures or adding specialized chemicals can speed up the breakdown of wet strength papers.
Once the material is sufficiently defibered, it passes through a perforated plate for further cleaning and screening. This equipment is the primary gateway for recovered paper entering the production cycle for new board or tissue products.
